By Arlo Moehlenpah
The term “lost” usually is disturbing when describing a lost purse, wallet, glasses, keys or pet. It’s even more so when referring to a lost child or adult. Intense joy or relief is experienced when you physically find anything that has been lost.
Jesus talked about a shepherd who had a sheep that strayed and how he rejoiced when he found it. He also talked about a woman who lost a piece of silver and after searching and finding it she rejoiced with her friends and neighbors. In neither of the above situations was the item lost on purpose. At the end of each of these incidents Jesus said that there will be joy in heaven over one sinner that repents. Jesus spoke of a son who purposefully left his father’s house and wasted his substance with riotous living. He finally came to himself, returned to his father’s house, confessed his sins and admitted he was not worthy to be called a son. Whereas his older brother was not happy, the father was joyful because that which was lost was found (Lk 15:3-32). Whether a person strays carelessly or on purpose there is hope!
It is a sad thing when a person is lost physically but it is much worse to be lost spiritually. To be lost spiritually means a future destination in the lake of fire forever. It is not God’s will for any to be lost (Mt 18:14). “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Lk 19:10). “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
What is a Christian’s duty concerning the lost? Paul wrote “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost” (2 Cor 4:3). Jesus told us to “teach all nations” (Mt 28:19), “preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:16), and be witnesses … unto the uttermost parts of the earth” (Acts 1:8). May the Lord help us to reach the lost.
Please forward this email to anyone who could benefit from this thought or the materials about the Bible, Creation versus Evolution, Teaching Methods, and Bible Games found on the website listed in the header. Thanks.
Our aim is to inspire people to study the Bible, to teach it and to show that Creation is true and evolution is false. To schedule Creation or teaching methods sessions email us at moehlenpah@aol.com or call at 619-852-4979
Sincerely,
Arlo Moehlenpah
