3-31-07 Heart's Desire "Romans 10:1-13"

Memory Verse: Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

Paul longed for the salvation of his people, they Jews. Their conversion to Christ was the desire of his heart. It was what he really wanted in life.

What do you want?

Paul was not content that his people were religious. He knew that religion does not save. He saw their fruitless efforts at establishing their own righteousness as just exercises in religion . . . outward efforts. He knew their feelings for previous to his conversion he had shared their beliefs. Now he desired salvation for those of his race. He longed for the end to their rejection of Christ.

How do you feel about those close to you? Are you satisfied if they have good jobs, pay their bills, treat their families well, dress handsomely, prosper and enjoy good health? Or do you really care about them? Do you care about their souls? Do you desire salvation for them above all else?

Paul's deep desire drove him on day after day in his missionary work. He endured hardships contentedly because he knew that all things here are temporary and that eternal things deserve priority. When he came to the end of life he knew he had done all he could do. Let him tell it: "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day. . . " (II Timothy 4:6-8).

Are you doing everything possible to reach people for the Saviour?

Is the salvation of the lost the desire of your heart?

3-30-07 Everywhere "Acts 8:1-4"

Memory Verse: Acts 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Following the death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, persecution fell upon all the Christians at Jerusalem. Those were difficult days for the church, bringing imprisonment and even death from the crime of trusting in Christ and telling others about Him. As a result of this persecution, the believers were scattered . . . but everywhere they went they carried the message of Christ. Even the enemies of the Gospel cooperated in its propagation for as they scattered God's people they also scattered their message throughout that whole area.

In America today we know little about persecution. Though we live in the century that has probably produced more Christian martyrs than any other in history, we are virtually untouched. Still we are lax in telling the old old story of Jesus and His love. And that raises a frightening question; Will it be necessary for God to allow persecution to come to us to awaken us to the blessings we have had and taken for granted?

We hope not.

Those early Christians have set an example for us that will be well to follow. They were so determined to obey the great commission that inconveniences and even severe problems could not deter them from carrying out that responsibility.

How does that compare to our concern? Where are our weak excuses for not witnessing? How will they stand up at the Judgment Seat of Christ?

We've a message to share.
Tell it wherever you go!

3-29-07 Powerful Witnesses "Acts 4:31-17"

Memory Verse: Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

The commission given to the disciples to evangelize the world must have seemed overwhelming. There were only 120 of them present for that immense assignment. Imagine your church being given the task of reaching the entire world . . . without the tools of radio, television and literature that we have come to take for granted.

Still, when the day of Pentecost arrived, they were endued with the power of the Holy Spirit and three thousand were saved that day. Multitudes more were converted in the weeks that followed. Meek men became mighty preachers due to the power of God within them. Nothing could shake them . . . and they shook the world.

Their secret? The power of the Holy Spirit.

Every Christian has the Holy Spirit dwelling within: "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (I Corinthians 6:19-20). "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Romans 8:9).

So let us get busy witnessing. We need not depend on our abilities or our personal power . . . God will work through us in reaching others.

The friends of Mary Slessor, missionary in Africa, were amazed when they saw that she had been able to mold savage chiefs to her will. One of the chiefs explained: "You have evidently forgotten to take into account the woman's God."

3-28-07 Witnesses "Acts 1:1-11"

Memory Verse: Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The disciples longed to know all about the times and the seasons. They wanted the key of prophetic fulfillment. Instead, they were given a task . . . a responsibility . . . a work to do. They were to be witnesses for Christ; in Jerusalem, in the Judea, in Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the earth.

There was on difference between that day and ours: they were to wait and then witness. The promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit was to be fulfilled on the day of Pentecost and they were to begin their witnessing following that great miracle. We are to wait and witness. We do not await the coming of the Holy Spirit for He indwells every believer at the moment he is born again . . . but we await the coming of the Saviour who will evaluate our service at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

The coming of the Holy Spirit would launch an era of witnessing. The disciples would be shaken by their witnessing. The coming of the Saviour will end our opportunity for witnessing, for at His coming we shall be taken to heaven to be with Him.

The formula for witnessing given by Jesus has not changed. They were to begin where they were . . . Jerusalem . . . and their area of responsibility encompassed the entire world. We are to begin where we are . . . in our own communities . . . our own cities and reach out to the world.

How are you doing in your "Jerusalem?"

