Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: ARTIFICIAL (08/11/16)
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TITLE: HOW DO YOU KNOW | Previous Challenge Entry
By Christine Hammock
08/17/16 -
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Conversation—Pastor and Wife
“Rob, at our last business meeting several of our members requested the church to purchase artificial flowers for the communion table; this disturbs me. They argued that the silk flowers were just as beautiful as live flowers and are more economical.”
“Is this your Sunday to purchase flowers?”
“It is. While I agree some silk flowers are pretty, they’re not real; they’re fake, artificial. You know how I am about anything fake or imitation—especially imitation Christians.”
“Rose, why don’t you just go ahead and purchase what you like and not worry about what the members said about the flowers.
“Thank you, I’ve already ordered them from the florist. I only want God’s divine nature displayed. We see His invisible qualities in everything He made, (Romans 1:20) especially beautiful flowers. To me the fresh, live flowers are representative of Christ’s resurrection--that “He Lives! I’m probably being too sensitive, but I love real flowers.”
“You know while we’re still on earth; there’ll be difference of opinion on almost ever matter whether it’s simulated silk flowers or your worry over imitation Christians.”
“You’re right about the flowers but fake Christians, especially our young people, are another matter. I’m not being judgmental; I want them to experience Jesus as their personal Savior. Some really believe they’re saved, but haven’t been born again.”
“Settle down Honey, just yesterday, our youth pastor was telling me the young people are very confused about the most important question in their lives—How to know they’re right with God. He’s teaching a series on how to know you are saved and right with God. Actually some of our adults could benefit from his teaching.”
“Isn’t that the theme of your next sermon series?”
“Your right, but I haven’t decided on a theme title yet.”
“What about “How Do You Know?” that’s simple; the question makes you think.”
“Thanks, that might work. I’m real optimistic, I believe after this study everyone in our congregation will either know for sure they’re saved or they’ll recognize their sin and receive Christ as Savior.”
“You’re a good teacher, I know the Holy Spirit placed something special in your heart.”
Handing Rose a handwritten page, “What do you think of my outline?”
“I’m sure it’s great because the Holy Spirit gave it to you, but I can hardly read your writing.”
Smiling at her remark, “Let’s get back to my sermon. Confusion about salvation and whether or not one is saved is an important issue needing clarification. I’m going to preach very simple and clear. “Romans 3:23 says, ‘For ALL HAVE SINNED;’ so the first step to know if we are saved would be to acknowledge we have sinned.”
“No questions; go on.”
Next is, in order to know if we are saved, we should be willing to repent. REPENT means to be painfully aware, be sorry for your sins and desire to turn your life around. Jesus said in Luke 13:3 (NJKV), ‘Unless you repent you will all likewise perish.’ If you aren’t willing to repent; it’s possible you aren’t saved.”
“I’m with you, go on.”
“After repentance, we must understand Christ died as a SUBSITUTE for our sins, Romans 4:25 (NLT) tell us, ‘He was handed over to die because of our sins.’ Everyone must realize what Christ did for us and what a tremendous price He paid for our salvation.”
“Okay, but you didn’t explain how Christ’s sacrifice fits into this issue.”
“Once I have presented my sermon illustration of Christ’s death as the most horrendous and shameful death on a cross for our sins, I believe everyone will realize the love of God in a different light. They’ll either know they’re saved or ask the question, WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED, (Acts 16:30-31 (NLT).
“So, how will you bring this all together?”
“I’m using your idea of an “Artificial Christian,” someone that acts like a Christian but doesn’t possess Jesus in their hearts. I’ll question religious traditions like infant baptism, good works, and church attendance as a way to heaven. Imitation Christians must face reality. They must BE BORN AGAIN; that’s the bottom line, (John 3:1-21). Rejecting Jesus is rebellion. I’ll ask, are you underneath the veneer of religion to conceal your rebellion against God, then I’ll offer Jesus’ free gift of salvation.
“Sounds like a winner to me.
“The Word is truth, it’s not man-made; it will open hearts to receive Jesus as Savior.
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