Where In The World Are You?

Where in the world are you?

John 10:10

GLGsr.

In the movie “Schindler’s List”, the main character, Oskar Schindler was burdened with saving as many of the Polish Jews as he possibly could. Though he managed to save over 1100, At the end he is still burdened. He begins to run countless “What If” scenarios through his mind. “ What If I would have sold my ring, I could have gotten 50 more out”. He becomes very distraught over the fact that he did not do more. Sadly, we can’t sell anything nor do we have to, to “Save” those in the world around us from an eternity spent in Hell. And yet there seems to be little emphasis on the necessity of salvation in the world today, even among many churches. I read an article in yesterday’s paper about a nationally renowned pastor. In his opinon, he has basically been called and gifted to encourage people. While I agree that encouragement is a gift that needs to be shared, I believe that the most important thing we do is share our faith. As the scripture says, “What profit it a man if he should gain the whole world and lose in own soul. In God’s eyes, as far as eternity is concerned, there are only two kinds of people. Those who are lost and those who are saved.

We lack the ability to see into the heart of man. Only God can do that. We can only see the outward appearance. Only you and God know whether you are saved or not. In the world we live in today, I believe we have at least four groups of people as it relates to their salvation. This morning I want to share them with you.

I. Those who know they are saved-1 John 5:13

a. Obviously this is the group you want to be in.

b. Our opening text tells us that Jesus came that we might have the fullness of life.

c. John’s letter tells us that we can know we are saved.

d. Those who are saved enjoy the abundant life.

e. Does not mean an abundance of possessions, but the ability to enjoy life.

f. We are able to enjoy because we have the peace that passes all understanding.

g. Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus and His Righteousness.

h. Or to quote Paul, “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

i. It is a joyful thing to know you are saved.

j. Every part of your life is viewed against the backdrop of eternity.

k. You are joint Heirs with Jesus.

l. You have the promise of something amazingly superlative to what you now enjoy.

m. Regardless of your current circumstances.

n. It is truly a Joy to Know you are saved.

o. And the word of God tells us we can “Know” we are saved.

p. And when we know we are saved, we have the opportunity to share all the benefits made available to us through the Lord Jesus Christ.

q. We can enjoy “Life at it’s fullest”

II. Those who think they are saved-Matthew 7:21-23

a. This is probably the most dangerous of all conditions.

b. The word tells us that their will be those who think because they have done some “Godly” things, they are saved.

c. Bro. Charles made an excellent point in our Sunday School lesson last Sunday.

d. God’s math shows us that it is good possibility that at least half of the folks in the world when Jesus returns will be lost. (Matthew 24:41-43)

e. It says two men will be in the field and one will be raptured and one left behind.

f. Two women will be grinding at the mill, one will be raptured and one left behind.

g. These groups of people being at least acquaintances of some sort leads me to believe that they would at least have been exposed to the Gospel by the one who is raptured away.

h. There are a great number of people in the world today who think they are saved for any number of reasons.

i. But the word tells us that they will be known by the fruit that they bear.

j. Were you changed from the inside out when you were saved.

k. Are you a new creation.

l. Or did you just say a few words in a prayer and continue on with your life as before.

m. The reason this is the most dangerous condition is because it keeps millions from ever really entering into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

n. They think they have some “Fire Insurance”.

o. But they have no “fruit”, no proof of their salvation.