How can we respond options through the view of A.W Tozer
At Lakeview Christian Church in Portage Lakes, Drew’s sermon asks listeners to respond to the powerful truth that transcends time and circumstance the life’s ultimate certainty: death. It’s the end of every story, the last page turned, the final chapter closed—unless, of course, Jesus intervenes before that fateful moment arrives.
In the midst of life’s inevitable conclusion, Drew illuminated a profound reality: God has the power to transform tragedy into triumph. He emphasized how Jesus steps into our narratives, offering not just physical existence, but spiritual vitality—a life intertwined with His own for eternity. It’s a narrative arc that shifts from despair to hope, from death to life. And as Drew shared, it’s a story that deserves all the glory.
Yet, Drew acknowledged the apparent exclusivity of this truth. Jesus’ words, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me,” might sound exclusive at first glance. But Drew, like Jim in the “I am” statements, offered a deeper perspective. He framed Jesus’ invitation as the most inclusive offer imaginable.
Through Jesus, the door to eternal life swings wide open, welcoming all who choose to walk through it. It’s not about exclusivity; it’s about inclusivity. Everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, is invited to partake in this journey of faith, to find fulfillment, purpose, and ultimately, eternal life in Jesus. This grants all humans any ware in the world the option to respond to God’s amazing love.
In the heart of Ephesians lies a profound mystery: the unity found in Christ. It’s a truth that resonates deeply with Drew’s message of inclusivity. In Christ, there are no divisions based on background or circumstance. Instead, we are all on the same playing field—equal recipients of God’s love and grace.
This unity isn’t just a lofty ideal; it’s a tangible reality that shapes our interactions and relationships within the community of faith. Regardless of our differences, we are bound together by our shared faith in Jesus Christ. It’s this unity that forms the foundation of our journey of faith—a journey that leads us toward fulfillment, purpose, and ultimately, eternal life.
As Drew concluded his sermon, he posed a crucial question: How will we respond to this invitation? Just as closing a book demands a response—whether to let its message fade into meremory or to let it transform our lives—so too does encountering the truth of Jesus. We can simply acknowledge it and move on unchanged, or we can embrace it wholeheartedly, allowing it to reshape our very existence.
To understand this concept further, let’s delve into the words of A.W. Tozer, who beautifully illustrates the interplay between the sovereignty of God and the will of man. Tozer likens the sovereignty of God to a ship carrying passengers to a predetermined destination on a predetermined course. The will of man, then, is akin to the passengers aboard the ship, free to engage in various activities while the ship moves forward. However, their freedom is not independent but is carried along by the sovereignty of God.
This analogy directly ties into Jesus’ statement, “I am the way.” Just as passengers aboard a ship must choose either to embark on the journey or to remain behind, we are faced with a similar choice in respond to Jesus’ invitation. We can either get on board with His way, embracing His offer of eternal life and walking in unity with Him, or we can choose to reject it, remaining outside of His transformative grace ultimately leading to death.
At Lakeview Christian Church in Portage Lakes, we extend this invitation for you to begin to respond by joining us as we explore the depths of God’s love, grace, and truth. Through study, share, and serve, let’s respond together to God’s offer of eternal life. Because in the end, it’s not just about reading a story—it’s about living it.
