Christian Living

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The Bible says “Go into the highways and byways and compel them to come” (Luke 14:23). We see many people come and go in our churches. We see many give their hearts to God; many we never see again. The question is “do we go find them? Do we go after them and compel them to come? Or do we simply not give it thought? Most people that come to church the first time, due so because they are lead in some way and inspired to seek what they have seen. Not fully mature in the faith, many may not understand everything they see, and some may even get frightened off. This is why it is so important, that we the church body “go” and talk to these people if we are able. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman and will not go where he is not welcome, but if an invitation is there, we need to follow up on it. On the say note we should respect people’s privacy if requested.
The Word of God reads in Luke: Which of you men, if you had one hundred sheep, and lost one of them, wouldn’t leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one that was lost, until he found it?
The sheep of course represent these people, and the importance of the “one” lost sheep. Those people searching for truth, and fellowship. As Christians we must understand that as we grow in God, our responsibilities change to. As we grow in understanding and wisdom, God expects us to use what we have learned to help guild others in their growth as well. As we were all lost at one time ourselves. Such as in 1 Peter 2:25 for you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." Jesus even said “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep”.
The people coming into our churches, and into the body of Christ, seeking; are the future of the Christian faith. What we show them and teach them is what the Christian faith will become. When God sends seeking souls into our churches we should be attempting in all measures to “be there” and to be a light that can be seen, guiding them out of any darkness they may be in. Remembering our battle is spiritual, not necessarily physical. The thing is that battle most often does not end at the first church service. It is a process of learning and understanding, both taught by God and of his people. It is outside the Church walls that the true battle will be fought, and it is there that we as Christ body need to vigilantly be in and be seen ready and willing to help. Satan does not always give up easily, and we as the church need to at times step out of the padded pews, and on to the battlefield. We need to remember that “we” have dominion over Satan, but we may have to take it from him, standing with our brothers and sisters in their times of need, knowing who has the authority. Let us this week, search out a lost sheep, and attempt to compel them to keep searching. To learn more on our great loving, and powerful God. Compel them not to quit that God is with them, and as we read: Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some people have entertained angels without knowing it. (Heb. 13:2)
Richard A. Kent
02-24-2009

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