True Faith Requires Obedience: A Watchman’s Call to Repent and Follow Jesus

Our Mission

“To reach, empower and deploy generations of men in the workplace to live out their faith and multiply their impact for Christ.

(Ezk) 33:7, 12, 18-20 CJB “Likewise you, human being — I have appointed you as watchman for the house of Isra’el. Therefore, when you hear the word from my mouth, warn them for me. “Next, you, human being, say to your people: ‘The righteousness of the righteous person will not save him, once he starts committing crimes; and likewise, the wickedness of the wicked person will not cause him to fall, once he turns from his wickedness. No, the righteous person cannot live by virtue of [his former righteousness], once he starts sinning. When the righteous person turns away from his righteousness and commits wickedness, he will die because of it. And when the wicked person turns from his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, he will live because of it. Yet you say, ‘Adonai’s way isn’t fair!’ House of Isra’el, I will judge each of you according to his ways.”

True faith requires obedience. This is not a popular message, but it is a biblical one, and it is at the heart of God’s warning through the prophet Ezekiel.

God calls His people to be watchmen—men who speak truth, warn clearly, and call others to repentance. Why? Because eternity is at stake.

True Faith Requires Obedience, Not Just Belief

The Bible is uncompromising: salvation comes by faith in Jesus Christ alone—His perfect life, His sacrificial death, and His victorious resurrection. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin. Only Jesus’ blood can pardon humanity.

But true faith requires obedience.

Faith is not mere agreement with facts about Jesus. It is not a past decision disconnected from present reality. True faith is a present, ongoing commitment to follow Jesus and become like Him.

Ezekiel makes this clear:

• The righteous who turn to sin will die
• The wicked who turn to righteousness will live

“When the righteous person turns away from his righteousness… he will die because of it” (Ezekiel 33:18, CJB).

God is not impressed with past decisions. He evaluates present direction.

The Watchman’s Role: Warn and Call to Repentance

True faith requires obedience, and therefore it requires warning.

God told Ezekiel—and tells us—to speak clearly:

• Warn the sinner to turn from sin
• Remind the believer to remain faithful
• Call all people to repentance and obedience

We do not soften this message because it is uncomfortable. Love speaks truth. Silence is not compassion—it is neglect.

God says:

“I will judge each of you according to his ways” (Ezekiel 33:20, CJB).

Every man is responsible before God.

Repentance Proves Faith

God takes no delight in the death of anyone. He desires all to be reconciled through Jesus. But reconciliation requires repentance.

Here is the tension:

• A man who once professed faith but lives in disobedience should not assume he is saved
• A man who turns from sin today can be fully forgiven, regardless of his past

This is the mercy and justice of God working together.

True faith requires obedience because obedience proves that faith is real.

Why This Matters for Your Life

This message cuts to the core issues men wrestle with:

• Purpose — You exist to follow Jesus and help others do the same
• Provision — God sustains those who walk in His ways
• Priorities — Obedience to Jesus must come before comfort or convenience

You are not saved to admire Jesus.

You are saved to follow Him.

True faith requires obedience.

And obedience reveals whether we truly belong to Him.

Run Today’s Play

1. Examine your life

Is your current life aligned with Jesus, or just your past confession?

2. Repent immediately

Turn from any known sin. Don’t delay. God responds to present repentance.

3. Obey intentionally

Identify one clear command of Jesus and live it out today.

4. Warn faithfully

Be a watchman. Speak truth to someone who needs to hear it.

Our Opportunities

1. Attend the CBMC National Men’s Conference. Join Christian business and professional men from across America for encouragement and deployment as missionaries to the marketplace. More information and registration can be found HERE
2. Join men in prayer for the unchurched every Friday from 8-9 am at Panera Frandor.

CBMC Central Michigan 4407 W. St. Joe Hwy. Lansing 48917 / 517 481 5996 www.lansing.cbmc.com