Lessons From Want And Luxury, Their Vanity And Giving And The Gospel

This post is much like a modern example of the book of Ecclesiastes.

I have observed in this life that those who have more material wealth in this world and those who have less are most often neither living a better life or a worse life than the other. Those who have more tend to worry more about what they have. Those who have physical comfort often dull their mind. Those who have luxury have distraction and greater temptations. In no way does the ownership of material goods make one live a better life, as long as their basic needs are met.

That being said it is best, for wisdom’s sake at least, to experience both want and excess – and to choose to live with less even when more could easily be had. It is best to experience all that you can to show as an example to the world that you reject luxury with full knowledge (Isaiah 7:15). It’s best to surround yourself with convenience and temptation – and turn away from its overuse (of convenience) and fleeting satisfaction (of giving into temptation). Why? Because if you can learn to say "no" to temptations everyday when they are before you, then you have no need to fear the avoidance of situations that may tempt you. But this is not meant to misconstrued and used as an excuse for worldly living. 

We should enjoy the money or compensation we receive from labor. It is the gift of God to a man. But we should also be willing to give generously and live without addiction or dependence on anything which God has given to us. To love and enjoy the gifts of God – while willing at a moment’s notice to give them up for the sake of Christ, is the best position and only Christian attitude we should allow ourselves to hold. Anything contrary to such a posture is idolatry.

Our flesh will deceive us sometimes and trick us into believing that we can give anything up at any time for the sake of Christ and his gospel. Let us not deceive ourselves. Sometimes we must sacrifice just to be sure we are of a pure intent. If we put ourselves through the fire we can perhaps spare entering it later on. To clarify, if we test our desires, affections, and beliefs – if we test ourselves we may avoid Hell by removing our own dependence on deceptions we may have falsely, unknowingly, imperceptibly, or subconsciously embraced. Let this message not be misunderstood. I'm not saying that we are saving ourselves from anything. I'm saying that by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us and test us we can be refined and made more fruitful for the sake of Christ and the Good News of his message. (2 Corinthians 13:5, Mark 8:35, Romans 12:2)  

Where do we find balance between giving to others and enjoying what we have been given? I’ve observed that for the most part it is all vanity and makes no difference. In other ways it can be life and death or day and night. In conclusion what matters is our attitude toward God, mankind and ourselves. (Ecclesiastes 12:13) It is best to give to others in a meaningful and purposeful way. Giving to the poor can be synonymous with throwing your money away – it can be foolish and meaningless to help the poor sometimes*. (Matthew 26:6-13)

Money (material value) doesn't necessarily make the gift good, and neither do words without money or sacrifice convey meaning. If your gift to an individual (every gift is eventually a gift to an individual) does not come across as meaningful or directed in the right way you might very well be paying to enlarge Hell itself. 

How you ask? 

*By funding addiction and dependence. Sometimes people seek their own destruction. Sometimes people need pain in this life to prevent Hell in the next. God has many tools and means by which he calls men unto himself. Again, do not misunderstand. I am not saying we in any sense "earn" heaven by suffering now. Nor is it the case that only because of the suffering that our heart is changed to accept Christ. Merely and simply the fact is that God uses different tools and experiences to teach us lessons and direct the chosen unto himself. Those whom God has chosen will receive him, and they will follow him. (John 15:16,19, Ephesians 1:3-19, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)

Other times if you relieve their pain you can take them to heaven (by being a witness, and “Saviour” who points them to THE SAVIOUR). Again, let me not be misunderstood. We in ourselves can do no good thing, much less save anyone. But by doing the will of God, it is Him working in us that accomplishes good works yielding fruits for his Kingdom .... Both in the salvation of men and in their edification. 

But never can you afford to destroy your witness by withholding help you can easily or even perhaps not so easily give.

Giving by many should be more carefully done in a way that maximizes meaning and the witnessing of the gospel. For example,,,there are many charities that do not even truly help people...and there are many charities that help people but do not impart a message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us seek to both help the needy....and to change their life for the sake of Christ and the Glory of God.

We must seek the will of the Lord continually (1 Chronicles 16:11) so that we neither flounder our money casting pearls before swine nor miss the opportune time to be a witness as the gracious unselfish Gospel proclaiming giver God desires and requires us to be. 

Amen.

To Behold The Beauty Of The LORD...

Love Man More Than God?

I was thinking the other day about what my motivation is. Why do I want to see people saved? Why do I want people to be Christians? Why do I want people to live in accordance with the word and will of God?

So often I desire to see people find peace. There are those who are hiding running, and turning from God, and they are restless, troubled, and without peace. I see people suffering and living through trying and difficult days and times as a direct result of their sins. I have known men who suffered through the day because they drank too much alcohol the night before. I know those who are poor and overworked because they committed fornication, having children out of wedlock for which they have neither time nor money to care for. (Worse yet, there are those who have murdered there own children, taking upon themselves the curse of shedding innocent blood. Worse yet are they who live in the enjoyment of their sin bearing the guilt of murder but with out shame or pain living in complete callousness to God and his coming judgment.) I know those who have nearly been and who are divorced because they have neglected their duties, misdirected their affections, and ordered their life and responsibilities in a fashion contrary to the plan of God as it is so clearly prescribed in his Holy Word. His Word which so few retain in their knowledge and much less do they obey it. These are common sins of so many and the fruit of their sin is ever before them as they reap it day after day. Yet they change not and their hearts are hardened. As we get to know some of these people we feel sorry for them, we wish to help them. We try to brighten their day and cheer them as they go their way. Those who love men more than God so often will do things which appear to help men but are in fact prohibited by God. When we love men more than God humanism becomes our God and we endorse not only Idolatry but we in essence reinvent Christianity and change it into a lie, a blasphemy, and an alternative to the only true Christianity - Biblical Christianity. We must remember that Christ associated with sinners and sought their salvation - but we must not forget that he also boldly spoke against hypocrisy and sin. We can observe from the scriptures that it was the lost sinner who received much grace, not the self-righteous hypocrites who mistakenly thought they knew God. Thus by the scriptural example we show more grace to those who never had much chance to learn the righteous way. We invite them to church, we speak of Biblical principles, and we treat them with respect. We desire for them to find the peace that is only available through our Lord Jesus Christ. That name above all names – who they know only as a swear word – or a distorted distant memory.

If only they would find Christ and his salvation and live in accordance with the word of God: then so many of their problems in this life would simply cease to be. Then they would have the joy, peace, and grace of God to help and to lead them victoriously through the trials and difficulties that all must endure as they are yet in the body of flesh upon the earth.

But let us not forget the reason for desiring the salvation of lost souls. The greatest reason for seeking the lost is not to see them find peace. The greatest reason to see them find peace is not so that their life will be comfortable. These reasons are far too earthly minded, and could even be motivated by selfishness. The reason we should desire to see men saved is for the Glory of God and the sake of his kingdom. Further, we should desire to see men saved to have them avoid eternal Hell fire, rather than to merely see them live comfortably in this short time we have here upon the earth. We should be motivated by fear, heeding the word of God and knowing full well, the torment and fury to which the unsaved are to be subject!

It is vital not to lose our focus; for we stand in danger of loving man more than God, and of desiring peace for men rather than Glory for our Holy Father. We stand in danger of desiring peace on earth, more than, or instead of peace in the eternal. In fact, there are ministers who have done God disservice to this very end. They have overlooked truth and discarded righteousness and attempted to extend love beyond the limits of its character. They have cut some from the peace of eternal life in an attempt to bring them peace in this world, and the very prince of darkness applauds their efforts.

To keep the proper focus we must know, believe, and live the truth of the scriptures, not only to live righteously in the sight of God, (who sees all) but to live righteously in the eyes of men, to the end that we may turn them to Him. Him to whom all praise and honor and glory is due, to Him who is the author and finisher of our faith.

Let us see the greatest commandments spoken by Christ Jesus in Matthew 22:36-39 and regard their order. "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." These laws are very much intertwined, for we cannot possibly love God unless we love man. However, I believe that we can love man to a point without loving God, for even sinners love that from which they benefit. Even unselfish and sacrificial love is I believe possible without necessarily loving God. But loving man without loving God is like having zeal for God without knowledge. More harm than good could be done if we are not wisely and rightly directed. It is a love which is without understanding. Let us first Love God and seek his Glory, and in doing so we will love man and seek his benefit in the way which is right and pleasing to God in light of his will and the eternity into which we shall shortly pass. Amen.

http://thethoughtsofhans.blogspot.com/2011/12/make-difference-share-gospel.html

Make A Difference: Share The Gospel

The Great Commission

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in 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 alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. – Matthew 28:19-20

Be Prepared

In this post I will discuss ways to spread the Gospel, which even shy people can easily do. Many of these methods I learned from the multitude of suggestions given at www.chick.com. The first step is to be prepared; this includes preparing yourself mentally and spiritually as well as by becoming well supplied with Gospel proclaiming literature. Scroll to the end of this list for links to great sources.

