My Brothers,
I want to say I love you all. I know there are many things we will not all agree on, that is OK. I know this approach it not liked or accepted by most of the American Church. But let us look at where this example comes from:
Jesus:
“Repent for the kingdom of Heaven is near.”
-Matthew 4:17
“The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news”
-Mark 1:15
“Unless you repent you too will perish.”
-Luke 13:3
“…such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”
-John 15:6
John the Baptist: (remember he was to “prepare the way” for Jesus)
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
-Matthew 3:2
"The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."
-Matthew 3:10
"His (Jesus') winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will clear the threshing floor, gathering His wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
-Matthew 3:12
He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
-Luke 3:3
John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
-Luke 3:7-8
The Disciples:
They went out and preached that people should repent
-Mark 6:12
(After telling the crowd they are the ones who nailed Jesus to the cross) “Repent and be baptized, everyone one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”
-Acts 2:38
(Once again right after Peter tells a crowd that they killed Jesus) “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out…”
-Acts 3:19
“…He (God) commands all people everywhere to repent. For He has set a day when He will judge the world…”
-Acts 17:30-31
The Prophets: (It would take forever to list all the references from the prophets of God)
Repent! Turn from your idols…
-Ezekiel 14:6
“Son of man, confront Jerusalem…”
Ezekiel 16:2
“You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen.”
Ezekiel 2:7
“Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it”
Jonah 1:2
When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, He had compassion…
Jonah 3:10
“The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the Lord.
-Isaiah 59:20
Other Teachings:
If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable.
Proverbs 28:9
He who conceals his sin does not prosper but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Proverbs 28:13
So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ…
Galatians 3:24
So we can see that the message is rather clear all throughout the Bible. But we must also concede that while the message is offensive, we should not be. This is God’s message from the beginning to all men, “Repent. Turn to me.”
Now, if you are looking for a message with no sharp edges, which you will not feel awkward presenting, you are not going to find it, unless you go for one that is not scriptural. Many have taken death, repentance, hell and even sin out of their “witnessing”. This is not good practice. Please allow me to show how:
An Airplane Analogy:
The pilot knows it is only a matter of time before the plane is going to crash. The only way for the passengers to save themselves is by jumping out of the airplane at the appropriate time. So, he tells the two stewards to inform the passengers.
The first steward, not wanting to upset anyone, begins informing the passengers, “Hey, we have these parachutes. They are very good for you and it will very much improve your flight. You know I have been a very nice steward so trust me. See I have one on, don’t you want one?”
The second steward, full of the concern and compassion for the passengers, approaches it quite differently. He stands up in front of the sleeping and unsuspecting passengers and shouts, “Attention everyone. I know you have not noticed any problems with the aircraft and you feel quite safe but I must warn you: we will all have to jump soon. You NEED the parachutes we have if you want to survive! It will be a fall of about 25,000 feet to CERTAIN DEATH if you do not get your parachute soon enough!”
Now I know that all analogies have their faults and limits, but do you see the point? If we are politically correct and timid stewards, who is going to listen to our weak message? The power of the message is in the severe consequences. If the steward never tells the passenger he will have to jump out of the airplane, the passenger will never put his parachute on.
The jump is death and judgement. The parachute is Jesus. Without the jump, there is no need for a parachute. That is why no one puts on Jesus anymore, because they don’t think they have to jump. Woe to us who are not good stewards! (Ezekiel 3:18-19) (Matthew 7:19 – What kind of tree are you?) (Matthew 7:14 – The path is narrower than most think. Do you know how narrow it is?)
Please read your Bibles and seek God. Don’t just listen to all you hear. Don’t just call yourself a Christian, be a warrior for the Gospel. Remember, “Those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Tim 3:12) Don't you think you can escape it.
Please, let's talk about the Word, not opinions (2 Tim 2:14). Remember we can disagree, that is fine. I would encourage us all to search the scriptures to be sure we are agreeing with God (2 Tim 2:15).
God bless you all as you seek Him,
Bill