WARNING!

Bomb threats are NOT funny at all; in fact they are quite serious.  Unfortunately, many live in countries in which the threat of bombing is very real.  When such bombings occur, many lives are either hurt or destroyed in their wake – despite warnings which may have been given.  These are tragic events, yet all too frequent.

From these tragedies, however, there are some vital lessons for each and every one 
of us to learn about another KILLER that can potentially destroy ALL of our lives.

Consider the following imagined scenario…

A telephone call shattered the daily business routine of a local office.  The caller announced that a crazed individual had planted a “time bomb” within the office complex and that all occupants MUST evacuate immediately in order to avoid the impending devastation.  "Oh, it’s just a prank call!" John loudly announced.  
Ignoring the warning, he calmly returned to his work, while discouraging many others from taking the ALERT seriously.

Sam and Jim, who worked together, both SAID "THEY BELIEVED" the caller had spoken the truth.  Sam quickly BEGAN going through each office on every floor in an effort to locate and take with him ALL who would listen to his warning.  Although 
Jim readily AGREED with those who were making their way to the exit, he just SAT there.  Jim acknowledged the truthfulness of the warning to each passerby, BUT- he continued his work routine together with John and others.  Some responded by conducting a SEARCH for “evidence” of a bomb, while others HID themselves in closets and under desks.

A short time later, a “saved” group emerged a safe distance away and watched as the entire office complex perished in smoke and flames with the horrendous blast.

Question: Why were some saved & others lost? What made the difference?

The Answer:  “GENUINE” FAITH!

Those who were saved not only BELIEVED the truthfulness of the message, but they also ACTED upon the instructions contained within the message. 

In other words, they were saved BY GRACE (the telephone call) THROUGH FAITH 
(the acceptance of the message) WHEN THEY RESPONDED to the message (by moving out of harm’s way into a place of safety).  They were SAVED when their faith RESPONDED with the APPROPRIATE actions – NOT just ANY action 
(hiding in the closet, etc.) but the RIGHT actions!

Each and every one of us has to deal with a deadly time bomb called SIN (Romans 6:23).  The GOOD NEWS is that because of Jesus Christ we can be saved from sin and live eternally.  The Bible teaches us that we are saved BY GRACE (the giving of God’s Son for the payment for our sin) THROUGH FAITH (our acceptance of the message) WHEN WE RESPOND in the appropriate manner:  repenting of our sins (Acts 17:31), confessing Christ (Romans 10:9-10) and being baptized for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38).

The WARNING has been sounded:  Sin destroys!  The way of salvation has ALSO been proclaimed!

Will YOU heed the Savior’s instructions? (click here)

God bless you!

Church of Christ at Creekwood 
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama  36695

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