Introduction:   

You have probably heard the expression: “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to die!”  Most of us are so involved in this life that we are inclined to think that we are indispensable.  Of course, this is not true!  Even the Apostle Paul had mixed emotions about remaining in this life to continue to serve in the Lord’s kingdom, or to depart this life for an eternal abode in Heaven.  He states:  “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour:  yet what I shall choose I wot not.  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:  Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Phil. 1:21-24). 

Whether or not a person looks forward to eternity is directly effected by that in which we place our affections.  The Son of God urges us to:  “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:19-21). 

In the words of the inspired writer of the book of Hebrews:  “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Heb. 9:27).  Of course, the exception to dying physically is to be alive when the Son of God returns for the redeemed.  At First Thessalonians 4:13-18 the Apostle Paul clarifies concerning both those who had died before Christ returns and those living when He returns at the end of time.  Paul states:  “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”  

Perhaps a primary reason why the average person wishes to remain in this life for an extended period of time is to:  “Make their mark in life.”  This expression had its origin in an earlier period when most refined made items were made individually by hand rather than being mass produced by machinery.  Each finished item was unique in that it was one of a kind.  The smith craftsman demonstrated his pride in the finished product in which he had crafted by putting a specific mark on it that became his trademark.  Today, the expression, “to make your mark in life” means to achieve something significant that will benefit others as well as your self.  We certainly should strive to live a beneficial life toward our fellow man and to bring honor and glory unto God. 

However, many are too busy in the affairs of this life to make preparation for eternal life in Heaven.  Thus, the inquiry of our sermon is:  “Are You Too Busy To Go To Heaven?”   

Discussion: 

I.                   MANY ARE TOO BUSY TO STUDY THE BIBLE, WHICH IS GOD’S ROAD MAP THAT LEADS US UNTO ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN.

A.     We are inclined to carefully follow the direction of a road map when traveling to a place in which we have never been.

1.      The Bible is our road map and way to Heaven.

a.       It is foolish for anyone to ignore the Lord’s direction provided by way of the inspired Word. 

Jeremiah 10:23, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself:  it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” 

Proverb 14:12, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” 

Proverb 28:26, “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool:  but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” 

Matt. 15:9, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” 

b.      The Bible is sufficient in directing us unto Heaven.  

2 Pet. 1:3, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:” 

2 Tim. 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 

c.       Jesus Christ provides the one way to eternal life in Heaven. 

John 14:6, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life:  no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” 

2.  If we have time to read the newspapers and watch television then we certainly have time to read our Bibles. 

II.                MANY, INCLUDING SOME MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST, ARE TOO BUSY TO ATTEND THE SERVICES OF THE CHURCH.

A.     A symptom of spiritual ailment is when a brother or sister in Christ becomes lack in their attending the services of the church. 

Acts 2:42, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” 

Heb. 10:24-26, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:  and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.” 

III.             MANY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST ARE TOO BUSY TO VISIT IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.

A.     On the Day of Judgment, will we be among those on the right hand of the Lord in whom He will commend, or will we be on His left hand among those in whom He will reprimand? 

Matthew 25:31-46, COMMENT ON!!! 

James 1:27, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”  

IV.              THERE ARE THOSE WITHIN THE CHURCH WHO ARE TOO BUSY TO HELP THEIR FELLOW MAN.

A.     The story of the good Samaritan should motivate brethren to do likewise. 

Luke 10:25-37, COMMENT ON!!! 

B.  We have the example of Jesus Christ. 

Acts 10:38, “…who went about doing good,…” 

Gal. 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” 

V.                 MANY BRETHREN ARE TOO BUSY TO TEACH OTHERS THE WORD OF GOD.                 

1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts:  and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 

A.     In the church at Jerusalem, many brethren were involved in reaching out to the lost with the gospel of Christ. 

Acts 8:4, “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.” 

Acts 5:42, “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”

B.      We influence others by the way we live. 

Matthew 5:13-16, “Ye are the salt of the earth:  but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?  It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be todden under foot of men.  Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”   

Conclusion: 

Gal. 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” 

1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 

We should have the same attitude of Christ:  He said, “…know ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). 

Solomon emphasized:  “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:  Fear God, and keep his commandments:  for this is the whole duty of man.  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” 

--Dub Mowery