Wanted

If God were to put out a wanted ad, how would it read? I think the first thing we would see is that everyone is welcome. There would not be concern for race, gender, age, etc. The opportunity to follow Him would be open to all. I think one of the next things in the ad would be a conviction of sin in their lives. They, like those on Pentecost, would need to be pierced to the heart by the sin they had committed (Acts 2:37). That sin was taking them to hell. I think right after that would be an understanding that the only way out of the consequences of my sin is the blood of Jesus. They would have to understand that there is no way to fix their sin problem on their own. They need Jesus.

How do I get Jesus? After hearing about Him (Romans 10:17), I must decide if I believe Him (John 8:24). That belief must motivate me to repent of that sin that separates me from God (Acts 2:38) and confess my faith and devotion to Him as my Savior (Matthew 10:32-33). That belief also motivates me to be immersed for the forgiveness of my sins (Acts 2:38), which puts me into Christ (Galatians 3:27). He would call me to take up my cross daily and follow Him after coming up out of that watery grave of baptism (Matthew 16:24).

Is that it? What does it mean to take up your cross daily? It will take humility. I must do what God says even when I might not want to. That takes a lot of trust. Do I really believe that what God says is better than what I think, even if I suffer? We might call that faithfulness. This can sound tough, but God has blessed us with a Christian family (the church) to help us as we strive to be like Jesus. And more importantly, we have God on our side. The greatest help we could ever get! God wants you. Will you answer His ad?

Lead Me to Some Soul Today

Mark challenged us after the sermon to be evangelistic. I think some of his thoughts came out of our class from that morning. One of the ways that Jesus glorified God and served others was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). That can be a scary thought. We live in a lost and dying world. There are so many who need the gospel. How can I reach them all? What if they say no? What if I say the wrong thing? I am so busy, how am I going to have time? Where do I start? The list of questions and fears could go on and on. Where do I start?

How about we start with prayer? Ask God for help to be prepared and for some soul to be placed in your path today that you might influence for Him. Too often, we neglect prayer, the most powerful tool in our arsenal. How about, as a second thought, we act like Jesus to people in everyday life? How about getting to know the young lady that works at the gas station that I always see when I go in? Maybe I could get to know the family of the kid that plays sports with my child. I could meet my new neighbor. Once you have a relationship with these people, or maybe you already have a relationship with someone, say something for Jesus. Yes, that can be a scary thought, and you might mess it up. However, I believe God can use our efforts for His glory. Maybe they are having money problems. You know Proverbs has some good advice on money. Maybe you could invite them to services with you. Maybe they are ready to sit down and study the Bible. That is where we want to get.

I think we have to get back to this thought: every person on this earth has a soul that will spend eternity either in heaven or hell some day. What can I do to encourage it to spend eternity with God that He might be glorified?

How Did Jesus Glorify God? (Part 2)

Jesus glorified God by serving.

How else did He glorify God?

• Luke 19:10

• Matthew 28:18-20

• Matthew 9:35-38

• Matthew 4:17; Luke 15

What does the New Testament teach us?

• Romans 10:13-15

• 2 Timothy 2:2

• 1 Peter 3:15

• 2 Corinthians 5:20

• Acts 5:32

• 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

• 2 Timothy 4:2

• The Book of Acts

Why would we do this?

• Romans 3:23

• 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9

• Romans 5:8

• John 3:16

• Romans 8:1

• Galatians 3:27

• 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Can you think of any other verses?

What keeps me from glorifying God in this way? Romans 1:16

What can I do to overcome these things?

How do I have the heart for this work?

Who in my life needs me to do this?

How could I start this on a regular basis?