31/10/2018 - A LIFE-CHANGING ENCOUNTER

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Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” John 1:49

God knows how to lead people to make the greatest decision of their lives.  This happens the moment they surrender to the Lord unequivocally. However, many miss this opportunity because they love the foolish things of the world and march on to perdition. Those who have the knowledge of Truth cry when they see someone losing themselves forever and ignoring the free gift from God that leads to Heaven. To avoid this loss, we sponsor the gospel message to world evangelization. 

Without a doubt, Jesus knew Nathanael but the future disciple did not know this.  When the Master said that he had seen him under the fig tree, he answered: Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! (John 1:49). There are times when God surprises us with memories which we no longer remembered. On these occasions we realize the significance and repent, when it is the case, and rejoice and praise Him because He blessed us with the goodness that we truly needed.

In his defense against the accusations by the Jews, Paul being moved by the Holy Spirit told King Agrippa the reason for preaching the Gospel. Hearing this report, the king said that the apostle missed making him a Christian by very little (Acts 26:28). Agrippa had his great opportunity to surrender and bow to the Lord to be saved, but he chose to not be a part of the people of God.  How sad!  Now in darkness, he cries out for the mercy that he rejected.

On the other hand, Moses, when he learned of his origin, he chose to suffer among his people rather than be the son of the daughter of the Pharaoh.  Moses chose to love the divine glory more than the human. Certainly all through eternity he will be rewarded for this wise choice.  Due to this decision, he was used by the Almighty to take His people from the Egyptian bondage. The simple gesture of accepting Jesus as Savior and serving Him in faith and obedience will make you become truly blessed.

The wealthy young man heard from the lips of the Lord that he should sell everything, give to the poor and then follow Him (Matthew 19:21). Nevertheless, the young man traded his salvation for worldly things.  On his death, he left everything here including the opportunity to receive eternal life that he so desired.  The youth considered the high cost that was imposed and dove into darkness.  Why does anyone love the world more than God?

Jesus is the Son of God who created all things and sustains all things through the power of His Word (Hebrews 1:3).  The Lord can give you eternal salvation and also help you to be the blessing that God purposed. However, there is an easy condition to be solved with great advantage for you: second birth.  When this is forthcoming, you become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), justified in the blood of Jesus and ready to go to Heaven with Him.  Do you accept Him as your Savior and Lord?

Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus (Matthew 10:4). Demas loved this present world and abandoned Paul and the mission (2 Timothy 4:10).  Alexander the coppersmith did much harm to Paul (2 Timothy 4:14).  We have seen similar stories in our days.  Many people have gone beyond the limits and now know that their future is the worst possible. What is your position before God at this moment? Do you desire to be saved? Repent now and live!

In Christ, with Love,

R. R. Soares