A Nugget from New Life Network
(by Dr. Larry Ollison)
Scripture for the Day (July 20, 2016)
For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (Hebrews 4:2)
A few years ago while conducting an out-of-town meeting, we were praying for those who had needs. A man who looked quite distinguished came up to me and said he wanted to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of his life. This man was unique because he went on to make a very interesting statement. He said that because of the occupation he was in, this “born again” experience would be very good for him.
Well, I prayed with him and he accepted Jesus. Several others came forward for prayer also, so it was about a half hour later before I left the front of the building. Then I noticed the distinguished man was still near the back door. He was looking outside as though he was waiting for a ride when my curiosity got the best of me. I had to know. Where did this man work? Why would being a “born-again” believer in Jesus help him in his job?
I moved toward the door and asked him. “What is it that you do for a living?” He looked at me and asked which highway I had used to get to the meeting. When I told him he said. “As you came into town, did you see the large rock church on the right? Well, I’m the pastor of that church.” I could hardly believe my ears. If someone had told me this story, I would find it hard to believe myself. How can a man preach every Sunday and still not know God?
Sometimes I think that the greatest harvest of souls that could ever take place in these last days would be if we could just get people saved who are already in church organizations but don’t know Jesus. The church building is the most evangelized place in the world. We bring in the best speakers and the best singers. We advertise and fill the building. But sadly, to many it’s just entertainment. When the show’s over, the people go home and most of the time their troubles and fears go home with them.
Here’s what we need to do. We need to quit playing church. We need to take God’s Word and not only read and meditate on it, but believe and act on it. When we believe the Word of God and act on it, that’s what we call faith. We need for the Word to be profitable in our lives and the only way it will be profitable is to read it in faith.
Hebrews 4:2 tells us about two groups of people who each had the gospel preached to them, but it was not profitable to one group because it was not mixed with faith in the hearts of those who heard it. Faith is the catalyst to the Word of God. Christians believe that Jesus will someday return to the earth and appear in the sky. We are told in the Bible that we are to daily expect the Lord’s return. But what about Jesus? What will He expect when He returns?
The Bible tells us in Luke 18:8 that when the Son of Man returns that He will be specifically looking for one thing, faith. Jesus said, “When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” When Jesus does return, He won’t ask for your church bulletin to see what programs you have. He will be looking for faith. Will He find it?
