Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His apostles a commission: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:18–19, NASB). This mission began in Jerusalem and then extended outward by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit.
The book of Acts records the fulfillment of that mission. Within its pages, we find not just a historical record, but God’s divine strategy for spreading the gospel—through faithful men preaching the Word. One of the clearest examples of conversion under this great commission is the account of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26–40. It is a vivid, Spirit-led moment of teaching, conviction, and response.
As we study this account, let us not only observe what happened then—but also what this teaches us about how God works, how the gospel is to be preached, and how people come to saving faith.
1. God Initiates the Moment
Acts 8:26 says, “But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, ‘Get ready and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.’” This was not a random meeting. It was orchestrated by God. Philip was not acting on his own initiative; he was sent. The conversion of the eunuch did not begin with human planning—it began with divine command.
We often speak about seeking God, but Scripture also shows how God seeks the lost. Jesus said in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” This moment reflects that truth. The Spirit of God moved Philip into place so that one soul could be reached with the gospel.
In our own lives, we should not overlook the providential moments God may be arranging. We must be ready to obey, like Philip—willing to rise and go when God sends us, even without knowing the full outcome in advance.
2. The Seeker Was Already Worshiping—but Still in Darkness
Though the eunuch had traveled to Jerusalem to worship (Acts 8:27), he returned without understanding the message of Christ. He was devout, yet still in darkness. He was reading the prophet Isaiah but could not grasp the meaning. Acts 8:31 records his honest admission: “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?”
This man had reverence, discipline, and a hunger to understand—but he needed the gospel. Romans 10:14 asks, “How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?” His religious activity did not mean he was saved. He needed teaching.
This reminds us that spiritual sincerity, while admirable, is not the same as salvation. Many today attend worship, read Scripture, and seek truth, but without the message of Christ clearly taught, they remain in need. We must not assume that religious devotion equals spiritual clarity.
3. Preaching Jesus Is the Centerpiece
Acts 8:35 says, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.” Philip did not stop at explaining Isaiah 53 as literature or prophecy—he moved directly to Jesus. He connected the prophecy to its fulfillment. The message was not generic. It was centered on Jesus: His identity, His suffering, His resurrection, and His authority.
To “preach Jesus” is not merely to speak of His moral teachings—it is to declare Him as the fulfillment of prophecy, the Lamb who was slain, and the risen Lord who reigns. 1 Corinthians 1:23 affirms, “But we preach Christ crucified.” The gospel is not complete without Christ at the center.
This should challenge us. Are our conversations about faith actually centered on Jesus? Do our teachings and testimonies declare Him clearly? If someone were to listen to us explain the Bible, would they come away knowing who Jesus is and why He matters?
4. Obedience Is the Immediate Response
As they traveled, the eunuch saw water and said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36). The message he heard included not only belief in Christ, but the call to obey. Baptism was not presented as optional—it was understood as the response of faith.
Philip replied, “If you believe with all your heart, you may” (Acts 8:37), and the eunuch confessed, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Then both went down into the water, and Philip baptized him (v. 38).
This passage does not describe a long delay, a vote by a church, or an emotional testimonial. It presents a man hearing the gospel, believing, and immediately submitting to baptism. This pattern echoes throughout Acts (Acts 2:38, Acts 16:33).
True faith responds. James 2:26 says, “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” When the gospel is clearly preached, the expectation is not mere agreement—it is obedient action.
Conclusion: A Clear Pattern for Us Today
The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch is not just a powerful story—it is a pattern. God directed the moment. The Word was preached. Christ was exalted. Obedience followed.
This example challenges much of what is often seen in the religious world today—where salvation is delayed, confused, or entangled in tradition. But Acts 8 shows us what happens when the gospel is proclaimed plainly and a heart is ready to receive it.
If someone today asked, “What must I do to be saved?”—would our answer look like Philip’s? Would it include preaching Jesus, calling for belief, and pointing to baptism? May we have the courage and clarity to follow this Spirit-led model.
And if we find ourselves in the eunuch’s place—reading, seeking, but unsure—then let this passage lead us to ask the right question: “What prevents me from being baptized?”
The way is open. The Word is clear. The time is now.
Scripture does not shy away from showing us the failures of people—even those who were called by God. These moments are not preserved to entertain or shame, but to instruct. Romans 15:4 says, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
The “Seven Blunders of the World” are not a list of mistakes made by outsiders—they are decisions recorded in God’s Word that reveal where even the people of God can fall short. These blunders are not rare, and they are not obsolete. They are patterns of compromise that still appear today: in individual hearts, in homes, and even within churches.
Each one exposes an attitude or action that turns people away from what God has clearly said. They don’t all begin with open rebellion. Some start with delay. Some with assumption. Some with distraction. But all of them lead away from obedience, and all of them carry spiritual consequences.
This article does not aim to highlight the faults of others—it aims to help us examine ourselves in light of Scripture. As we walk through each section, the question is not “Who else does this describe?” but “Is any of this true of me?”
The warnings are real. So is the hope. Scripture points us not only to what we must avoid, but to the path of faithfulness and life. Let us look carefully, listen humbly, and respond with full obedience to the truth God has revealed.
1. Yielding to Temptation
In the opening pages of Scripture, we see the devastating effects of temptation. Genesis 3 describes the moment Eve listened to the serpent. She saw the fruit, desired it, took it, and gave it to Adam. Their disobedience wasn’t accidental. It began with desire, grew into rationalization, and ended in rebellion. Romans 5:12 shows the outcome: “Through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind.”
Temptation always presents itself as manageable—something we can entertain without consequence. But that’s a lie. Scripture teaches that it’s not the temptation itself that’s sinful, but what we do with it. James 1:14–15 lays out the process: “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death.”
We also see this truth in the life of David. 2 Samuel 11 begins with a subtle detail: “In the spring, at the time when kings go out to battle… David remained at Jerusalem.” What follows is not just the story of adultery, but of compromise, deceit, and tragedy. One moment of yielding produced a ripple effect that devastated his family.
In contrast, when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4), He responded with Scripture—not emotion, not excuses. “It is written,” He said each time. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that Jesus was “tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin.” He faced the full force of temptation—and stood firm.
God does not leave us without help. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind… with the temptation will provide the way of escape also.” The way of escape is there. But it’s often not easy. It requires faith, discipline, and a decision to trust God over the moment.
Temptation is not a small matter. It’s not something we can treat lightly or handle casually. Scripture shows us the path forward is one of vigilance and full dependence on God. Yielding to temptation was the beginning of humanity’s fall. Choosing to resist—through the strength God provides—is one of the clearest ways we show we belong to Him.
