SALT & SONSHINE
By:  Pastor/Teacher James R. Paxton

 

What About You?
   It was a cold morning and Dad  had built a fire to take out the chill.  Little Johnnie was full of energy as usual.  Just a normal 2 year old boy.  Dad pointed to the stove and told Johnnie to not touch it because it was hot and would burn him if he touched it.  Johnnie continued running and playing and Dad settled down to read the paper.  A few moments later Dad heard a scream and Johnnie came running.  He had touched the stove and was in a lot of pain.  We don’t know if Johnnie was being rebellious, defiant or just careless but it had cost him dearly.
   People are a lot like Johnnie.  God warns them of things that would hurt them but being strong willed they continue on and suffer the consequences.
   God is a good God and only wants what is best for us.  Sometimes we ignore the warnings and plunge ahead because of the appeal or pleasure.
   Did Johnnies dad cause the pain?  No, he built the fire for warmth not for a lessons.  Could he have prevented it?  Certainly.  He could have locked Johnnie in the bedroom or not built the fire.
   Could God prevent the terrible virus that is among us?  Yes, He could.  Did God cause it?  No!  Why did He permit it to happen?  God loves us all and sees the path we are on.  For all those that have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, could it be that He has permitted this tragedy as a warning that if we do not change we are destined for hell for all eternity.
   Is that God’s will?  No.  He is not willing that even one should perish but He gives us the the free will to choose for ourselves. 
   The world has turned their back of God and instead of turning to Him most have turned to politics, sports, Hollywood, drugs and the pleasures of sin for a season.  Just like it was in the days of Noah or Sodom and Gomorrah.  I personally believe what has been happening world-wide is a wake-up call for us.  God shut it all down in a heartbeat.  He didn’t cause it but He has certainly permitted it.  Even the churches have closed.  At least one reason is because they have gotten puffed up with religion but have left out Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  Pastor’s occupy pulpits that aren’t even saved and some of them demonstrate a lifestyle that God calls an abomination. 
   Church is about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Word and His people coming together to worship and praise Him.  It’s time for form and fashion to be cast aside.  Will we heed the warning?  Just as the Bible declares, Jesus is coming and only those that know Him will be caught up to be with Him. 
   Your decision will determine your destiny.  Receive Jesus and receive eternal life.  Reject Jesus and receive eternal damnation in the torments of Hell.  Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Maranatha!