Hidden Idols

Hidden Idols

 

Today, we will be starting a series entitled Hidden Idols? We start today with this simple, yet complicated fact.

“In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3

Yes, of course, you may be thinking. I have read the Word, you may be thinking. I have learned the Truth. I would even say I love the Word of God. That is all good. However, there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. This is what we will be talking about today. Let us pray. 

Heavenly Father, LORD God, we come before you with thanksgiving in our hearts toward you for all you have blessed us with, and the ability to not only obtain knowledge, but also how to use that knowledge. With this wisdom, perhaps we may be able to be honest with ourselves about those Idols that we have out in a place before you, and the wisdom of how to overcome, to turn away, to understand that you are God. You are our Father. You must come first. We pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a spirit to receive your truth and your revelation. In Jesus’ name. Amen! And amen. 

Yes, you have read the Word, or at least parts of it. Did you know the devil can quote chapter and verse? He was there when it was being written. The love of and desire for the Word is not a problem. Many love the Bible, even if they reject parts, change meanings, and/or exclude those things they do not like. Wanting to learn more and grow in faith is not a problem. 

Did you know that the enemies of God, and of us, want to learn the truth as well? Why? “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the outcome of a hundred battles.” They think that the more they know their enemy, us, the more advantage they will have over us. 

It goes something like this. “Oh, you're one of those.” “Ok. Did you know your book says, this, or that, and you must do this or that, or you cannot do this or that?” Chances are, and they are betting on it, you have no clue. You haven’t read it. So they will win every time. 

Knowledge is the accumulation of facts and data, while Wisdom is the spiritual insight and moral discipline to apply those facts rightly. The Bible warns that knowledge, when detached from love or divine purpose, can actually be detrimental to a person’s character.

"Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." 1 Corinthians 8:1

Without wisdom and the love that usually accompanies it, knowledge often leads to pride, arrogance, and a sense of superiority.

“You felt secure in your wickedness; you said, 'No one sees me.’' Your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one besides me.’ 

But evil shall come upon you, which you will not know how to charm away; disaster shall fall upon you, for which you will not be able to atone; and ruin shall come upon you suddenly, of which you know nothing. Isaiah 47:10-11

This refers to people who were "smart" enough to plot evil but lacked the wisdom to see the consequences or the moral compass to stop.

You can know the "what" without understanding the "why" or the "how." The Bible describes this as having eyes but not seeing.

"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder."James 2:19

This is the ultimate example of knowledge without wisdom. The demons have perfect theological knowledge in that they know who God is, but they lack the wisdom to submit to Him or align their lives with His will.

Biblically, the "bridge" between the two is often cited as the fear of the Lord.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Proverbs 9:10

The danger begins when knowledge replaces surrender. Many people today are not pursuing God. They dress in their best clothes. They get in their vehicles and drive to the show. They see the lights, smoke, and they see the young guitarist really making it, singing. They stand, dance, and praise God. The Pastor comes, sometimes, he even puts on a show. Oh, he shares the Word. Oh, you hear the Word. Then you shake hands, and you leave the show.  “Gotta get home before the game. Got to rest for work tomorrow."

The habit or this obligation feels like you are being “spiritual.” Information feels like growth. However, information without obedience becomes pointless. The Pharisees knew Scripture deeply. They memorized it. Taught it. Defend it. And yet they missed Jesus standing in front of them. They rejected Jesus not because He contradicted Scripture, but because He threatened their control. Jesus challenged them to surrender, but they wanted power. They did not want to be led. They wanted to lead. They made themselves judges, not actual children of God. 

Many Christians say they want God. But what they really want is stimulation. They consume teaching but resist correction. They quote the truth but avoid submission. They talk about grace but refuse authority. God is reduced to an Ideal, not the Lord. He is there, but is he? One of the biggest problems is Idols. You can learn all you want. You can go to the show weekly. You can even habitually pray. But if you have placed something in front of God, that is all the church will be to you. A show. Something else to consume. 