2. Prioritizing Prosperity Over the Kingdom
The Bible is filled with warnings about the danger of placing material prosperity above spiritual priorities. One of the earliest examples is found in the story of Lot. Genesis 13:10–11 tells us, “Lot raised his eyes and saw all the vicinity of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere… So Lot chose for himself all the vicinity of the Jordan.” His decision was based on appearance—on what seemed advantageous materially. But the land he chose included Sodom, a city known for its wickedness. Lot’s pursuit of prosperity placed his family in spiritual danger, and the consequences were devastating (Genesis 19).
This pattern repeats throughout Scripture. When people chase wealth without regard for righteousness, it often leads them away from God. The rich young ruler approached Jesus sincerely, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus answered plainly: “If you want to be complete, go sell your possessions and give to the poor… and come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:21). The man left in sorrow, unwilling to part with his wealth. He valued his possessions more than following the very One who offered him eternal life.
Jesus addressed this danger clearly in the Sermon on the Mount: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you” (Matthew 6:33). The order matters. God first. Righteousness first. When anything else takes that place—whether it’s career, comfort, or financial security—the result is spiritual compromise.
Paul’s instruction to Timothy is just as relevant today: “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some, by longing for it, have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10). He doesn’t condemn wealth itself but warns about what happens when it becomes the focus. Just a few verses later, Paul adds, “Instruct those who are rich… not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God” (v. 17). Wealth is uncertain. God is not.
These warnings are not just historical commentary—they are for us. The choices we make about where to live, how to work, what we pursue, and what we value reflect whether we are seeking first the kingdom or something else. Are we sacrificing spiritual influence for financial opportunity? Are we building lives that look good from the outside but are disconnected from what matters eternally?
The question isn’t whether it’s wrong to be successful or to have material blessings. The question is whether we are using them to serve God—or serving them in place of Him.
But prosperity isn’t the only area where misalignment with God’s will becomes dangerous. Presumption brings its own risks—especially when it disguises itself as reverence.
3. The Sin of Presumption
Presumption occurs when someone acts as though God’s approval can be assumed without His instruction. It is not open rebellion, yet it still defies God’s authority. One of the clearest examples is found in Leviticus 10. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, offered what Scripture calls “unauthorized fire” before the Lord—fire “which He had not commanded them” (Leviticus 10:1). The result was immediate and severe: “fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord” (v. 2).
What was their error? They took liberties where God had been clear. They assumed that any act of worship—so long as it was directed toward God—would be accepted. But God had given specific commands, and He expected those commands to be followed. Presumption, even when it appears religious, is still disobedience.
This principle carries into the New Testament. In Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” He goes on to describe people who prophesied, cast out demons, and performed miracles—all in His name—but who are ultimately rejected because they practiced lawlessness. Their actions may have looked spiritual, but they lacked obedience.
Presumption can take many forms. It acts without asking; partial obedience hears and then selectively follows. It happens when people add to God’s Word in worship, alter the gospel, or assume that sincerity is enough. Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way which seems right to a person, but its end is the way of death.” What seems right is not always what is right.
We are not left to guess what pleases God. He has revealed His will through His Word. Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” That phrase—“in the name of the Lord”—means by His authority. If we cannot point to God’s Word as the basis for what we do, we must be willing to stop.
Presumption is subtle because it can be cloaked in good intentions. But the Bible consistently teaches that obedience—not assumption—is what God desires. 1 Samuel 15:22 makes it clear: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Nadab and Abihu were priests, doing priestly things, in a priestly setting—and still they were judged.
The question for us is simple: Are we submitting to God’s Word, or are we assuming He is pleased with our own preferences? The answer matters. Presumption is not harmless—it is spiritually dangerous. God calls His people to reverence, humility, and careful adherence to His revealed will.
4. Partial Obedience
Partial obedience is one of the more deceptive spiritual errors. It appears obedient. It sounds committed. But Scripture teaches that obedience is not complete unless it is total. In 1 Samuel 15, God commanded King Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and all that belonged to them. Saul carried out most of the instructions—but not all. He spared King Agag and kept the best of the livestock.
When confronted, Saul justified his actions. He claimed the livestock were saved for sacrifice to the Lord. But Samuel’s response was sharp and clear: “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to pay attention is better than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). What Saul viewed as an acceptable adjustment, God viewed as rebellion.
This account reveals something important: Obedience is not measured by intention but by alignment with God’s command. Saul’s partial obedience cost him the kingdom. Verse 23 concludes, “Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.”
The danger of partial obedience lies in its ability to mask disobedience. It allows a person to feel secure while remaining outside of God’s will. Jesus asked in Luke 6:46, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Obedience isn’t proven by what we say—it’s demonstrated by how we consistently live in alignment with God’s Word.
In the New Testament, Ananias and Sapphira serve as another example (Acts 5:1–11). They sold property and brought part of the proceeds to the apostles, pretending it was the full amount. They didn’t have to give everything—but their lie exposed a divided heart. Their punishment was immediate and severe. Again, partial obedience, combined with dishonesty, revealed spiritual corruption.
James 1:22 urges believers, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.” Partial obedience deceives. It creates a form of godliness without its power (2 Timothy 3:5). It allows someone to look religious while resisting the Lord’s authority.
This is not about perfection but about posture. A heart that seeks to obey fully is a heart God can use. But a heart that filters His commands through convenience or preference is not truly surrendered.
As we reflect on this, the question becomes personal: Am I holding anything back? Have I obeyed God in part while avoiding the areas that challenge my comfort or pride? True obedience does not negotiate. It trusts and follows—all the way.
5. Looking Back at the World
The command to separate from the world is clear throughout Scripture. Yet time and again, people who began walking with God turned their hearts back toward what He had called them out of. One of the most sobering examples is found in Genesis 19. As God was bringing judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, angels led Lot’s family out of the city with this instruction: “Do not look behind you, and do not stay anywhere in the surrounding area; escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away” (Genesis 19:17). But verse 26 tells us, “But Lot’s wife, from behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.”
Her glance was not just curiosity—it revealed a divided heart. Though she was physically outside the city, her affections remained inside it. Jesus Himself highlighted her example in Luke 17:32 with a simple but serious command: “Remember Lot’s wife.” He used her story as a warning to His disciples: don’t turn back.
The pull of the world is powerful. The values, comforts, and approval it offers are appealing. But 1 John 2:15 warns clearly: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Love for the world and love for God do not coexist in the same heart. One will eventually push out the other.
Israel’s history reinforces this truth. After being delivered from slavery in Egypt, the people longed to return. In Numbers 11:5–6, they said, “We remember the fish which we used to eat in Egypt for free, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone.” They forgot their bondage and focused only on what they missed. Their longing for the past blinded them to the promise ahead.
The call to follow Christ is a call to leave the world behind. In Luke 9:62, Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” The imagery is plain: plowing requires forward focus. Looking back breaks alignment and renders the work unfit.
This is not just about actions—it’s about affections. A believer may be active in the church, committed in routine, and sound in doctrine—but still inwardly longing for the world. That longing, if left unchecked, eventually leads to compromise. And compromise leads to ruin.
