HAVE YOU GIV'N YOUR HEART TO JESUS?

"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 come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" - John 3: 1-3,15 - 17 (KJV)

Several years ago, God inspired a young lady to ask a man who was about to give his offering this question: "Sir, are you truly saved? The man replied and said " Yes,  off course" but the lady was not satisfied with his response and she pressed further: "I mean, have you really given your life to the Lord?". At this point, the man thought he should enlighten this persistent lady about his identity: "I am the chancellor of a university, I am also the President of its school of theology." The lady considered his response for a moment, and then replied, "Sir, it doesn’t matter what position you occupy, or what you have accomplished, you can still be genuinely saved."

The above story emphasis the obvious truth that Jesus Christ placed on the table when Nicodemus, an highly influential leader in Israel visited him at night over 2000 years ago (John 3:1-17). There are still many Nicodemus around us today who need to know that exalted position is not a prerequisite for entering the kingdom of God. Hence, someone needs to be reminded that it is possible for ones name to be on the Hall of Fame on earth and still be missing from the Lamb's Ultimate book of Honour in Heaven. Someone needs to know that one can build great edifice on earth in God's name and still miss his/her massive mansion above. Someone needs to be told that it is possible to be respected/celebrated on earth and still end up in the place of unending humiliations in Hell.  Someone needs to know that mere membership of church groups doesn't even guarantee access into the Palace of the King of kings in the City of Delight.

In John 3:3, Jesus said "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God". So, my dear friends, please be sincere with yourself. Are you truly saved? Are your genuinely born again? If Christ returns today, will you join Him in the air? If your answer to these questions is "No" or you are not sure then I urge you to please confess your sins and surrender your life genuinely to Jesus Christ today. But, If your answer is "Yes", then, please continue to trust God for grace to run the eternal race faithfully to the finish line. By the grace of God, my family and I will see you there (City of Delight) in Jesus name. Amen.

One very special hymn that summaries the discussion in the above story and scripture is title :"Have You Giv’n Your Heart To Jesus?". May I urge you to please join me to meditate on the lyrics of this wonderful hymn as we trust God to save souls, restore backsliders and also keep us burning for Him till Christ returns. The hymn was composed by Mrs. C.H Morris.   

HAVE YOU GIV'N YOUR HEART TO JESUS

Have you giv’n your heart to Jesus, do you now to him belong?
Will you be among the number of the happy blood-washed throng
Who around God’s throne forever sing the hallelujah song?
Will you, will you be one?

Refrain:
      Yes, by God’s assisting grace I will run the Christian’s race,
      And I’ll be among the ransomed over there;
      In that city of delight where our faith is lost in sight,
      By the grace of God I’ll meet you there.

Will you be among the number who their golden sheaves will bring
To the feet of their Redeemer and unite to crown him King,
Joining in the shouts of triumph making heaven’s arches ring?
Will you, will you be one?

Will you be among the number of the soldiers brave and true
Who, in spite of all against them, with their Lord are going through?
Will you gather in the homeland at that glorious, grand review?
Will you, will you be one?

As the virgins wise were waiting, are you watching day and night
For the coming of the Bridegroom, with your lamps all trimm’d and bright;
Ready with the saints to gather dressed in garments spotless white?
Will you, will you be one? "

Good morning and do have a blessed week.

Maranatha!

Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo

For more articles, please visit -
http:// okanlawontaiwo.blogspot.com
Twitter: @tammytaiwo
Instagram: @lawontaiwo
Facebook: Okanlawon Taiwo