“But I do not have any Idols in my life?” No? Are you sure? Let's look at some of the Idols that people put in front of God, sometimes, without even knowing they do. Check out this list. Is your Idol on it? Be honest with yourself. 

1- Politics

2- Material

3- Celebrities

4- Comfort and pleasure

5- Religion

6- Self 

Did you see yours? Be honest. Is your Idol on the list? Some of you have already started to tense up. To become offended. This is why we are warned. God told us so. 

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21

This is so important to God that He made it a Commandment. 

“You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me.” Exodus 20:5

Why? Simply put, there is only one God. 

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” 1 Timothy 2:5  

We are instructed, even if we have placed an Idol before us, to destroy it. The exact words “put to death what is earthly in us.”  

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5 

This is what we will be discussing in this series. Some of the Idols we will discuss will be obvious; some may not be. Either way, we are told they need to go because God is a jealous God. 

“You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.” Exodus 20:4-6 

I am just going to give you this warning up front. Well, ok, up front, in the middle, and at the end of this series. You may become offended. You may become angry. I say if this happens, you may have indeed found your Idol. 

God is God.  Remember the key? Jesus. "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Not this Saint or that one. Not Mary. Not the statue of Jesus, but Jesus Himself. That Statue of whatever has no life in it. It will do you no good. Neither will any other than Jesus Himself. Mary, the Prophets, John, Paul, Peter, whatever, were for a time, and are now in Heaven with God. Just like you will be when you leave. So they can not do anything for you themselves. Let alone their likenesses. 

In the end, your bank account will not save you. Your faith in your job, self, or anything else will not save you. There is only one savior, one mediator between God and us; His name is Jesus. Do you know Jesus? Do you want to? Ask Him. 

Simply "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9.

Remember, you can always check out the vast archive here at TAG

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

Join us next time when we look at the first Idol that many have, but few even know it is an idol. It has power. It can breed hate and division, tear families apart, and completely take over your very identity. What is it?  Politics. 

May the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Philippians Chapter 3

 Philippians 3

Righteousness Through Faith in Christ

1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Straining Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Without God, It Is Too Late

 Without God, Too Late

We are talking about sinners perishing without knowledge. We have already talked about this as a fact, and this is the main reason we are called to share the Gospel. This is our, everyone's, obligation. If they choose not to listen, that is their choice. However, there will come a time when it is too late. 

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, LORD God, we come before you today to learn your truth through Your Word. We are discussing the sad fact that although you are patient and kind, not rushing the end to come in, your hopes that all, or as many as possible, will come to repentance and be saved, there will come a time when this is too late. Please Father, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and a spirit to receive your Word today, in Jesus name, Amen!

Look here.

“Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer. 

They will seek me diligently but will not find me. 

Because they hated knowledge 

and did not choose the fear of the LORD, 

would have none of my counsel

and despised all my reproof,

Therefore, they shall eat the fruit of their way, 

and have their fill of their own devices. 

For the simple are killed by their turning away, 

and the complacency of fools destroys them;

but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease,

without dread of disaster." Proverbs 1:28-33

I was just debating elsewhere about the “End Times.” This is coming. Make no mistake about it. Please, do not get bogged down with worry or any speculation as to when this will happen. Or who the anti-Christ is, rather, simply occupy until he comes. 

This will happen. The end will come. He will be who he is, come when he comes, and Jesus will return when He does. The Day of the Lord will be as real as today, in God’s time. Jesus said this. 

"But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Right there proves EVERYONE wrong who tries to claim this day or that day, etc. Do not fall for the lies.  

“Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake.” 

We are the servants. We are the ones Jesus is saying to stay awake. Keep watch. Be ready. 

Therefore, stay awake--for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning-- lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake." Matthew 13:32-37

Now, is He saying we cannot go to sleep? Of course not. He is saying keep watch. Be ready. Do not be lulled into the sleep of this world so as not to see the signs. To not do the Will of the Father. Not to be the children of God that God wants us to be. 

