Christ Call

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We have it all wrong in the church.  When Christ got done teaching on the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew must have left out the part where He did the alter call and have the disciples say a prayer with each of them who came forward, have them fill out commitment cards, and give them a packet to get them started.  Forgive my sarcasm, but just saying a prayer at the front of the church is not salvation.  Don't get me wrong, none of that is bad in of itself, but are we honest with the people who come forward?  Are we preaching like John the Baptist a gospel of repentance?  Are we telling people that Christ wants all of there life?  That He is not looking to just be something people add to what they are already doing, but that He wants to Lord of their life?  Do we explain that yes Justification comes by faith alone, it can not be done by works, and that Jesus paid the ultimate price and is the only way to heaven? not   But after justification comes sanctification and regeneration.

It is the process of becoming the new creature Christ talks about.  If there is no change then you are not saved.  The places you used to go are no longer acceptable any more.  The way you used to talk, not good enough any more.  Our old attitudes need to go.  Now don't get me wrong I grew up Pentacostal Holiness, I am not talking legalism here.  Your convictions are between you and God.  But anything that separates from growing closer to God needs to be addressed.  Abraham was wealthy,  and God did not tell him to go and sell everything you have and follow me, but Jesus told the wealthy man who wanted to know what it took to be saved and follow Him to go and sell everything.  For Abraham it did not come between him and God, but the wealthy man went away sad because he loved his riches and they where his god.  They got in the way of following Christ.  Christ call throughout the Gospel is one of surrender of ones life to Him.  He did not just want to pray with the people he wanted to change lives, leaving the world behind and following him.  What he wanted was disciples, walking representations of himself. 

And for us "saved" folks.  We must guard against becoming complacent.  We must constantly watch our attitudes.  We must not compromise, or get comfortable with our sins.  Guard against being judgemental of the quote, unquote big sins while our pet sins are well fed and taken care of.  I don't know about you, but God has been dealing with me to clean some things up.  To deal with sin.  Not to just accept it or think that we have to sin everyday.  It is not just part of life and we can live sin free if we live spirit led.   God wants us to grow to maturity.  A mature Christian does not go around the same mountain all the time.  God wants us to grow up and man up.  Deal with the sin, not just cover it up or tolerate it. 

Answer God's call, and remember it is an all in, no turning back call to surrender!

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