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AN EXAMPLE OF A TRANSFORMED LIFE

Text: Mark 2:13-17
17 April 2016

A MAJOR TASK OF THE LORD JESUS

One of the tasks of the Lord Jesus Christ was to help people understand God’s offer of salvation. There were other tasks that were also significant. These include healing and the casting out of demons. But the focus on salvation is the most remarkable of all His works.

SALVATION HIGHLIGHTS

Many people came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The most remarkable feature of true salvation is to note how that life is transformed. Matthew was one example.

1. Pre-salvation life

a) Matthew was a tax collector for the Roman Emperor

b) The tax collectors were generally despised by the local populace

c) Some of the reasons why they were so despised were: –

i) They were seen as collaborators of Rome

ii) They were known to have used strong-arm tactics to collect taxes

iii) Some added additional taxes onto the people

2. Salvation in Christ Jesus

a) Jesus stood for everything that Matthew was not

b) The Lord offered the following things: –

i) Forgiveness of sins

ii) Eternal life

iii) A chance to follow Him

iv) An opportunity to serve God

c) Matthew did not hesitate to take up the offer of the Lord Jesus

d) What an opportunity to have a wonderful change of life

3. Ramifications

a) Matthew was more than prepared to give up potential wealth

b) But of course that wealth would most likely be ill-gotten

c) He was prepared to be identified with the Lord Jesus

d) In time, Matthew wrote a Gospel to share his knowledge of the Lord Jesus

AN INVITATION TO BELIEVE IN THE LORD

What Matthew experienced of the salvation in Christ is not just peculiar to him. Through faith in the Lord Jesus anyone can see how his life may be transformed! Give serious thought to receiving Jesus as Saviour and Lord today!