The Surrender Factor

I have been a Christian for 21 years and during that time have had many conversations with people about the Good News of Jesus Christ. Recently however God has led me to notice that really there is just one real stumbling block for people. Its what I call the "Surrender Factor"!

What's the surrender factor? Well, its the problem that people have in surrendering their life to Jesus - making Him Lord.

Last night was a case in point. We visited a lady who had been involved in church for many years she had been to many "Evangelistic Events" and even put her hand-up in response to altar calls, but she knew that something was missing. She even asked us "what is it that you have that I don't?"

As we went through a gospel presentation she could tick all the boxes - Yes, she knew that she was a sinner - Yes, she knew that God was holy and hated sin - Yes, she knew that Jesus died to pay the penalty - But when asked to put her trust solely in what Jesus had done and make him Lord of her life - BAM! the brick wall came up.

And, that's what we left her with - the missing thing. Surrender!

Two points come to mind here:

1. Romans 10:9 - if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

2. 1 Corinthians 12:3 - no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

So for her we will be praying that the Holy Spirit will convict her of Jesus' Lordship because I am convinced that when she can say "Jesus is my Lord", that's when she will find peace.

John