Obstacles to Jesus, Part 1
The religious is the biggest obstacle in the way of those far from God from seeing Jesus' salvation. How can you remove this obstacle?
Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’
Luke 3:8
Obstacle #1: The Religious
The religious believe there is something about them that makes them ok with God.
In John’s day, the religious believed they were descendants of Abraham, so they were good.
And John called them a brood of vipers and there is an axe waiting to cut down those who don’t bear fruit keeping with repentance.
What makes you feel like you’re good with God?
Because you are a leader in the church?
Because you are born in America?
Because you go to church, read your Bible, pray, tithe?
The religious leaders in John’s day were much better at all of those than you are. Well…except being an American…but they did believe their nationality made them good with God.
Your religion is an obstacle…the main obstacle…from those far from God to seeing God’s salvation.
How?
People do not want another thing to add to their life.
They want a different life.
Religion adds.
Jesus transforms.
Religion adds mountains and valleys and winding roads and rough patches between people and God. They “have to” in order to find God. For others to find God, the “others” must be like the religious because there is something about them God likes.
And these obstacles are what Jesus wants his church to remove so people can find him.
Because Jesus is the source of salvation, not his church.
His church is the means in which he wants to remove obstacles for others to see his salvation. So those far from God can find the transformation their soul knows they need.
Pray God shows you how your church and your leadership is adding obstacles to people finding God. And have the courage to remove those obstacles.