11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
-Titus 2: 11-15
My mind seems to be transfixed on three Biblical truths that pulpits in America need to be preaching. This is not to say that they are not, only that it must be so, if they are to call themselves churches and this nation Christian.
First truth, without a genuine and true REPENTANCE there can be no salvation. I fear all too often that people view God and his Son as a taxi cab, merely a vehicle that they can “catch a ride to” wherever they are going. “Sure, I will pray this little prayer, go to church now and then, and say I am a Christian.” “Hey, if it helps me with this problem or gets me over that hill, why not?” And maybe not. Maybe this is not always a conscious effort or decision within the mind of the cab rider. In fact I don’t think it is, I feel most people are just doing what others around them are doing; and the preacher/pastor is telling them that, that is all there is. However the Bible says otherwise. Jesus says otherwise. He said that “if any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Whosoever will save his own life shall lose and whosoever shall lose his own life for my sake the same shall find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25) When you begin to preach this truth- some folks will say “Uh, cabbie, can you let me off at the next corner please?” But not all will say that, some will find God…..But don’t you see? We must preach this. We must tell people that unless you die out to yourself, your way, your wishes. “God all that I am, was, or ever wish to be is now yours.” “You are supreme and I don’t want to go or do what I used to do. Be who I used to be, I am done with all my sinning business.” A soul must get to this place if they are to truly save their life. If they are to truly find God. But is your Church preaching this? Do we truly believe this? What is the pulpit saying on Sunday morning? Are they telling you what will get you back in the door next Sunday? Or what will help you find God?
The second truth that I believe every pulpit in American should be preaching is a call for every converted soul (a soul is converted at the place of repentance) to be Sanctified. Why? Because the Bible calls for every converted soul to be Sanctified. “This is the will of God even your sanctification.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3) Some may not call it Sanctification per say; some may call it born again, or filled with the Spirit, perfect love. Whatever you call it-the pulpits of American must preach that the Holy Ghost has to, and will indeed enter into, a willing, forgiven, heart; burn out all carnality, (the want to sin) and create a new heart that desires to serve/love God. This is the standard” “you must be born again.” (John 3) When this happens the Holy Ghost will keep you from sinning, and present every man perfect in the sight of God. But you must sacrifice yourself. (Romans 12:1-2) You must give up all your plans, ambitions, and wishes. Again, a lot of people get out of the car right here, but not everyone. So what is your preacher saying on this subject Sunday morning? Did you discuss Sanctification last Sunday in Sunday school? Ask him about this coming Sunday…..we must preach this, we must live this.
The third truth that I believe every pulpit in America should be preaching is the Biblical definition of growth in grace. Not to be confused with sinning under grace. Jesus didn’t die on the cross so we could have a “free meal ticket.” As if he was to say “sure, indulge yourself on all the fatness of the world, but remember who is covering the bill every once and a while.” “And make sure to thank me for it.” Jesus died so that we might be DELIVERED from all that. Not even in the world any more, but raised up, and made to sit together in heavenly places (if have questions about this statement please write to pgcollins65@gmail.com). Real growth in grace is the chastising rod of the Spirit that comes after we have received the Spirit (i.e. sanctification). For example, you used to go to concerts before you got Sanctified, now your friends are going to a concert this weekend. So you go, while you’re there you look around at all the people reaching out to touch the lead singer……….you think, hmmmmm, this is a lot like idol worship…you begin to feel the keen sting of the Holy Ghost (like love you know it when you feel it), then you say man I don’t need to be here. Now concerts are off limits, God told you not to go so you don’t go anymore. He has grace enough to give concern to our ignorance, and grace enough to help us with it. Why? BECAUSE HE IS TRYING TO GET YOU TO HEAVEN; just listen to the Spirit. That instruction may not be for your buddy, but it is for you, and you need to listen; and they need to respect your conviction. Also, you might be reading your Bible (as you should be doing, everyday) the Bible says to you “come out from among them and be ye separate and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you.” You begin to think “hmmmm”, Friday night is coming up and my buddies are going to a friend’s house where there will be drinking, and poker, and other sinful activities. The scripture says that I should be separate, maybe that’s not the best place for me to be…..maybe I should go to church instead, because it’s Friday night and they have meeting tonight. Growth in grace. Granted, these are elementary examples, but the crux of the matter is: listen to God when he speaks, and for him to speak you need to engage in conversation. How? By reading your Bible, and praying…..daily. Please excuse if I am sounding a little to “preachy”---let me simply say this; if you want a good lesson on how to grow in grace read 2 Peter 1:1-11. It says more on the subject in a few short verses, than I could say in many lifetimes. America needs growth in grace-is your church practicing true growth in grace? Biblical growth in grace? What’s the pulpit saying on the subject?
What we preach, teach, and most importantly…LIVE. Is far more important, than what is in our bank accounts, how many Facebook friends we have, or who is going to win American Idol. America needs a revival, the WORLD needs a revival, and it starts with the individual. It starts with you….it starts with me. It starts from within.
Thought’s? Questions? Comments? –please send to pgcollins65@gmail.com
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