BEING AN AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN (1 OF 3)
by Jerry Watts
Scripture: Matthew 7:13-23
This content is part of a series.
Being an Authentic Christian (1 of 3)
Series: Authentic Christians
Jerry Watts
Matthew 7:13-23
Please turn to Matthew 7.
The man's name was - well, it doesn't matter what his name is. It could be Jim, Tommy, Bill, Jacob, or Jerry, but most knew him as Pastor. He had served New Heart Church for 5 years. The church was called ''New Heart'' because, when it was founded, the fundamental belief was that when a person was saved and followed Jesus Christ, they received a New Heart. This pastor of 5 years was well-loved and well-respected because of his life, love, and ability to preach the truth.
Within this church is a highly respected family that has several generations who attend. Their last name could be anything, Watts, Smith, Jones, Pounds, Stringer, Fortenberry, or the like. As a whole, this family was faithful in all things, attendance, service, giving, and more. However, within this family was ONE MAN, we'll call Him Paul - certainly not his real name (to protect the guilty). He was older. He was the one who never participated in or attended services. Many years before, he had been active, walked the aisle, prayed the prayer, was baptized, and was helped in the church family for a while.
But then something happened. Perhaps no one knew what it was or perhaps everyone knew what it was, but no matter, he had no intentions of ever going to any 'church' ever again. The Pastor of 5 years knew that something had gone bad years before his arrival but didn't know what. He had tried to speak to Paul on many different occasions to simply begin a relationship but was met with consternation and a harsh spirit every time. Even though the Pastor didn't bring up church, attendance, or even the Lord, he heard words like, ''I know where the church is'' and ''I know the kind of people who go there.'' These comments were common along with more, shall we say, more colorful words. The pastor determined that his visits were only making the situation worse, so he stop ...
Series: Authentic Christians
Jerry Watts
Matthew 7:13-23
Please turn to Matthew 7.
The man's name was - well, it doesn't matter what his name is. It could be Jim, Tommy, Bill, Jacob, or Jerry, but most knew him as Pastor. He had served New Heart Church for 5 years. The church was called ''New Heart'' because, when it was founded, the fundamental belief was that when a person was saved and followed Jesus Christ, they received a New Heart. This pastor of 5 years was well-loved and well-respected because of his life, love, and ability to preach the truth.
Within this church is a highly respected family that has several generations who attend. Their last name could be anything, Watts, Smith, Jones, Pounds, Stringer, Fortenberry, or the like. As a whole, this family was faithful in all things, attendance, service, giving, and more. However, within this family was ONE MAN, we'll call Him Paul - certainly not his real name (to protect the guilty). He was older. He was the one who never participated in or attended services. Many years before, he had been active, walked the aisle, prayed the prayer, was baptized, and was helped in the church family for a while.
But then something happened. Perhaps no one knew what it was or perhaps everyone knew what it was, but no matter, he had no intentions of ever going to any 'church' ever again. The Pastor of 5 years knew that something had gone bad years before his arrival but didn't know what. He had tried to speak to Paul on many different occasions to simply begin a relationship but was met with consternation and a harsh spirit every time. Even though the Pastor didn't bring up church, attendance, or even the Lord, he heard words like, ''I know where the church is'' and ''I know the kind of people who go there.'' These comments were common along with more, shall we say, more colorful words. The pastor determined that his visits were only making the situation worse, so he stop ...
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