As a kid many years ago, we used to play a game called “Pass It On.” This was long before cell phones and laptop computers, and television had only a few channels. Anyway, we would get in a circle; eight to ten players was ideal, and one person would start by whispering something in the next person’s ear. That person would whisper what he/she believed they heard in the next person’s ear, and so on until the last person got the message. That person would then say out loud what they thought they heard. Normally, it wasn’t anything like the original message. (ESV – all emphasis mine)
In many cases, this is how some people perceive the gospel, as to what they believe they hear from the preacher rather than what was actually spoken. It is nowhere near as when the Savior said to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). This is known as the Great Commission.
The best instruction on how to give a message came a few years later from the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:19. “Nevertheless, I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
One reason I always recommend that someone get a Bible translation that is easy for them to read and understand is so they can read for themselves the message the Father wants us to have. I have heard preachers get up in a pulpit and try to show their “education” by using large words rather than using easy to understand language. It may have been a wonderful message, but if the membership couldn’t understand the context, it was a wasted effort. If people attend a regular evangelical church service, it is only beneficial if they are “fed” the true word in a way they can “digest” it. Just being there does not save them.
For all who choose to teach the Word of the Lord, the warning of James 3:1 needs to be first and foremost in our minds. “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”
With this in mind, please consider some “church services” today that are saying there are many ways to Heaven; they fail to give the membership John 14:6, which totally proves this statement to be false. Also, the membership is not encouraged to read God’s word for themselves but to rely on the so-called preacher. How about the ones that are saying the “abominations” no longer apply, as they were only for ancient times? They forget that Jesus is the same today as He was then and as He always will be (Hebrews 13:8). What was an abomination to the Father throughout His word applies today as if He just said it. Some may say Jesus and God are not the same, as they believe Jesus was just a good prophet. However, John 10:30 plainly states, “I and the Father are One.”
Turning church services into entertainment sessions with feel-good music and unbiblical messages is not passing on what God wants us to know. We need to understand that sin pulls us away from the Father, and if we do not have Jesus as our Savior, we will be separated from Him forever.
People need to know they’re hopelessly lost only if they choose to be that way. God provided a way for all to be saved if they will receive and accept His Son and the gift that was freely given for us all at Calvary. He knows that even after we have Jesus as our Savior, and as long as we are still on this sin-filled planet as humans, we will still sin (Romans 3:10; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23). Therefore, He gave us a pathway to repentance and forgiveness in 1 John 1:8-10.
We’re told in John 3:18 and 1 John 5:12 that whoever has the Son has the Father; however, whoever does not have the Son does not have the Father. Our belief in Jesus as our eternal Savior is essential to our Salvation.
There are no alternative ways to eternal life, and we face either Heaven or Hell. Some say God sends people to hell, but that is not accurate. We have free choice as to our eternal destiny. God offers eternal life to all who will call on Jesus to be saved. He allows people to choose not to do so, which means they will have chosen to be separated from him forever.
Romans 10:9-13 are the steps to eternal Salvation, and you should note there are no long involved ceremonies full of pomp and circumstance, no sacrificial offerings, no price we can pay, or deeds that we can do to earn it. It’s a confess, believe, call scenario. In fact, this is made plain in Ephesians 2:8-9, which states we’re saved by grace, not works, so that we can’t boast of earning our own Salvation.
Man, in his “infinite wisdom,” always believes he needs to add or take away something. Jesus made it plain in Revelation 22:18-19 that we need to keep God’s word pure and holy. He meant what He said throughout the Bible, and that’s how we should receive and respond to it.
Jesus had the most problems with those who should’ve been a godly example for all the people. They were the religious leaders who believed they should be worshiped and obeyed the same as the Father. The thing is, that was what brought Satan down; destructive self-pride. He believed he should have been at the very least equal to God – his Creator. Sadly, there was a number of the heavenly host that followed him, and they are now the demons who will be condemned forever.
As stated earlier about free choice, apparently the Father allowed the angels the right to choose who they would follow. Sadly, they have no pathway to forgiveness as humans do, as they were already in the presence of the Holy Father and all His glory and splendor. Their decision to follow Satan was their unforgivable sin. Ours is to take our last breath here without having Jesus as our Savior.
Today, we are seeing evil accelerating more rapidly every day. We are in the time spoken of as being near the end of this age (Luke 21:28). No one can give an exact day or hour or accurately predict just what will bring about the Rapture, but we need to be ready at all times. The instant everything is in place, God will have Jesus come for His true believers. It took Noah 100 years to build the ark, and during that time, no one but his family worshiped the Father and did His will. When the moment came, God Himself shut the door, and the flood was in full force.
All who have called out for Jesus to be their Savior are a part of His Holy Flock right now (John 10). As a song line says, “Jesus is coming soon; morning, or night or noon.” As part of His flock, we are prepared and just waiting for the Trumpet of the Lord to sound and the shout to come from the archangel. Then, in the “twinkling of an eye,” we will rise up to meet our Precious Shepherd in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-53).
So, as plainly and as simple as I can pass it on, please consider that if Jesus were to call right now, would you go, or would you remain behind? It’s your decision to make, and the Savior is ready to accept all who truly call on Him to forgive and save them. Once you do, your eternal address will change from a place of condemnation to a place of absolute glory, peace, and love. In fact, Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to indwell all who are His.
Today would not be too early to call – right now, in fact. The Rapture will happen soon, and it will be over before anyone here can blink. All they will know is people are gone. Then, at least the next seven years will be more miserable than this earth has ever experienced. People will still be able to call on Jesus and be saved but most likely at the cost of their lives.
We pray daily for all our loved ones that they all will have received and accepted Jesus. We also pray that if today is the day, it isn’t too early, and we’re ready to go. We really hope and pray you will be there also. Talk to Jesus; He’s waiting to make you a part of His flock. Then, no matter when He calls, you will have nothing to worry about as you will be with Him.
Shalom! Come, Lord Jesus!