The Question Of Salvation: The Danger Zone
For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Matthew 24:38-39 (NKJV)
Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Matthew 24:44 (NKJV)
The Gospels are all about Jesus- and His ministry. The King teaches by simple Do’s and Don’ts. He teaches by quoting well-known prophets. He teaches by intriguing Parables. He teaches by Personal Example,
His new Covenant carries promises and penalties beyond human reason. Our eyes must close and our hearts must open… to receive His teachings by the Spirit.
Because of our Lord’s passionate desire that all people should 'Be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth' (see 1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9), He warns us against deadly behaviors that may bring our future into question... including:
Despising the heartfelt dreams of others: 'But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire' (Matthew 5:22). 'For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned' (Matthew 12:37).
Returning to your old life before Christ: 'No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God' (Luke 9:62). 'He says, 'I will return to my house from which I came'... and the last state of that man is worse than the first' (Luke 11:24-26).
Harboring unforgiveness for others: 'And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses' (Matthew 18:34-35).
Causing a child (in age or faith) to sin: 'Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea' (Matthew 18:6).
Loving money more than God and neighbors: 'And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God' (Matthew 19:24).
Hoarding money, supplies, or possessions: 'God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God' (Luke 12:20-21).
Ignoring any beggar at your gates: ' 'I am tormented in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented' ' (Luke 16:24-25).
The Question Of Salvation: The Danger Zone (Part 8)
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.