3-27-07 Fruit Bearing "John 15:1-14"

Memory Verse: John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

An apple tree bears apples. But the process is not complete until that apple falls and allows its seeds to penetrate the earth, finally producing another apple tree. So the final fruit of any apple tree is a new apple tree. And the fruit of any Christian is another Christian. We are born to reproduce.

The seed that produces new Christians is the Word of God. The field is the world. As we are faithful in witnessing for Christ both in daily life and with our lips, we are sure to influence others to come to the Saviour.

Jesus told His disciples that fruit bearing glorifies the Heavenly Father. We sometimes forget that and in our zeal to please the Father we do a number of things that are less important than telling others of the Saviour. These good and beneficial things can often masquerade as the most important things to be done . . . but nothing is more important than giving out the Gospel.

Success in the Christian life is dependent on choosing priorities correctly. And witnessing must be high on our list if we are to glorify our Heavenly Father.

Witnessing for Christ may not make one popular. In this contest Jesus said: "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you" (John 15:18-19).

We must bear fruit . . . whatever the cost!

3-26-07 The Prepared Way "John 10:1-14"

Memory Verse: John 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

It's been said often: HEAVEN IS A PREPARED PLACE FOR A PREPARED PEOPLE. But sometimes we forget that the promise given by Jesus also includes a prepared way through this life for those who trust Him.

Here is a whole new dimension to Christian responsibility. Everywhere He sends us awaits us. We walk no untrodden pathways. Our Lord is the Good Shepherd -- not a cattle driver: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand" (John 10:27-29).

From the Lord's standpoint, then, there are no pioneer mission fields. We break no new ground. He is there before us. And there are no accidents along the way. He guides each step we take.

Take this great truth out of the far-flung mission field experience and apply it to today's opportunities. Christ will go before you today, preparing your way and moving the hearts of those to whole you are to witness of His love and grace. Today's targets have already been prepared by experiences in their lives for the truth of God's Word to be effective as you share it.

What if you fail to speak the truth in love?

That would be like farmer preparing his soil and then never sowing the seed. God has been moving through your world with His great plow . . . preparing soil . . . the hearts of your associates.

What a good day to sow and reap!

3-25-07 Living Water "John 7:32-39"

Memory Verse: John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Christians are pictured as rivers of living water.

If they do not give out the Gospel, they become stagnant pools.

When General Grant was stricken with his fatal illness, he felt his need of the Saviour and called for a minister. Simply, the of God presented the Gospel to him and the General responded, taking Christ by faith as His Lord and Saviour. He was filled with joy and his conversion was evident to the elated preacher.

"God's kingdom has gained a great acquisition in your conversion, General," said the minister.

Grant protested, saying, "God does not need great men, but great men need God!" Then the General added, "There is just one thing that I now greatly desire since Christ's peace has come to me."
"What's that?" asked the minister.
"I would like to live one year more so that I might tell others of this wonderful gift of God's love!" replied Grant.

Sadly, when the end of life comes, we cannot add time to witness. But we have today. And God's purpose in our lives is to cause living water to flow from us to others so that thirsty souls may be refreshed in His grace. There is no other safe drinking place in all this world. All of the world's watering places leave people thirsty still.

Consider some who have refreshed their age: Paul, C.H. Spurgeon, Dwight L. Moody, Billy Sunday. And then there are those who have been instrumental in bringing about your salvation. Name some of them.

Who will drink from the river of God's grace because you have been faithful?

Be a refreshing river -- not a stagnant pool!

3-24-07 White To Harvest "John 4:27-38"

Memory Verse: John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields: for the are white already to harvest.

Procrastination robs many of success.

C.H. Spurgeon said, ". . . procrastination is the kidnapper of souls, and the recruiting officer of hell."

Jesus urged His hearers to look on the fields and see that they were white unto harvest. Today, Christians offer up their eyes to the Sunday School register and say, "We're doing quite well." The conclusion is based on comparison to other Sunday Schools or to progress compared to previous weeks or years rather than on the need of the harvest. Such faulty reasoning slows the work of reaping.

The harvest is always white. People are troubled because sin brings heartache and despair. Someone near you is waiting to hear the Gospel. And here you are hesitating.

You mean well. You intend to witness -- someday. You plan to show up for visitation at the church -- someday. You see yourself distributing tracts throughout the neighborhood -- someday. Meanwhile every tick of the clock ushers more people into eternity. The harvest is white.

If the harvest was white when Jesus called for reapers, consider its condition now. Unfolding events both in nature and in the nations indicate that time is running out for the world. Earthquakes increase. Signs in the heavens are daily occurrences. Israel is a nation. Russia is a militaristic power with designs on the Middle East. Europe is uniting. . . reviving the old Roman Empire. Morals are sliding. Cults are legion. The time to reap in God's great harvest is now.

