RECIPE FOR GREATNESS SERIES 10 – BRIDGE THE GAP
Let us delve into the scriptures together this morning as we explore the profound teachings found in the book of Ezekiel, specifically chapter 3. In this chapter, starting from verse 16, we are presented with a powerful message that emphasizes the importance of delivering warnings to the wicked. The passage highlights the role of Ezekiel as a watchman for the house of Israel, entrusted by God to convey His word and provide guidance to the people. The message is clear – if a warning is not given to the wicked, their blood will be required at the hands of the watchman.
The scripture from Ezekiel chapter 3 underscores the gravity of the responsibility placed upon those who are called to deliver God’s message. It emphasizes the necessity of speaking out against wickedness and providing guidance to those who are straying from the path of righteousness. The passage serves as a reminder that failing to warn the wicked of their ways can have dire consequences, as their blood will be on the hands of the watchman who remained silent. It is a call to action for all believers to boldly proclaim the truth and stand firm in their faith.
As we reflect on the teachings from Ezekiel chapter 3, we are reminded of the importance of obedience and faithfulness in delivering God’s message to the world. The passage serves as a sobering reminder that we are called to be watchmen, speaking out against sin and guiding others towards the path of righteousness. It is a message of accountability and responsibility, urging us to take our role seriously and to boldly proclaim the truth, even in the face of opposition. Let us heed the words of Ezekiel and strive to break the gap between the wicked and the righteous, delivering God’s message with courage and conviction.
In Luke 7, verse 31, the Lord addresses the people of his generation, questioning what he should compare them to. He likens them to children sitting in the marketplace, calling out to each other, saying “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you, and you did not weep.” This comparison highlights the fickle and unresponsive nature of the people of that time. The Lord goes on to contrast the behavior of John the Baptist, who came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and was labeled as a demon, with his own behavior, as the Son of Man, who came eating and drinking, and was accused of being a glutton and a winebibber. Despite the unjust accusations, the Lord emphasizes that wisdom is justified by the actions of those who truly understand.
Throughout history, Jesus was given various titles, such as “Son of Man” and “Son of David.” Notably, Blind Bartimaeus referred to him as “Son of David” when he cried out for mercy and received healing. The passage in Luke 7 underscores the tendency of people to label and name others, often without understanding or justification. One of the most significant titles given to Jesus was “friend of sinners.” This designation prompts reflection on whether being called a friend of sinners in the present age would be considered a positive or negative association. This thought-provoking question invites believers to examine their own understanding and beliefs, especially in the context of the New Testament.
As believers, particularly in the New Testament era, two essential aspects are highlighted in this passage. Firstly, the comparison made by the Lord in Luke 7 serves as a reminder of the fickle nature of human behavior and the tendency to judge and label others. Secondly, the significance of being called a “friend of sinners” prompts introspection and examination of one’s own beliefs and actions. This passage encourages believers to consider the implications of such a title and to reflect on the compassionate and inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry. It challenges individuals to embody the qualities of a true friend, especially to those who may be marginalized or considered outcasts. The passage in Luke 7 thus serves as a thought-provoking and instructive guide for believers, urging them to embody wisdom and compassion in their interactions with others.
A believer’s life is expected to align with the teachings of God, as outlined in the Bible. The Great Commandment, as explained by Jesus, emphasizes the importance of loving God with all your heart, mind, and soul, as well as loving your neighbor as yourself. This commandment is considered the greatest of all, and Jesus himself stated that the entire Old Testament rests on these two principles. By following these commandments, one can ensure that they are in harmony with the teachings of the Bible and the prophets.
Additionally, the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28 instructs believers to spread the gospel, baptize others, and teach them to obey God’s commandments. This commission is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith, as it emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of God’s love and salvation with others. By fulfilling the Great Commission, believers can actively participate in spreading the word of God and fulfilling their role as followers of Christ.
As a New Testament Christian, it is essential to regularly assess one’s relationship with God and their commitment to following His commandments. By ensuring that one’s actions are guided by love for God and others, believers can avoid disobeying the laws outlined in the Bible, such as not coveting or harming others. The Great Commandment and the Great Commission serve as foundational principles for Christian living, guiding believers in their spiritual journey and encouraging them to share the message of God’s love with the world. By adhering to these teachings, believers can fulfill their purpose as followers of Christ and make a positive impact on those around them.
It is a common tendency for individuals to avoid discussing the topics of heaven and hell, despite the fact that they have been considered real since the beginning of time. As one progresses in their spiritual journey, there may come a point where the concepts of heaven and hell do not hold as much significance. This could be due to a deep-rooted belief that one is destined for heaven, leading to a sense of complacency. However, this sense of assurance can be misleading, as it may result in a lack of motivation to stay aligned with one’s faith.
The importance of understanding and internalizing the teachings of Jesus, as stated in John 14 verse 6, cannot be overstated. Jesus proclaimed himself as the way, the truth, and the life, emphasizing that salvation can only be attained through him. It is crucial for individuals to not only believe in this truth for themselves but also to share it with others. Failing to do so may result in missed opportunities to guide those around us towards the path of righteousness.
