"IT'S BETTER NOT TO TRY TO FLY THAN TO CRASH" HAS KEPT MANY FROM TRYING THEIR WINGS, OR LIVING VICTORIOUSLY

1. I've tried for years to get my parents to fly- Millions do so safely Dad now likes it, Mom doubts
2. This verse of scripture tells of men who almost fly above fleshly corruption-but look back & crash
3. Maybe we can learn something from flight & rocketry & through the Lord Jesus Christ, apply scripture in such a way as to fly above the storm- or maybe go into orbit in Christian Victory

I.- SOME ALMOST HAVE ESCAPED POLLUTION

II Pet 2:20a Men have been trying to fly throughout History- many earthly schemes have almost succeeded!

A.- THE REAL ISSUE HERE IS NOT ETERNAL SALVATION, BUT VICTORY OVER THE BONDAGE OF LUSTFUL SIN

1. Even some of the Apostates- following strong code of Stoics- almost escaped corruption of lust
2. Some of the Pharisees had a strong moral code Fasting twice a week, praying five times a day, of law blameless
3. But they would be so highly moral in one area- & immoral in another- robbing widows & orphans

B.- HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE SO CLOSE TO THE TRUTH, AND NOT REALLY BE BORN AGAIN? A PUZZLE TO SOME

1. Heb 10:26 ff.-tells of one who knew of Jesus, & His blood; but trod it under foot - spitefully
2. Heb 6:4-6 tells of tasting God's good things & crucifying Christ afresh- no repentance!
3. King Agrippa told Paul Acts 26:28 "Almost"- he had many benefits of Godliness-but refused Jesus

C.- OUR GREAT CULTURE OF CIVILIZATION IS OFTEN THE RESULTS OF BEING CLOSE TO THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST!

1. Today we are watching a culture greatly blessed with fringe benefits- run out of power- Crash on the pad.
2. The Momentum has been great power in Hospitals, schools, charities, churches, civic clubs- but.
3. Many people have been fine cultured: honest, moral, sincere, loyal, faithful, tender-but lost

But even with the highest flight- gravity eventually pulls till men land for more fuel, or crash

II.- BUT WE HAVE PROMISE OF ESCAPE POWER! II Pet 1:4b

The principles of flight have always existed, but only recently have men flown- or left orbit

A.- THE PROMISE GIVEN TO US THROUGH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE ESCAPE OF WORLD'S CORRUPTIVE LUST!

1. The Key- "Hath Given" v. 3- Royal bequeath includes all things pertaining to life & godliness!
2. We are given the divine nature -"Born Again" - a power beyond comprehension- Is it operative?
3. We have both the motive, and the power to "escape"- flight!  Then why are we still in such bondage?

B.- THE BIBLE ABOUNDS WITH PROMISES AND COMMANDS OF FREEDOM, BUT WE ACT LIKE THE DODO BIRD !

1. John 8:32, 36 - the only way to be free is through the Son- free from gravity/sin's power-
2. The corrupting influence of the world's lust 4b, can be left behind, & we be free as eagles
3. Only available through knowledge of Jesus Christ- 1:3c, 8c - not know about Him-but Know Him!

C.- WITH THE AVAILABILITY OF HIS PROMISES AND POWER, WHY DO CHRISTIANS REMAIN IN BONDAGE GROUNDED?

1. Paul wondered who had bewitched the Galatians-3:1, 3; 5:1 after being set free- then went back
2. Great words seduce some 2:18- Pride, Intellectualism, Play on fancy words & return to sin!--
3. For others strong pull of lust, An alcoholic who quit-invited for one beer- 4 accidents in 30 minutes

Abraham, David- fell flat-, and even though Christ offers victory- none are free from gravity

III.- I F SINNERS CAN ALMOST ESCAPE - WE CAN DO IT!

You have all watched men land on the moon and come back with the same power available -we can too

A.- THE POWER HAS ALWAYS BEEN AVAILABLE, AND FOR US IT IS THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST - KNOWLEDGE OF HIM

1. Marco Polo watched Chinese rockets; now they have big ones- but we used ours to go to the moon.
2. There are set stages of flight escape velocity- Limit of speed of light- & must return for air.
3. Some day Jesus will take us beyond the stars- but right now escape velocity is available to us!

B.- IT IS EASIER TO LEAVE EARTH'S BONDAGE BY CERTAIN WELL-DEFINED STEPS - SO ALSO THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

1. the First step is a real salvation experience with the Lord Jesus Christ- involves personal prayer
2. The commanded next step- Baptism, public testimony & follow up on job, school- tell others
3. Faithful stewardship- you and yours belong to the Lord Your time- & your $$- so Tithe!
4. Knowledge of the Word- use every agency of church & your personal time to learn God's Word!
5. Fellowship with the saints- helps keep you straight- Church Membership - & faithful attendance
6. Using your spiritual gifts for the edification of the church teaching, working, loving, praying
7. Anyplace we fail, -turn to Him for forgiveness- & correction of course - Till He comes

You are fully fueled- It is "All Systems Go" - but it is not safe to hover close to launch pad

WHY NOT CLAIM BY FAITH THE "ESCAPE VELOCITY" TO CARRY YOU OFF THE WORLD CORRUPTED THROUGH LUST!

1. Salvation is freely given through the Lord Jesus Christ - Come to know Him- Eternity secured
2. But applying the spiritual laws for Spiritual Victory depends on you! Use the laws- & fly!
3. If you have placed yourself in a "Holding Pattern"- blast out before you run out of fuel! Go to the moon -

If you don't know how- ask! Space men use natural laws to go to the moon - taught in school