Ideas For Distributing Tracts

There are many ways to distribute tracts. Chick tracts (Named after their author, Jack Chick) are very attractive and effective due to their miniature comic book format. They really do get read. It is important to always carry these tracts with you, because you can leave them to be a witness wherever you go. When you buy gasoline, leave one on the fuel pump. When you use a public restroom leave at least one in the restroom. When you mail in a check to pay a bill, send a Chick tract along with your check. At first I was almost afraid to do this one. What if they are offended and decide to pretend that they never received my payment? That could hurt your credit rating or create some type of penalty fee. But I did it anyhow. And I’ve been doing it for months now with no trouble. That’s a lot of Chick tracts delivered free, you don’t have to use a stamp just to mail a Chick tract. I also try to send a different Chick tract each time, just in case the same person is in charge of my account, but I tend to think they have thousands of employees and a different person gets my envelope each time, that is a lot of people you can reach. So here is one disadvantage of paying bills online or automatically through your bank account – less opportunity to witness. Unless you know how to send an e-tract along with your payment, if that is possible?

Waiting rooms and lounge areas are a great place as well. I’ve done this before. I’ve left New Testaments, Gospels of John, and Chick tracts – and they have gotten read. One time I placed a New Testament and it disappeared for a while. Then it reappeared maybe two weeks later – and it was obvious from its dog eared pages that it was heavily read over those two weeks. Everyone seems to love the Chick tracts. It is obvious that they get read, and they also disappear because people take and keep them. I’ve seen people experience a wide variety of emotions from reading them.

Satan Works To Discourage Us

Satan wants very much to discourage people from distributing tracts. But remember this – How much is a soul worth? What I am saying is that many people think they would be wasting their time and money distributing tracts. Now if you are a good talker, and would rather share the Gospel verbally with nearly everyone you see – then perhaps tracts are of little value to you. But if you are not daily sharing the Gospel in other ways then your unwillingness to spread tracts is only evidence that you have a spiritually dead life. Seeing as Christ has done so much for us we should surely want others to have the same blessing. The Scriptures encourage us to bring this same blessing to others. Through familiarity with the scriptures also comes the increasing of our faith that we may receive the many blessings from God through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Everyone is called to be a part of the great commission. God gives no commands today which are not meant to be kept by everyone.

Importance Of Prayer

Before distributing any tracts, gospel, or testament it is vitally important to pray. Here is another problem with those who do not share the Gospel in any way – they lack Faith. After I pray over a tract, I am fully persuaded that God is able to use it to save sinners and strengthen saints.

Sharing The Gospel In Other Languages

Another great use of Chick tracts is to reach people whose language you can't speak. Where I have been there are Vietnamese as well as those who speak Russian, Ukrainian, and of course Spanish. Even if they also speak English, I think it is often more meaningful to them to read something in their native tongue. Especially if there is less material available in their own language, they are likely more inclined to read whatever is available. Whenever I leave tracts in another language they seem to disappear even faster than the rest.

The Best Way To Leave Tracts?

There are both advantages and disadvantages to leaving tracts in secret or openly. If you leave them when others are observing you the advantage may be that the person who reads the tract will know to talk to you if they have questions. They will also know who to blame, and perhaps persecute. If you leave the tracts secretly, someone who finds them may have questions and not know who to talk to for guidance. But if they despise the message they will not know who to trouble. More importantly they will not be able to stop the person leaving tracts. Suppose you leave a tract which is written to help Roman Catholics escape from the bondage of that false religious system. Suppose they interpret this tract as hateful and complain to someone who has power over you, such as your employer, someone in a position to enforce laws, or via a judge through a lawsuit. However, if no one knows you are leaving the tracts then you cannot get in trouble. Sometimes to witness you are called to risk losing money, your job, your status, or even your life. But sometimes in this country (USA) you can witness effectively without seriously risking any of these. I believe than one solution for many is to leave the tracts secretly, but at the same time be a good Christian example, clearly in both word and deed. This way if any read the tract and need someone to talk to they will go to you anyhow. Not because they know you left the tract, but because they know that you will be able to help them and guide them in how to be saved and grow in the Christian faith (Matthew 10:16).

Believing The Devils Lies ?

