Text: Luke 12:13–21
Topic: How to prepare to meet God in judgment

Introduction
• Illustration: Referring to the timing of a tragic death within the congregation, a member says to Wolling, "You don't know, do you?"
• The great message of Luke 12:13–21 is, "You must be ready."

Life can end abruptly.
• Although the man in the story had taken care of many things, he didn't know that his life was required of him that night.
• I'm not sure we can ever be ready to experience the emotional detachment from our spouses, children, and friends.
• However, Jesus was talking about his return and the subsequent judgment.

Take Jesus as your defense attorney.
• The Bible says we will all stand before God in judgment, and we will not make the grade if we're still clothed in sin.
• Jesus will serve as our defense attorney in the Day of Judgment.
• When the Father looks at us, he will see us only in the righteousness and cleanliness of Jesus our Savior.
     - Romans 8:1
• To get Jesus as your defense attorney, you need only confess your need for him.

Conclusion
• To accept Christ means to recognize that we need him as we stand before the Father.
• We can be ready; today your life may be required of you.