Have you ever wondered what happens when you ignore the Gospel preached throughout the year?<\/p>\n
There are always two types of people.<\/p>\n
The first group<\/strong> are those who, upon hearing even a little of the Gospel, feel their conscience stirred and are ready to repent and turn to God immediately. An example of this group is seen on the day of Pentecost, when the Apostle Peter opened his mouth and preached to the people who were amazed as they heard the message in their own languages. In just a few words, many were ready to repent and turn to God.<\/p>\n Acts 2:37-38 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cNow when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, \u2018Brothers, what shall we do?\u2019 And Peter said to them, \u2018Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The second group, however, is different. No matter how much the Gospel is preached to them, no matter how many miracles they see, no matter how spiritually compelling the words are, even if they hear the message from morning to evening, their hearts remain hardened.<\/p>\n An example is found when Paul arrived in Rome and met a large assembly of people willing to listen all day, yet:<\/p>\n Acts 28:23-24 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cWhen they had appointed a day, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers. He explained to them, solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. And some were persuaded by what he said, but others would not believe.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Even today, some people hear the Gospel from the beginning of the year to the end\u2014from street preaching, radio, television, and even online\u2014and still refuse to turn to God. They treat the message as if it were trivial news, unaware that their lives are in serious danger.<\/p>\n Grace is not like the sun that will rise tomorrow if it sets today. God\u2019s grace is a divine initiative: it draws people to Himself through the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n John 6:44 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cNo one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Without this divine drawing, no human effort or desire can truly lead someone to God. If the Spirit\u2019s drawing is withdrawn because of persistent rejection, the person may lose the desire to hear God\u2019s Word, the conscience becomes hardened, and the Bible may even appear meaningless. At this point, the individual becomes spiritually blind, much like a pagan who has never known God.<\/p>\n Those who mock or reject God are not foolish in a human sense\u2014they are responding to the absence of the Spirit in their hearts. Their resistance to God\u2019s Word leads them deeper into sin, and ultimately, judgment.<\/p>\n This situation mirrors the Old Testament Year of Release:<\/p>\n Deuteronomy 15:17 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cThen you shall take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your servant forever.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n If a servant refuses the freedom granted during the year of release, choosing instead to remain a servant, his fate is sealed. Spiritually, those who persistently reject God\u2019s grace choose bondage to sin, and the \u201chammer of judgment\u201d (spiritual consequences) marks their lives.<\/p>\n Every day that God\u2019s grace is offered is a day of opportunity. Yet some continue in sin\u2014drinking, sexual immorality, pornography, corruption, witchcraft, illicit relationships\u2014while hearing the Gospel and ignoring it. The Gospel is not entertainment; it is life-transforming and demands repentance:<\/p>\n Galatians 6:7 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cDo not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Turning to Christ requires a full commitment, not half-hearted attempts. If today you choose to accept Jesus Christ, you are making a wise, life-saving decision that will not be regretted.<\/p>\n Here is a prayer of repentance you can pray in faith:<\/p>\n \u201cO God the Father, I come before You acknowledging that I am a sinner and have sinned greatly over a long time, deserving judgment for my disobedience. But You, my God, are merciful according to Your Word, and today I seek Your forgiveness and help. I repent of all my sins with all my heart, I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and He is the Savior of this world. By His precious blood, cleanse me and make me a new creation beginning today and forever. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for receiving and forgiving me. Amen.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n After praying in faith, repentance must be confirmed by actions<\/strong>. Leave behind sinful behaviors\u2014drunkenness, sexual immorality, theft, corruption, sorcery, occult practices, and unlawful relationships. God will then receive your repentance and make His dwelling in your life.<\/p>\n Next, join a spiritually vibrant church<\/strong>, learn the Bible, grow in salvation, and receive baptism in the name of Jesus Christ<\/strong> for the forgiveness of sins, just as in Acts 2:38. Baptism is an essential step for every believer.<\/p>\n If you follow these steps, God will be with you, and your spiritual growth will be secured. Stay diligent in studying His Word to strengthen your walk of faith.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
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