Jeremiah 17:9-10“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”
This week, Michael writes: Many men and women try to escape from themselves through drugs, alcohol and indulgent fantasies. However, you can't escape from yourself. As Paul said, "O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this dead body?" We have met the enemy and he is me.
One church observer said that up to 80% of church attendees may not be saved.
Churches grow by four methods: The first is organic growth by parents in the church having babies. The second is by transfer growth from other churches in the same area. The third is by transfer of newcomers into the area "by letter of transfer" from their old churches. The fourth church growth method is by conversion, witnessing to new believers to Jesus Christ. Conversion growth in America has been declining over the last 50 years. The “Great Commission” by Lord Jesus has changed to the “Great Suggestion” … more of a guideline than a Commandment.
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Years ago, preachers used to emphasize "hell-fire and brimstone." They said, "Get on board, this train is bound for glory. If you're not aboard you'll be left behind." This type of preaching left men and women wondering and fearing that they were not saved and would be left behind. They were overcome with fear and guilt and doubt about their salvation. Today, the pendulum has swung to the other extreme. Today's preaching is about "extreme grace." Popular preachers preach about abounding grace and “easy believism”. Contrary to the Word, most people today think that heaven is the "default" condition; when you die you go to heaven. They have not heard the truth of Scripture that says "It is appointed once for all men to die and then comes the judgement." The truth about salvation and assurance of life eternal is somewhere between these two extremes.
Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
Let’s continue Michael message on “Blessed Assurance” in the next post.
In Christ, Brian
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