Hey friends, I loved the message Pastor Doug preached at Calvary today..In Luke 18:9-14, he talked about the Pharisee and the tax collector.. The Pharisee was boasting about how good he is..He gives more than required..He prays more than required..He is a good man!!! Look at me...LOL... and then you have the tax collector who cant even look up to heaven..He is a convicted soul who beats his chest, crying out to God for mercy.. Jesus says that the one who is humble will be exalted..Uh-oh, Mr. Pharisee, you arent good enough...It is the tax collector that the Lord looks upon and shines forth his mercy and grace....he is in right posture..you are definitely out of line, Mr. P!!..LOL...Then I thought it would be a great thing to add this story when I share the gospel..I wanted to share....:))) I stopped at a fast food restaurant not far from Calvary..I invited the clerk behind the counter to church..He said that many people have invited him but he hadnt gone yet..Then I started sharing the story..I told him how there was a Pharisee that boasted about his good works...He prays, gives and then some...He looks down upon others, because he thinks he is better than they are...He is a pious individual who believes that works are the key to salvation..Then I talked about the tax collecotr and how he humbled himself and didnt believe he was good enough.He couldnt even lift his eyes to heaven.. .He was convicted of his sin and it left him broken..He was crying out for mercy....He hung his head in shame.He knows he needs God.... that is the one that the Lord will exalt and lift up..He hears his cries.......Then I I asked him what he thought he had to do to get to heaven..Good works, he proclaimed. He is Muslim...:))))) wow...Then I asked him what he would think of me if I stood here and told him all the good things that I try to do...He told me that he wouldnt want to here it..LOL..dont blame him:))))I wouldnt either...That is pride..boasting..and not something that God is pleased with...:)))).Listen to the story in Scripture..It is the humble one who understands they need a Savior..the tax collector understands his sin and is repentant.....Jesus died for your sin..Our good works cant save us.....:)).He had to go..He shook his head and smiled..I was so excited that I got a chance to use the story...I never used that one before..Wow..and it is so appropriate..Love that, Lord...Your Word comes to life..I asked for the opp to share..the chance to speak..:))) I am so excited when you open doors...Help me to be bold and daring for you...:)))..PS: people are encouraging this person to go to church...:))) Maybe he will check it out...I pray he gets saved.....
Posted on: Sun, 31 Aug 2014 18:57:25 +0000