Usually when you hear the statement, “all dressed up and nowhere to go” it means that someone has made some preparation for some activity or event, but has not finalized their plans and therefore will not end up at the activity or event. They look great – all dressed up – but the destination is still in doubt. That reminds me of a lot of church people. I know a number of folks who are great to be around, who are fun and full of energy and really look good. They are “all dressed up.”  But many of those folks really have not finalized their plans and therefore have “no place to go.” Someone recently gave me this article about the Evangelist, Dr. Billy Graham:
It seems that in January 2000, the Evangelist was invited to a luncheon in his honor, but hesitated to accept the invitation. Dr Graham struggles with Parkinson’s disease so he tries to avoid events that may place him in an uncomfortable situation. After he was assured that the events leaders did not expect a major address, but they just wanted him to come so they could honor him, he agreed to accept their invitation. There were many wonderful things said about his life and he felt honored, so decided to acknowledge their kindness. When everyone was finished, Dr Graham stepped to the microphone and looked at the crowd. Billy then said: “I’m reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Dr Einstein reached in his vest pocket for his ticket. He couldn’t find it, so he reached into his trouser pockets.  It wasn’t there, so he looked in his briefcase, but he couldn’t find it.  Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn’t find it.

“The conductor said, ‘Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.

’
“Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.

“The conductor rushed back and said, ‘Dr Einstein. Dr Einstein, don’t worry. I know who you are, no problem. You don’t need a ticket. I’m sure you bought one.’

“Einstein looked at him and said, ‘Young man, I too know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going.’”

Having told this story, the Evangelist continued: “See this suit I’m wearing? It’s a brand new suit.  My children and my grandchildren are telling me I’ve gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.  You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I’ll be buried. But when you hear I’m dead, I don’t want you to immediately remember the suit I am wearing. I want you to remember this: I not only know who I am, I also know where I’m going.”
           
Are you all dressed up with nowhere to go?  Do you know where you are going when you finish your journey?  Are you on your way to Heaven when you die?  If not, let me share with you how you can make sure you know who you are and where you are going.
It’s as simple as A, B, C.:

Admit you are a Sinner –

Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ –

Romans 10:13 tells us, “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Claim God’s promise of Eternal Life –

John 10:28 assures us:  “And I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”

If you have any questions about how to get to heaven, please give us a call at 248-652-6151.  We want you to make sure that when you get dressed up that last time, you have some place to go.

Pastor Townsend – Phil 3:14