ENCOUNTERS on THE WAY TO THE CROSS   	  Pastor Bob Chroninger
 Trinity C.U.  3-22-98 A.M.     	 Luke 19:1-10    		A:\LUK19-1 
	Do you remember your journey to faith in Jesus?  Did you struggle 
      with doubts?  Were there "problems" that stood in the way?  What was 
      it that finally "pushed you over the edge" toward Jesus? 	Jesus is 
      the Only ONE who can forgive sins, take you into the family of God, 
      and bring purpose, direction, and meaning to life... Here is an 
      "encounter" that brought Salvation to this man.. Notice

I.  THE PROBLEMS with HIS CONVERSION.. 
  A. His Position.. (chief among the Publicans) 
    1. He didn't have a reputable job... at least to the Jews.. 
	- the tax collector was despised.. they abused the position.. 
    2. He did have power... and prestige among his peers... 
 ** And often one's position stands in the way of his conversion!
  B. His Possessions.. ( he was rich) 
    1. Rich at the expense of others.. 
    2. The rich man in 18:18-30.. turned away sorrowfully...
	- Jesus said it was easier for a camel to go through a needles' eye
        than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.. 
	- Disciples said... "who then can be saved?"   18:26 
 ** Often one's possessions stand in the way of his conversion! 
      But... with God, nothing is impossible..
  C. His Person.. (he was little of stature) 
    1. All of us are "little" somewhere.. 
    2. All of us are too "short" to measure up to the "glory of God" Ro.3:23 
 ** But.. he was persistent.. overcame his problems.. 
     Don't let anyone or any thing keep you from Jesus..-"Friend of sinners"

II.  THE PROMISE of HIS CONVERSION.. 
  A. Jesus Saw Him.. hiding in the tree.. hungry and responsive heart 
  B. Jesus Called Him... by name... the All Knowing God knows YOU. 
    1. your position, your heart, your hurts, your hopes...
  C. Jesus Promised Him... 
    1. "I must abide at your house today.." 
    2. WOW... this despised, little, rich person had an opportunity to
       receive Jesus.. the Savior of the World. 
	- this was his one and only chance, by the way 
    3. "Today Salvation has come to you"  vs.9 
	- Eternal Life is a present possession 
 ** The Promise of Salvation is for YOU Today too! 

III.  THE PROOF of HIS CONVERSION.. 
  A. He saw, he heard, he obeyed.. (made haste) 6; he received Jesus 
  B. He Changed... like an opening flower... 
    1. He became generous rather than greedy
	- gave away half of his goods to the poor 
	- I wonder what the murmurers said now... 
    2. He made restitution.. 
	- sought to repair the wrongs of the past... four fold 
 ** Everyone who is truly converted is a changed.. and changing person.. 
      Yes... Jesus came to his house & into his heart that day... 

TODAY.. JESUS IS CALLING YOU... HE STANDS AT THE DOOR AND KNOCKS.. 
	WILL YOU LET HIM COME IN? 
CAN YOU SAY WITHOUT A DOUBT... SALVATION HAS COME TO YOU? 
	HEAR HIM.. OBEY HIM... RECEIVE HIM TODAY !!