Placement Choices! by Major Frank Materu
----Main Scripture: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" — Matthew 16:26 (NKJV)
----Introduction
The choices that individuals make regarding their eternal placements carry profound consequences. Sadly, many are unknowingly choosing paths that lead to eternal separation from God. This message calls for a wake-up call to all, urging people to carefully consider their decisions and the ramifications of their choices, ensuring that their hearts align with the eternal promises God offers through Jesus Christ.
----The Tragic Choice of Hell
Many are choosing hell over heaven, not understanding the severity of their decisions. These choices are often made in ignorance, with people unaware of the eternal consequence that follows their choices. As followers of Christ, we are not called to be passive bystanders; we are called to be active witnesses to the truth of salvation.
“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” — Revelation 21:8
Hell is not just a theoretical place, it is real, and it is the final destination for those who choose not to accept the salvation of Jesus Christ. We are tasked with warning others, urging them to change their trajectory and to choose the abundant life that is offered through Christ alone.
----A Call for Boldness in Proclaiming the Truth
There is a need to boldly declare the truth of the gospel. It is our responsibility as messengers of God to share the salvation message with others, even when it is uncomfortable. By doing so, we help individuals make informed choices, guiding them toward the eternal life God desires for them. It is not enough to simply hope that people will find their way. We must act, boldly and with courage, to bring them the light of truth.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 28:19
The gospel is the only hope for humanity, and it is through its proclamation that people can find their true place in the eternal kingdom of God.
----The Deception of Sin and the Blindness of the World
People are blinded by the god of this world and often do not realize the destructive path they are walking. Sin, though enticing in the moment, leads to death and eternal separation from God. The enemy works tirelessly to deceive people, keeping them in a state of spiritual blindness, making them believe that they are not making eternal decisions. The tragedy is that many are being led to destruction without ever realizing the gravity of their choices.
“In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” — 2 Corinthians 4:4
We must pray that the scales will fall from their eyes, and they will come to the realization that they need Jesus for salvation, before it is too late.
----Enduring Through a Twisted and Corrupted World
In the midst of these challenging times, with evil growing bolder each day, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ. The world may try to convince us that sin is acceptable, but we must stand firm in the truth of God's Word. Our actions and choices should reflect our belief in the eternal life that is found in Christ, and we should be unwavering in our pursuit of holiness.
“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” — 1 Corinthians 15:33
Remaining true to the Word of God and living out His will allows us to endure and secure our place in heaven. We are called to live not for our own pleasures, but for the Kingdom of God.
----The Tragic Consequences of Misplaced Choices
There is nothing more tragic than for someone to experience the torment of hell, having known the truth but rejecting it. The consequences of choosing sin over salvation are eternal, and it is a heavy burden to witness those who refuse to heed the call of Jesus. Those who reject Christ will experience eternal separation from God, a reality that we must urgently warn others about.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23
----A Privileged Placement in God’s Kingdom
For those who accept Jesus, their placement is secure in God's eternal Kingdom. We are given the privilege of living for a purpose that matters, impacting others for eternity. This is not just a future promise but a present reality for those who walk in His truth. Every day is an opportunity to live for Christ and to bring others into His Kingdom.
“For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.” — Colossians 1:13
----Summary
We are living in a time where choices matter more than ever. The path we choose determines our eternal placement, and the sad reality is that many are unaware of the eternal consequences their choices carry. As believers, we must boldly proclaim the truth of the gospel, helping others to see that Jesus is the only way to salvation. We must pray for spiritual awakening in the hearts of those who are blind to the truth, knowing that their eternal destinies hang in the balance.
----Conclusion
It is an urgent call to action. We must not allow others to remain in their misplaced choices. Instead, we must encourage and equip them with the truth of the gospel so they can find their true placement in God’s Kingdom. There is no greater privilege than to have our placement secured in the eternal glory of God's presence. Let us walk faithfully and declare His truth boldly, so that many may find the way to eternal life.
“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” — 1 John 5:12
