The sin of unbelief is a deadly sin.  The bible tells us that all unrighteousness is sin; that the transgression of the law is sin; and if you know to do good and don't do it, that is sin.  We might believe and not always be righteous.  We may believe and transgress the law.  We might believe and withhold a blessing.  But to sit in church week in and week out, hear the gospel and not repent and believe seems to be the worst of them all.  To hear the gospel and to follow a different gospel, a gospel of self-righteousness, a gospel that advocates salvation apart from Christ, a gospel that denies judgment and heaven and hell is to make Jesus out to be a liar.  That sounds harsh but unless one comes to grips with the truth and repents and believes not only in Christ but what he teaches us, he or she is far from the kingdom of God. 

            Preaching presents the gospel in such a way that when people hear it, they hear it as the truth and they repent and believe.  Unless the minister is preaching under the power of God, unless the minister has come to grips with the gospel himself, unless the minister experiences the revealed word, and unless the minister practices what he preaches, the blind shall lead the blind and both will end up in the ditch.  When a person hears the word of God, repents and believes, that person is born again.  Except a person be born again that person cannot see the kingdom of God.  Jesus said the kingdom of God is at hand.  He is the door, the bread of life, the light of the world, the king of kings and the lord of lords.  Unless you believe what he said and the price he paid for your salvation, no matter what you believe, however noble it sounds, it will not help you get to heaven.  Come to grips with the gospel.  Come to grips with Jesus.  Come to grips to your present condition and repent and believe the gospel.  Abandon the world, forsake its empty promises and take up your cross and follow Jesus.  Whatever you think is the truth, if it is not grounded in scripture, will only lead you astray.  Learn the word of God.  Put scripture to memory.  Taste and see the goodness of the Lord and leave the world behind. 

            Jesus, I repent of my sin. Wash in your precious blood and cleanse me of all iniquity.  I repent of unbelief.  Your word is truth.  I repent of breaking your commandments, of failing to do good when I knew better.  I repent of unrighteousness.  Forgive my uncleanness.  Jesus come into my heart and fill me with your Spirit.  I want to follow you and to always be with you, now and forever, amen.

            Say that prayer from the heart and Jesus will make his home in you. Be blessed!

 
amen