08/09/2013 - A PROPHET HAS BEEN AMONG THEM

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As for them, whether they hear or whether they refuse—for they are a rebellious house—yet they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Ezekiel 2.5

Here is a tough reality: not everyone will give ears to the good news. Those who are saved do not understand why anyone would close his heart to the message of the gospel, because, not only is the gospel wonderful, but it is the only means to salvation. Our spirit will never die, and the choice we make here will determine where we will spend eternity. So those who refuse to listen to what the Lord speaks to their hearts are actually giving up eternal happiness.

A prophet must be ready to be used by the Almighty God, regardless of the type of people to whom he is sent. Some people are receptive to the gospel, embracing it with gladness; even when they go through a trial, they do not stray from God’s path. But, unfortunately, some people will be hostile to the gospel. And the duty of a servant of the Lord is to deliver the message of the kingdom of God without choosing his audience—God is the one who makes this decision.

A messenger of the Lord does not retreat under any circumstances. Wherever he is sent, he will make sure that many people listen to the message of the Creator and become Christians. They will join the prophet and continue carrying out the work. After people accept Jesus as their Savior, a sign that they have been indeed delivered from the kingdom of darkness and entered the kingdom of God is the baptism of the Holy Spirit (and Jesus would never baptize anyone who had not accepted him as Savior).

Those who have not listened to the redeeming message of the gospel are out of the kingdom of God. But he who has accepted Jesus cannot sin because he was born of God (1John 3.9). Some people are sympathizers of the gospel, but are also sympathizers of any religious message, which shows that they have not truly experienced the love of God. Let me tell you: people who can only talk about money and worldly things all the time do not have the Spirit of God.

A prophet of the Lord must try his best to prevent a person from being forever doomed. He needs to preach the Word and refrain from cooperating to anyone’s fall. And a preacher who avails himself of scientific persuasion methods or religious appeal may cause great harm to those who are listening. The Bible declares: That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3.6). We must always choose the second option.

Another important point to be noted is that we are known by our words and deeds. Those who belong to the Lord preach his Word. Those who call themselves servants of the Lord but are not end up showing who is behind their greedy attitude: the devil. May the Almighty God be always glorified by your witnessing!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares