The message was brought by Bro. Rodger Castle.
Jesus left glory, came to earth and died so we could have life and have it more abundantly. It’s the only reason we can have hope. Don’t leave it on the desk. Lots of people look at Jesus and just leave him there.
John 11: 47Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. 48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. 49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. 51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
Jesus came to die. He knew that all along. The Pharisees knew it but didn’t want to lose their rank in society. They, like many today, were more concerned about other things rather than God. People refuse to take Christianity seriously. This message will be a little different. It’s based on an email I got several years ago. When I read it I saw the message in it. A college professor taught a religion class. It was a requirement but didn’t take class seriously. There was one student, popular, intent on going on to seminary. He was in good shape. The professor asked him to be prepared to help him with the last class of the semester. He wanted him to do pushups in sets of 10 throughout the class. He asked him if he thought he could do it because it would be about 300 pushups. He said he would try. That reminds me of what Philippians 4:13 tells us. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. We apply that verse casually but we really can do all things with the help of Christ.
The day of the class the students thought they were coming to a party. The professor had big, tasty donuts on hand to give each student. One by one he offered a donut to each student. The first one said sure. Before he gave it to him he had the young man to do 10 pushups so the student could have his donut. Some students said they didn’t want one but the professor had the young man do 10 pushups and put the donut on the desk of the student who refused. At first the young man was all right with the pushups but it wore on him. He began to sweat profusely but he kept on going. Hebrews 2:3 states How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him. Some refused the donut because they didn’t want the young man to do the pushups. They saw how hard it was getting for him but the agreement between the young man and the professor was that 10 pushups were required for each student. Jesus kept on going no matter what others said. His strength was gone yet he went on. The Bible tells us for then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Jesus offered himself and paid the price that was required by God the Father. It was paid for all and each must accept it.
People tell me to leave them alone and they’ll get to heaven on their own. There is only one way. That way is Jesus. He presented his blood to the Father once and for all. The problem in this world is that we’ve forgotten about Jesus and are leaving him on the desk—out of our lives day in and day out. Jesus said come unto me and I will give you rest. According to the Word of God, Jesus is the only way to get to heaven.
By the end of class the young man was worn down completely. There was not a dry eye. He had done 10 pushups for every student so they could have a donut, whether they wanted it or not. Jesus did the work so we can go to heaven. If you die today will you be ready for heaven? When the Lord calls, it’s over. If the rapture happens there’ll be no time to make things right. This is serious. Jesus looked down through time and then took our sins. He paid the price so that we can go to heaven. It’s paid whether we want it not. Don’t leave it on the desk. Make plans today.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 