“Late For Work”

By Dr. Charles Burton

A new employee had been caught coming in late for work three times and the fourth morning the foreman decided to read him the riot act. “Look here,” he snapped, “don’t you know what time we start work around here?” “No, sir,” said the man, “they’re always working when I get here.” Many of you may work with people like that. I hope you aren’t one of them. In a rural setting, church is sometimes that way. We’ve had missionaries here who are worried when 5 people are here at 6:25 on a Sunday night. I tell them, “Don’t worry, most of our people haven’t even left home yet…and if they hit the stop light uptown, they might be even later.” That’s well and good when it comes to man-made schedules…but it very dangerous when you are dealing with a relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s always amazed me how we’ll sit in line for concert tickets, ballgames, or early Christmas shopping deals, but we struggle to meet the God of the universe on time. Worse yet, there are many who put off even considering His offer of salvation for decades, thereby endangering their eternal destinies. Why is this so dangerous? Why is it dangerous to wait until tomorrow when dealing with God, whether it’s for salvation or dealing with any issue?
I am going to share a few very important thoughts concerning some Scripture this day. My Prayer is that you guys will be Blessed. Not only Blessed but encouraged in these ideals.
I want to clear up any questions you may have concerning our scripture today. Throughout Christianity people have wondered who really gets to go to Heaven. We all know that the Word teaches you must be Born Again. Also, most believe that you can be Saved anywhere anyplace. Then there are those who say that you can be Saved on your Death Bed…. At the last minute.
All are RIGHT. Salvation is to all who call. No specific time or place. No denominational ties needed. Just by Faith, as a child, Trusting His Death, Burial and Resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4
15 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Matthew 18:3
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Here is a wonderful testimony of Salvation.
I learned in Sunday School that I was a sinner, and I needed God’s salvation to pay the price for my sin. On April 16, 1955, down on my knees by my bed, I said: “O God, if you do not save me, I will just have to go to Hell.” The next morning was Sunday. At approximately 10 AM, I was thinking of John 5:24. All alone, by myself, pondering it over in my mind, it came to me this way:
Verily, Verily I say unto you – Who said this? It was the Lord Jesus.
He that heareth my Word – I said: “Lord, I hear your Word.”
And believeth on Him that sent Me – Who said that? It was God.
Hath everlasting life. That is forever,
And shall not come into condemnation. That says no judgment for me.
But is passed from death unto life. Praise God I am saved my sins are gone I will never be in Hell.
Christ is my daily closest friend; He keeps me, guides me, and has never disappointed me. Eternity will never be long enough to thank Him for dying for me, Coming for me; praise God He lives today
I am going to share the parable of the vineyard today.

Read this carefully.
Matthew 20:9-16
9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
The most important fact concerning Salvation is this:
God is sovereign in it. God is sovereign in the entire redemptive process. God alone deals with Salvation.
Note:
Know this: It is His job on a one on one basis…. and. there is nothing else involved, Nothing.
Look at:

John 6:39
39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
Those that Believe are sought by God and given to Christ…. He is sovereign in salvation.
So, who is going to heaven? I will explain.
Note:
You may want to share with a friend.
Read the parable again.
Let me give you three truths about this.
#1
As you can see, Salvation occurs both late and early in life.
Can we all say, “Thank you Lord”.
#2
Only God sets the terms of Salvation.
Note that they worked a different number of hours…. but received the same pay (Salvation). Only God is able to determine this. No one enters Heaven but by the Blood of Christ. There is no running out of redemptive Blood.
#3
God is always calling sinners to His kingdom (Salvation). God is giving everyone a chance to be saved and this chance lasts till He comes again. This is done by the Spirit drawing men and women and boys and girls to Him…All the time.

Look at:
2 Peter 3:9
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
So,
In 2025 where do you stand. If you died while reading this do you have the assurance of going to Heaven? If not. Stop what you are doing and ask Christ to come into your heart and forgive your sin. Tell Him you Believe He died to save you and tell Him you are sorry for your sins. Tell Him you Believe He rose from the dead to purchase your salvation. Thank Him and TELL someone you let Jesus in your heart…. IT IS THAT SIMPLE.

Trust HIM today. Romans 10:13 You call – He hears.
Doc

Charles L. Burton
850 Estridge Road
Paint Lick, Ky. 40461
Burton’s Promotions
Web: burtonspromotions.com (In address bar only)
Cell: 859-913-4048
Office: 859-925-4048 Phone & Fax