Going Your Own Way

Question:



I completely agree with todays message. I have a friend who is struggling with the whole topic of choosing God or going ones own way. Do you have some day to day examples of how God brings the lost back to Him? I've always been taught that God does not chasten or discipline the lost as he does His own. So how does He? I also believe that one of the greatest ways He draws people to Him is by the placement of godly individuals in their lives. But is there more? Is God stern with the lost, or does he gently prod them to Him? Does He save His wrath for Judgement Day? As I write this I understand that in God's wisdom He works on each person perfectly. But so many nonbelievers see other nonbelievers "living the good life" and don't see God's "foot". How does His foot work today?




Answer:




Those are some good questions. The focus of the devotional that we sent out today had to do with understanding that the Lord was going to receive glory from our lives. We also know from 2 Peter 3:9 that He is not willing that any should die in sin. We should also know that Jesus said in Luke 9:50 that all those who are not for the Lord are against Him. Those who attempt to bring the Lord dishonor to His Name by either trying to stop His Work or sabotage His working through His people will face humiliation in this life as Psalm 2 shows and experience a taste of Christ's conquering. But know that the Lord does this to declare Himself right in their eyes and that they might see the error of their way and repent. For those who do not belong to Him but are simply going their own way, the Lord will use any means necessary to reach their hearts. The most effective way that the Lord intended for the lost to be reached was through those who were created in His image and have His Spirit changing them to be like Him. The Lord is merciful with everyone. As long as they have breath He will reach out to them. Yet if they die in sin they will have to face the consequences at the Day of Judgment. So know that He is not just waiting for those who don't have Him to mess up. They will receive the consequences for the wrong choices they make just like us believers. But His mercy will continually give them the opportunity to turn to Him.


Don't forget, if you have a question you can send it to me at asktheyouthpastor@xtrlive.com plus you can talk to us tonight at www.studenthopeline.com.