The question to ask is not just “What am I doing?” but “What do I desire?” Have our hearts truly let go of what we’ve been saved from, or are we still glancing back?
6. Rejecting Christ
The most serious decision a person can make is to turn away from the invitation of Christ. Scripture makes clear that Jesus came to offer salvation, but not everyone receives Him. John 1:11 says, “He came to His own, and His own people did not accept Him.” Rejection of Christ isn’t always dramatic or hostile—it can be quiet, passive, and subtle. But the consequences are no less severe.
In Luke 7:30, we read that “the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John.” Their rejection wasn’t due to a lack of information—it was pride, unwillingness, and resistance to repentance. They chose tradition over truth and self-righteousness over submission.
Jesus warns that not all who claim to follow Him actually do. Matthew 7:21 says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” There is a difference between recognizing Jesus and submitting to Him. True acceptance of Christ involves more than belief—it requires obedience.
The writer of Hebrews speaks to this soberly: “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:26). Rejecting Christ is not only the refusal to initially believe—it can also be the willful refusal to continue in what He commands. This is why the call to follow Christ must be ongoing, not just a moment of profession.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus invited people to come to Him—but always with clarity. “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). That kind of following is not convenient. It requires surrender, and many are unwilling.
Rejection doesn’t always sound like “No.” Sometimes it sounds like “Not now.” That’s what happened with Felix in Acts 24:25. As Paul spoke to him about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity, I will summon you.” Scripture never records him returning to hear Paul again.
Whether by outright denial or quiet delay, rejecting Christ is the most serious blunder a person can make. Scripture does not promise another chance. The call is now.
Those who reject Christ reject the only way to the Father. As Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” That leaves no room for alternatives. There is no neutral response to Jesus—only acceptance or rejection.
7. Procrastination
There are few dangers more subtle and more common than spiritual delay. It doesn’t look like rebellion. It sounds reasonable. But putting off what God has commanded is, in itself, disobedience. Scripture repeatedly warns against assuming that more time will be available to do what should be done today.
Acts 24 records Paul’s conversation with Felix, the Roman governor. Paul spoke “about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come,” and the text says, “Felix became frightened and said, ‘Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity, I will summon you’” (Acts 24:25). But that opportunity never came. The passage ends with Felix delaying for a bribe, and Scripture gives no indication that he ever responded to the truth he heard.
Felix is not alone. Many people are convicted by the Word, stirred by the Spirit, and moved to consider obedience—but they wait. They wait for a better season, a calmer time, a more convenient moment. But James 4:14 confronts that illusion: “You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow.” Life is fragile, and time is not guaranteed.
Hebrews 3:15 delivers the urgency plainly: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” God speaks in the present. His call is not for tomorrow or next year—it is for today. To hear truth and postpone obedience is not a neutral act. It is hardening. And the more one delays, the easier it becomes to resist conviction altogether.
Jesus told a parable about ten virgins in Matthew 25. All ten were waiting for the bridegroom. Five were wise and prepared; five were foolish and unprepared. When the bridegroom came, the prepared entered with him, and “the door was shut” (v. 10). The others came later, saying, “Lord, lord, open up for us.” But it was too late. Delay had closed the door permanently.
Procrastination is not merely a habit—it’s a spiritual hazard. It gives the appearance of intention without commitment. It keeps conviction alive just long enough to suppress it. It says “soon” while drifting further away from the truth.
The call of Christ is urgent. Repentance, obedience, reconciliation, and commitment to God’s will are not matters for another day. They are matters for now. The danger of procrastination is that it often feels harmless—until it is final.
Conclusion
The blunders we’ve walked through are not distant errors made by unfamiliar people. They are real patterns—repeated across time, found in Scripture, and often present in our own lives. They warn us not just about what others have done, but about what we are capable of doing if we drift from God’s Word.
Each one carries weight:
Yielding to temptation begins the path away from God.
Prioritizing prosperity replaces eternal values with temporary ones.
Presumption assumes God is pleased without asking what He has commanded.
Partial obedience disguises rebellion in the form of religion.
Looking back reveals a heart that still belongs to the world.
Rejecting Christ, whether passively or deliberately, is the gravest mistake a soul can make.
Procrastination postpones obedience to a time that may never come.
These are not simply missteps; they are turning points. And each one brings us to a decision: will we heed the warning, or continue down the path?
Scripture does not present these examples to condemn, but to correct. Romans 15:4 reminds us, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction.” These accounts were preserved so that we would not follow the same road.
The solution is not complicated. It is not a new insight or some hidden truth. It is a return. A return to God’s voice. A return to the authority of His Word. A return to full obedience, without delay or reservation. Deuteronomy 30:19–20 sets the choice before us: “I have placed before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live… by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding close to Him.”
This is not a time for casual faith. It is a time for clarity. These warnings were not given so we could simply understand them—they were given so we would act. If any of these patterns have taken root in our lives, the call is simple: repent, and walk in the truth.
We live in a world where value is measured in dollars, likes, and influence. People pour time and energy into what they consider important—careers, hobbies, possessions, relationships. But pause and ask yourself: What is the value of the church in my life? Not just in theory—but in truth, in action, and in sacrifice.
The church is not a human institution. It is not a man-made movement. It is the blood-bought body of Christ, established by Him, and rooted in eternity. The world may treat the church as disposable or outdated, but heaven sees it as priceless. Jesus didn’t die for governments or charities—He died for the church.
So why does it sometimes receive so little of our attention, our time, our love? Perhaps we’ve forgotten what it cost. Or maybe we’ve forgotten what it’s for.
This article invites you to reflect deeply: What does the church mean to me? What place does it hold in my priorities, my heart, and my walk with God? As we walk through Scripture, let us rediscover the immense value Christ places on His church—and what that demands of us in return.
I. The Worth of Anything Is Determined by Cost We often assign value by the price paid. A twenty-dollar hat is worth twenty dollars to the one who bought it. So, what was the church worth to Christ?
Paul wrote, “You are not your own; for you have been bought for a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). That price was not gold or silver, but blood: “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock… to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).
When we consider this, we see the value heaven placed on the church. Would you die for something meaningless? Would you sacrifice your child for something worthless? God did not overpay. He knew exactly what He was purchasing—and it was worth every drop of blood to Him.
As you measure that price, do not stop at the cross—include the scourging, the betrayal, the bloody sweat in Gethsemane, the rejection of His teachings, the loneliness of ministry, the constant ridicule and misunderstanding by men. He left the glory of heaven, stepped into a broken world, and bore its scorn. He was misunderstood by His own people, rejected by religious leaders, abandoned by friends, and falsely accused. His entire life was marked by sorrow and self-denial. He paid the greatest price not only in death—but in life—so we might be called His own.
