I would have to say salvation and baptism are at the core of a pastor's heart. At least they should be. I know it is for me. Salvation is the most important to me because without salvation, baptism means nothing. As pastors, we need to see to God's work and His will. It is God's will that all be saved.
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." ( 2Peter 3:9)
As each day passes, it gets closer and closer to the time when the Lord will return for all his followers.
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." (2Peter 3:10)
Time is running out and there are so many people that need to hear this message. I can see a town full of lost people right here where I am and as a pastor, I encourage all my fellow colleagues to adjust their lesson plans to present the urgency of the plan of salvation to all who will listen. Jesus is returning soon and there are still souls to be won. The Bible says, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23).
That is why Jesus died on the cross for all of us. " But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). He made a way for all of us to be reconciled to God forever just by obeying God's will. This is a free gift to us just by accepting Jesus as Savior. " For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16,17).
Not many things these days are free so take it while it is still available. I like the idea of living forever with my Lord and Savior. What other reasons could there be for serving the Lord then to help people reconcile themselves to God. That is a true friend and brother or sister. Bible says to go out and preach the message of the gospel to all nations and to baptize the people who except Christ as Savior in water. "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20).
Then we need to teach them to observe all that Jesus has commanded. I remember the night I accepted Christ as Savior. It was during a revival and that night the evangelist was talking about hell and fire and that all who do not get saved will burn forever in Hell. Well, I did not want to burn so I went forward and accepted the Lord as Savior. What a relief that was. Now I had the assurance of salvation and eternity with my Lord and Savior. Have you given your life to the Lord? Would you consider making the decision to accept Jesus.
I want to make this easy for you, no need to wait, if you want to accept Him today, I have added a simple prayer for salvation, just for you...
"Dear Lord please forgive me of my sin. I accept you Jesus, as my personal Savior. I accept your free gift of salvation. I believe Jesus is the Son of God. I believe Jesus died on the cross for my sin and rose again on the third day. I believe Jesus is alive and in Heaven. In Jesus name. Amen."
If you prayed this prayer I believe you have been born again. Please send us an email telling us your experience. We have a "New Converts" packet that will help you get started learning about the Lord you have accepted.
Email: Littlejake52@aol.com