Today Satan works hard to destroy the church from within, and to help him succeed you should remain relatively quiet about your faith.* You should be a mediocre lukewarm Christian.* You should be Christian enough to believe you are saved, but you should never profess beliefs which seem too fundamental or extreme.* You should never say anything which condemns the majority of professing Christians.* You should tell others only about the love of Christ and avoid subjects like hell or sin.* You should be afraid to say anything against the Roman Catholic Church, against the Muslims, against any other false religion, or to criticize any who proudly and openly profess and glorify their sins.* After all, if you get yourself in trouble or killed then you will be unable to ever witness to others.* You should never speak harshly to anyone, and never tell anyone things that will upset them.*

*These are the lies of the Devil. And by these the church is destroyed. The verses that help to expose these lies are as follows; Matthew 28:19-20, Revelation 3:16, Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 10:28, 35, 37, 38, 39, 2 Corinthians 5:11, 2 Corinthians 10:12, 18, Luke 3:7, John 8:45, Galatians 4:16, and Ezekiel 3:18, among others.

The Growth Of The Church

The way for the church to grow is by faith and fearlessness, not forgetting charity (love in action)(1 Corinthians 13:13, 1-13). If the whole church was unafraid of men then the church would grow. The church cannot be destroyed from without, only from within. Take for example John Knox and Martin Luther, two men who spoke the truth and who could have easily been killed early in their lives. Even Christ himself was protected from death until the proper time (Matthew 26:18) (and Paul in 2 Timothy 3:11). God will protect men in the most dangerous of situations (Psalm 34:19), provided they do his will, and provided that God has not yet decided to bring them home to himself (2 Corinthians 5:8-9).

No Fear Of Persecution

There are three reasons that no true Christian should fear persecution or even martyrdom. For the Lord delights in true Christians, these are his servants, who are his friends and saints. For they do his will from their heart, believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them who seek him diligently (Psalm 149:4, Revelation 19:5, John 15:14, Matthew 7:21, Ephesians 6:6, Hebrews 11:6). First, if we suffer and are persecuted or killed for Him we shall reign with Him, live with Him and have great reward (Matthew 5:10-12, 2 Timothy 2:11-12). Second, we are not irreplaceable. As Abraham had faith that God could raise up Isaac (Hebrews 11:17-19), and as Christ knew that God could raise up children for Abraham from mere rocks (Matthew 3:9), so to can God raise up new disciples from the weakest among us to do great things for His Glory (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Third, as Tertullian observed of the early churches persecution – "The Blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." And that is why the church cannot be destroyed from without by the flesh, but only from within, by spiritual attacks of Satan, sent by deceiving spirits and the mouths of false prophets and ear tickling preachers (Ephesians 6:12-18, 2 Corinthians 10:4, 1 Timothy 4:1, Revelation 16:13-14, Mark 13:22, 2 Peter 2:1, 1 John 4:1, 2 Timothy 4:3-4).

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he who winneth souls is wise. - Proverbs 11:30, Daniel 12:3, Matthew 13:43

The term "soul winning" can be misunderstood, because people don't win souls, it is the Holy Spirit who changes the hearts of men. Nevertheless, it is a term the scriptures use; therefore we should use it also, we should just be cautious to be sure we properly understand what it means (1 Corinthians 3:4-11, especially 1 Corinthians 3:7).

Soul winning explained by Spurgeon

The Work Of Soul Saving by Andrew Murray

Good sources for Gospel Proclaiming Literature (Tracts and Gospels)

http://www.ptl.org/code/products.php (be sure to select KJV)

http://www.chick.com/catalog/tractlist.asp

http://pro-gospel.org/store#ecwid:category=636671&mode=category&offset=0&sort=nameAsc

http://www.biblehelps.us/orderlist.htm

Live His Teaching Lost Souls Reaching

This Post moved to http://goodnewspoems.blogspot.com/2011/07/live-his-teaching-lost-souls-reaching.html

The Righteous Witness Lifted Up

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” - John 18:37

“A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” - Proverbs 14:25

Christ is a true witness because he delivereth souls.

“An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.” - Proverbs 19:28

Christ is a godly witness because he warns of judgment.

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,” - Revelation 1:5

Jesus Christ is a godly witness, a true witness, and a faithful witness. But he is not only godly, he is God. He is not only true, he is the Truth. He is not only faithful, he is the one we have Faith in. (John 14:6, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 3:26, Ephesians 3:17, Philippians 3:9, Colossians 2:5, 2 Timothy 3:15, John 5:31-40, John 8:18, John 10:25, John 15:26-27)

What was Christ a witness for? What did he bear witness of?

He bore witness of the truth. As Pilate said in John 18:38 “What is truth?

