Montrose, Colorado
Rev. Willis A. (Bert) Jones, a country preacher & Bible teacher
September 1, 2015
Hearing God's Message
To see heaven one must first hear God's message. For one to hear that message of salvation someone else must tell that person. Note what the Apostle Paul wrote some 2,000 years ago to the people at Rome:
"But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another: "Does anyone care, God? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?" The point is, before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ's Word is preached, there's nothing to listen to. -- Romans 10:16-17 (MSG)
Many, however have heard sermons, TV programs, may even have read the Bible and still not really "heard" the message of Salvation because their eyes were blinded by this World's philosophy. This is Satan's plan to rob a person of the blessings God has for mankind. In fact Israel, as a nation, did not respond to Jesus' message; Individuals did. Note the rest of the thought in the letter to the Jews in Rome from the Apostle Paul:
"But haven't there been plenty of opportunities for Israel to listen and understand what's going on? Plenty, I'd say. Preachers' voices have gone 'round the world, their message to earth's seven seas. So the big question is, why didn't Israel understand that she had no corner on this message? Moses had it right when he predicted, when you see God reach out to those you consider your inferiors-outsiders! - you'll become insanely jealous. When you see God reach out to people you think are religiously stupid, you'll throw temper tantrums. Isaiah dared to speak out these words of God: People found and welcomed me who never so much as looked for me. And I found and welcomed people who had never even asked about me. Then he capped it with a damning indictment: Day after day after day, I beckoned Israel with open arms, and got nothing for my trouble but cold shoulders and icy stares." -- Romans 10:18-21 (MSG)
The present day Israelites are now responding to the message of Jesus in great numbers. Be sure that you are not one of those people who gave a "cold shoulder and icy stare". Respond to the Lord Jesus Christ by accepting eternal forgiveness for sin and a new recreated spirit, which is SALVATION! (See 2 Corinthians 5:17)
When you ask for forgiveness, you will receive forgiveness and a new life in Christ!