Jesus came to those “in need of a physician.” They knew they were in need. The self-righteous are in eminent danger of an eternity filled with torment. Hebrews 2:3 – How will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Hebrews 3:7 – today if you hear His voice. Hebrews 3:13, 3:15, 4:7 – Today! We must respond today. There is an urgency. 1 Kings 18:21 – how long will you hesitate? Some people “play” at church – they do not have a real love for the Lord, a trust and obedience. Today – what is so important about today? (1) There is no guarantee of tomorrow. Death can come suddenly and without warning. There was recently a local man who, just minutes after he went forward to accept Christ, he went back to his seat and fell down, dead. For him, there was just four minutes between heaven and hell. (2) There is no guarantee of another opportunity. There is no guarantee you’ll ever hear God’s voice again – that convicting presence of the Holy Spirit where we are confronted with our own sinfulness. If you hear – come, repent, believe. There is no escape, no other Savior. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. There is only one gate, one door; it is straight, narrow, and few find it. To not respond – is a decision. Every time you say no to God’s mercy, it is easier to say “no” the next time. Hebrews 3:8, do not harden your heart. Do not be like Esau, Hebrews 12:15-17, an immoral man, who sought for salvation with tears, but he had no repentance. To the church – do we sense an urgency or are we willing to let the world around us “go to hell in a hand basket” -- that’s exactly what our lackadaisical honoring of Christ and living for Christ amounts to. 1 Peter 3:15 – sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks, with gentleness and reverence. It’s all about submission; make known the truths of scripture. Today, don’t harden your heart. Say yes and come in faith in repentance - today.
Passages Discussed: Hebrews 2:3, 3:13, 3:15, 4:7; 1 Kings 18:21, Hebrews 12:15-17