Do you have a job? Is there some chore you’re expected to do regularly? What would happen if you didn’t do it or didn’t show up for work for a week or two? Do you think your boss would be happy? Do you think the person standing in for you would be happy doing your work as well as his or her own, possibly without any additional compensation?
The nation of Israel was obedient and disobedient to God at various times. God had given them a job description called the Torah. The religious leaders from early times wrote commentary after commentary and argument after argument until for the most part, they disregarded the word of God and followed the traditions and teachins of these commentators.
When Jesus came to lead them back into the light, these chosen people denied Him. Ultimately God gave the
gospel to all the people of the world including you and me. Have you been abdigating your calling? Are you following God; or are you one of those who thinks, "God
is O.K., but I’ll handle this or that situation on my own.
We’ve had a piano in our home for as long as I can remember. The children played in their youth, but it’s been silent for years. My wife dusts it off regularly. She displays family pictures and various trinkets she’s collected over the years on it. It really adds to the character of that room. A few weeks ago she told me that she polished the keys, yet the piano remained silent yet.
We hold our home Bible study in that room. One day a visitor came who just sat down at the piano, and brought that old piano back to life with her musical gift.
Many of us are like that old piano. We’re all clean and looking good on the outside, but not accomplishing our purpose in life. Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would pour out His life for you and me (see 53:12), and we know He did. Paul also allowed himself to be used by God through trial and temptation (see 1Cor. 15:8-11). And the fact is, unless you’ve gone through something, you don’t have much of anything to share with others regarding God’s grace and mercy.
Many people willingly follow Christ whenHe offers rest, but are less than willing to become servants of all as He did (see Matt. 11:28-29). Christ calls those that are His to service, and those of you who want to effectively work in service to our loving God, will be willing not only to wash their friends feet, but will be willing to die a martyr’s death if it would result in one more soul being saved.
I. Peter calls out to us, as he did on the Day of Pentecost. He said, "The promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all who are afar off,...(Acts 2:39). The church began with the 3000 which were saved on the Day of Pentecost, and I’m preaching the same message of salvation to you today. Jesus is the very Messiah spoken of by the prophets.
A. Christ calls out through family relationships. We are responsible for passing passing on a knowledge yearning for God to our children (see Prov. 22:6). And we are to love our mates as Christ loves His Church (see Eph. 5:22-6:4). If we train them to love God early
on, our children will grow up loving Him and they will be good examples of Christ to everyone they meet. They’ll be a testimony. Are you a testimony?
B. Christ calls out through lifes events. Paul had to be knocked on his butt and blinded before he acknowledged Christ Jesus as Lord (see Acts 9:1-18). How long will you fight the obvious? God is sovereign, weather you like it or not. God loves us all the same. He chastens those He loves until they call out to Him as Savior and Father. Have you recieved Him as your Savior and Lord?
C. Christ calls out to others through us. 1Peter 4:11 says, "If any man speak, let him spesk as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." Are you an instrument of God? Who are you serving? You’re either saved or you’re not saved. When Jesus comes for His Church, will you be lifted out; or left out?
II. Christianity is a way of life. Christians are those who are called to follow Jesus. "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10). Does your walk or your talk betray you? Salvation is between you and God, but be assured, people are watching you. What kind of an example are you setting?
A. We are to live Christ, not just talk about Him. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2Cor. 5:17). If you’re saved, you even think differently.
B. Christians are open and above board in all their affairs. "Let you communication be, yea, yea; nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil" (Matt. 5:37). Christians can be trusted all the time. Are you a Christian?
C. Weather at work or play we should always remember that if we’ve told anyone that you’re a Christian, you can be sure they’re watching you. Are you walking what you’ve been ralking?
D. Make no mistake. The day is coming soonwhen each of us will stand in before a righteous God who will judge us. When He asks you, "on what basis should I allow you to enter my heaven," how will you answer? Will you stutter and stammer, or will you know how to answer? Do you have the Key to the kingdom?
III. Don’t you know God is calling you today? God has been calling out to mankind in every generation.
A. Romans 12:1 says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." This is an appeal to you that you dedicate your life to God’s work. Are you willing? Are you sure? The fields are ready to be harvested. Are you in the field (see John 4:35).
B. Don’t you know that because Jesus did everything necessary to satisfy the law that Christians are freed from? Don’t you know that He became the sacrifice for you, and that if He’s your Savior and Lord, you can tell God at the judgment, "I can come into heaven because Jesus died for me and I accepted Him as my Savior and Lord."
C. Jesus said, "If you love me, you’ll keep my words, and my Father will love (you), and we will come unto (you), and make our abode with (you)" (John 14:23). Are you on the job or not?
God called the apostles to greatness. He took a small group of ordinary people and used them mightily. There was nothing at all special about any of them; but God called them into service.
God is calling out to you today. The Bible is the job description for Christian living. It’s God’s invitation to you and me today. Won’t you come. Will you give your life to God in Christ’s name right now? I say again, Come.