Jesus said, “For what good will it do a person if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). One soul is worth more than the world. The church, made up of countless souls, is beyond earthly calculation.
II. How Can I Show That I Value the Church? If the church truly matters to us, it must show in how we live. Jesus warned, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). A heart that treasures the church will express that value in several practical ways:
1. Regular Attendance Attendance is not optional. Hebrews 10:25 urges, “not abandoning our own meeting together… but encouraging one another.” Faithful presence shows priority. The church is not a club, but a body. When a member is missing, the whole suffers (1 Corinthians 12:25–26).
But attendance isn’t just about being counted—it’s about being changed. We assemble to draw near to God in worship, to hear His Word proclaimed, and to examine ourselves in light of that truth. We gather not only for fellowship but for spiritual focus. Each time we meet, it is a moment to reset our priorities, to encourage and be encouraged, and to renew our commitment to faithfulness. Regular assembly reminds us that we are not alone in our walk. It strengthens our resolve to remain steadfast and gives us the accountability that protects us from drifting. When we neglect to meet, we rob ourselves—and others—of the strength that God designed the church to provide.
2. Financial Support Paul taught, “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save as he may prosper” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Giving is not a payment for services, but a reflection of love and sacrifice. If we love the church, we will give joyfully and generously (2 Corinthians 9:7). Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). If our giving is small, it may be worth asking whether our love has grown cold.
In this way, our contribution becomes like a personal gauge—just as a car has gauges to show the health of the engine, our willingness to give reveals the condition of our heart. Do we give God the leftovers, or do we give with purpose and priority? Contribution isn’t just about money—it’s a reflection of trust, gratitude, and commitment. It is a regular test of whether our hearts are more rooted in heaven or on earth.
3. Supporting Church Leadership “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account” (Hebrews 13:17). Faithful elders labor with heavy responsibility. They are not perfect men, but they are accountable before God. Supporting them doesn’t mean blind agreement, but it does mean respect, cooperation, and willingness to speak truth in love. Helping them see issues that threaten sound doctrine or unity is part of our shared responsibility. When we hinder rather than help, we show disregard for God’s structure. Leaders thrive when members support them—and when they are surrounded by brethren who lovingly uphold the truth.
4. Living a Godly Life Paul told Titus, “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds” (Titus 2:7). Jesus said we are salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). The world will measure the church by its members. What they see in us shapes what they believe about God. A holy life reinforces the message we preach. It proves the gospel works. But a sinful life brings reproach, not just on us, but on the church and on Christ Himself.
God has always expected His people to be distinct. “But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior” (1 Peter 1:15). That means resisting the pull of culture, refusing to blend in with sin, and striving to reflect Christ in speech, conduct, and heart. A godly life is not flawless—but it is sincere, repentant, and growing. When we pursue godliness, we honor the church and glorify the One who made us His own.
5. Evangelizing the Lost The early church spread by word of mouth: “Therefore, those who had been scattered went through places preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Soul-winning reveals a heart that loves the mission of the church. “My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you strays from the truth and someone turns him back, let him know that the one who has turned a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19–20).
This doesn’t mean every Christian has to be an outgoing speaker or constantly engaging strangers. Evangelism includes how we live—our kindness, consistency, compassion, and courage. When our lives reflect the character of Christ, we draw others to Him. People may hear the gospel through our words, but they will often see it first in our behavior. We must be intentional, but also authentic—letting our faith shine naturally in everyday relationships.
6. Personal Involvement Jesus said, “We must carry out the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). Christianity is not a spectator religion. It calls for participation—for hands and hearts engaged in the Lord’s work. Paul wrote, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23).
That work includes standing firm in the truth, even when it’s difficult. It means contending for the faith with boldness and humility (Jude 1:3), and refusing to compromise on matters of doctrine and morality. A faithful Christian is not just a worker, but a watchman—one who sounds the alarm when danger threatens (Ezekiel 33:7). Personal involvement means being grounded in the Word, ready to teach, ready to serve, and ready to stand. The church grows stronger when its members do more than attend—they engage, they sacrifice, and they hold fast to the truth with unwavering hearts.
Conclusion What more could Christ have done to show His love for the church? He gave everything—His blood, His body, His life. And in return, He asks for our hearts, our service, and our faithfulness.
The church is not a side project of Christianity; it is central to God’s eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:10–11). It is where the saved are gathered (Acts 2:47), where truth is proclaimed (1 Timothy 3:15), and where we are equipped for every good work (Ephesians 4:11–12).
So let us not treat it lightly. Let us not drift through membership with indifference or apathy. Let us love what He loves, serve where He served, and sacrifice for what He sacrificed.
If your heart has wandered from the church, it has wandered from Christ. But it’s not too late. Reflect. Return. Recommit. He still calls. He still builds. And He still saves.
What is the church worth to you? Look to the cross—and decide.
The question “Who am I?” is not new. It has been asked in moments of crisis, humility, and longing. Some answer from a humanistic view, reducing man to a product of evolution. Others take a militaristic or self-serving stance, valuing man only for his utility or authority. But the question we must ask is this: Who am I in the eyes of God?
Psalm 8 marvels at the dignity and destiny God gives to man. “What is man, that You think of him, and a son of man, that You are concerned about him?” (Psalm 8:4). It is only from God’s perspective that we learn our true worth. The answers may surprise us—but they will also compel us to live differently.
I. I Am a Sinner Saved by Grace Sin entered the world through Adam, and with it came the brokenness of humanity. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Left to ourselves, we are lost, deceived, and without hope (1 John 1:8; Jeremiah 10:23).
But God did not leave us there. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Grace is not permission to remain in sin; it is the power to be transformed. If I know I am saved only by grace, I will never be arrogant—but always grateful.
II. I Am of Value to God Paul wrote, “For you have been bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20). What was that price? The blood of Jesus Christ. God gave His Son (John 3:16) not because we were worthy, but because His love is great.
We must never forget the cost. It was not paid in silver, but in suffering: the scourging, the cross, the agony. We measure our worth by the price God paid. We matter—not because of what we’ve done, but because of what He was willing to give.
III. I Am a Servant of the King of Heaven “Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey…?” (Romans 6:16). Everyone serves someone. A Christian chooses to serve Christ.
This service is not drudgery. It is joy. “Not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). Jesus is not just our Savior—He is our Master. He gives us work to do. In the parable of the talents, it was the diligent servant who heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
IV. I Am a Soldier of the Cross Christianity is not passive. Paul said, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). There is a battle to fight, a truth to defend, and a soul to guard.
This requires courage and conviction. “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). Cowardice is not a Christian virtue. We fight—not with swords—but with truth, righteousness, and the gospel of peace.
V. I Am My Brother’s Keeper When Cain asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9), he tried to deny his responsibility. But Christians know otherwise. Paul wrote, “Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification” (Romans 15:2).
