If Jesus Came Today
A.W. Tozer suggests that people's choices would remain the same today as they were 2,000 years ago, prioritizing their love of money, pride, and pleasure over God's salvation.
A.W. Tozer reflects on whether our current generation would accept Jesus if He came today, suggesting that history tends to repeat itself. He observes that many people today, like those in Jesus' time, resist the necessary spiritual transformation in their lives due to fears of financial loss and the need for significant lifestyle changes. Tozer emphasizes that the pride and selfishness prevalent in society often overshadow the pursuit of a genuine relationship with God. He warns that many still prioritize material wealth and personal pleasure over spiritual fulfillment and the call of Christ. Ultimately, he believes humanity's choice would remain unchanged, favoring worldly desires over divine salvation.
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People have asked me if our present generation would gladly accept Jesus if He came at this time, instead of 2,000 years ago. I have to believe that history does repeat itself! In our own day, many who want to follow the Christian traditions still balk and reject a thorough-going spiritual housecleaning within their own lives. When Jesus came, many realized that it would mean probable financial loss for them to step out and follow Christ. Also, many of those men and women who considered the claims of Christ in His day knew that following Him would call for abrupt and drastic changes in their patterns of living.
The proud and selfish aspects of their lives would have been disturbed.
Beyond that, there was an almost complete disdain for the inward spiritual life which Jesus taught as a necessity for mankind; that it is the pure in heart who will see God! I am afraid that humanity's choice would still be the same today. People are still more in love with money and pride and pleasure than they are with God and His salvation!
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Question of Acceptance - Would people accept Jesus today?
- II points: - Historical Relevance - History repeats itself
- III points: - The Problem of Spiritual Housecleaning - Many reject a thorough spiritual change
- IV points: - The Cost of Following Christ - Financial loss and lifestyle changes
- V points: - The Human Condition - Love of money, pride, and pleasure over God
Key Quotes
“I am afraid that humanity's choice would still be the same today.” — A.W. Tozer
“People are still more in love with money and pride and pleasure than they are with God and His salvation!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize the need for spiritual housecleaning in your life.
- Be willing to make drastic lifestyle changes to follow Christ.
- Prioritize your love for God above your love for money, pride, and pleasure.