Warning Others
Take today’s next step: If you had a chance to share the Gospel today, what would you say? Not sure? We can help with that.
“The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23)
The headline caught my attention: “New law lets drivers warn others of speed traps.” The story went on the explain that flashing your headlights alerting oncoming drivers that police are “lurking” on the roadside will no longer be illegal.
It reminded me of a spiritual parallel that Satan is “lurking” along our life’s pathway ready to pounce on us and it never has been illegal for us as Christians to warn others of oncoming danger. Satan’s charge is far more than a monetary fine and points on our license.
Paul explains it so simply in Romans 6:23. In other words, without the saving grace that comes through Christian salvation, we are eternally condemned to eternal suffering with Satan. It can’t get much more simple than that.
Unfortunately, in this multi-cultured politically correct world many Christians act as if it is wrong to warn others. They don’t want to offend others. If you found a cure for cancer, you would shout it from the rooftop to save the lives of others.
Why are we not excited about sharing the opportunity for eternal life with the God who made us all?
All law must have sanctions. Without sanctions, it would be only advice. It is therefore essential to the distinctive and inherent nature of law that it have sanctions. The sanction of sin is death. It is not a suggestion or advice. It is the law.
How diligent are you about sharing the Gospel with others? Your witness could have immense consequences to the lives of thousands. I am reminded of the great movements throughout history that have begun with a handful of people, many with a sole person.
What our world most desperately needs today is not to be solved economically, scientifically or technologically, but rather morally and spiritually.
Make it a point to flash the lights of God’s Word to all along the way. Tell them that that Satan is “lurking” and ready to pounce. Warn them of the impending danger of worldliness and the healing of salvation that comes through giving their heart and life to Christ. Who knows, the third Great Awakening could begin with you.
I agree that a follower of Jesus needs to guard against being morally arrogant and legalistic. There have been far too many examples of that in the church. But at the same time we see what Jesus message was, “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” (Matthew 4:17) “After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!’” (Mark 1:14-15) “Jesus answered… ‘I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.’” (Luke 13:2,3)
And that is what He has called us to proclaim, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:46-47) We even have the example of the Apostles to point us in the direction of the message we carry. What was Peter’s message on Pentecost? “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:38) Part of Paul’s message to the Athenians was , “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed.” (Acts 17:30-31)
Just because there is a danger of legalism does not mean that we change the message the Jesus has given us to proclaim to people.
we also need to know that we are not called to become lawyers of Jesus Christ… we are not the one who will transform people… that is the work of the Holy Spirit… we only need to share the gospel and love that Jesus gave us… and let God do the transformation of the heart…
Love is what this world needs. This devotion in the hands of most will point people to judge. If Christians would let their love do more of the talking, the world would get a much better reflection of our Savior and be drawn to him. It is about Jesus, not morale correction.