Your Special Day

Message by Kenny Gilbert

Isaiah 1:1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

“I have redeemed thee.” The lost are saved by the blood of the Lamb and this is the only way to be redeemed. Romans 10:8 says “the word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.” Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Only through and by him can we be redeemed.

“I have called thee.” Without the conviction of the Lord no one can be saved. He invites us to come in. Without the calling of God we cannot be saved. God will call but it may be only once. He knows all about us. He’ll help us in time of need, but our greatest sickness is sin.

To the lost: God will save you and be with you. There is only one way to have salvation. We cannot work our way there. Going to church won’t take us there. Being a teacher or deacon won’t take us there. You do these things after you’re saved. It’s sad that people sit in church all their lives and are still lost. Even Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews asked Jesus what he had to do to be saved.  The simple question got a simple answer.  You have to be born again. We all have to do the same. It’s the most important thing anyone will ever do. This is your special day.

People are living as they did in Noah’s day. They want to feel good. They don’t want the word of God. They have itching ears. What they want will not save.  The Bible says people won’t endure sound doctrine. The word of God penetrates; it’s a two-edged sword, but people don’t want the true word.  However we still must preach it. We must warn others.

It’s a special day for us to be here under God’s word. We’re here for a purpose. It may be for your salvation. We’re living in the day that the Lord could come back at any time. Whether lost or saved, all will bow to the Lord. Those who do so now will go to heaven. Those who choose not to bow will stand before the great white throne judgment. They will bow before the God of heaven and hear the saddest words one could ever hear. “Depart from me. I never knew you.” Whether we go by rapture or resurrection, we’ll live eternally with God. There are two places in eternity–with God or Satan-with God in heaven or Satan in the lake of fire. Today is your special day, the day salvation.

I’m glad to report that Jesus loves us. I’m glad I had my special day. Bob Surber visited me many times, but when I was flat on my back in a hospital Bob came one more time. After all the times I turned him away, I had my special day. It’s been special ever since.

It’s a special day for the lost to be saved. It’s a special day for Christians to tell someone about the Lord.  This is your special day.