EXCUSES, EXCUSES, AND MORE EXCUSES

            The Christian church is a society of sinners.  It is the only society in the world, membership in which is based upon the single qualification that the candidate shall be unworthy of membership. -Morrison

Psalm 55:14, We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

            Oh, there are plenty excuses of why people don’t go to church…. I don’t feel well. I’ve got to work. Have you seen my yard? I have company coming over. I don’t have to come to church every Sunday to be a good Christian. The pews aren’t padded. Those snotty nosed bus kids are aggravating. I’ve got to take the kids to ball practice. My son has a playoff game. My daughter has this project due. My son didn’t get his homework finished. The music isn’t great. The music is too loud. The music isn’t loud enough. I go to the Saturday night service. The preacher’s message was too long. The preacher’s message wasn’t long enough. Did you see what so and so was wearing? Do you know how much laundry three kids can produce in a week? One of the most profound, Sunday is the only day I get to sleep in Preacher.

            I know it’s Tuesday. I know you made your excuse of why you didn’t go to church Sunday. Will you, for a minute, consider this? When Jesus Christ got up on the Cross of Calvary, He didn’t make excuses. He didn’t say, “Let someone else do it.” He didn’t say, “They are not worth it.” He didn’t say, “Isn’t there some other way.” No, He didn’t make all of the excuses like we do. However, what He did do was…

            He suffered beatings and torture like no man before. He got up on that Cross, had a crown of thorns embedded into His skull, had a spear pierce His side into His very heart, He stretched out His arms, and died for you and me. Friend, that is love-incomparable, incomprehensible, and in every way deserving for you and I to get up and go to church not just on Sundays but each and every day that the doors are opened. So, instead of making an excuse why you can’t come this Sunday, try making an excuse for why you can’t do all of those other things that usually keep you out of church.

WHAT EXCUSE WILL YOU USE?

It is easy enough to excuse yourself to hell, but you cannot excuse yourself to heaven. -D.L. Moody

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Romans 1:20

I never read it anywhere. I never saw it on CNN, Fox News, or MSNBC. No one ever told me. All of these and more will be some of the excuses the Lord may hear when we stand before Him and give an account of what we did with the Lord Jesus. These and many more will be of no excuse. It will be way worse than giving your Mom and Dad and excuse why you were out late! For where Mom and Dad may have believed the lie or they chose to overlook your rebellious heart—God will know the truth and you will be held accountable!

What excuse will you attempt to use? You don’t have to use any! You have the opportunity to trust Jesus as your Saviour today! Right now! Repent and believe!

EXCUSES, EXCUSES, QUIT MAKING EXCUSES!

It is easy enough to make excuses, some people have even made the excuse, “I’m out of peanut butter.”

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Romans 1:20

Moses made excuses. Jeremiah made excuses. Jonah made excuses. Do you ever wonder what blessings these men may have missed out on because of the excuses they gave, I do. I wonder if Moses would’ve said, “Yes, Lord”, how much more God could’ve used him. I wonder if Jeremiah said, “Lord, I will be glad to preach for you.”, if God would’ve given Him one convert. I wonder what blessings Jonah would’ve received if he would’ve went to Nineveh instead of running at first.

It has been said, “One excuse is as good as another.” So, quit making excuse and make opportunities!   

EXCUSES, EXCUSES WE HEAR THEM EVERY DAY!

         Just suppose the Lord should take away the child whom the parents use as an excuse for staying away from church…

         A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. Luke 14:16-20

          What keeps you out of church? No, I’m not talking about the occasional miss for health, vacation, or work. I am talking about the one who claims to be a Christian yet they miss worshipping with their church family week after week. I am talking about the one that misses Sunday School and the mid-week services. I am talking about the one that misses fellowships and outings. What keeps you out of church?

            What if whatever that was, was taken from you? What if God took your property from you because you have placed it before Him? What if God took your wealth because you have made it your god? What if the Lord was to take one of your family members because you made them a god? Just for a simple reminder today consider with me the first commandment: Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3