Are You Ready?... by Michael Pickford To be ready is to be prepared, or willing. We are familiar with the pitfalls of being ill prepared for a test, a job, or an interview. Not being ready in spiritual matters is far worse. We must be ready when it comes to… EXPLANATIONS. When it comes to our faith, God wants us to be ready to explain ourselves to others. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). Always be ready! This takes devotion, and diligent daily study (Acts 17:11). We need to spend large amounts of time reading and studying God’s word so we might be ready to give a scriptural answer when we are asked about our beliefs concerning things like baptism, mechanical instruments, the one true church, et al. We must also be ready when it comes to… EVANGELISM. Paul wrote, “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16). God does not expect everyone to become teachers in the sense of standing up in front of the church and preaching the gospel or even teaching a public Bible class (James 3:1), but he does expect us to share the gospel with our friends, neighbors, co-workers, family, etc. God anticipates that we will all study, plan, prepare, and pray in order to make ourselves ready to teach. “For though by this time you ought to be teachers…” (Hebrews 5:12). When that deadly persecution hit the saints at Jerusalem, the saints where scattered everywhere except for the Apostles (who remained in Jerusalem). These saints “Went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:1-4). In spite of persecution, they were ready! We must also be ready when it comes to… ETERNITY. “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with Him to the wedding; and the door was shut” (Matthew 25:10). Those who were ready were the wise virgins. Jesus told this parable in order to stress the need to be prepared for his coming (vs 13). If you haven’t been baptized into Christ for the remission of sins, you’re not ready (Acts 22:16; Galatians 3:27). If you’re not remaining faithful to the Lord, you’re not ready (Revelation 2:10). There’s a great day coming. Get Ready!
Posted on: Wed, 22 Jan 2014 00:22:08 +0000
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