November 13
Ezek 27:1-28:26 | PS 111:1-10 | Prov 27:15-16 | Heb 11:17-31
We make choices constantly. More often than not, we choose comfort and non-confrontation, we choose those things that we like and that will make others like us, rather than those things which God would have us choose. If you were in a building engulfed in flames and you knew for certain the only way out of this building, and your loved ones, friends, neighbors, and co-workers were in that building, what would you do? I would think that you would scream, grab, do whatever was necessary to direct them to that one way out. If they thought they knew a different way, or didn't seem to care about the flames, you wouldn't remain quiet simply not to ruffle any feathers. Now, realize there is only one way to heaven, that being through Jesus Christ. Yet, few of those loved ones in your life realize this. Most choose not to share the gospel message at all. Others will state that they tried once or twice, but their loved one was not interested and might have even gotten annoyed. Many choose to pray for them, rather than share with them. Praying is done in quiet often and offends no one. But is this what you would do in the burning building? Would you let them continue deeper into the flames and pray for them? We really need to examine ourselves and decide how important and real eternity is vs. our comforts on planet earth.
We read the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." We see how to please God in 11:6, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." As we move through God's Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11, realize that each of these individuals made difficult choices in faith. We read in 11:8, "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." Abraham moved from the metropolis of Ur, leaving everything behind to go to a place that he didn't know, over 700 miles away. He chose correctly. In 11:7, Noah chose to build that ark, even though it must have seemed foolish to him and to those around him, building such a large sea vessel in the middle of dry land. Moses' parents in 11:23 chose to disregard the Pharaoh's edict punishable by death to preserve Moses. We see that Moses willingly abandoned his position and wealth to follow God in 11:24-25, "By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,", and he also chose to follow God even though it might cost him his life in 11:27, "By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible."
We must choose God. We must not be ashamed of Him before others. We must seek Him and His kingdom more than everything else on earth. We read in Hebrews 11:13-16, "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them." Yes, pray. Prayers are a sweet aroma to God. But this must be done in addition to, not in lieu of sharing the gospel message, the only way of salvation. Don't worry about numbers. Isn't even one life brought out of that burning building worth it?
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: