Continuing Michael’s message
from yesterday: Factions and divisions are contrary to the unity of the Spirit
in the bond of peace. The good news of the gospel of salvation is the solution
to the problem of division. For there is
one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Peace
is only available through the Prince of peace. Peace is the result of
reconciliation of sin. To reconcile means to unify; to bring together that
which has been separated. According to Ephesians 2:14-16, “For he (Jesus Christ) is our peace, who hath
made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having
abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of (Old Testament) commandments
contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making
peace; And that he might reconcile both (Jew and Gentile) unto God in one body
by the cross”.
Ezekiel’s admonition to
Israel continues in verses 6-7: "But if the watchman see the sword come, and
blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take
any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood
will I require at the watchman’s hand.” “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel;
therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. God always gives fair
warning and a way of salvation. The context of John 3:16 says that Jesus Christ
came not into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him
might be saved.
God has called his people to
sound the warning and to spread the good news of salvation through Jesus
Christ. Jesus said, the works that I do shall they do and greater works shall
they do because I go unto my father. The "greater works" is salvation by grace
alone through faith alone in Christ alone. For we preach not ourselves but
Jesus Christ and Him crucified. To those who receive the message of the cross
of Christ we preach the resurrection and the righteousness of God through the
atoning sacrifice of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
God calls nations and individuals
to repent. There’s a difference between regret, remorse, and true repentance.
Repentance means to change direction. It is the inflection point where we turn
from ourselves and unto the Lord Jesus Christ. A broken and a contrite heart
God will not forsake. It’s not turning from sin that saves a man or woman, but rather
turning to the Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. The message of salvation
is to heed the watchman’s warning.
That I may know Him and the
power of His resurrection … for I was crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live,
yet not I but Christ liveth in me, and the life that I now live I live by faith
in the one who loved me and gave himself for me. This is the testimony of
Christ in us the hope of glory. We have been called as "watchmen on the wall" to
share the gospel of the good news of God’s salvation. Therefore sanctify the
Lord God in your hearts and be ready always to give an answer to every man who
asks you a reason for the hope (of Christ’s return) that is in you with
meekness and reverence and respect for God.
May we ever live to the
praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ, Michael
Your brother in Christ, Michael
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