Truth could be defined in many ways, but truth is what Christ taught. If we continue in His word, that is, in his teachings, we will be his disciples, knowing the truth and being made free.

“Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” - John 8:28-32

Jesus said unto Nicodemus “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

“Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” - John 3:4-7

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? - John 3:11-12

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” - John 3:14-21

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” - John 3:36

What does it mean that the Son of man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness? Moses lifted up the serpent of brass and all who looked on it were saved from death, the death that was to come upon them because of their sin in speaking against God and his servant Moses. (Exodus 14:31, Joshua 11:15)

“And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.” -Numbers 21:5-9

Just as the rebellious Israelites repented and looked to the brass serpent for life, so all men today repent and look to Jesus Christ for life. But many do not turn from their rebellion to look for life, but remain in condemnation by loving sin and darkness. And those who do not turn from wickedness to seek Christ? Look! They are tormented by that fiery serpent Satan!

See how the Israelites repented? They said to Moses “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us.” And Moses prayed for the people.

See how men today repent? They pray unto God “We are lost, for we believed not on your Son Jesus Christ, whom you sent to justify us by his death on the cross, when he took the punishment for our sins.” And Christ interceded for the repentant sinner. (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25-27, Isaiah 53:12)

But the men repenting today do not end their prayers there. They continue to pray telling God that they believe, taking hold on the promises in his word. They look to Christ Jesus and his teachings; they look to follow him with all that they are.

The Son of Man, Jesus Christ was lifted up in many ways. Primarily he was lifted up on the Cross when he died for us that we might have life, and have life abundantly. (John 10:10, John 8:28)

Even today the Cross is often regarded as a symbol of salvation; much like the serpent of brass was regarded as a symbol of salvation. The difference being that the serpent was looked to for salvation of the flesh, whereas the cross is looked to as a symbol of eternal salvation.

Now later the Israelites made an idol out of the brass serpent as we see in 2 Kings 18:4. When Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign he destroyed the brass serpent because it had become an idol unto the Israelites (2 Kings 18:1-7). Why did Hezekiah destroy that idol of brass? Because “He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses.” - 2 Kings 18:5-6

“He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. (2 Kings 18:4)

Also today many make an idol out of the cross, displaying it predominately, and worshipping it rather than God and the salvation it represents. You know this is true because of the ungodly who wear it on a chain about their neck. There really can be no Christian symbol, only to some it may seem that way.

How else was Christ lifted up?

He was raised from the dead. Our faith is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17). Christ spoke the truth when he said he would rise again (Luke 18:33. Mark 10:34, Acts 2:32), when he said he lays down his life that he may take it up again (John 10:17).

He was also lifted up as he ascended into heaven (Acts 1:2-11).

“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” - Acts 1:9-11

Christ the righteous witness and true, was lifted up that we may look to him for life, for life everlasting.



“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” - Psalm 119:160

“I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.” - Psalm 119:162

See the Hymn "How Great Thou Art"

We Know the Commands: The Witness Against Us

Moses received from God all of the law and the commandments and Moses made it all known to the Israelites. Now the commands were written down, in books, and in stone, and spoken unto the Israelites on many occasions. (see Deuteronomy 27:8, Deuteronomy 31:9-13, Deuteronomy 31:24-26, Exodus 24:7).

“For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.” - Deuteronomy 30:11-14

We cannot say “I did not know.” We cannot pretend to seek what God wants from us as if we do not know.

The scriptures are plain and clear. We have Bibles to read and yet we don’t know what God has commanded because we do not read our Bibles.

Christ has taught us. The Apostles have taught us. Their words are written for us to read, for us to believe, for us to obey.

As the Law of Moses was written as a witness against the Israelites, so are the words of Christ and the Apostles and the Prophets written as a witness against us (Deuteronomy 31:24-30, John 1:7-23, John 3:11, John 15:27, John 18:37, Acts 1:20-26, Acts 4:33, Acts 23:11, Revelation 20:4).

It is as if the words of Christ and the apostles are crying out to us. "You profess to be a Christian? THEN KNOW MY WORDS!" But Christ and the Apostles are not only a witness against those who profess to know him. They are also a witness against all men. For "he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (see John 3:18)

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” - Romans 1:18-22

“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” - Psalm 89:7

“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.” - Psalm 89:13-16

“For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.” - Psalm 89:18

The Company of Korah, Sheep Among Wolves

Korah, Dathan, Abiram and all the other men of the company of Korah were destroyed for their wickedness. The earth opened and swallowed them up, because of their sin in rebelling against Moses and Aaron. Moses warned the people to depart from Korah so that they would not be consumed in all their sins (see Numbers 16:1-33 and Numbers 26:9-10)

“And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.” - Numbers 16:26

Are we so naïve as to think that we can keep company with the wicked and not be consumed in their sins?