Don't delay. Reap today!

3-23-07 The Simple Gospel "John 3:1-17"

Memory Verse: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The Gospel is easy to understand. The difficult work in man's salvation was done at the cross by the Lord Jesus. Any sinner can believe and be saved. And we are all sinners (Romans 3:23).

A good example of the power of the simple Gospel was given by missionary George Green. Here is his story:

"When I first went out to my mission field in Africa, the boat carried me up a wide, beautiful river flowing through the jungle, and as the sun set and the night came on, I listened with much misgiving to the roll of the war drums. They continued far into the night. The captain of the boat was uneasy and tried to dissuade me from going ashore the next morning, and I admit I was trembling with fear. But I found that 'the Lord standeth within the shadows keeping watch above His own.' After years of delightful labor I left the jungle on the same boat. AS it came down the river, thousands of these same natives gathered on the shores near their villages to say farewell. As the boat came into sight, they broke into song, but not a war song. They were singing the hymn that is a favorite of most of them, 'All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name.' "

The Gospel that reaches the heart of one who has never heard of the Saviour can surely change those who have lived in this good land where Bible preaching is so available. Nearly anyone we meet has witnessed the power of God in some life and that is a powerful influence in preparing hearts to receive the Gospel.

Share John 3:16 with someone you meet.
The simple Gospel still changes lives today!

3-22-07 Finders Keepers "John 1:35-42"

Memory Verse: John 1:41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

Andrew was a finder.

We have no record of any of Andrew's sermons. Be we know that he found his brother Peter and brought him to Jesus. And Peter's powerful preaching brought three thousand to Christ on the day of Pentecost. Certainly Andrew will share in the rewards of that great harvest.

When five thousand were hungry, Andrew found a lad with five barley loaves and two small fishes with which the Lord fed the multitude. Faced with the problem of feeding that huge crowd, Philip began to fret and figure how they could get money enough to buy each one a crust of bread. Not Andrew. He set out to find a solution. And his search produced a boy with a lunch that Jesus could use.

Some fret about problems and others find solutions.

All churches need more finders. When the finders are at work all church problems are solved. Bringing people to Jesus turns the coldest church into a place of warmth and joy. Bringing people to Jesus encourages pastors.

Pastors often move because their people won't.

Andrew found his brother. He began looking for a convert right at home. The mission field is all about us. The field is the world. Jesus said the reapers in His harvest receive wages -- rewards. You don't lose by giving time to serving Christ. Here especially, finders are keepers.

Find someone for Jesus today!

3-21-07 One More Soul "Luke 23:39-43"

Memory Verse: Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

J.C. Ryle calls the dying thief "Christ's greatest trophy." Of the thief's salvation, he writes: If ever there was a soul hovering on the brink of hell, it was the soul of this thief. If ever there was a case that seemed lost, gone, and past recovery, it was his. If ever there was a child of Adam whom the devil made sure of as his own, it was this man.

"But see now what happened. He ceased to rail and blaspheme, as he had done at the first: he began to speak in another manner altogether. He turned to our blessed Lord in prayer. He prayed to Jesus to 'remember him when he came into His kingdom.' He asked that his soul might be cared for, his sins pardoned, and himself thought of in another world. Truly this was a wonderful change!

"And then mark what kind of answer he received. Some would have said he was too wicked a man to be saved; but it was not so. Some would have fancied it was too late: The door shut, and there was no room for mercy; but it proved not too late at all. . .

"I believe the Lord Jesus never gave so complete a proof of His power and will to save, as He did on this occasion. In the day when He seemed most weak, He showed that He was a strong deliverer. In the hour when His body was racked with pain, He showed that He could feel tenderly for others. AT the time when He Himself was dying, He conferred on a sinner eternal life."

Jesus had time to reach one more soul even while dying on the cross. Will you take time to reach one more soul today?

3-20-07 The Lost Coin "Luke 15:8-10"

Memory Verse: Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

The shepherd sought for a sheep that was lost and carried it home on his shoulders rejoicing.

The woman searched her house for a lost coin and called her friends together so that they could rejoice with her over the finding of the coin that had been lost.

The prodigal returned home and the father met him and called for the killing of the fatted calf and a great time of the rejoicing.

All three parables major on the rejoicing that takes place when the lost is found. And the lesson is clear: heaven rejoices when lost people come to Christ and when backsliders return.

We can have a part in reaching lost people. In his book, "Notes On The Parables Of Our Lord," Richard Trench suggests that the light which the woman uses to find the lost coin is the Word of God, saying: ". . . and it is by this light that sinners are found." Our responsibility then becomes that of holding the light . . . the Bible . . . so that those in need of the Saviour may come to Him.

God's Word is powerful. We do not need to defend it . . . just use it. And as we share its message with others the glad scene of salvation will take place again and again.

People often ask if those in heaven know what is going on here below. We can be sure that they know whenever one is born again for there is such rejoicing in heaven that there could be no mistake as to the reason.

Make heaven glad.
Tell someone about Jesus!

3-19-07 The Lost Sheep "Luke 15:3-7"

Memory Verse: Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

In his book, "Addresses On Luke," Dr. H.A. Ironside shared an experience from a visit to a sheep ranch. He wrote:

"Years ago I was staying with friends who had a great sheep ranch, and one evening we were awaiting supper until the husband came home. We expected him to arrive about six o'clock, be he was late. When he came into the house he said to his wife, 'My dear, I shall have to drink a cup of coffee and eat only a snack tonight, for as I came from the station I heard the bleating of a lost lamb, and I must hurry and find it before the coyotes or rattlesnakes get it.' I was amazed to see that man's interest in one lost lamb. He and a friend had more then five thousand sheep, and literally thousands of lambs; and yet that one lost lamb had such a place in his heart that he could not resist going out in the night to find it. I said, as we went along a narrow trail, 'You have so many sheep and lambs, I wonder why you are so concerned about one.' He said, 'I would not be able to sleep tonight for thinking about that little lamb out in the wilderness, and perhaps torn into pieces by the coyotes or bitten by a rattler.' "

The concern of Jesus for lost sheep is far greater than that of any earthly shepherd. Those who doubt that may simply follow the trial of sorrows to cross where He died to save the lost.

He cares.
Do YOU?
WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT REACHING THE LOST?

3-18-07 Preparation "Luke 10:38-42"

Memory Verse: Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Time spent in preparation is not wasted. Moses was not ready to be used to deliver his people until he had tended sheep for forty years. Patience, love and concern, developed in his work as a shepherd, would equip him to lead his people. God waited until he was ready.

Some rush off to serve without preparation and are often defeated when failure comes. In the work of witnessing and winning souls, we need time studying the Bible: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (ll Timothy 2:15).

Perparation for soulwinning may come through your own study of the Scriptures. It may come through classes designed to equip you to be a good witness and offered by your church. Perhaps your pastor or another who is trained in God's Word will take special time with you to help you prepare. Take advantage of every opportunity to become a workman not ashamed. The work of soulwinning is too important to take lightly.

On the other hand, some are so insecure in their present knowledge of God's Word that they never witness even though they have had numerous classes and plenty of instruction. A head full of knowledge is useless it is used. Share what you know and see how God opens doors for greater usefulness.

Martha was busy and Mary was listening to Jesus teach. There is a time to listen and a time to serve. Mary had her priorities right. She listened first and was therefore not filled with anxiety like Martha.

Get busy reaching the world. But first sit at Jesus' feet!

3-17-07 Where To Begin "Luke 8:26-40"

Memory Verse: Luke 8:39 Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

In his autobiography, Pierre Loti tells how, as a small boy, reading stories of sainthood led him to aspire to become a saint. He resolved to imitate Simeon Stylites, who lived on top of a pillar and won a great reputation for sanctity. Pierre therefore mounted a high stoool in the kitchen and announced his plan to remain there for forty years. His mother, however, would have none of his sanctity in the kitchen and at the end of an hour he was wistfully recording in his diary. "thus I discovered that it is exceedingly difficult to be a saint while living with your own family."

Those who study the Bible know that all who are born again are saints. Nevertheless, the lesson is a good one. Testimonies that move crowds and influence strangers may be very weak at home. And it is at home that the acid test of Christianity is given. It is well and good to dream of being used of God on some far-off mission field, but if one is not faithful at home he will be of little use as a missionary.

Hudson Taylor said it well: "A small circle of usefulness is not to be despised. A light that does not shine beautifully around the family table at home, is not fit to rush to a long way off to do a great service elsewhere."

How does your family regard your testimony for Christ? Are you consistent at home? If your temper controlled by the Holy Spirit? And what about the return of Jesus? If He had come last week, would you have felt comfortable in His presence -- considering your actions at home?

Begin your ministry for Chris where it's most needed -- at home!

3-16-07 The First Missionaries "Luke 2:15-20"

Memory Verse: Luke 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

The shepherds received word of Christ's birth from angels. Since then, the responsibility of telling the good news of the Saviour has been given to men. Unless we are faithful in witnessing to others of Christ, they will never hear of His love and salvation.

The shepherds told their hearers exactly what had been told them by the angels.

And what was that?

They had been told that the birth of Christ was good tidings of great joy. It is evident that the shepherds were thrilled with their find in Bethlehem. Their hearts must have overflowed with joy upon finding the Saviour just as the angel had said. They couldn't keep these good tidings to themselves. They were excited. And few accomplish anything for Jesus who do not get enthusiastic about Him.

These humble men had also been told that this message must be shared with all people. Salvation is available to all and there should be no restrictions on our concern for people. Tell the person you consider the most unreachable. See what God does as a result of your faithful witness.

There was no mistaking about the message given to the shepherds. This child born in Bethlehem's stable was Christ the Lord. The shepherd's mission was then to announce the coming of the Son of God. The deity of Christ was the theme of their public ministry. That message would never change for true servants of God. Paul would later declare: ". . . believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. . ." (Acts 16:31).

Are you thrilled enough with Jesus to tell of Him today?

3-15-07 To Every Creature "Mark 16:9-16"

Memory Verse: Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

The Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago has been the scene of salvation for many through the years. Billy Sunday, the evangelist, was one of their famous converts. The mission once published the following in the "Pacific Garden Mission News:"

"Remember, the man on Skid Row is not different in kind from the rest of us. He is merely worse in degree. On Skid Row we see fallen man at his dismal worst. In the better neighborhoods we see him at his polished best, but he is the same man for all his disguise. In the gutter we find him chained by dope and drink and dirt. On the avenue we find him bound by pride and greed and lust. To God there is no difference. He sees beyond appearances and he knows what is in every man. His remedy for every man is the same, a new birth and the impartation of a new kind of life.

"The Gospel is the power of God operating toward the moral and spiritual transformation of man. And it works! Thousands will testify that it does. No man who wants to climb up out of his past and find a new and better life should overlook the Gospel. It is God's way out, and there is no other."

God is no respecter of persons. That is, all have the same need and must come the same way: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).

But we often evaluate people by their position, their wealth or the color of their skin. And that is sinful. The Gospel is for everyone. It's time to see every person as one in need of salvation. Chris died for all. Go tell some today!

3-14-07 Leaving All "Mark 10:28-31"

Memory Verse: Mark 10:28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

In his book, "What It Costs To Be A Good Christian," Dr. John R. Rice shares the following about leaving all for Jesus:

"Jesus is here talking about discipleship, and real discipleship is not easy. It is misunderstanding instead of understanding. It is infamy instead of fame. It is often hate instead of love by those who ought to love you, a loved one.

"In World War II, in the midst of those terrible days when England was tried almost beyond endurance, bombed and beaten by the German war machine of Hitler, Winston Churchill called upon the people of England to be ready for 'blood and sweat and tears.' It was no easy task to which he challenged them. And shall we expect it to mean less when we come to follow Jesus Christ with all our hearts?"

Dr. Rice follows with this challenge:
"Then count the cost today. Are you willing to pay the price in suffering and persecution, in poverty, even in death, if the Lord so wills it? Are you willing to be counted a nut and a fool, a crank, a fanatic, for Jesus? Are you willing to suffer the loss of all things like Paul, to leave home and kindred like Abraham, to leave the nets and the boats like Peter, Andrew, James and John? Are you willing to leave a lucrative job as Matthew the publican did? Weigh the thing well, for you do not want to put your hand to the plow and then turn back."

Leaving all for Jesus means total surrender. He will always lead us according to His Word. And in following Him, we will never go astray.

3-13-07 Not Ashamed "Mark 8:34-38

Memory Verse: Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

An old song asks:
"Jesus, and shall it ever be,
A mortal man ashamed of Thee?
Ashamed of Thee Whom angels praise
Whose glories shine through endless days?"

Unbelievable as it may seem, some Christians appear to be ashamed of their Saviour. They are ill at ease when given an opportunity to speak for Him. Other subjects flow from their lips freely: sports, fashions, the economy, the weather. But let the name of Jesus enter the conversation and they clam up - - or change the subject.

How the angels must wonder at our values!

And why should we be ashamed? Even the enemies of Jesus could find no fault in Him. At the trial of Jesus, Pilate returned Him to His accusers announcing that he could find no fault in Him. Since that time, skeptics have attacked the Bible and doubted the Gospel - - but not one honest person has ever found a fault in Jesus.

We have many faults. But He is not ashamed to be identified with us: "For it became him for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren" (Hebrews 2:10, 11).

Don't be ashamed!

3-12-07 Wanted: Stretcher Bearers "Mark 2:1-12

Memory Verse: Mark 2:5: When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

Four burdened men went to get their friend who was sick of the palsy to bring him to Jesus. As a result, we still read of their compassionate act. They are known to the world and honored for their mission of mercy even though nearly two thousand years have passed. These four men are proof that the old saying is true:

"Only one life; 'twill soon be past
Only what's done for Christ will last."

There are many things that we don't know about these four men. We don't know their names, their ages or their positions in life. We don't even know how long they had known about Jesus or conditions of their hearts toward Him.

We do know that they believed Christ was the answer for their friend and that they were burdened enough to go get him and bring him to Jesus.

Heads must have turned in Capernaum when the four burdened men carried their sick friend, bed and all, to the Saviour. The immobility of the palsied man must have itself been an obstacle to the project and possibly to their faith. Nevertheless, the obstacles were overcome and they carried the needy one to the only One who could help him.

Upon arriving at the house where Jesus was ministering, more roadblocks waited. The crowd was so great that there was no way to enter the house. No way, that is until they made a way by tearing up the roof. That must have been costly. Never mind. Only one thing mattered...getting the palsied man to Jesus.

We need a lot of stretcher bearers.
Who can you bring to the Saviour?

3-11-07 The Great Commission "Matthew 28:16-20"

Memory Verse: Matthew 28:19: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 28:18-20 is known as the Great Commission. Three words leap out at the reader considering verse nineteen: "Go," "teach," and "baptize."

Thousands have left home and fortune to serve the Lord on mission fields around the world because of the message in these verses. Sincere Christians have witnessed in untold numbers of neighborhoods in obedience to the "Go" of the Great Commission.

And what is the purpose of all this going? It is to teach people of all nations the Gospel of Christ, the good news that He died for sinners on the cross, that He rose again and that He invites all to come to Him for salvation.

To whom have you gone with that message?

After conversion, people are to be baptized. Commenting on this verse in his book "The King Of The Jews," Dr. John R. Rice says, "Baptism is to be for converts all through the ages. There aer those who teach that baptism was for Jews only. Others teach that baptism was to last only during a 'transition period.' There is nothing in the Bible to indicate anything of the kind. In fact, the Saviour plainly commands that as long as people are to be converted, they are to be baptized."

He continues: "Christian, do you yourself try to follow the New Testament standard of observing all things whatever Christ commanded His apostles? Let us be satisfied with nothing less than an earnest attempt to follow the pattern given the apostles and really be New Testament Christians."

Have you obeyed the Great Commission?

3-10-07 The Highways "Matthew 22:1-14"

Memory Verse: Matthew 22:9: Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

Missionary work begins at home. Many churches have to recognized this and have sent buses out into the highways to bring in boys and girls and adults to hear God's Word. Dedicated people have become bus captains and workers, visiting the homes of those who ride the buses and getting acquainted with entire families so as to minister to them. These forward-looking churches are willing to underwrite the cost of this home missionary work because they care for the souls of children and others. They will be rewarded.

But we must not limit this command to go into the highways to bus ministries. Here is a call to visitation, soulwinning and the use of personal transportation in reaching out into the community. Consecrated cars have some advantages over buses. Each family has opportunity to get close to those whom they bring to church services. The concern of the transporting family is clearly demonstrated and extremely personalized. Problems faced by those being picked up are usually shared on the way to Sunday School. Doors of communication are opened weekly.

In your case, transportation may not be a part of your highway ministry. You will simply enter homes on highways in your area and distribute tracts or share your testimony of faith in Christ. Shut-ins may be your special concern, providing you with a regular ministry to those who cannot get out to church services.

To call to go into the highways reminds us that the Gospel invitation is for all. Whosoever will may come. Perhaps you have neglected to witness to some because of social status or because you have thought them unreachable. Think again. And head for the highways.

3-9-07 To Minister "Matthew 20:20-28"

Memory Verse: Matthew 20:28: Even as the Son, of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Millions are ministered to.
Few are minister.
And in our lack of ministering, we are unlike Jesus.
Today's pattern of taking in weekly without giving out is unknown in the Bible. Even when persecution of the early church scattered its members, they were faithful ministers while fleeing: "Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word" (Acts 8:4).

Truth is given to pass on to others. Blessings are given to share. Financial prosperity is given so that one can give to those in need . . . and not just at the end of life to beneficiaries of a will. Health is given so that vigor and strength can be used to lift the burdens of others. Years are given so that we can have time to influence people through our lives and words and point them to God.

Receivers who do not give are losers. They lose the trill of giving. Of seeing the sparkle in the eyes of one who had been counted out. Of witnessing faith grow as a result of sharing the love of Christ.

So, we must minister.
But where shall we start?

Let us begin where we are. What have we received this week that can be given to others? What was there about the pastor's sermon that made is special to you? Tell a friend. His need is likely to be the same as yours. And in passing on the blessing you will be ministering.

It's the only way to be like Jesus!

3-8-07 Bring The Children "Matthew 19:13-15"

Memory Verse: Matthew 19:14: But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.


A lady once told her pastor that she wanted him to understand that her new care was not to be used for transporting children to Sunday School and other church activities. She didn't want dirty boots tracking mud into her sparkling new toy. She feared scratches in the interior and snagged upholstery.

Poor lady.
Poor car.

What better use can one make of any possession than to employ it in bringing people to Christ? Everything we see is temporary. All junked cars hiding behind high fences and being stripped of parts a piece at a time were once new and shiny. Change and decay are the way of all temporal possessions.

When we invest in lives, we lay up eternal treasures. God loves children. So should we.

How many children in your neighborhood do not attend a Bible teaching church? What are you doing about it?

Do you think children are to much trouble? That was the attitude of the disciples. Some churches are not interested in children because they cannot give large gifts in the offerings. The Judgment Seat of Christ will be difficult for Christians with that approach.

Neglect of children in a community is spiritual blindness. The salvation of a child is great treasure -- and a whole life of service may result. Lay aside less important matters and reach the children in your area.

3-7-07 Labor Trouble "Matthew 9:36-38"

Memory Verse: Matthew 9:37: Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but labourers are few.


Witnessing demands labor.

And few want to do this strenuous work.

Nearly two thousand years have passed since Jesus put His finger on the problem that hinders world evangelism and His evaluation is still true . . . "the labourers are few." Many more are needed to work in the harvest.

One serious misconception that prevents labourers from entering the harvest is the belief that witnessing and soulwinning is only for pastors and evangelists. As long as Christians assign most outreach in communities to pastors, the work will be slow and discouraging. One or two men cannot evangelize a community of any size. And that is not the Bible way. God's plan calls for total involvement by members of church congregations. Only then does the church move like a mighty army.

Here and there one finds a church where a sizeable part of the membership is witnessing and winning souls. In that refreshing situation the church always grows and people are thrilled with the results.

What's happening in your church?

Recently, a man asked me where he could find a church that was really revived. I told him to start revival in hi own church. Revived churches do not lack for labourers. People are on fire for God and want to serve.

What is your temperature?
In your community, the harvest is plenteous.
Are you one of the labourers?

3-6-07 Fishers Of Men "Matthew 4:18-25"

Memory Verse: Matthew 4:19: And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Dr. Wayland Hoyt had prepared a special sermon hoping to win a man to Christ who was a leading citizen of his city but who seldom came to church. The man's wife was a devoted Christian . . . and following the morning service Dr. Hoyt asked her to tel her husband that he especially wanted him to come to the evening service. That afternoon, the man called Dr. Hoyt, thanked him for the invitation and assured him that he would be in the service.

By nightfall, a severe storm swept into the area and only a few who lived near the church made it to the service. Dr. Hoyt's target was not among them.

Discouraged, the pastor began to brood about the situation and his failure to reach the man for Christ. Then he thought of Jesus and how He had often gone to the homes of those in need. By this time it was after midnight and he hesitated going to the man's home. Then, it seemed as if the Lord said to him, "If you knew that man's house was on fire, wouldn't you go and arouse him? Why not be consistent about the most important thing of all?"

Going out into the torrential downpour, Dr. Hoyt made his way to the house. Then man greeted him tearfully and said, "Thank God, Dr. Hoyt! God has sent you here to tell me how to be saved. The word you sent me stirred my heart. I could not sleep!"

Both knelt and the joyful pastor led the man to Jesus. All the effort had been worthwhile. A man was born again.

Jesus has called us all to be fishers of men.

Have you done any fishing lately?

