05 December 2009
On a recent ministry trip to Texas, God drew several people unto Himself. One man was obviously broken from past and present sin in his life. He cried to God for forgiveness of his sins and surrendered his life to Christ. Now he can say, "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20) Praise God this man not only has a new life here on earth but will live forever in Heaven because Christ now lives in him!! "Whoever believes in Him will never perish but have eternal life". (John 3:16b)
Another man at the same meeting felt bad and sorry for the past and present sin in his life. However, he was only remorseful because of the consequences of his sins. He was not repentant before God. He chose not to repent of his sins and give his life to Christ. I can only pray for this man. I pray he listens to God's voice as God speaks to him in his heart. If he does not listen, he little by little hardens his heart to the point where he may never want to listen to God's voice again- "Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts..." (Hebrews 3: 7 and 8a)
There's a wonderful hope for each of us: "...through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins" (Acts 10:43).
In a church in Wisconsin, "Family Fun Day" turned out to be a "life-changing day" as hearts turned to faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior for the first time. I sang at least 13 songs in the service, did object lessons for the young, and shared the "good news" from God's Word. Near the end of the service I asked those who realized their need for forgiveness of their sins and their need of Christ, to publicly acknowledge this (Mathew 10:32). God promises to us if we "call upon the Lord we will be saved". At least 7 people surrendered their life to Christ. It indeed was a "life-changing day" as people turned their hearts to the Lord!