Where Do You Stand With the Lord?
June 7, 2011
A Wordle based on this blog entry.
Here’s a fragment from a sermon I preached a few years ago. When I happened to run across it today, I decided to pass it along. Perhaps God will use it to awaken some who trust in their religion but not in Christ.
Let me ask you, where do you stand with the Lord? Are you on the outside or the inside? Perhaps it is now clear to you that you need the salvation Christ offers. This is God’s message: “You must be born again.” But you protest, “I’m a good person.” God says, “You must be born again.” But you say, “I’ve got a good education.” “You must be born again.” “I’m rich.” “You must be born again.” Perhaps you will say, “You don’t understand. I’m rich and educated and good-looking.” We’re happy for you. God still says, “You must be born again.” “But I’m religious,” you say. That might be the most dangerous condition of all. To every religious person, God says, “You must be born again.”
Do you see your need for salvation?
Do you now see that Jesus is the Son of God who died for you?
Do you believe that he rose from the dead on the third day?
Do you understand your true condition apart from God’s grace?
You are blind and only God can give you sight.
You are sick and only God can make you well.
You are dead and only God can give you life.
You are lost and only God can rescue you.
If this is what you need, cast yourself on the mercy of God. Do it now. Cry out, “Open my eyes and let me see Jesus.” God will not turn you away if you call out to him in Jesus’ name.
For those who have already trusted in Christ, this great truth should fill us with nothing less than total gratitude to our gracious God. Write over you salvation, Soli Deo Gloria! To God alone be the Glory! Let each person say, “I never would have seen the truth if God had not given me sight. I never would have found it on my own. I didn’t find Christ, he found me!” But for the grace of God, you might still be lost and far gone in sin. Give thanks to the Lord and bless his name.