THE HOUR OF DECISION

JOEL 3:1

A. "MULTITUDES, MULTITUDES IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION: FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD IS NEAR IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION."
  1. To make a decision is one of the most important acts mortal men can make:
    1. Harry S. Truman had to make a great decision when he gave the green light for the dropping of the Atomic Bomb.
    2. The decision to accept or to reject Jesus Christ is of eternal importance.
  2. A moral decision is based upon the recognition of our obligations to God and men:
B. MULTITUDES, MULTITUDES ARE IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION
  1. This prophetic announcement indicates two important facts:
    1. That divine providence has not, as yet, cut man off from deciding for or against God.
    2. The text shows further that the time to make our decision is now at hand, and that there can be no exception.
  2. The text shows further that there is no middle way:
    1. It is either God or the idols of the heart - 2 Ki. 17:33-41; 18:21
    2. We either want Christ or Barabbas - Matt. 27:21
  3. Things to decide on:
    1. Doctrine and faith - Matt. 15:11; 2 Tim. 4:3
    2. Walking with God or with the world - Jas. 3:13; Gal. 5:16
    3. Speaking the truth at all costs - Judg. 12:5, 6; Matt. 26:27; Jas. 3:5; Prov. 18:21; Matt. 12:36
    4. Our thinking pure and true, or sinful and impure - Ps. 94:11; Luke 9:47; Isa. 14:13
  4. The choice is ours to make:
    1. Read Hosea 14:1
    2. Pray over Rev. 22:17
    3. And remember for us not to choose is already chosen. There is no middle ground.
C. DECISIONS OUGHT TO BE MADE WITH CARE AND MUCH PRAYER
  1. Its consequences are far-reaching in most instances:
    1. That was true for young Moses - Heb. 11:24-28
    2. That was true, also, for Ruth, the Moabitess - Ruth 1:16, 17
  2. Many decisions in the past have been fatal:
    1. That was true in the decision of the rich young ruler - Matt. 19:16-22
    2. That was true of the man of God that decided to return with the false prophet to eat bread - 1 Ki. 13:19-26
    3. It was fatal for Esau when he sold his birthright for a mess of pottage - Gen. 25:29
    4. Such decisions are, in most cases, irreversible - Heb. 12:16
  3. My friends, even now I am thinking of some fateful decisions:
    1. Which are based upon the knowledge of the truth - Matt. 19:16-19
    2. That is why this gospel of the kingdom is preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations - Matt. 24:14; Rev. 14:7-12
  4. Even at this moment, according to our opening text, large numbers of responsible people in all lands stand in the valley of decision:
    1. It is up to the church of the living God to come to their aid to make the right decision.
    2. That is done by bringing to them God's truth - John 8:32
    3. As for this intelligent audience in this house of worship, I feel deeply that every one of you that has not made his decision will do it before you leave this building.
    4. You have enough information of your duty to Christ that you have no excuse not to decide for Him.
    5. Why do some people decide against Christ?
      1. Because they love darkness - John 3:19-21
      2. They are unwilling to forsake sin - Matt. 7:13, 14


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