We cannot ignore those who are struggling or lost. “Rescue others by snatching them out of the fire” (Jude 23). Evangelism is not optional. Encouragement is not a luxury. We are our brother’s keeper.
VI. I Am Called into a Kingdom That Will Stand Forever Daniel prophesied of a coming kingdom that would never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44). That kingdom came with power on Pentecost (Acts 2), and Jesus declared, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18).
To be a Christian is to be part of something eternal. We are citizens of a kingdom that will not fall (Hebrews 12:28). Therefore, we live with honor, loyalty, and allegiance to our King.
VII. I Am an Heir of an Eternal Inheritance Christians are not just citizens—we are heirs. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).
This inheritance is secure, but it is not unconditional. Paul warned, “Do not be deceived… the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9). If I live carelessly, I risk forfeiting what God has promised.
Conclusion Who am I? I am a sinner saved by grace. I am of value to God, a servant of the King, a soldier of truth, a keeper of souls, a citizen of a kingdom, and an heir of eternity.
This is not a question of ego—but of identity. If this is who we are, then let us live like it. Let the world see not just who we claim to be—but Whose we are. Let us honor Him in our bodies, serve Him in our strength, and reflect Him in our lives.
And if you are not yet part of this kingdom, why wait? God has extended the invitation. Will you answer, and become who you were made to be?
Introduction The word “Christian” is one of the most recognized words in the religious world today—and one of the most misunderstood. Some use it to describe a culture, a political group, or even a nation. But when the New Testament uses the term, it does so with clear meaning and divine authority. It is found only three times (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16), and always in reference to individuals who had obeyed the gospel and were living under the lordship of Jesus Christ. If God gave the name, then we must seek to understand what it means to wear it.
To be a Christian is not simply to believe in God or live a moral life. It is to belong to Christ, to be in Christ, and to live for Christ—every day, in every place, and through every decision.
I. A Christian Is a Priest Many assume that priests belong to a special religious class. But Scripture says that all Christians are priests. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9, NASB).
In the Old Testament, priests offered sacrifices at the temple. Today, Christians offer themselves. “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Romans 12:1). We are not spectators in worship. We are the offering.
Jesus has made us “a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (Revelation 1:6). To be a Christian is to live a life of devotion, service, and surrender.
II. A Christian Is a Believer Faith is not a mere opinion—it is trust that moves the heart and transforms the life. “The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36).
Belief without obedience is not biblical faith. James says it clearly: “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). The heroes of Hebrews 11 were people of action. They believed—and they moved. A Christian is someone whose faith is visible in their obedience.
III. A Christian Is a Disciple A disciple is more than a follower; he is a learner and a student. Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples” (John 8:31). A Christian doesn’t rely on feelings or traditions but clings to the Word.
Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). We are shaped by the Word of God. A Christian opens his Bible—not just on Sundays, but every day—because he is still learning at the feet of the Master.
IV. A Christian Is Holy To be holy is to be set apart. It is to live in contrast to the world—not in arrogance, but in purity and purpose. “But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior” (1 Peter 1:15).
This is not about pretending to be perfect. “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves” (1 John 1:8). But the Christian does not make peace with sin. He fights it, flees from it, and seeks cleansing through Christ. Holiness is not the absence of struggle, but the presence of repentance.
V. A Christian Is a Sacrifice Paul wrote, “But I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave” (1 Corinthians 9:27). A Christian is not driven by pleasure, popularity, or personal ambition. He has been crucified with Christ. “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” (Galatians 2:20).
We do not belong to ourselves. We belong to the One who died for us. A Christian asks not, “What do I want to do?” but “What would Jesus have me do?”
VI. A Christian Is a Light Jesus declared, “You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16).
Light is visible. It makes a difference. A Christian cannot live in darkness and claim fellowship with God. “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6).
Christians light the world—not with their own brilliance—but by reflecting the light of Christ.
VII. A Christian Is a Child of God A Christian is not merely a religious person. He is part of God’s family. “For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:26–27).
This identity gives us access to God, assurance of hope, and the promise of inheritance. “See how great a love the Father has given us, that we would be called children of God; and in fact we are!” (1 John 3:1). We are no longer orphans—we are heirs.
Conclusion What is a Christian? The world offers many answers. But only one answer matters—the one given by God in His Word.
A Christian is a priest, offering his life in worship. A believer, trusting and obeying the gospel. A disciple, growing in the Word. A holy one, set apart from the world. A sacrifice, laying down self at the foot of the cross. A light, shining truth in a dark world. A child of God, clothed in Christ and living in His love.
Can you honestly say, by this definition, “I am a Christian”? If not, the Lord invites you to become one today. Obey the gospel. Be born again. Take up your cross. And wear the name Christian—not as a title, but as a testimony.
“For there is no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Will you come to Him now?
Peter’s question in 2 Peter 3:11—”What sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness”—was not a rhetorical flourish. It was a pointed, urgent call to reflection. In the context, Peter is addressing the coming judgment and the end of the world. This sobering truth should move us to examine not only what we believe, but how we live. If the world is passing away, what kind of people should we be? The answer is not left to speculation. Scripture lays out the kind of character, conduct, and commitment that God desires. Let us consider what manner of persons we ought to be.
I. Steadfast Persons To be steadfast is to be immovable, grounded, and constant in purpose. In Acts 2:42, the early church “was continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” They didn’t drift aimlessly. Paul described his own determination in Philippians 3:13–14: “…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal…” Steadfastness means not being tossed around by emotions or circumstances. It is daily choosing to follow Christ regardless of the winds that blow. 1 Corinthians 15:58 reminds us, “Be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord.” A fruit tree that is moved weekly never bears fruit. Neither will a Christian who lacks stability.
II. Prayerful Persons Prayer is not a last resort. It is the lifeblood of our relationship with God. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Prayer is where we align our will with God’s, where we confess our weakness and find strength. Jesus modeled this dependence. In Luke 18:1, He spoke a parable to teach “that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged.” Are we a praying people—or only when things get hard? Prayer must be constant, fervent, and sincere.
III. Forgiving Persons Forgiveness is not an optional virtue; it is a command. Paul wrote, “Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Jesus tied our forgiveness directly to our willingness to forgive others. In Matthew 6:14–15, He said, “For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive… neither will your Father forgive your offenses.” Forgiveness frees us from bitterness, reconciles relationships, and honors the grace we’ve been shown. Are we harboring grudges? Forgiveness must replace resentment.
IV. Soul-Winning Persons The heart of Christ was a soul-winning heart. He said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). If we are to be like Him, we must carry that same concern. Proverbs 11:30 says, “The one who is wise saves lives.” Paul felt a deep urgency: “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). Jesus gave us the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20), and the early church obeyed it with boldness (Acts 8:4). Today, evangelism is often overlooked or left to a few. But every Christian is called to be a light and to bring others to Christ.