In Numbers 22:9 God asked Balaam the son of Beor “What men are these with thee?”

What would God say of the company we keep?

But first and foremost what would God say of us?

In Numbers 22:1-41 we can see the story of Balaam, and that God allowed him (I say allowed because God’s original instructions were for Balaam not to go with them) to go with them, but only on the condition that he only do and say what God would tell him to.

This may also be the case for us. God may allow us to keep company with the wicked, but he would only allow us this if we only do and say what he wants us to do and say (that is if we do not take part in their sins).

But we must also beware that we be not as the Pharisees. For they criticized Christ for keeping company with sinners. But we, as followers of Christ are called to lead sinners to salvation. We cannot do that without keeping company with sinners sometimes. But we must never partake of their sins, this limits where we can go.

“And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” - Matthew 9:10-13

And so it is concluded by the words of our Master and Lord (John 13:13) “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” - Matthew 10:16

I’ll tell you what a tragedy is

While contemplating the inevitable but hopefully distant death of my physical body I thought of this… It came to me very quickly at work one day (7/26/2010) and I wrote it down after I had returned home later that evening.

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What is being read to you now was written by me before I died with the hope that this would be read at my funeral. You may be surprised at this as it is not generally done, but you won’t speak ill of the dead will you? Some of you here today only step foot in a church for a funeral so while you are in a church, why would we waste the time discussing a mere man as myself when you could hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ? It was once said, “never waste a good tragedy.”

Well here you are at my funeral. This may be considered a tragedy of sorts. Though I know not how I shall die as I write this I believe my death was not a tragedy. Why? Because I have Faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. You can see the evidence of this saving faith by my actions and way of life, and yet God alone judges the intents and motives of the heart of a man. I pray that when this is read it is read to those who do not need to hear it. But if lack of faith in the Word of God continues to grow the way it is now this will be in need of hearing.

So what is a tragedy ? I’ll tell you what a tragedy is.

A tragedy is when men live their lives as though they cannot understand who God is, when all they have to do is read the scriptures.

A tragedy is when one who professes to be a Christian is living the same as those of the world.

A tragedy is when one hears God’s voice and refuses to obey it.

A tragedy is when one calls themselves a Christian merely because of their upbringing rather than personally knowing Jesus Christ.

A tragedy is when men forfeit their witness of Christ for the sake of worldly gain.

A tragedy is when one stores up treasures on earth rather than in heaven.

A tragedy is every day that a man fails to yield himself to God.

A tragedy is when one lets the years pass by knowing that they have not done God’s will.

A tragedy is when men profess with their mouth to know Christ, but in works they deny him.

A tragedy is when the world looks at the Christian church and is unconvinced that it is the true religion because they can see no difference between “Christians” and other religious peoples.

And perhaps the greatest tragedy of all is when a man brings unto himself death and damnation by so hardening his heart his whole life long, dying in sin and never knowing the mercy, grace and bountiful blessings which God bestows on those who deny themselves take up their cross daily and follow him. (Luke 9:23) (Pause)

Now in contrast to tragedy; the joyous life can be ours through Christ Jesus.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is this;

Man is lost in sin and cannot save himself. The penalty for this sin is death and hell. But God sent his son Jesus Christ who died for us taking the penalty for our sin. That believing in him we may have eternal life. We are saved and receive life when we repent of our sins and place our faith in Jesus Christ accepting God’s gift of grace. This grace which we cannot earn by our own doing and which we do not deserve, is only a gift from God, so that we may be saved by faith in Jesus Christ. Christ, whose shed blood and death on the cross was the final sacrifice for the sins of all men who come to God repenting of their sin acknowledging that they are lost and can only by saved through Him. Trusting God to save them from their sin repenting of it and placing their faith in him. (Pause) Will you be saved? (Pause)

Now I have one small request. I request that before my coffin is lowered into the earth that if you have not accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour that you would spit on my coffin. This is a small request... for this is what you do to God everyday that you turn from him, everyday which you disbelieve the Holy Bible. Just think of all that God has done for you,... though you may fail to claim those richest blessings. So this one small request… After all I am only a man… if you can spit in the face of God neglecting so great a gift as he has given, then it is but a small insignificant thing for you to spit on a dead man’s grave.

For God Almighty is a Most Holy God. Amen.