This last week my church had its special Fall revival services. The services were absolutely amazing, and they spoke to my heart in many undeserving ways, and yet, the Lord is still speaking to me about what I have been taught. This past week, the messages were pointed, sharp, and direct to both the saved and lost. All who truly listened could not walk away untouched by the Sword of the Gospel. Unfortunately, many did, and their reaction burdens my heart still. There were a few on my heart this last week that I prayed desperately for, concerning their need of salvation. Yet, night after night, they refused the call to repentance. Disappointed, yes. Discouraged, no. The Word of the Lord does not return void, but I know the time is closing in when the Holy Spirit will say “no” to for the last time.
During one of the invitations, Pastor reminded the congregation of a phrase that our special speaker had been using often. We had just finished listening to a very convicting message over Psalm 1, contrasting of how “the ungodly are not so.” The message reminded of how the ungodly are not prosperous (they are like the chaff) and how they are denied from eternal life. The passion in which the sermon preached made me praise the Lord in how I am unworthily accepted by Him, for the sermon pointed out who God is, and who we are. Unfortunately, not a lost person went forward during the invitation. And during that time, Pastor reminded us all of why no one was saved. It was because of “the insanity of sin”.
It is true, isn’t it? Just like the demonic of Gadara, sin causes insanity (Mark 5:1-20). Our country is killing babies and satisfying every lust conceivable without any care of its consequences. Why? Because of the insanity of sin. And yet, such blatant sin against God is happening right in our churches. People would rather burn in a lake of fire for all of eternity than humbly bow their knee before God and accept His salvation. Someone in my church service every Sunday and Wednesday is refusing God because they would rather enjoy their sin for a season. How blinding sin is!
So, now when I see sin in my life, I try to remember what sin does and how it keeps me from the One who loves me. Sin in my life is nothing to "blow over". During invitation time at church, I am reminded of, and burden for those who insanely chose to ignore the Gift. Oh, how Satan rejoices at those times, but I know that my God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (II Peter 3:9)