December 2 You Believe What? Isaiah 9:6
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
“What do you do for a living?” I answered that I was a Pastor. “What exactly do you believe?” This was a question that was asked of me, just a few weeks ago, by a young man that I was talking to in the Food Lion. I could tell that he was curious and as I shared the Good News of Jesus Christ with him, he became more intrigued and he had more questions. This young man, the more that he talked, was confused and “Lost!” Lost, that is, did not know Jesus in forgiveness, but he was lost in every other measure. This young man opened up to me about the trials and struggles of his recent past and how his entire attitude has changed towards, what he called, “Organized Religion!” Trying to “lighten” the somber and depressing mood, I told him that I was neither “Organized, nor Religious!” “Aren’t you the Pastor?” “Yes, I am the Pastor, however, I am not religious, I am FORGIVEN!” He was really intrigued now… He began to inquire about various things and I could tell that this boy had been led astray. I allowed him to just ramble on about his missed opportunities and doubts and confusion; then he turned to me and said, “Can you help me?” I responded, “Absolutely!” I shared the “Roman Road (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 6:23b, Romans 10:9)… of witnessing, with him and added John 3:16 and waited for his response. “It’s that simple? That can’t be! The church that I was attending had a lot more to being a member, than that!” He went on to ask why that I wasn’t religious. I simply told him that I am under grace not the law. I cannot be good enough to claim any position with God, on any level. Only through the Blood of Jesus, shed for our sins, can we ever hope to attain His Grace and forgiveness. I shared John 3:16, His Love, Our Sinfulness, His Forgiveness…He would not commit to receiving Jesus, that day, however, I am fully satisfied that this young man is going to be a “Forgiven” believer really soon! I am making a habit of dropping in at the Food Lion, anticipating our meeting! Are you sure of what you Believe? Can you share your convictions and your own conversion experience with others? What do you believe? Are you living it out, in your actions, personally and publically? The reality is clear! If we are not sharing the Good News, it may not be real to us, or it may not be good, to us! Either way, it requires some rededication, recommitment and willingness to Proclaim His Good News! Remember… “YOU GOT TO KNOW IT TO SHOW IT, AND TELL IT TO SELL IT! Stay Strong, Stay Focused….THE BEST IS YET TO BE!