“A TIME TO BE BORN AND A TIME TO DIE”

INTRODUCTION

A. Ecclesiastes 3:1

1. “The words of the Preacher” (1:1), Solomon, inform us that a time is available for every event that transpires in the lives of men.

2. Over the next several weeks, we intend to study each of these.

B. Ecclesiastes 3:2a-b Our study begins today with “a time to be born and a time to die.”

I. “A TIME TO BE BORN”

A. Naturally

1. Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7, 21-22

a. The births of Adam and Eve were completely out of the ordinary in human history, and yet they were, in fact, born. Their lives began at definite points in time.

b. Genesis 1:31 God declared His whole creation, including the birth of mankind, “very good.”

i. Genesis 5:1-2 The creation of man was especially good because “He made him in the likeness of God.”

ii. Luke 3:38 As opposed to evolution, which argues that mankind descended from apes, the scriptures inform us that each generation before us is one step closer to God!

2. Genesis 1:28

a. Although the manner in which Adam and Eve were born cannot be duplicated, God charged them with the duty of multiplying the human race.

b. Genesis 9:1, 7, 18-19 This charge was renewed to Noah and his sons following the flood that they might repopulate the earth.

3. Psalm 127:3-5 More than a duty imposed by God on mankind, however, bringing forth children is a blessed event!

a. Genesis 33:5 Esau remarked of his children that they were a gracious gift from God Almighty.

b. Genesis 21:1-3, 6 Sarah laughed with joy at the birth of her son, Isaac.

c. Genesis 3:16; John 16:21 The joy of childbirth far exceeds the anguish of a mother’s labor.

4. Although God appoints “a time to be born,” that time has been prevented by many wicked mothers in a procedure euphemistically referred to as an “abortion,” that in reality is nothing less than pre-born murder.

a. Scripture calls the occupant of the womb a child, even if modern liberals attempt to desensitize us by calling it a fetus.

i. Ruth 1:11 According to the abortionist, a baby isn’t alive until it has been born, yet the Bible refers to “sons” within the womb!

ii. Job 3:3 At conception, Job was already considered “a male child.”

iii. Luke 1:36, 41, 44

Since conception, John was already considered a “son” to his mother

Yet unborn, John was a “babe” who “leaped” in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth!

iv. Genesis 25:21-22 Yet unborn, Jacob and Esau were “children” who “struggled” within the womb!

v. My own child is yet four months from birth, but I’ve seen its heart beating, I’ve heard its heart beating, and I’ve felt it kick!

b. God knows these children, personally.

i. Isaiah 44:2, 24; 49:1

ii. Jeremiah 1:4-5

iii. Luke 1:15

iv. Galatians 1:15

c. God continues to make mankind in His own likeness.

i. Genesis 5:1, 3 Man, who was created in the image of God, produces children according to his own image, and therefore, also in the image of God.

ii. Psalm 139:13-16

The unborn child is fearfully and wonderfully made.

Shame on those who say he is nothing more than an embryo.

iii. Ecclesiastes 11:5

The process of forming a child is beyond our comprehension.

How dare we claim to know more than God – to know when it is justifiable to kill the child.

d. God will hold accountable those who prevent a child from its “time to be born.”

i. Exodus 21:22-25

ii. Proverbs 6:16-17

B. Spiritually

1. John 3:1-7 In order to enter God’s kingdom, one must be born again, a spiritual birth in water.

a. Acts 8:36-38

b. Acts 10:47

c. 1st Peter 3:20-21 2. 1st Peter 1:22-23 Rebirth demands a pure lifestyle thereafter.

II. “A TIME TO DIE”

A. Naturally

1. Hebrews 9:27-28 All men face an inevitable appointment with death and the judgment to follow.

2. Ecclesiastes 3:20; Genesis 3:19; Job 21:23-26 No matter one’s status in this life, this life is temporary, for it is built of decaying material.

3. Psalm 103:14-16; 90:10 Considering the brevity of life, one should be prepared for the end.

4. Ecclesiastes 7:1; Psalm 116:15; Revelation 14:13 Death should be a welcome event and is so recognized by God.

a. 2nd Corinthians 5:1-9; 1st Corinthians 15:50-58 He promises something better.

b. 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2nd Thessalonians 1:7-10; Luke 16:19-26

i. Those who die in the Lord are comforted with Abraham and will be present at the last day.

ii. However, those who reject the gospel are tormented in death and will be fully punished in eternity.

B. Spiritually Death of a spiritual variety is necessary in order to enjoy new life.

1. Romans 6:3-6; Colossians 2:11-13 This death can be accomplished in baptism

2. Galatians 2:20; 5:24; 6:14 Thereafter, we must let Christ live in us!

CONCLUSION

A. All who are born will die. Are you prepared for death?

B. In order to be prepared for death, die to sin, and be born again to Christ!

Grace Be With You, Bryan Matthew Dockens

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