Are we seeing signs? Absolutely. We are seeing Romans one play out right in front of our eyes. 

“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” 

Anytime you are asked, “But what about those who do not know?” The Word says there is no excuse for not knowing. 

“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools,” 

Remember, the Wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. 

“and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.”

Look around, folks. 

“For this reason, God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.”

Homosexuality- Leviticus 18:1-5, 22-24, 29, Leviticus 20:13, Ezekiel 16:49-51, Romans 1:18-32, just to name a few.

Transgenderism- Deuteronomy 22:5, Romans 1:18-32, 1 Corinthians 11:14-15, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

Pedophilia - Mark 9:42, Luke 17:1-37, 2 Timothy 3:1-17, 1 Corinthians 5:1-6

Beastiality- Leviticus 18:19-30, Exodus 22:19

“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, and malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, and ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” Romans 1

People are being shot for preaching. Churches are being set on fire. People half naked in the streets, literally barking at street preachers, and people asking simple questions. It is getting worse. It will get worse. 

We are seeing a rise in false churches and false teachers, which is fulfilling 2 Timothy 4:3-4. This is where we see the “Itchy Ears” warning playing out.

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” 

A "Sin-free church." Is there such a thing? Sadly, yes. There is a growing number of churches that refuse to teach about sin. Here are some examples of what I would call a "Sin-Free Church."

One that ignores sin.

One that denies sin.

One that glorifies sin.

One that ignores sin.

Have you ever been to a church that gives you half a message? God loves you. He created you. He wants nothing but the best for you. You are good. You are loved. You are perfect the way that the loving God made you. Think of people like Joel Osteen. He is not the only one. Sadly, there are many, many more, and also sadly, it is a growing trend: preachers who get in the pulpit and do nothing but give you affirmations.

One that denies sin.

They claim that sin is not truly sin. We are cautioned about these individuals, as well as those who condone or celebrate sin.

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,

who put darkness for light and light for darkness,

who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20

One that glorifies sin.

If your church or the church you are visiting has a Gay Pastor or a Transgender Pastor. Leave. Get up and walk out. Why?

“By this, it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” 1 John 3:4-10

The time is coming. I would say it is here. In Second Timothy 3

“But understand this, that in the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,”

Here is where even we, as children of God, must be cautious.

“having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:1-7

This is why it is so important to tell people about Jesus. Today is the day, now is the time. If they say, or perhaps you are saying, “I will look into this stuff tomorrow.” The sad truth is that tomorrow may never come.

“Seek the Lord while he may be found;

call upon him while he is near;

let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts;

let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,

and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

Neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts more than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:6-9

What are you going to do when you go to sleep here and wake up standing in the presence of the LORD of Lords, and the KING of Kings? “But I didn’t know.” Not true. “I did not understand.” Not true. “But I did not want to believe it.” Sadly, this is true. “Give me a chance.” I did. I came and died for you. All you had to do was accept my free gift. 

“But I did not believe I had to give up those things I loved. Besides, I did not believe they were sins.” I gave you a life manual. You heard from my Word what is sin and what is not. “But I was offended when they told me, and what makes them right?” I do. My Word does. “But I hate religion.” So do I. Too many man-made doctrines substituted for mine. I wanted a relationship with you. I could not care less if you eat meat on Fridays or take that extra step on the Sabbath. I wanted you. 

“But I did not believe it.” Did you not, though? I gave you every chance. I sent people into your life. I put my Word in front of you in many ways. Inside, that tug, that was me. The desire to stop doing what you knew was wrong was me calling you out. I gave you every chance, you left me no choice but to give you up to your debased mind and hardened heart. Now? Now it is too late. Join them on the left. “But Lord, please. I believe.” Sorry, child, it is too late. You made your choice. ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Do not wait until it is too late. 

