Real Salvation and Perspective on Evangelism

I have recently been listening to John MacArthur on the radio and he just finished up a sermon series that accompanies his book, "The Gospel According to Jesus". My eyes have really been opened to realize just how many people are being deceived of their salvation. I was thinking about this yesterday and I actually came to this conclusion:

Satan has no control over the future. He can only manipulate the present. And as the times change he changes accordingly. At this point in time, I believe Satan's greatest weapon against the Church (upper case) is the church (lower case). There are so many unrepenting "Christians" today in our country and worldwide. So many people are being deceived by false teaching, and by themselves. It is the "Christian" who shines no "light" on the darkness of unbelievers that causes them to remain unbelieving.

Something that has really stuck with me is this: in the book of Acts, according to MacArthur, Jesus is referred to twice as "Savior" and 98 times as "Lord". What does that say to you about the Lordship of Christ? It says to me that the gate is narrow and few will find it. Where are the repenting hearts? Where are the changed lives? Where can we find people living by conviction?

As it applies to the truly redeemed, it seems that we could be more effective if we were able to rightly judge the salvation of people. But that is worng. What difference does it make as long as we are living in obedience. We will shine our light either way, and leave it to God to choose whom He will.

At the same time, we are called to share the Gospel, so I am reminded of James MacDonald when he says, "look for the people who are RIPE to receive the Word. Don't force it down the throats of people who are totally shut off to the Message." I think that is awesome...it really helps me focus in so I don't feel overwhelmed by how many people I think I need to reach.