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"Preach The Word"

EXCUSES THAT WILL NOT DO

Text: Prov.16:25
"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
Introduction:
There are so many people who are in the excuse making business. Most folks make excuses because Satan has fooled them into believing a lie. The dictionary definitions do not do when it comes to considering that word. A good definition for an excuse is, "A skin of a reason stuffed with a lie." When one excuses himself or herself, there is an effort to exonerate or excuse one’s self from responsibility.
Just for a few minutes this evening I am going to give you some of the excuses of those who have been decieved and duped by the devil. When you talk to lost people about the Lord they have all kinds of things to say in response to you message to them. I am going to list a few for you tonight and give some scriptural answers to them.
I. I BELIEVE THAT ALL WILL BE SAVED.
Matt 7:13-14
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
It is evident from that passage of Scripture that the majority of folks in this world are headed down the broad road that leads to destruction. Too often we get deluded ourselves into thinking that most of the people around us are saved and born of God. That is just not true! It is a lie of the devil.

Rev 21:8- "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

That verse makes is clear that there are going to be many folks who are going to a lake of fire. Being cast into the lake of fire is called in the Bible the "second death." Generally when we think of death we think of separation of the soul and spirit from the body. The "second death" speaks of separation of a person from holy God and heaven forever, being cast into the lake of fire and brimstone that burns forever and forever.
Everyone is not saved and going to heaven. Only those who have been born again, will find the paradise of God after this life is over.
If everyone were going to heaven:
There would be no need of preaching the gospel, witnessing, or doing many of the things that we do to seek to minister the Word of God.
You can be sure, no all people around you will be saved.
II. I BELIEVE I WILL HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE AFTER DEATH
Prov 29:1, "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
The person who dies with the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior has no "remedy" whatsoever.
Man’s basic problem is sin. Rom. 5:12 tells us that , "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." There has to be a remedy, but it is only in this life that it is possible.
Note:
The Catholics believe that you can pray a person’s soul out of purgatory. The only problem is there is no "in-between" place after death. Immediately when a person dies they either go to heaven or to hell.
That is why when God says to "Come," you would be wise to listen and come while you have time and opportunity. One day all opportunities to come to Christ will be gone.
III. I MUST GET BETTER BEFORE I BECOME A CHRISTIAN
Isa 64:6," But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away."
Eph 2:8-9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
God does not look for a "clean life" before He saves a person. What God looks for is someone who is willing to put their faith and trust in Him. God looks for faith not for works when a person is saved.
"By grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God."
You do not earn a gift. It is given out of love and appreciate from someone who thinks very much of you.
Titus 3:5, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost."
IV. SALVATION IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY
It certainly is. Do you know who Jesus died for? He tasted death for every man.
John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Rom 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Rev 22:17, "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
V. NO ONE CAN KNOW HE IS SAVED IN THIS LIFE
John 3:36, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."
John 5:24, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."
"Hath" is present tense. That means you have eternal, everlasting life right here and now.
VI. I AM SATISFIED WITH MY RELIGION
Matt 7:22-23, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Religion won’t get you anywhere as far as God is concerned. You need old time, heaven sent, Holy Ghost born salvation in your soul. Then, you can take a flight without an airplane.
I am glad that God got ahold of me before religion did. In religion man reaches up to God, but in grace, God reaches down to man. He reached further down that I could reach up.
VII. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND SALVATION
John 1:12, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." God enlightens our minds, or else we would never understand the simple gospel. Not have to have Phd to be saved.
Holy Ghost brooded over my soul one day.
CONCLUSION:
Don’t make excuses for not coming to God.Get in head over heels and enjoy the Lord.
Make sure what you believe is right according to God’s Word, and march on, trusting in and living for God.

SERMON FROM DR. TOM WALKER- ZION HILL BAPTIST CHURCH- MARION,NC-USA

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