We are Changed by the Gospel

Matthew 4:18-20
18 As he was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter), and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 19 “Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for people.”20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Pastor Steve has said often that “the most spiritual thing you’ll do today is make choices.” The way we go about our mundane days testifies of our character and integrity. When we are given tasks and deadlines and the only way we believe that goal to be accomplished is by cutting some corners, are we ok with that? When someone insults us in a moment of heated emotion, do we retaliate? What happens when we are given the opportunity to join in the mockery at work? Truly, the most spiritual thing we do on the daily is make decisions.

When Jesus called us by name and asked us to follow Him, we had the decision to either accept or reject the calling. Everyone’s salvation story is unique and special. However, the decision to follow Jesus is the same - immediate. I’m not saying that everyone who is a Christian jumped on board as soon as they heard the gospel. In fact, I know many people who heard the gospel many times and slowly opened their hearts to truly hear it. I’m not talking about the duration of the process, I’m talking about the committed response to follow Christ. You could have a story like mine: raised in the church, had Christian parents, heard and comprehend the gospel message for years yet never gave my life to Christ. But then, I’m a single moment, after years of rejecting Jesus, I surrendered my life. That decision was immediate in that moment. There was nothing else for me to ponder or reject.

The gospel is so awesome because it’s messsge and truth effect every area of our lives. When Peter met Jesus, he was a fisherman. But good ole Pete could never be a fisherman again because the gospel penetrated him to his core. Peter used to be about doing the work of a fisherman, but after accepting the gospel, Peter was all about doing the work of God.

To those who haven’t accepted the gospel: Whether you’ve never heard the gospel before or you’ve heard it a million times, it will be told again on Sunday and you will have a moment in time to either reject again its call or immediately drop your life and follow Jesus. I’m praying that your heart will be awaken by the power of God and the beauty of the gospel, and you’ll surrender yourself to Jesus.

See you Sunday!
Pastor Luke


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