The Right Decision

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God .
1 Corinthians 1:18

The Apostle Paul in this bold statement clearly defined the only two sides available to us during this walk of life here on earth. We are either among the perishing or among the saved. While we all will live forever, God has given us free-will and the ability to choose where we will spend eternity either in Heaven or in the lake of fire.

It is hard to believe that many people here on earth would consider the message of the cross; foolishness. After all, the message of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought to us salvation from the bondages of sin so that we could be free to live with power and experience abundance in every area of our life! But sadly enough many reject the message of the cross not only because satan is behind the scenes encouraging them to do so, but because many people who do not know Jesus cannot see the power of God present in the lives of those who do profess to know Jesus. God’s power is still just as strong and just as present as it was when Paul wrote this passage of scripture. But through misguided teaching and living, we have allowed this message to be hidden under unbelief, discontent, and unscriptural religious guidelines.

Despite all the religious rhetoric in the world today, it is very simple to receive the power that God desires for all of us to have. We need to help people understand that the bridge between the foolishness that Paul spoke of and the power of God that Paul had; is the bridge of decision.  While many unbelievers refuse to acknowledge God’s Word as being the basis of truth, we as believers must be able to not only speak, but demonstrate God’s power by how we conduct our daily lives and our conversations.  We need to help others understand that making a decision to believe in anything other than the Word of God will not bring to them the results that they seek and are believing for, especially in the areas of salvation, peace, wisdom, healing, freedom from loneliness, the desire to be loved, etc. Nothing apart from Christ has ever produced these steadfast and sustaining results in anyone’s life.

Many unbelievers do not see a need for Jesus and all that He offers when things are going well in their life. However, it is in times of heartache, frustration, tragedy, etc. that they begin to feel a desire to search for something greater to help them cope with the current situation that they find themselves in. This is why it is so important that we as believers learn to live in the power of God every day of our life. Whether lost or saved, we all go through tragedy and heartache but it is during these times that the power of God in the life of a believer should be most visible by those who deem Him as foolish. What motivates someone to make a decision for Christ when they see His followers enduring trying and difficult times and then becoming rebellious and resentful rather than strengthened by God’s grace?   I encourage you today to spend time with the Father and ask Him to reveal to you any areas of your life that His power is not being clearly seen. Satan would love nothing more than for God’s children to distort the message of the cross by acting foolish rather than living out the power of God that Jesus came to give us.

Remember; sometimes God allows difficult circumstances to come against us so that we can reveal to the lost people around us, the power of God, thereby, giving them a good reason to receive the message of Christ and begin to experience for themselves God’s awesome power in their own life.  – God Bless

-Darren McClerren

 

A Prayer of Repentance

God, I come to you in Jesus’ name. I confess that I have sinned against You and have come short of Your standards. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus to pay the price for my sins. Jesus thank You for dying on the cross for me. I repent of my sins and ask You to be the Lord of my life. I give you my life today and I receive God’s free gift of eternal life. Thank You Lord for saving me. In Jesus Name, Amen.