V. Happy Persons The Christian life is not one of gloom. Philippians 4:4 instructs, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” Joy is the fruit of a heart that knows it is loved, saved, and heaven-bound. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 echoes, “Rejoice always.” This doesn’t mean Christians ignore sorrow, but even in trials, they have a hope the world can’t steal. A gloomy Christian contradicts the message of grace. Are we radiating the joy of salvation—or has the world stolen our smile?
VI. Cooperative Persons We are not lone disciples. Christianity is a community. Paul wrote, “We are God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Again in 2 Corinthians 6:1, “Working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” Just as a body functions with many members, the church thrives through unity and cooperation. We need one another. Pride, selfishness, or isolationism have no place in the body of Christ. Are we striving together—or pulling apart?
VII. Sacrificial Persons Romans 12:1 urges, “…present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Christ gave everything. His people must follow that pattern. Whether it’s giving time, money, energy, or even our very lives—true Christianity costs something. Paul knew this firsthand. He wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Christianity is not convenient, but it is worth everything. What are we willing to sacrifice?
VIII. Exemplary Persons We are meant to be seen. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Our lives should be sermons in motion. 1 Peter 3:1–2 speaks of spouses being won “without a word” by the behavior of their mates. James 2:18 says, “I will show you my faith by my works.” We are either drawing people to Christ or pushing them away. What do our lives say about our Lord?
Conclusion In light of eternity, Peter’s question still echoes: What manner of persons ought you to be? The answer is clear. We ought to be steadfast, prayerful, forgiving, soul-winning, joyful, cooperative, sacrificial, and exemplary. These are not lofty ideals for a select few—they are the daily call of every disciple.
So, examine your heart. What kind of person are you becoming? The Lord is coming. Time is short. Heaven is real—and so is hell. “What sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” (2 Peter 3:11).
The answer is not just a description. It’s a decision. What kind of person will you choose to be?
When Philip found Nathanael in John 1:45, he shared the greatest news he had ever heard: “We have found Him of whom Moses wrote in the Law, and the prophets also wrote: Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” Nathanael’s response was skeptical: “Can anything good be from Nazareth?” Yet Philip’s reply is one of the most powerful invitations ever spoken: “Come and see” (John 1:46). It is simple. It is personal. It is compelling.
The same invitation is echoed throughout Scripture. When the Samaritan woman met Jesus at the well, she went into the city and said, “Come, see a Man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is He?” (John 4:29). The power of true discovery in Christ always results in a desire to share Him. When people genuinely encounter Jesus, they cannot help but invite others to do the same.
I. What Do We Mean by “Come and See”?
Too often, people hear an invitation to Christ and misunderstand the nature of it. This is not an invitation to come see a religion of opinions, or a faith of traditions and “maybes.” We’re not asking the world to come and see what might be, or what could be, but to come and see what is. We are calling people to examine the Christ as revealed in Scripture. We say with confidence, “Come and see the Lord.” Not as we imagine Him, not as culture reshapes Him, but as He is truly presented in the Word of God.
This invitation is not to explore our personal views or denominational distinctives, but to encounter the living Jesus. “Come and see” is a call to witness firsthand the truth of who Jesus is and what He commands.
II. Come and See Jesus for Who He Truly Is
A. See Jesus as the Son of Man Jesus was born of a virgin, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). He entered the world in human form, identifying with our weaknesses, experiencing our struggles, and showing us how to live in obedience to God. Paul wrote, “He emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7).
B. See Jesus as the Son of God He was not only human—He was divine. John 20:31 declares, “These have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name.” Jesus performed miracles (John 2:11), calmed storms (Mark 4:39), forgave sins (Mark 2:5), and rose from the dead (Matthew 28:6). He did what no man could do because He was not just man—He was God in the flesh (John 1:1).
C. See Jesus as the Savior of the World He came to die. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). He took our sins upon Himself. He was our substitute. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). We say to the world: Come and see the One who died for you.
III. Come and See His Church
Jesus didn’t just save individuals—He built a church. He said, “Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18). That church still exists. It is not a man-made denomination, but a spiritual body composed of those who have submitted to Christ through obedient faith.
“So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). Verse 47 says, “The Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Come and see the church that belongs to Christ—those saved, called out, and added by the Lord Himself.
IV. Come and See What He Commands
A. See What Jesus Commands to Be Saved We must not simply admire Jesus—we must obey Him. He said, “He who has believed and has been baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). When the crowd at Pentecost asked what they should do, Peter replied, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Come and see what the Bible says—not man, not tradition—about salvation.
B. See What Jesus Commands for Life Jesus also teaches us how to live. Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age.” Come and see that the gospel is not just about being saved from something—but being saved for something.
C. See What Jesus Will Say on the Last Day Jesus will judge all people. He said, “Do not be amazed at this; for a time is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come out: those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the bad deeds to a resurrection of judgment” (John 5:28-29). Will you be ready to stand before Him?
V. Come and See—Then Go and Tell
We do not invite people to a dead religion but to a risen Lord. Our task is not merely to say, “Come and see,” but also to go and tell. When Andrew met Jesus, “he first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’… He brought him to Jesus” (John 1:41–42).
Do we speak of Christ with that same urgency today? Do we believe, as Paul did, that “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16)?
Conclusion: The Invitation Still Stands
We invite you—sincerely and boldly—to come and see. See the Lord as He is. See His sacrifice, His church, His commands, and His promises. See the truth that saves.
Then go and tell others. Invite your friends, your family, your neighbors: Come and see.
And when we do, may it be said of us as it was of those in ancient times, “They turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).
The importance of faith cannot be overstated. Without faith, there is no relationship with God, no access to grace, and no hope of eternal life. Hebrews 11 is a chapter that overflows with examples of those who pleased God by faith. Verse 6 states plainly, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6, NASB).
Yet there is a kind of belief that does not save. It is belief that hears, even agrees—but does not obey. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21). To believe without obedience is to believe in vain. This is why the Lord said to Moses in Numbers 20:12, “Because you did not trust Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, for that reason you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”
I. Faith Must Lead to Obedience
Moses believed in God. He had led Israel through the Red Sea and spoken with God face to face. But in Numbers 20, God gave Moses a specific command: speak to the rock. Instead, Moses struck the rock, and for that act of disobedience, God said, “You did not believe in Me.” What a sobering truth—that disobedience is seen as disbelief.
Faith is more than acknowledgment—it is action. James writes, “You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected” (James 2:22). The example given is Abraham. He did not merely say, “I believe.” He obeyed, even to the point of offering Isaac. “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac…” (Hebrews 11:17). This is the kind of faith that justifies—a faith that moves.
