The Times News has teamed up with area clergy to share ‘Words of Comfort’ twice a week in our print edition and online at . Any member of the clergy who’d like to get involved can contact Allison Winters at awinters@sixriversmedia.com.
The Times News has teamed up with area clergy to share ‘Words of Comfort’ twice a week in our print edition and online at . Any member of the clergy who’d like to get involved can contact Allison Winters at awinters@sixriversmedia.com.
Throughout the NewTestament we have salutations, greetings of joy, grace and good will, but we also have exhortations and warnings. The greetings of comfort and joy are great to receive but we also have invitations to salvation that provide both exhortation and warning.
The writer of Hebrews tells us in Chapter 13:22: “I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation” or heed, listen very carefully. The word of God always demands a response.
The Bible is not just a book that dispenses facts, it is a book filled with invitations. No doubt Hell is full of people who did not actively oppose Jesus and his word but simply drifted into damnation by simply ignoring his invitation. They do not want to make a decision, but by neglecting to respond they have in fact made a decision. These are the kinds of people the writer challenges in Hebrews 2:1-4.
The people were aware of the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, but weren’t willing to commit their lives to Him. As a result, they were drifting past the call of God into eternal disaster.
Jesus had a similar call to his own people but despite the rejection of His own people, He ached for their salvation: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen ushers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling” (Matt. 23:37). You can feel His heart go out to the people.
Paul had similar compassion “I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsman according to the flesh” (Rom. 9:2-3).
Just as the writer of Hebrews had to warn and exhort his readers, at times it becomes necessary for us to warn those we are witnessing to. If you want to see unbelieving friends, or relatives, come to Christ, warn them. Let them see the passion in your heart and your love for them. Please don’t allow anyone to slip into eternal destruction without presenting them with a warning of clarity.
Duane Williams is pastor at New Horizons Ministries in Kingsport.
