Lost

Imagine this; you can be lost in the church or in the temple.  I heard something similar to this from Jim Cymbala and it is so true.  I think we would be shocked if we knew how many people that go to church are truly lost.  This was always interesting to me and that is why I put it in here.  The English Standard Version Bible says this about creation in Romans 8:19, “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.”

I think I feel the same way at times, wondering who are really the sons and daughters of God.  Sometimes we may judge people in the church far too quickly saying that they are born-again, or many other things about them, but we need to be very careful because many times we find out that we were wrong in our judgement.  Thank the Lord that the church is somewhat like a hospital because almost everyone that comes there has some kind of problem; many are bruised and battered, some are sick, some carry all kinds of baggage, like emotional and psychological problems, while others feel guilt and some are weighted down with unconfessed sin.  Some have never been born again, not knowing their condition before the Lord and some come with fear and anxiety, not knowing what to expect.  Most all have needs of one kind or another.

What do you think these people need desperately?  I think one of the most important things they need is to be loved and another thing they need is to hear the truth.  How else will people know that we are true believers but by our love?  Some people don’t even want to know about what you know until they know how much you care.  When you really care for someone, you tell them the truth, because the truth may be the only thing that will set them free!!  If you water down the gospel isn’t that like putting a bandage on a sore that won’t heal?  I know the Word says this in 2 Timothy 4:1-4, “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

I know we live in the time when truth isn’t even considered by many because many do not believe that there are any truths, or absolutes, but even they need to hear the truth.  The truth is that there is no one that doesn’t need Jesus, and even though Jesus doesn’t need them, He loves them and wants to have a personal relationship with them and that is the truth.  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh to the Father but by me.”  In John 18:37-38, it says, “Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.”

So you see all down through the ages people had a problem with the truth.  The reason why this is so prevalent is that the evil one has blinded the eyes of so many that they can only know the truth if they repent of their sins and, by faith, put their trust in the Lord and He opens their eyes and ears and removes the veil from their minds!!  

Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

The good news is this; that everyone can know the truth, except those that refuse to believe, and come to Jesus.  Jesus is more than willing to set people free but He doesn’t force Himself on anyone.  The Bible says, “For many are called but few are chosen,” in Matthew 22:14.  This is from a parable about a wedding feast in Matthew 22:1-14.  The problem in this case was that people at that time had excuses and were not ready to go and this is still happening today.  And another problem was that in order to get into the wedding feast you had to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ, which only happens when a person is born-again.  There was a man there that did not have a wedding garment on and was thrown out into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  The truth is that no one can get into the wedding feast of the Lamb at the end of time unless he or she is covered by the righteousness of Christ; you have to be born–again.

Read John 3:17-21, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”

This truth is far too important to neglect or take lightly.  Jesus came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly, praise His holy name.  Now read John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Jesus said in Revelations 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

I know at the time Jesus was talking to the church but I think it is still relevant today.  So I hope you won’t put it off any longer; repent of your sins, which means to turn in the other direction, and then ask the Lord to be the Lord of your life and forgive you of your sins.  Take your time and let the good Lord fill you with His peace, love and joy then go rejoicing and praising the Lord and share with others what the Lord has done for you!!  Then start growing in your new found faith.  May the good Lord bless you and yours and may you have a super day!!