LAWTON CHURCH OF GOD, LAWTON OKLAHOMA

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CHAPTER 29

A GRACIOUS INVITATION

JESUS said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house [our loved ones]” (Acts 16:31). “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11).

A more convenient season than today for coming to Christ will never dawn. “Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7, 8). “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3–5). “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” (Revelation 3:21). “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30).

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. . . . Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:7–10). You can not free yourself from past sin. It must be done through Jesus Christ. “There is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Why not accept the sure remedy, brother, sister?

The Lord does not call sinners in droves. It is a personal matter. Now is the day of salvation. You have heard the call. What is the answer? There are two masters; which will you serve? Jesus or Satan? Satan offers money, fame, worldly pleasure, gratified appetites, etc. (1 Timothy 6:9). His promises are sugar-coated; for no one would follow if told he was to sink lower and lower in sin and shame. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). The devil deceives his children, doesn’t he? Have you ever noticed what a big offer the devil made Jesus? Offered him control of all the world if he would just worship him (Matthew 4:8, 9). You would have taken it quick and chanced it, wouldn’t you? Notice Christ’s answer, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10).

You can have your choice, but must take one. Which offer for you? Jesus died for you. He loves you and offers you pardon and peace. He says, “Come, tired one, and find rest.” No man can pluck you out of the Father’s hand (John 10:29). He will give you more than you can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Do you believe his word? His word is infallible. If you make Jesus your choice, you will make no mistake, you will never regret it.

“O sinner, see he lingers still;

Thy restless soul he waits to greet.

Resist no more his holy will;

Come bow at Jesus’ feet.”

He will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry (Isaiah 30:19). “Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).

Dear young people, are you afraid to step out on the Lord’s side? Are you afraid you can’t stand? Do you think the devil stronger than the God of heaven, the God who made the earth and all that is therein! Has he not already conquered the world, the flesh, and the devil? Did he not come out victorious over sin, death, hell, and the grave! And he is set down at the right hand of God interceding for his children. He gives his angels charge concerning you. “The angel of the Lord encampeth around about them that fear him.” He also promised not to let us be tempted more than we are able to stand, but with every temptation to make a way for our escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Do you believe his word! He is able to save to the uttermost all who will come unto him. He is just as able to keep you saved; only trust him, this almighty, all-powerful God, the God that made heaven and earth and all that is therein. Oh, what a mighty God we serve! You are needed in the vineyard of the Lord. Will you not take your place and help us? Do not delay. Come while you may.