Let's set the scene here for a minute. You and some friends are fishing at the river. The weather is beginning to look bad so you decide to call it a day and head back. But on the way, one of your buddies falls into the water and the current begins to pick up, the weather starts deteriorating and the conditions start to become severe. You then realize that your friend is not a strong swimmer and the current and rain are beginning to take them under. So now here you sit in the safety of the boat watching your friend; it could be your son, dad, brother, or other relative even; struggle for their life. What would you do?
Many people are quick to raise a hand and claim to be a hero and say they would jump in the water and rescue their friend. Heck I would probably say that myself. But let's be mindful, if you jump in and grab someone in fear of their life in dangerous water, there is a chance both of you would drown, so we need another plan. Perhaps you can make it over to the bank and throw a rope to your friend and pull them to safety. Or maybe you even have a lifesaver on board that you can toss to them to hold on to. In extreme cases, you may be able to get them something to float with until additional help can be called.
Are you picturing it now? This isn't a news image from halfway around the world. You are right there watching your family or your friend be pulled away from you forever. Your actions can determine if they survive or perish in the water.
Now I sincerely hope that no one I know ever faces that situation. But as believers, we see it every day. And far too often we go on over to the bank, keep ourselves safe, and look away as the person drowns. WHAT?!?! No, not me, I would never do that....oh really?
"My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." - James 5:19-20
We cross paths with people every single day who may have been in church and may call themselves believers but they have strayed away. Their lives and actions no longer live up to the biblical principles they once professed. This is not a believer who makes mistakes, we all still sin. This is someone who has gotten so far away from God that their faith is now dead. If you have watched someone get away from Him, or get of the bible, or out of fellowship in church then their soul is in eternal danger. We wouldn't sit on the bank and let someone drown in front of us would we? John MacArthur says "Knowing how high the stakes are should motivate Christians to aggressively pursue such people."
Someone you talk with today is drowning. Their soul is facing eternal separation from God. What will you do? Will you stay safe and dry on the bank and look away like you didn't notice? Will you throw them a rope and help pull them to safety? Are things too dire that you cannot save them alone? Pray to God for help. His response time is faster than that of any emergency service. It could be a friend, a family member, a co-worker, or even a stranger, but will you throw someone the lifesaver of Jesus Christ today?
Many people are quick to raise a hand and claim to be a hero and say they would jump in the water and rescue their friend. Heck I would probably say that myself. But let's be mindful, if you jump in and grab someone in fear of their life in dangerous water, there is a chance both of you would drown, so we need another plan. Perhaps you can make it over to the bank and throw a rope to your friend and pull them to safety. Or maybe you even have a lifesaver on board that you can toss to them to hold on to. In extreme cases, you may be able to get them something to float with until additional help can be called.
Are you picturing it now? This isn't a news image from halfway around the world. You are right there watching your family or your friend be pulled away from you forever. Your actions can determine if they survive or perish in the water.
Now I sincerely hope that no one I know ever faces that situation. But as believers, we see it every day. And far too often we go on over to the bank, keep ourselves safe, and look away as the person drowns. WHAT?!?! No, not me, I would never do that....oh really?
"My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." - James 5:19-20
We cross paths with people every single day who may have been in church and may call themselves believers but they have strayed away. Their lives and actions no longer live up to the biblical principles they once professed. This is not a believer who makes mistakes, we all still sin. This is someone who has gotten so far away from God that their faith is now dead. If you have watched someone get away from Him, or get of the bible, or out of fellowship in church then their soul is in eternal danger. We wouldn't sit on the bank and let someone drown in front of us would we? John MacArthur says "Knowing how high the stakes are should motivate Christians to aggressively pursue such people."
Someone you talk with today is drowning. Their soul is facing eternal separation from God. What will you do? Will you stay safe and dry on the bank and look away like you didn't notice? Will you throw them a rope and help pull them to safety? Are things too dire that you cannot save them alone? Pray to God for help. His response time is faster than that of any emergency service. It could be a friend, a family member, a co-worker, or even a stranger, but will you throw someone the lifesaver of Jesus Christ today?
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