Hi,
"The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.' Luke 19:10. Just a week or two ago a man became lost while hiking in the Washington County hills behind Elk Creek Lake. This area has thousands of acres of State Forest land. Have you ever been lost? While squirrel hunting when I was younger, looking for hickory trees, hickory trees with cuttings on the ground, trying to find squirrels, I became lost. I guess I forgot it was more important for me to be able to find my way out of the woods, than it was to find a squirrel. But Jesus is talking about a different lostness. In what way are they lost? They are lost to life's best purpose; lost to life's highest joys; to be doomed to eternal torment "hell" and separation from God, His holy angels and all the bliss of Heaven, cut off for all eternity. What loss! What grievous loss! Yesterday we talked about the Christian's personal peace, but how is this possible when we know there is a real hell waiting for some lost love one, the one that rejects His free gift. Our inner peace should be a witness to our loved ones, as we share Jesus' love, mercy and grace with them. He was broken hearted for the lost, mentioning the word "hell" at least 16 times, and all the time displayed perfect peace. Many today shun the preaching and teaching of "hell". I have a friend who picks and chooses of what he wants to believe in the Bible, and he and his wife refuse to believe in hell. He likes to base his belief on what Jesus said, what's in red letters, and we know that Bible students tell us that Jesus talked more about hell than anyone else, and more about hell than He did any other single subject. Though one chooses not to believe in "hell" it is still there and always will be. The teaching on "hell" cannot be shunned, but "hell" itself can be shunned. 'But the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.' Rom 5:21b. We that have been found (saved) must share this. His consuming passion was this mission: to give His life on the cross, a ransom for sin; to reconcile men to God (1Tim 2:5-6; Col. 1-19-20) With this reconciliation comes a real purpose, real belonging, real joy, and meaning to life. So much is waiting for the sinner who will repent. With our new Sunday school class we hope to become more effective for the Lord in ways to help the lost get into the wonderful family of God. Let this little poem direct our efforts today, over the week-end and the weeks ahead. 'Lead me to some soul today. Teach me, Lord, just what to say. Friends of mine are lost in sin, And cannot find the way. Few there are who seem to care, Few there are who pray. Melt my heart and fill my life- Give me one soul today." Be sure to join us in this new class at Dogwood Sunday morning at 9:30, and invite someone to come with you. Have a great week-end, and always remember that you are loved!!! Henry
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Henry DeatonHenry D. is from Southern Indiana and writes these wonderful daily devotionals to encourage those at the Dogwood Community Church located in Paoli, Indiana. Henry has graciously agreed to share these wonderful devotionals here at Without Excuse Ministries to encourage you our valued guest! Archives
January 2013
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