II. What It Means to Not Believe in God
Many today claim to believe in God but live lives filled with self-will and compromise. The Lord said to Israel, “This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me. And in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8-9). Vain worship is real. And it comes not from atheists, but from religious people who believe without obeying.
God sees our rejection of His commands as rejection of Him. To substitute our will for His is to declare, “I believe not.” In the same way that Moses struck the rock instead of speaking, many today change God’s pattern and assume He will still be pleased.
III. What Saving Faith Looks Like
True belief always surrenders. Abraham is again our example. Romans 4:20-22 says, “Yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness.”
Faith that saves is faith that obeys. “The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36). Belief and obedience are inseparable in God’s eyes.
IV. What Does God Command Us To Do?
If we claim to believe, we must obey what God has said. Consider a few areas where disobedience is widespread:
A. Wear the Name Christian Acts 4:12 says, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.” The name “Christian” was divinely given (Acts 11:26), and we are not authorized to wear any other name. When we do, we fail to honor Christ fully.
B. Be Baptized for the Forgiveness of Sins Peter said, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Jesus said, “The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). To delay or deny baptism is to reject the plain word of God.
C. Worship According to the Pattern Colossians 3:16 commands, “…singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Ephesians 5:19 agrees: “…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” Instrumental music is a human addition. God never asked for it. To add is to disobey (Revelation 22:18-19).
D. Be a Member of Christ’s Church Jesus said, “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). Acts 20:28 says He purchased it with His blood. Paul taught that there is “one body” (Ephesians 4:4). The church is not a denomination—it is the saved, the called out. To join a man-made institution and ignore the Lord’s church is to say, “I believe not.”
E. Live Faithfully and Spread the Gospel Jesus said, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19). This is not optional. Christians are lights in the world. If we claim to follow Jesus but remain silent, we disobey. Silence is not faith—it is unbelief.
V. The Conclusion of the Matter
Hebrews 3:12 warns, “Take care, brothers and sisters, that there will not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God.” The greatest danger facing Christians today is not rejection of God’s existence—it is living as though His commands don’t matter.
Paul said, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Can we say with confidence that we are walking in the truth? Not just in word, but in life, in worship, in submission?
Faith that does not obey will not save. And on the last day, many who said “Lord, Lord” will hear the dreadful words: “I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23).
Let us believe—in the fullest sense of the word. Let us believe with our minds, our hearts, and our hands. Let our faith be the kind that moves, submits, and obeys.
For anything less is to hear God say: “You believed not in Me.”
The Lord, in His divine wisdom, has designed a plan of salvation that requires man’s cooperation. While it is true that salvation is by grace (Ephesians 2:8), it is not bestowed apart from human response. Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount that hearing His words is not enough; one must also do them. “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24, NASB). The contrast is clear: wise men do, foolish men do not.
This principle—of man’s responsibility to respond to God—has been present from the beginning. When God finished His work of creation, He saw that it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Man, made in His image, was given dominion, purpose, and a relationship with God. But when man sinned, that fellowship was broken. Yet even then, God’s love reached through the darkness. He devised a plan to save mankind through the gift of His Son (John 3:16). But even this great plan does not exclude man’s role. There is something for us to do. Salvation is not automatic—it must be accepted on God’s terms. And Jesus’ words to the people at Lazarus’ tomb illustrate this beautifully: “Take away the stone” (John 11:39).
I. The Setting at Lazarus’ Tomb John 11 tells the moving story of Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, who had died. His sisters, Mary and Martha, had sent word to Jesus, but He arrived after Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. Upon arrival, Jesus was deeply moved. “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). He felt their pain. Yet even in this moment of divine power—moments before He would raise the dead—Jesus gave a command to the mourners: “Take away the stone” (John 11:39).
Why? Surely, Jesus could have moved it Himself. Why ask others to do it?
Because God never does for man what man can do for himself.
Jesus didn’t tell them to raise the dead—only He could do that. But He required them to remove the obstacle. God’s power and man’s obedience work together. The principle is simple and powerful: Divine blessing requires human cooperation.
II. Biblical Examples of Man’s Cooperation A. Noah and the Ark Salvation was in the ark, but Noah had to build it. God gave the design: “Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood…” (Genesis 6:14). Noah’s obedience is praised: “Thus Noah did; according to everything that God had commanded him, so he did” (Genesis 6:22). Noah could not save himself from the flood—but he could obey. He rolled away the stone of unbelief and worked according to God’s plan.
B. Israel at the Red Sea In Exodus 14, Israel was trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army. God told Moses, “Lift up your staff and reach out with your hand over the sea and divide it…” (Exodus 14:16). The waters would part by God’s power, but Moses still had to act. Suppose he had said, “Lord, I’ll wait until the waters part on their own.” Would they have been saved?
C. Fiery Serpents in the Wilderness When the people were bitten by serpents, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent. Those who looked upon it would live (Numbers 21:8–9). The cure was provided, but each person had to look. Refusing to look would have meant death. No one else could look for them.
D. Naaman the Leper Naaman had leprosy. The prophet Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan seven times (2 Kings 5:10). At first he resisted, but eventually he obeyed—and was healed. God could have healed him without the Jordan River, but obedience was the point. Naaman had to humble himself and obey.
In every case, the blessing was conditional. Salvation came, but only when man did what God asked. These are the stones that had to be rolled away.
III. The Christian Must Remove Stones Too Just because we have obeyed the gospel does not mean our responsibilities have ended. In fact, obedience is only the beginning. After becoming a Christian, we must remain active, faithful, and spiritually awake. Unfortunately, many baptized believers become stagnant, hindered in their walk by stones that have been allowed to remain—or new ones that slowly roll into place. If not removed, they will bury our zeal, choke our faith, and silence our usefulness in the kingdom.
God expects the Christian to roll away these stones—not by their own strength, but through obedience to His Word and by leaning on the power of His Spirit. Consider some of the most common stones that weigh down the children of God:
1. The Stone of Indifference Some Christians no longer feel the urgency of the gospel or the weight of lost souls. They may assemble, but their hearts are distant. Their faith has grown cold. This is spiritual sleep. Paul warned, “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it” (Hebrews 2:1). Indifference is a slow drift. We don’t wake up one day and abandon Christ. We slide—little by little—because our hearts no longer burn with the care and commitment they once held. Indifference must be shattered before it numbs us to spiritual death.
2. The Stone of Worldliness Worldliness is love for the temporary pleasures of this life more than the eternal promises of God. John warned, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). A heart divided cannot serve God. Many Christians today spend far more time in entertainment than in Scripture, more energy in career than in kingdom work. When our desires mirror the world more than Christ, we must ask: Have I buried my faith beneath worldly clutter?
3. The Stone of Ignorance Ignorance is not innocence. A lack of knowledge is dangerous, especially when it’s by choice. Peter said, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Some Christians never grow because they never study. They live off shallow phrases and inherited ideas, never anchoring their faith in the Word. But a weak, uninformed faith cannot stand under pressure. We must know the truth to live it—and to defend it.
