If they are “happy” in this world, and with their lives, why would they want to change? Are we “forcing” people, or manipulating people, to want the gospel? Noah was a preacher of righteousness the Bible says. And people laughed at and mocked Noah as he preached that a flood was coming, a judgement of God, when the people had never even seen rain!! They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage up until Noah entered the Ark (Luke 17:27).
They did not WANT to hear the message of salvation from God’s judgement. They were happy, so why would they want something which would change their happy lives?
Beginning years ago, up until recently, because of Covid (yet I did not choose to stop going) I was ministering to the homeless, bringing hope and light through the gospel. Those who are homeless, who are broken, who are desperate for hope, for answers, for love, for healing…and for SALVATION from this cruel world. They are hungry, thirsty, and looking for, and listening for, the gospel message! Why? Because they have been humbled, and they are willing to put aside their pride, and they are willing to change. TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE FULL OF PRIDE! They are puffed up with wealth, worldly wisdom, education, beauty, popularity, comfort, and with themselves! Personally, I believe we are trying to rescue those who have no interest in being rescued, unless it will benefit their lives here, in this world, somehow. And right there is part of the problem! We have plenty of Sunday Christian’s. Those who believe “part of” the gospel, who go to church, read their Bibles some, but ONLY because they find some temporary comfort, some friendship, fun and laughter, lighthearted, happy sermons about Jesus kindness and friendliness. A Jesus who desires them to be happy and healthy in this life and to better their lives now! This is what I see around me.
These verses popped into my mind and I believe they could speak to our current situation and generation of Christian’s…”I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough….” (2 Cor. 11:3-4).
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:6-8).
And so, as we head towards the end, may we continue to encourage one another to stand firm, to not shrink in fear at the coming threat, to continue to “look up,” to be bold, to love, to advance the gospel wherever the Lord leads us. To not sorrow (to the point of compromise) that we cannot save everyone. That many will not come. That many are not interested in salvation. We cannot live like it is our responsibility to change hearts or to save someone. We simply are the vessel used by God. If we are walking with Him, if we are available and willing and prayerful, He will use us. But tell the truth, in love, meaning, with compassion. But allow them to deal with the effect of the truth. In other words, tell the truth and put the consequences in the Lord’s hands.
Lastly, may this be our testimony: “But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word,” (2 Cor. 4:2). Therefore, Let us declare the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help us God! Amen.
Aletheia: Truth in the Darkness 