The reality of life beyond this earthly existence is a fundamental aspect of many religious beliefs. The concept of eternal damnation, or hell, serves as a reminder that our actions in this life have eternal consequences. By acknowledging the existence of a spiritual realm and the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness, individuals can strive to lead a life that is in accordance with their faith. It is imperative to remember that the teachings of Jesus offer a path to salvation, and those who do not follow this path may face eternal separation from God.
It is a fundamental belief that God did not create man for hell, but rather for heaven. However, when man chooses to engage in sinful activities, he becomes a candidate for hell. Sin is seen as a departure from God’s will and leads individuals away from the path to heaven. Therefore, it is essential for individuals to be mindful of their actions and strive to live a life in accordance with God’s teachings to avoid the consequences of sin.
People often come into our lives not by mere chance, but rather by divine intervention. It is believed that God orchestrates the steps of individuals, guiding them towards certain connections and relationships. Therefore, when someone consistently shows kindness or friendship towards us, it may not be a coincidence. It is important to be open to these interactions and allow God to work through us to impact the lives of others positively.
Despite the outward appearance of contentment and success, individuals without Christ are considered to be lost and headed for eternal separation from God. Jesus emphasized in John 14 that He is not just a way, but the way to the Father. This exclusivity of Christ as the path to salvation is reiterated in Matthew 16 when Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. It is through this revelation that the foundation of the church is built, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Jesus as the ultimate truth and savior.
It is crucial for us to recognize that God orchestrates the people who come into our lives with the intention of using us as instruments to lead them to the truth. A thought-provoking question arises –
if you were the sole Christian on Earth, would God be able to rely on you to bring one more soul to salvation,
or would the entire population face eternal damnation? Some individuals live their lives with a self-centered mindset, solely focusing on their personal relationship with God and their own needs, neglecting the responsibility of reaching out to others. As followers of Christ, our discipleship is incomplete unless it is founded on three fundamental pillars.
The foundation of discipleship begins with following Jesus, making a personal commitment to accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Subsequently, it extends to fellowshipping with fellow believers, transitioning from a personal faith to a communal one. The concept of a solitary disciple is nonexistent in the Bible – discipleship thrives on connection and community. Lastly, disciples are called to be fishers of men, actively engaging in the Great Commission to spread the gospel and win souls for Christ. These three components – follow, fellowship, and fish – form the essence of discipleship and are indispensable in the life of a true follower of Jesus.
To truly embody discipleship, one must embrace the threefold approach of following Jesus, fellowshipping with believers, and engaging in evangelism. Jesus Himself called His disciples to be fishers of men, emphasizing the importance of actively reaching out to others with the message of salvation. As Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that desperately needs His love and grace. Therefore, in order to effectively share the good news and fulfill the Great Commission, we must adopt the mindset of being a friend to sinners and actively engage with those around us, demonstrating the love and compassion of Christ in all that we do.
It is essential to understand that although we are living in this world, we are not defined by the standards and values of this world. However, this does not mean that we should isolate ourselves from the world around us. On the contrary, as believers, it is crucial for us to engage with others in the world in order to share the love and message of God. This connection with others allows us to be a light in the darkness, guiding those who may not yet know God’s grace and mercy.
In the story of Jesus and the harlot in Luke 7, we see a powerful example of how Jesus interacted with those who were considered outcasts by society.
Despite the judgmental attitudes of his disciples, Jesus showed compassion and acceptance towards the woman, demonstrating the importance of reaching out to those who are far from God. His open and welcoming demeanor created an environment where even the most unlikely individuals felt drawn to him, breaking down barriers and stereotypes.
As members of the church, it is crucial for us to reflect the same attitude of acceptance and love towards those who may not fit the traditional mold of a believer. Instead of shunning or judging others based on their appearance or beliefs, we should strive to build relationships with them and share the message of God’s love. By staying connected with those who are still seeking faith, we have the opportunity to be a positive influence in their lives and lead them towards a deeper understanding of God’s grace and forgiveness. Let us remember that we are called to be in the world, but not of the world, and to remain connected with all people, regardless of their background or beliefs.
I make a conscious effort to interact with people without immediately revealing that I am a pastor. I believe that by doing so, it allows for a more genuine connection to form without any preconceived notions or barriers. I have noticed that when people find out that I am a pastor right away, they tend to put up their guard, and it becomes more difficult to establish a meaningful relationship. Therefore, I prefer to first build a strong foundation of friendship and trust before disclosing my profession, as I believe this approach allows for God to work through me more effectively in touching the hearts of others.
By taking the time to develop a genuine connection with others before revealing my role as a pastor, I hope to create an environment where people feel comfortable and open to receiving God’s message. I have found that when individuals are aware of my profession from the beginning, they may be hesitant to engage in meaningful conversations or may feel judged. Therefore, I strive to establish a sense of warmth and trust before sharing my faith, as I believe this approach allows for a more authentic and impactful exchange of ideas and beliefs.
In my efforts to connect with others, I encourage those around me to reach out to unbelievers and befriend them.
I believe that by forming genuine friendships with those who may not share our beliefs, we can create opportunities for God’s love and message to be shared in a meaningful and impactful way. By fostering genuine connections and friendships, we can create an environment where individuals feel valued and accepted, ultimately allowing for God’s love to shine through.