Paul's Altar Call

October 25, 2010 Monday Message:

Paul: “With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, as an act of intelligent worship, to give Him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to Him and acceptable by Him. This is your spiritual worship!” Romans 12:1

This is Paul’s altar call, urging believers to come forward and become one with the Lord. C’mon, let’s all go - this is where we can meet God!

Paul “begs” or “beseeches” the reader to act out of intelligence. It’s the logical thing to do (logikos), given all that Jesus has done for us:
• Rescue, redemption and salvation
• Adoption into Jesus’ holy family,
• Living under grace, not the law,
• Healing and conquering death,
• Confidence that we cannot be snatched from God’s hand.

If someone is not yet a Christian, they can come forward asking to have their sins forgiven, and asking Jesus to be Lord of their lives.

If someone is already a Christian, they can re-dedicate themselves to the Lord. They can pray for healing, comfort, and the peace that passes all understanding.

You can ask for God’s help with a difficult marriage, failing finances and mental health issues. God can remove addictions, cure depression, turn discouragement into hope, and in all ways do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

You can be “anointed with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14-15) …The Lord will make you well, and if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.” Do you seek a touch from God? You can ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit!

To receive these blessings, you have to step out of your comfort zone and let others pray for you. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (James 5:16b)
That’s what the Bible says!

Norton Lawellin