Beholding His Glory ~ Pastor Bill Slabaugh

What is it about the tiny nation of Israel, historically and even now, that makes it incur the wrath and hatred of most of the peoples of the world? The Bible gives us the reason why Israel’s Arab neighbors and the Muslim word are intent on wiping Israel off the face of the earth. We see the reason for the Nazi Holocaust, the reason for the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, the reason for Islamic terrorism and Jihad, and in the Bible we also see the reason for the Palestinian problem today.

This message takes back to the beginning, back to Genesis, and takes us back to Abraham, the father of faith where the whole problem began.

When it comes to the gospel of salvation, why don’t some people get it? Upon hearing the gospel, why don’t they believe?  The answer to these kinds of questions lies in the reason that Jesus spoke in parables. And the reason Jesus spoke in parables might be a surprise to you. It might not be what you have thought or have been taught. Listen to the message to see the insightful reason as to why Jesus taught in parables.

If you pay any attention to the news, you’ve no doubt felt at times that the world is out of control and that the bad guys are winning. You see the horrors of terrorism, war, and natural disasters that wipe out thousands. You hear about school shootings and all kinds of shootings. And you hear about terrible crimes toward little children.  You read about corruption in government both here and abroad. You hear about the horrible persecution of Christians throughout the world. The list goes on and on.

Sometimes it can be discouraging and depressing to the point that you wonder whether God is really in charge of world events. But in spite of all these things, Romans chapter 11 shows us that God is in charge and that His promises and His purpose will not fail.

Why Some Are Lost

 Why is it that some people believe the Gospel message and are saved; and some do not believe it and are not saved?  Why so some receive Christ when they hear the Gospel and why do some reject Him?

 Romans chapter 11:18-21 deals with these questions and also shows us what the excuses are for unbelief.

Why is it that some hear the gospel and believe, but many hear the gospel and do not believe?

As you listen to this message think about this quote from Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones, “All hearing of the gospel does not lead to faith. You can hear the gospel and still have no faith. The offer made to all is not effective or efficacious to all.”