Pastor Oyewale Abel and wife Margaret
The Sinners
Pastor Oyewale Abel
Sinner means someone who has done something wrong according to the religious or moral law; one involved in immorality. Sin is any form of non-conformity unto or transgression against the law. All have sinned, so also are all expected to return to the Lord to avoid everlasting punishment. The sinner is the one who remains so until the moment.
A. THE READY TO REPENT
"And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." (The Gospel of Luke)
As usual, Jesus was on His itinerary, affecting every life He come across. Then He met the rich chief tax collector who was very eager to meet the Saviour. Jesus saw his eagerness, despite his limitations. He would not allow anything (his sins, stature, or status) to come between them. Though someone had just disappointed Jesus on account of wealth, He would not give up on this ready-to-repent publican. How do you see sinners around you?
"And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down for today I must stay at your house." Abiding in that sinner's house was in tandem with His purpose. Against the people's wish, He offered salvation to Zacchaeus. There was no discrimination on Jesus' part.
"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, "Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher who has come from God, for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." (John:3:1-2 )
Here is another sinner who come to Jesus by night when He was humanly expected to be resting. He is ready to attend to anyone at any time, no matter when and how he or she comes. He was not moved by unnecessary encomiums but was concerned with the genuine questions from the ready mind.
He is always ready to attend to your case when you sincerely present your questions and requests. Be willing and obedient. Jesus knew Nicodemus's real need, and would not allow anything, including his encomium, to distract His attention from the ultimate.
What should our attitude be to sinners that we come across, especially the well-to-do? All sinners must come to Jesus Christ, like newborn babies, regardless of their status. It is the desire of our Lord Jesus Christ to make the sinners the righteousness of God, for that was why He became sin, even though He knew no sin. He is the high priest and advocate for all who would surrender to Him.
My brothers and sisters - run away from sin and not from sinners.
B.THE RECALCITRANT (MATHEW 11:20-30)
"And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day." (The Gospel of Matthew)
Was Jesus cursing? No! They had already cursed themselves by rejecting the Gospel.The magnitude of the miracles done in the city meant nothing to those children of disobedience. Imagine Bethsaida, the home of great people, and where Jesus personally visited, ignoring His gospel. What a disappointment! They wasted His labours.
Brothers and sisters, all you lovers of Israel, I hope you are not wasting God's grace. Jesus did not only condemn these stubborn people but also gave the way out by coming to Him, in whom there is immediate and ultimate rest.
As you are reading this message, HAVE YOU FOUND JESUS?
In every race and time, God has not taken lightly to the issue of haughtiness. No one who genuinely seeks the Lord will be cast away. The only place for the finally impenitent is hell. Preachers will not be held guilty if they have done their part in warning the recalcitrant.
May the good God of Israel bless you all, in Jesus' Name.
Shalom,Pastor Abel Oyewale
Abba Father Fellowship International
Nigeria, West Africa
Nigerian orphans who have lost both parents. Praying with thanksgiving for their Bibles.
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Some of the contents sent to Nigeria in October 2017
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