Pastor Tim Goad continues in his exposition of this passage of scripture, taking us into the heart of the gospel message and truth behind JESUS's call to true discipleship in that because they hated and persecuted HIM, they will likewise do the same to us. But why is this, why does the world hate CHRIST when HE came in love and humility to preach a message of life, truth, and salvation, showing forth who HE is in HIS miracles of healing, bringing dead to life, speaking authoritatively and fulfilling prophecy- all without selfishness? Well JESUS answers this question in vs.21- it is because they do not know GOD. Tim points out the treatise of Paul in Romans that all of mankind is without excuse, but rather, because of the love of self, the world and sin, have been given over to a depraved mind. Not unlike what we see running rampant today in America, the gospel is needed and necessary as it has ever been. But the scariest part is JESUS's word in that now that HE has come and preached the good news, in HIS loving mercy, bring forth such an offer free from works, that in rejecting this truth yet again, there will one day come a time where it will be your last offer and GOD will then give you over. But the saving grace and hope in this is that we do not know when that comes, so while today is here, while HE is near and HIS gospel still being preached and grace offered, we bid you to come, repent and believe in the only one who can save- JESUS CHRIST the RIGHTEOUS. |
