LISTEN UP

(Matthew 13:13)

   According to the bible, (and my wife), it is not only possible, it is obvious that some of us can listen to someone talking but we often times are not really hearing what they say. How many times have we thought to ourselves, “I wish I would have listened more closely to what was said”.

   Exodus 3:1-4 God finally got Moses attention when He saw that Moses “turned aside to see..”.

   I Samuel 3:4-10 It took four attempts before God finally got Samuel to listen to Him.

   Acts 9:3-6 It wasn't too long after this miraculous meeting of Saul the persecutor and Jesus the Lord that Saul became the Apostle Paul because he was willing to stop and listen to Jesus.

LISTENING TO GOD

   James 1:17-25 God communicates to us by revealing His will to us in the form of His bible.

   Jude 3; Hebrews 1:1-2 The bible was given to mankind and it is the only way God speaks today.

   Genesis 1:1 – Revelation 22:21 Although the main character of the entire bible is Jesus Christ, the main focus of the entire bible is the possibility of salvation for every person, and gives examples, promises, instruction and warnings that benefit mankind for all generations.

   Joshua 1:8 True success in life cannot be found without first listening to God.

   Acts 17:25-31 True success in life is searching for and finding our creator.

   John 14:1-6 True success in life is preparing to be with Christ eternally in heaven.

   I Peter 1:6-9 God has spoken and delivered His will for our life, our salvation, and our eternal destiny in heaven if we will but listen to His word.

LISTEN TO OUR BRETHREN

   II Peter 1:1-4 Peter identifies the church as those that have listened and accepted the same gospel message of “like precious faith” in Jesus Christ and we all are partakers of the same promises.

   Philippians 1:27-28 The church is a family that works and cooperates together in trials and testings, giving courage and spiritual encouragement to each other for the cause of Christ.

   Romans 15:1-7; I Corinthians 12:25-27 We are to listen to each other and accept each other for we are family and are witnesses to them that are not saved.

   Galatians 6:9-10; Hebrews 10:24-25 We are to listen closely for subtle indications by our brethren who may have needs so that we may be a blessing to them that will not ask outright for help.

   I Corinthians 13:5; I Timothy 6:4 If we are not listening and hearing right, we may jump to the wrong conclusion regarding our brother or sister.

LISTEN TO THE LOST

   Hebrews 9:27 Whether they are aware of it or not, the lost sinner will be judged and we may be the  one person who can reach that particular person with the saving gospel message they need.