FOR THE LOVE OF GOD
TEXT:
Ezekiel 3:18:When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
INTRODUCTION:
Friends, today we are going to embark on a series of messages called, "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD". Now most people use that phrase in a tone of disrespect for God; however, in this series we will look at forgotten issues of christian responsibility. The verse for todays message should give way to our topic; however, I am affraid that even our text for this morning may not even reveal our forgotten responsibility of soul winning. Now before I even start I know I’ve lost at least half of the congregation, nonetheless, it is our duty before God to be soul winners. Who here can argue with Ezekiel 3:18 and its call to warn the wick (unsaved). We will focus our attention on how to do what we are called to do and not so much on trying to convince you of your responsibility. For if this verse doesn’t speak for itself then you are just no listening. This morning we will open our bibles together and cover every aspect of what you need to know and what to show others in God’s word in order to lead them to Jesus. I hope you have a heart for God in this lesson because this is a topic satan will really try to destroy before the message gets out. Yesterday I typed this entire sermon only to lose it while trying to save it on my computer. Friends that had to be satan. I almost said forget it but believe God touched my heart to get you this important message. We are in the last days everyone, I am sure you all have loved ones that are not saved. That means they are going to hell if you don’t do something. Now you say preacher that was mean, but listen time is short messures have to be drastic in order to get through to all of you. With all that said please in God’s name and for the LOVE OF GOD BE A SOUL WINNER.
I. For the Love of God so them they are lost Romans 3:10 and 3:23
3:10-as it is written there is none righteous no not one
3:23-for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God
Loved ones, friends, family, visitors listen to me! every single person on this planet is a sinner. From the Pope to the Pew. From the Preacher to the parishsioner all have sinned. The first step in leading someone to Jesus is showing them they are lost. Amazing grace how sweet the sound I once was lost lost, but now I am found. We are working on getting these people, loved ones found but they cannot be found until they realize they are lost. So heres what happens: you get a hold of that teenager of yours or that husband and saw honey I love you with all my heart would you please give me five minutes to show you something out of God’s word. You pray until you get them to say yes. Once they agree to listen you want to open up your bible to Romans 3:10 and 3:23 and you tell them that you as well as the one you love is lost and undone without Jesus. Church does not save you neither does money. Every one of us was born without Jesus and without Jesus we are lost. If you really want to see what you look like without Jesus I suggest you read Ezekiel 16 the whole chapter; however, I would reccommend while trying to lead someone to the Lord you stay in one book of the Bible so you don’t confuse them.
II. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD SHOW THEM THE PRICE FOR SIN
Once you have made it clear that your loved one is lost without Jesus you need to take them to Romans 6:23 and let them read where it say, "For the wages of sin is death..." friends there is nothing in this life free and sin is no different. When I am out talking with people about Jesus and am able to get them to sit down I use an illustration of window shopping. Everyone likes to window shop when they have a few dollars in their pocket. But listen you can window shop until you turn blue in the face and develope vericos vains from walking to much but if you don’t have the money in your pocket you are going home empty handed. God warned the soul that sins shall surely die. In Romans 6:23 when God says for the wages of sin is death he is speaking of eternal separation from God and that separation is because you are in hell when you die, and in life there is a wall that separates you from your God. Until that wall comes down they will never fully understand God’s word. Friend! you have loved ones in this state. Wouldn’t you like for a stranger who lives next door to that loved one in another state to go and knock on your sons door and share God’s word with them and lead them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. You need to read Luke chapter 16 the rich man and Lazerus. The rich man was in hell praying that Abraham would allow Lazerus to go to the rich man’s family and warn them of the place called hell. If God would roll back the floor beneath your feet if he removed the scale from youe eyes so you could see the eternal unresting place of those without the Lord you would sleep less and win souls more. You surely would like someone to help you win the souls of your loved ones you can’t reach so too there is someone out there praying to God that you would do the same for them. Any day now no any second in a moment in the twinkling of an eye Christ could return wake up wake up and tell them of Jesus.
III. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD SHOW THEM THE GIFT
Romans 6:23 where we left off says: ...but the gift of God is eternal life though Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:8 says that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Do you realize it was ne accident that Jesus died for us. He knew exactly what was going to happen before it did. For that reason He was born. Had he not died you would still be lost in your tresspasses and sins. listen his free gift Now I said earlier that nothing is free. you sin you go to hell unless you pay the price oh wait! If you go to hell you can’t come back! wait a cotton picken minute now how could you say something like that? Friends that is exactly what Jesus did. He died for your sins my sins, went to hell and three day latter rose from the dead because unlike you and me hell could not hold him. Do you really realize that it was God who died for you. Wow! can you even comprehend that: God died for You! I said it was a gift and I did not lie there is something you have to do to get it. Look at Romans 10:9 that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved. So yes your must with your heart bow your head turn from your wicked ways ask Jesus to save you and come in and lead you. Don’t leave them here you come this far.
At this point you ask them if they would like to ask Jesus into their hearts. Tell them you will pray with them and lead them in what they should say. Bow your head and pray just like you would be asking Jesus into your heart not going to fast and stopping every sentence giving them a chance to repeat after you. Once they pray congradulate them hug them if they are family. Invite them to church ensure they get into church before satan come along and he will.
CONCLUSSION:
Friends that is all there is to it. Once you do this a few time its will come second nature. One day you will be leading someone to the Lord you will have your head bowed praying then you will look up and see them crying asking Jesus in telling Jesus they love him. I didn’t know Jesus I didn’t know I am so sorry Lord please forgive me. I have seen it Glory to GOD!!!!!What a wonderful feeling what a wonderful day Jesus what a precious name. You hate the thought of this now if you do it one day you will thank me. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON’T LET SATAN STEAL THIS MESSAGE.