3-5-07 We've Something To Say "Psalm 35:18-28"

Memory Verse: Psalm 35:28: And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.

Dr. Walter Wilson was a manufacturer of tents before God called him into full-time Christian work. In his office, he took care of minor injures of employees.

One day a woman came into his office. The needle of a machine had deeply pierced her finger. Dr. Wilson dressed the injured finger and before he allowed her to return to work, he asked the superintendent to examine the safe-guards on the machine. "There's nothing wrong with them," reported the superintendent. "I can't understand how the accident occurred."

Some days later, the same woman came to Dr. Wilson's office again, wringing her hand in pain. Dr. Wilson scolded her mildly for her carelessness, prompting her to burst into tears. "Oh, Dr. Wilson, "she cried, "for weeks I have been most miserable. I knew you were a very busy man. I deliberately injured my hand that I might have an excuse to talk to you. I'm not ready to die and I am so wretched I don't want to live unless I can find peace. I heard you could help me."

Dr. Wilson knew what the lady needed. He explained the Gospel to her and she received the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour. No other message would have taken away the inner conflict and misery of the trouble woman. But Christ saved her and made her new.

There are troubled and burdened people all around us. Many have tried all the supposed answers offered by the world, none of which prepare for heaven or for life abundant here on earth. We have a responsibility to tell them of Christ who loves them, who died for them and who invites them to come to Him in faith to be saved.

We've something to say!

3-3-07 We Do Not Well "ll King 7:1-11"

Memory Verse: ll Kings 7:9: Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace. . . .

Samaria was under siege.

The Syrians had decided to wait and let hunger win the battle for them.

Inside the city, conditions were chaotic. Faced with starvation the people began to reassess their values. Large sums of money were exchanged for small amounts of food.

Four lepers were caught between the invading army and the defenders of Samaria. Being outcasts because of their leprosy, they had survived outside the city gates by begging. Now that there was no traffic either in or out of Samaria, the lepers faced death.

Weighing their alternatives, these four desperate men decided to surrender to the Syrians. They reasoned: ". . . . if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die" (ll Kings 7:4). With that statement, they headed for the enemy camp.

To the surprise of the lepers, they found the Syrian camp deserted. The Lord had cause the Syrians to hear a noise that sounded to them as if a great army was coming upon them. Thinking the king of Israel had hired the fierce Hittites to fight them, they fled, the four outcasts found themselves surrounded with food and bounty. Like many today, they immediately started looting.

Then they came to their senses.

It was not right for them to feast while others were starving. Their discovery of this miracle obligated them to share it with others.

We have heard the wonderful Gospel of Christ. This is a day of good tidings.
If we keep silent, we do not well!!

3-2-07 Soulwinning "Proverbs 11:24-31"

Memory Verse: Proverbs 11:30: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life: and he that winneth soulds is wise.

Every Christian ought to be a soulwinner.

Few are.

Students of statistics tell us that 95% of all Christians never win a soul to Christ. One hopes that they are wrong, but it is evident that too many branches are fruitless.

What does it take to be a soulwinner?

You must care. It is impossible to reap in this harvest without love. A pocketful of tools will be useless without real concern for people. It is not enough to love a man's soul. You must love the man, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity {love}, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal" (I Corinthians 13:1).

You must use the power of prayer. You cannot high pressure souls into the kingdom. We are not commissioned to get names on contracts like door-to-door salesmen. This is spiritual work, and it requires spiritual power. The Holy Spirit works through praying Christians (Acts 4:31).

You must be willing to share. Souls are won by those who share what Christ has done for them. Few will be won by those who feel they fulfill their obligation by "living the Gospel." The Gospel is for living, but is also for telling. Tell someone about the day you received Christ. The same good news that changed your life will save others.

Become a soulwinner.

It's the wise thing to do!

3-1-07 Go "Psalm 126"

Memory Verse: Psalm 126:6: He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Everyone familiar with the Bible knows that Jesus has commanded us to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Still, most do not go!

Why?

It is easier to do just about anything than to GO!

It is easier to be a Board than to GO!

It is easier to teach than to GO!

It is easier to lead a service than to GO!

It is easier to pray than to GO!

It is easier to grumble than to GO!

But Jesus said: "GO!"

Visitation programs struggle and die!

Evangelism languishes!

People remain lost!

All because we do not GO!

What will our answer be at the Judgement Seat of Christ when we face the One who commanded us to go?

"And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, All power is given unto me in the heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:18:20)

Will you GO?