Simply "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9.

Remember, you can always check out the vast archive here at TAG

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the peace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. May God bless and be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Philippians Chapter 2

 Chapter 2

Christ's Example of Humility

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Lights in the World

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise, you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy's proven worth, how, as a son with a father, he has served with me in the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed, he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

Why We Are Called to Share The Gospel

 Why did Jesus give us the Great Commission? 

Welcome. Do you know Jesus? He came, lived a sinless life, was stripped, mocked, abused, beaten, and hung on a cross. He was dead, yet rather, He rose on the third day. On the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished.” Meaning He has completed His mission, and the price of sin has been paid. Following the resurrection, He said this. 

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, ‘All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

That was for his disciples. True. That would be you as well. Yes? This is what we will be discussing today. Let us pray. 

LORD God, we come together to hear your Word. To learn your ways. To help each other grow in our faith. Last time we discussed how sinners die without knowledge. How do they get this knowledge? By following your Great Commission. By us sharing your Word. Please help us to see, hear, and understand what you want us to know today, and bless our time together, in Jesus name, Amen! 

Last time we wrapped it up with this. Romans 10:14-21

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” 

Continue in Matthew 

“And how are they to preach unless they are sent?” 

That is you. Jesus just sent you. 

“As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’ But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:14-21

Why does it ever surprise us that those in the world do worldly things? Or those in the flesh, fleshly things? Why does a cat prowl, or a goat bleat? A dog barks? It is what they do. A carnal mind does carnal things. 

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Romans 8:6-8

How do those who have a carnal mind change? How do they realize they are sinners and they require a Savior? It may come down to a short answer. You.  “But I’m not a preacher. I would not know what you say.” Jesus saves. Jesus loves you. Jesus died for you. Show them this in Romans 10

 

“But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

How? 

“For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.”

“What does that mean? That I too can be saved?” Yes

“For ‘everyone’ who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 

Say that with me. “Everyone.” Anyone. All. You, me, them. All. This is why all of God’s children need to be sowers of the seed, tellers of truth, and showers of the way. 

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”

Is that meant to be you? 

“And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” 

How does faith come? By hearing. By someone talking to them and telling them the truth. 

“But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed, they have, for "Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world." Romans 10:8-18

That is you. Or it should be. "Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world." “Again, I am not a pastor, preacher, or evangelist. Sure. I can say to them that they need to believe in Jesus, and they can be saved. What if they ask how it works?” Give them one of the most common of all the passages. John 3:16 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through him.”

“Hey, I saw that at a sporting event.”  Chances are, so did they. It will be familiar. They are now on the same page. But do not stop there. 

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

God does not condemn you. He made it so very simple. So very easy to understand. 

“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:12-13

“So Jesus life, and without Jesus you cannot go to heaven?” Yes. It really is, just that simple. Then go back to John 3, starting at verse 19

“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God." John 3:16-21

“Wow.” Maybe it is not so hard to tell someone the truth. But what if they hate me? What if I lose a friendship or a job, or whatever?” That does not matter. Jesus tells us that whatever we may lose for His sake, we will get back that and then some. Matthew 19:29. If you want to be comforted, read 2 Timothy  1:5-12 

“This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering-- since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.”

This time is coming. It will affect everyone, regardless of whether they believe it. 

“They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”2 Timothy 1:5-12

You may be the only “Jesus” that person ever sees. What are they seeing? What are they hearing you say? What are they watching you do? Is there any difference between you and the rest of the world they know? No pressure, but this moment in time may never be repeated. You perhaps will never see them again, but you do at that moment. Now is the time. Today is the day. Be a sower of the seed. 

There will come a time when it is too late. This is what we will discuss next time. 

Remember, you can always find this, and so much more, in the archives, over at TAG

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the Lord our God go before you as your way maker, as well as behind you as your rear guard, and may He be with you, always. 

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!