4. The Stone of Malice and Bitterness Too many are held captive by old grudges or unresolved anger. Bitterness silences prayers, poisons hearts, and divides churches. Paul said, “All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31). Forgiveness isn’t optional—it’s commanded. If God forgave us, how can we hold onto hatred toward others? These stones weigh heavily on the soul and must be rolled away if we want our hearts to be clean before God.
5. The Stone of Pride and Self-Importance Some Christians are buried beneath their own ego. Pride whispers, “I’m right. I don’t need help. I don’t need to change.” But Paul wrote, “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think” (Romans 12:3). Pride keeps us from confession, from correction, and from growth. Humility is the only soil where righteousness can take root.
IV. God Has Done His Part God has not left man without help. He has made provision:
The Sacrifice – God sent His Son to die on our behalf. Hebrews 9:22 states, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Jesus became the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling what the blood of bulls and goats could never do. Paul reminds us, “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6).
The Plan – God has clearly revealed His expectations through His Word. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). His will is knowable, and it is written for us to study, obey, and teach.
The Offer – Salvation is extended as a gift, not something we could ever earn. Ephesians 2:8 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” God’s grace is abundant, but it must be received on His terms—through obedient faith.
Yet none of this removes man’s responsibility. We must roll away the stones in our hearts and lives if we wish to receive the blessing.
V. Conclusion: Will You Take Away the Stone? Some people are waiting for God to do it all. But salvation is conditional. God has made the offer—but He expects obedience.
Paul wrote, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Not because we earn salvation—but because salvation requires response.
To the sinner: Are you waiting for a feeling, a sign, a more convenient time? God says, “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). Roll away the stone.
To the Christian: Have you allowed pride, apathy, or worldliness to block your spiritual growth? Has the church, in your hands, been buried beneath stones of silence and inaction?
Christ stands at the tomb, calling out to the dead. But before He calls them forth, He says to us: “Take away the stone.”
The very fact that man is man carries with it the reality of accountability. We are not machines, nor are we mindless animals driven by instinct alone. We are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and with that image comes the power—and the burden—of choice. That means responsibility.
The apostle Paul declares, “So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12, NASB). That is a sobering truth. One day, every soul will stand before the throne of Christ and answer for the life they lived. Whether one believes it or not, whether one prepares or not, the appointment stands. “It is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
Our world today fights against this idea. Many embrace atheism, agnosticism, or moral relativism to escape the weight of accountability. But removing God from our thinking doesn’t remove His authority. It only blinds us to the truth until it is too late. The soul still bears the consequences of its choices—whether it recognizes them or not.
I. Created to Be Accountable
God has always taught that man bears responsibility for his actions. From the very beginning, Adam and Eve were given a law—and held accountable when they broke it (Genesis 2:16–17; 3:17–19). Even when they tried to shift the blame—Adam to Eve, and Eve to the serpent—God held each individually responsible.
Paul makes this crystal clear: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Every one of us will answer—not for our neighbor, not for our parents or children—but for ourselves.
That is the message throughout the Bible:
“The soul who sins will die. The son will not bear the guilt of the father, nor will the father bear the guilt of the son” (Ezekiel 18:20).
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).
“So then, my beloved… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).
Personal accountability is not just a religious concept—it’s a divine reality. And no one is exempt.
II. Lessons From Scripture: Accountability in Action
Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly demonstrates that each person is accountable to Him.
1. The Garden of Eden
In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve are both called to account for their disobedience. God didn’t accept excuses. The serpent’s deception didn’t remove Eve’s guilt. Adam’s claim, “The woman whom You gave to be with me…” didn’t remove his responsibility. Each stood accountable.
2. Cain and Abel
When Cain killed his brother, God didn’t ask, “What did your parents teach you?” or “What did Abel do to provoke you?” He asked, “Where is your brother Abel?” (Genesis 4:9). Cain was responsible for his actions and was punished accordingly. “If you do well, will your face not be cheerful?” (Genesis 4:7). He had a choice—and he chose sin.
3. Parables of Jesus
In Matthew 25, Jesus gives two powerful parables on accountability:
The Parable of the Ten Virgins shows that preparedness is a personal matter. The foolish virgins couldn’t borrow oil from the wise. No one else’s faith or readiness can substitute for yours.
The Parable of the Talents shows that each servant had to give a personal account to the Master. The one-talent man wasn’t judged for what others did—but for what he did with what he had. “You wicked, lazy slave” (Matthew 25:26).
We are not saved or lost as a group. We are judged as individuals.
III. Excuses Will Not Stand in the Judgment
Humanity has always sought to shift blame, delay accountability, or minimize responsibility. But before the judgment seat of Christ, every excuse will collapse.
1. You Can’t Blame Someone Else
The idea that someone else will carry the burden for us is false. There will be no group reports in the Day of Judgment. No one will stand and say, “Lord, I followed my preacher,” or “I did what my parents told me.” That will not matter.
“Each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting, but to himself alone, and not to another. For each one will bear his own load” (Galatians 6:4–5).
When the Lord judges, He will not ask, “What did your preacher say?” or “What did the church teach?” He will ask, “What did YOU do with My Word?”
2. Being Religious Is Not Enough
Jesus warned that many who call Him “Lord” will be turned away. Why? “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21).
It is possible to be busy in religion and still be lost—because God doesn’t judge by activity, but by obedience.
3. Delayed Obedience Is Still Disobedience
The time to obey is now. “Behold, now is ‘a favorable time,’ behold, now is ‘a day of salvation’” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Hoping to serve God “someday” is a dangerous gamble with eternity. Many have died with full intentions of getting right—someday. But someday never came.
IV. God’s Grace Does Not Cancel Responsibility
We must be clear on this point. No one can earn salvation. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). But that grace requires something of us.
“And having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9).
Obedience is not a work that earns salvation—it is the condition through which grace is received. Paul said, “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly” (Galatians 2:21). But he also said, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? Far from it!” (Romans 6:1–2).
God’s grace teaches us to live righteously, not to neglect duty (Titus 2:11–12). It strengthens us to obey—it doesn’t remove the need for obedience.
V. Final Plea: You Are Accountable
God is not mocked. “Whatever a person sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Each of us must prepare for the day when our name is called.
Are you accountable? Yes. Are you ready to give account? That depends on your response to God’s Word.
Paul once stood ready to die because he knew he had obeyed the gospel, lived a faithful life, and finished his course. He said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7–8).
Can you say the same?
You won’t be judged based on someone else’s life. You won’t be saved because your parents were faithful. You won’t be excused because others were worse. God will look at you—only you—and ask what you did with the life He gave.
Today is your opportunity. Not tomorrow. Not when it’s convenient. Today.
The Simple Gospel 