Listen, So That Things May Go Well

STUDY: # 926 – CHURCH IN THE HOUSES FROM: JANUARY 10 @ 16, 2017

TOPIC: “Listen, So That Things May Go Well" Ezekiel 33:1-9, 12-13, 18 Our JOB is an activity, ministry, or the exercise of a gift or talent that we have taken in our lives to serve Christ. But if we abandon this particular JOB, if we subtract from our lives that which is our service to Christ, there is no use for calling ourselves believers. And we will have to face the consequences for this. There are righteous people who can have high hopes within themselves, but are in danger of someday turning, and returning to sin (toward rebellion) because they trust their own righteousness. We also see in the Word of God that there are people who, after having led a life of sin, repent, change their misconduct, and are forgiven. God’s forgiveness brings them their justification. So, let us be alert, and be cautious of our walk until the end of our earthly life; for some were called to be saved, and then stumbled in rebellion. Let us persevere in our job, and serve God without giving up. It's like car insurance which covers us while we pay. But the day we stop paying for it ... well, IT DOES NOT COVER US! The prophet Ezekiel is told his job so that he serves God. Ezekiel had to be a watchman, a guard. Ezekiel had to be the sentinel, the watchman. The one that watches from a high place to warn of the dangers that can approach. A tower is built in a high place, from where the watchman watches and is vigilant to the evil that can come. The job of being a sentinel, a watchman comes with a trust that is given to him because of the importance of the position. Let us learn once and for all, PUBLIC DANGER is what leads to the appointment of a watchman. The watchman is appointed, and in charge of warning of danger so that people may prepare and fight to be freed. It’s like a country who fears a foreign invasion; they must always be on notice so that they are not taken by surprise. The reason for the watcher, the watchman is that none of his people are taken by surprise by what can fall upon them. With his warning, they can prepare in time for what can fall upon them. This way, they will give the enemy the warm welcome it deserves! The title of watchman is given to an important person. It is a JOB that is entrusted to a man who will be in the tower, right on the border of the country. He will be in the perimeter where his territory borders with other towns. The watchmen are those men who have to live on the borders of the country, always watching from above if the enemy approaches. This single man can provide a great service to the entire country. THE PEOPLE MUST LISTEN, AND SHOULD TRUST THE WATCHMAN, because he has to answer to the people for his performance of the position. If he does what he is supposed to, and sounds the "alarm" on time; he has done his job. If he does it well, not only will he have saved his own life, but he will have made himself worthy of the salary his job deserves. If the people ignore the alarm given by the watchman, then it is their fault, and the watchman cannot be held accountable. But if the watchman does not do his job, and does not sound the trumpet; if he does not sound the alarm to warn the people, and due to this negligence, someone is taken by the enemy, and dies; the watchman will have to suffer the punishment for his failure. Brothers and sisters, if you and I fulfill our duties, everything will go well for us. But if we neglect our duties, we will be held accountable, and pay for the consequences. Ezekiel is a watchman for the house of Israel! God was the one who gave him the position. We see that God wants to speak, take care of, and protect his people from danger. All

this care and protection from God depends on the demands of each individual case. GOD ALWAYS WANTS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CASE. HE WANTS TO SPECIFICALLY GET TO YOU AT THE NEEDED MOMENT. God works with your life. But, you decide whether you hear Him or not! It will be as you wish! Sin is willing to arrive at any moment. Remember that you can have salvation while you are in God. But if you withdraw from God’s path you will be far away (Ezekiel 33:12-13 and 18). It's not a game! You can have a bad attitude and resist. But remember that this will not be a problem for me, the shepherd, your watchman. But for you, yes! THE WATCHMAN WARNS OF THE SINS, WARNS OF THE DANGERS AND CONSEQUENCES OF SIN! A lot of suffering comes from sin. If sin arrives at your home it brings lust, deviations, curse, and a lot of pain during your old age. Do you know what is the problem with those that do not repent? It reads here: “…you shall surely die.” Ezekiel 33:8 We have to be aware of the fact that the problem is that some walk in righteousness for many years, and later become evil. THAT IF YOU DO NOT TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, THERE MAY COME A DAY WHEN YOU CAN BE EVIL! THAT IF YOU DO NOT TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, YOU CAN DO A LOT OF HARM! THAT IF YOU DO NOT WATCH OUT, YOU CAN FALL INTO SOMETHING AWFUL! If a person sins, and does not repent these sins, they will be banned from the presence of God. God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against the wicked. (Romans 1:18 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth…”). But it is God’s will that the wicked be admonished by Him. Many times, God admonishes through the watchman. When I, the pastor, tell you, warn you: “Things will go bad,” remember that the watchman does not take joy in others’ pain. Things will go bad for me if I don’t warn you! If I don’t do anything, I will pay for my negligence. But if I warn you of the evil that can approach you, and you repent, I WILL HAVE COMFORT! Amen.