SOME ARE LOST AND DON'T KNOW IT
Like a coin.
A coin is an inanimate object, not capable of knowing it is lost or helping itself
get found. There are many folks today who are SIMILAR to the lost coin. At this particular
point in their life, they don't know they are lost, don't care that they are lost, don't
have any feelings about it one way or the other and won't be doing anything to put
themself into a situation to be found. In fact, they are presently incapable of such and
must have a change of heart in order to come to God.
If we are sowing the Seed of the kingdom of God, we will be indiscriminately
teaching people and asking people with whom we come in contact if they are willing to
study the Bible. Be not discouraged! There will be many who say "no" and might
even do so in a very negative way. Press on to sow the Seed. Just remember, some are like
the lost coin AND CAN BE SAVED! We must go to them; they, like the coin are waiting to be
found. You never know. Let us NOT be guilty of "prejudging the soil"!
SOME ARE LOST, KNOW IT, AND YET NEED
ASSISTANCE IN BEING SAVED
Like sheep.
Sheep are unusual animals. I have spoken to brethren who tend sheep today and
sheep are a type of animal that needs a lot of care and attention. Shepherds serve them
well: to protect from wild animals, to discipline and correct sheep when they stray, to
feed them properly and to move them from time to time when needed.
Some people today are like these sheep
in this way. They are lost and they need help to find their way, for they are weak and in
need of assistance! Are we there to help? Are we praying and looking for lost sheep? We
should be. Beware! Be careful what you pray for! <g> God just may answer with doors
of opportunity to teach the saving gospel of Christ to lost sheep.
The Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 was asked, Understandest what thou readest? He
answered, How can I except some man should guide me? We are to realize that it is GOD and
His gospel that save, and God CHOSE the method of preaching and teaching to spread the
Seed, the Word of God (Mt. 13; Lk. 8)! Are we ready? Are we able? Are we trained to teach
others? Let's be ready and willing so when opportunities come (that we should be praying
for daily) we can teach God's Word to the lost (Heb. 5:10ff).
OTHERS ARE LOST AND COME BACK ON THEIR
OWN
Like the prodigal son.
I know of folks who were saved, that is, they became true children of God and then
they fell away. The willful sin is very brazen; it hurts many: God, the angels, loving
brethren and family members, as well as the person who is living in the sin. Some folks
just don't seem to be able to learn from others' mistakes; its as if they have to
"live it to learn it" when it comes to life's lessons...learning the hard
way...from the University of Hard Knocks! The good part is, the person can repent and turn
back to God at any time. God is always ready, the angels in heaven rejoice when folks
repent and turn to God, and members of God's family should receive erring brethren who
make things right with open hearts and arms...rejoicing (and NOT acting like the elder
brother in our text in Luke 15).
SOME WHO ARE "IN THE CHURCH"
ARE LOST
Some folks attend all of the services, but do not live for Christ
daily. Christ said we must be willing to deny ourself, take up the cross and follow Him
DAILY. True religion is not a one day a week religion! True religion includes keeping
oneself unspotted from the world (See James 1:25-27). It is possible for children of God
to be lost, yet appear to be faithful servants of God. Such is tragic and the devil wins
again. Let us be on guard and help each other fight the devil and his crafty wiles (Eph.
6:10ff).
THE SOLUTION CHRIST GAVE US
Christians are to seek and save the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Tim.
2:2). What are we doing about it? There is no magic pill, no vaccination, but there is the
simple, gospel of Christ that needs to be shared. Paul said in Romans 1:16, For I am not
ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation unto all them
that believe, unto the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Jesus is the way, the truth, and
the life and no one comes to the Father, but by (or through) Jesus Christ our Lord (John
14:6). Are we taking advantage of the saving grace that God offers us? In Titus 2:10-12,
the Bible clearly teaches us that the grace of God hath appeared to us teaching us that
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and
godly in this present world. Have you obeyed
"mans" or "Gods" solution? Think about it. Thanks for
reading. - mjw