Get in the Ark (2Pet 3.4-18) - 11-6-22

Like me, perhaps you have see the trailers for Wakanda Forever. This is the sequel to the Black Panther movie. Wakanda is the home of the Black Panther and several tribes. It is a fictitious technologically advanced African country covered by an ark of safety. This ark protects the country from prying eyes and enemy threats. The concept is from Marvel Studios.Black Panther is a made-up hero. Wakanda is a made-up location with an ark of safety. Being entertained by this fictional character and place can be fun as we find enjoyment in the unreal. However, I believe that preparation for reality is much better. You see, we have a real hero in Jesus! We have a real ark of safety in salvation. Let’s go deeper. I.God wants everyone saved. (vv4-9)A.Back in Noah’s day, God saw the evil of humankind. He gave the people time to repent. Noah preached the same message, “It’s gonna rain” for 120 years. He used water then.B.The people continued to reject God’s message.C.What about Sodom and Gomorrah. They were living in wickedness. God decided to destroy the cities. But God rescues Lot and his family. But some rejected safety.D.God wants everyone saved. But He gives us free will to choose either eternal life with Him or eternal damnation separate from Him. It’s choice and He wants us to choose life. He wants us to get in the ark! II.Expect the unexpected by living righteously. (vv10-13)A.God said there will be a new heaven and a new earth. He will use fire next time.B.Daniel 3.8-30C.The three Hebrew boys could expect the unexpected because they lived righteously. In other words, they were in the ark.D.Being in the ark simply means we have a personal relationship with the LORD. Get in the ark!Conclusion: God wants us saved. We can only be saved by getting in the ark of safety, the ark of salvation that comes only by Jesus the Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. When we are connected to Him, we can expect the unexpected and live righteously. Enjoy the fiction of Wakanda forever if you like. Just be sure you the embrace the reality of Jesus forever. I pray you get in the ark, or you are already in the ark of safety, the ark of salvation, the ark of eternal life. Amen. The door of salvation is open.