One thing many denominations seem to miss is that we must “publicly” confess Christ before others. The Bible is very plain about that. At the end of every service at the church I attend, the pastor offers an invitation to do just that. People can at that time walk down the aisle and publicly take a stand for Christ. Basically someone meets you at the front of the church and they escort you to a private area where someone counsels you on how to begin your walk with God. I have attended churches whereby no one has an opportunity to publicly confess Christ.
After the pastor delivers his message, everyone files out. My advice would be to find another church, because Jesus commanded us to do this.
Jesus was adamant about this issue. I suppose He feels that if He could drag a rugged cross through the streets of Jerusalem and be crucified and take our punishment, the least we can do is publicly acknowledge Him. I believe that going forward in church and taking a public stand for Christ is just the first step, albeit a vital one. We should continue to take a public stand for Christ by telling others about Him right up to the day that we die.
There may be those who think of you as a religious fool for expressing your belief in God. Just remember that the BIBLE says that it is the unbeliever that is the fool. It might take a little courage to walk down in front of the church in front of others, especially if one is shy and the church is large. Actually it is larger than you think. You cannot imagine the audience that you will have. The Bible teaches that Jesus and all of the angels in heaven rejoice every time a lost person makes such a decision. Think about that while you are walking down the aisle instead of your peers. Think of how wonderful the sound of the music and rejoicing must be all over heaven as the angels sing and celebrate your eternal decision. Reach down inside yourself and summon your courage up and do it. Then you should “seal the deal” by getting Baptized, (just as Jesus did and instructed us to do).
Do you need to publicly confess Christ? Do you need to be Baptized by immersion as the Bible instructs? This coming Sunday why not make your decision public? Don’t want to look like a fool going down the aisle? Remember it is the fool who denies God, not the one who goes public for God. Give all of heaven something to celebrate this very Sunday!
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Luke 12:8
Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men,
him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.
But he who denies Me before men
will be denied before the angels of God.
February 18, 2015 – Click here to listen