Romans 6:23 The evil and suffering we see and experience in our world is the sad and deadly fruit of sin. It’s easy to compare ourselves to others, but the truth is, we’ve all sinned. Sin is in our hearts, that’s why we break God’s commandments. Sin condemns us and separates us from God.
Thank God, he loved us so much that he gave his Son to rescue us from sin and death. Jesus paid for our sins as he suffered and died on the cross. Three days later, he arose from the grave and is now in heaven. The Lord is the only one who can change our hearts and cleanse us of sin. Have you believed in Jesus as your Lord with your heart?
Under the Lord’s authority, we are to lead the way for others to believe in Jesus and follow him. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Five times in these verses, Paul said he related to different people, to win different people to Jesus. Relating to people often requires listening to them, getting to know them. We can relate to people in our common need of forgiveness, our struggles, fears, questions, our joys, and sorrows. With God’s help, we lead the way to Jesus by example 1 Corinthians 9:27.
On several occasions, Jesus spoke of the “many” to make us aware of the great need. Matthew 7:13, 14 Jesus is the door to salvation. He is the way, the truth, and life.
Matthew 7:21-23 How tragic. Many think they are right with God because they do religious deeds, good deeds. People may know about God, but not really know God.
Lead the way with:
- Truth Matthew 24:3-14
Many are deceived. Why are many on the way to destruction? Why do many trust their good deeds for right- eousness with God? Deception. 24:4, 5 Jesus said, God’s word is truth. It’s the truth we know & believe that makes us free. 24:10, 11 Deception causes many to be offended, to fall away, hate one another. Truth overcomes deception. We must speak the truth, but we must speak it in love.
2. Love Matthew 24:13-14
Will we love God and love others enough to lead the way? 24:12 The love of many will grow cold. The word for love here refers to God’s love. As believers, we need to be aware, and constantly check our hearts, because we are seeing lawlessness abound or increase.
Is my heart growing cold, hard? 24:13 Faith in God, and love, help us endure.
Jesus looked at the multitudes with compassion. He saw them as lost, as sheep without a shepherd Matthew 9:36-38. If we see people as the enemy, we will look at them with anger or hatred, rather than compassion. Matthew 24:14 The good news of God’s reign will be proclaimed to all the nations.
In widespread deception, we shine the light of truth, God’s word.
We overcome widespread offense and hatred with the love of God’s Spirit in our hearts.
Transformation comes one heart and life at a time. Are you a follower of Jesus? By God’s grace, will you lead the way for others to follow Jesus too?