COUNTED AS SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER

Message from the Altar.
Devotional Service, Sunday 13/12/2020.
Text: Luke 12:4-7.

COUNTED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.

4.”I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.

5. But I will show you whom you should fear. Fear him who, after killing the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
   6.Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
   7.Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows. “

The gospel of Jesus Christ stands distinct. The disciples of Jesus Christ are unique. The gospel we believe, teach and preach is simple and direct, no ambiguity. The gospel is that we are saved from God’s wrath by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, resulting in good works. Ephesians 2:8-10.
The gospel stands against every other form of religious system in the world, including false “gospels ” that teach that faith in Christ and good works are combined (by doing penance for your sins, going to church, moral behaviour, and giving to the church, you accumulate merits to qualify for heaven). This is just like the Judaizers in Paul’s day combined faith in Christ with keeping the Jewish laws.
But , we are saved by grace alone.
The gospel of Jesus Christ was and is vehemently opposed. Jesus Christ was crucified and his disciples were killed and persecuted. That Jesus Christ resurrected further inflamed the antagonists of the gospel.
But, why so much hatred for the gospel to the point of killing the vessels of the good news?
(1) Self-righteous people hate the gospel because it confronts their pride. It takes away all grounds of boasting in our good deeds.
(2).The gospel makes it clear that we are sinners, the worst of sinners. Proud people oppose the humbling message of the gospel.
(3).Unbelievers don’t like to hear about the wrath of God, about judgement against all sinners. As a result they often oppose the messengers of the gospel. 1Thessalonians 2:2
(4)Ignorance. Some people actually believe in the false doctrines and teaching that give them heavenly assurance if they murder, maim and destroy Christians.

The disciple must be prepared to die in the service of the Lord. The enemies of the gospel (within and without) will continue to kill, maim and destroy.
But, the heavenly reward is worth the trauma.
Though we are “counted as sheep for slaughter “, we must not fear them. We must do the work of our father while we have breath. We are the chosen vessels for evangelism worldwide. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is with us. The Holy Spirit guides us. The ministering Angels guard and assists us. We are more powerful than them for we are awesomely equipped for the task. Hallelujah.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Further Reading :Matthew 10:28; Romans 8:35-39; John 19:1-3, 18.

For counselling, prayers and interpretation of dreams :

Whatsapp :+234 8037172308
e-mail : abiodunmichael3075@yahoo.com
mobile no. 08037172308 , 08141887911

Host Pastor: Michael Gbemiga Abiodun
Re-birth Christian Ministry (International Outreach).