We need both Public Preaching and Personal Visitation (11-29-2012)

 

8 May, 2013 | Soul Winning Tips

 

“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house” (Acts 20:20).

The Apostle Paul was a Missionary and Evangelist of the Missionaries and Evangelists! I mean, if you had to compare him among those who’ve had their names placed in the books of effective and memorable service to God he’d be right there around the top of the list. By studying his life and work, as well as that of the other apostles, and especially that of Christ, we have much there to learn.

Paul stated several points for us here in this verse that are worthy of note.

#1) Paul did not keep anything back from the people in his Evangelism work and teaching! He taught the word of God straightly and clearly! He did not hold back any of the truth but instead he decared the full testimoney of God’s word! We should do the same! Teach them clearly and don’t hold back! Teach them! (“Preach like a Lion and visit like a Lamb”)

#2) Paul taught the people publickly. We need to do that as well because we have to get the message out there to a lot of people and gathering them in larger groups is one of the quickest ways to do it! We need to have Christ-centered, Bible-centered, “Three Angel’s Message”-centered meetings and Bible study groups with many people!

#3) Finally, Paul visited the people from house to house. We must do the same as well. Not only can we have the public work, but we must have the personal and private work for people as well. We need to meet with people (in safe places, at appropriate times) and talk with them one on one about God and about the truth that they have been hearing! We need to understand where they are at in processing the holy truth that they have been hearing in our Bible meetings! We need to see if the truth has been clearly set and understood in their minds. Are they under conviction? Are they struggling with anything? What is keeping them from following the Bible’s truth and from surrendering fully to Jesus? Get close to them. Be a friend. Talk and ask politely about things–how they’re doing spiritually, with the various topics, etc. Find out what is hindering them, and then by God’s grace and spirit, help them to overcome their trials and take a firm stand on the side of God and His truth!

Try Staying in one place for awhile! -It worked for Paul! (11-29-2012)

 

8 May, 2013 | Soul Winning Tips

 

“8  And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. 9  But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.10  And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:8-10).

Paul preached faithfully in a synagogue of Ephesus for 3 months! However, after a time, many of the people there became hardened against the truth. Some heard it and others did not. The ones who did not made themselves a problem for Paul and stirred up a bunch of trouble! Certainly, Satan likes to rouse up trouble and opposition from the false religionists around us when he is unhappy about the faithful work we are doing for God.

So, after the trouble arose and it was now unprofitable to remain in that place, Paul moved along to another place. He planted himself in the school of Tyrannus, and again took up his preaching and teaching ministry. The work was more open for advancement in that place! Paul stayed there at that school peaching and teaching the word of God clearly, directly, and with power! The Lord blessed his efforts there much! The hearts of many were turned around–away from their idols to serve the Living God! “…all who dwelt in Asia [minor] heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (v.10). It can be really helpful to establish a ministry in one place for awhile and then to be very diligent about doing the Lord’s business! Many fruits (souls) will come from that kind of ministry! Then once you’ve saturated the area with Heaven’s truth and established some other strong workers and church members there to faithfully take up that very same work, then it may be wise to move along as the Lord is leading you!

Who can understand the Bible anyway? (11-29-2012)

“11 The whole vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is literate, saying, “Read this, please.” And he says, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” 12 Then the book is delivered to one who is illiterate, saying, “Read this, please.” And he says, “I am not literate.” 13 Therefore the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men, 14 Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work among this people, a marvelous work and a wonder; For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.” (Isaiah 29:11-14).

Haven’t so many people in this world just thrown up their hands and said, “O who can even understand the Bible?!” Some said it was only the clergy (church leaders) who could understand it. Others among the educated and various church leaders have said, “It’s just too high for a man to grasp it fully and let us just be certain that our own opinion of the Bible is not the only right one, perhaps everyone is right.” Sadly, while men treat the Bible with disrespect, God is mocked! The Bible, in many places is simple enough for a child to understand it! What we need, is to NOT think that we cannot understand it. We should not shirk our spiritual duty to diligently search out, read, and study it’s pages. We should not try leaving it to only the “educated,” nor should we think that someone is too “uneducated” to understand it’s truths!

Jesus said the Holy Spirit would be our teacher in all spiritual matters (See John 14:26). What we need is to pray for the Holy Spirit to give us understanding, and then to actually read and study what is written in the Bible, for ourselves, with a prayerful and humble heart! The Apostle Paul stated, “…spiritual things…are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:13,14). God will help us to understand His word if we would simply ask in prayer, and then humbly search for His truth! Remember also, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Come humbly to the Lord, search diligently, and ask for His understanding! He will surely give it! (Check out His promise in Proverbs 2:1-6).

David said, “I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation” (Psalm 119:99). If we would simply make the word of God our prayerful and daily meditation then we too would see such rewards of heavenly wisdom coming from our meditation time in the Scriptures!

In the days of Jesus, the “literate,” or the educated Pharisees quibbled back and forth over the meaning of the Scriptures! They trusted only in the interpretations of men and were left very confused. They had a reputation for not being able to teach the word of God with any kind of authority or power. They were like dead ducks sitting behind the pulpit every week talking about thin air! (See Mark 1:22). The people, on the other hand, who were “illiterate” had been taught to believe that they were too stupid to rightly understand the Scriptures and therefore many of them didn’t hardly even try. They simply left that work of understanding the Scriptures up to those who were the PhD certified religious leaders of the day! It was so sad that Jesus had to state, it was like the blind leading the blind, and BOTH were going to fall into a ditch (See Matthew 15:14).

Jesus on the other hand was different! It was said of Him, “No man ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46). “He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matthew 7:29). The people were amazed and the religious leaders were baffled!!! This was the very thing that the Prophet Isaiah spoke about in Isaiah 29:11-14! While all the educated leaders and the uneducated people were throwing up their hands and saying “Who can really understand the Bible?,” merely honoring God with their lips, having a religion based upon the rules taught by men (religious forms and traditions of men) rather than the pure word of God, and having hearts that were far away from God, the Lord sent someone to rebuke them! God sent His Son with the straight teaching of the Bible itself to cut through the religious dinge of the day, and to put to shame the earthly and foolish “wisdom” of their “prudent men.”

The religious leaders were shocked among themselves as they heard His wisdom and marveled at it, even from his young age (ref. Luke 20:26; 2:46,47). None them could dare to “gain-say” his words for they were straight Bible truth and the leaders of Christ’s day were often forced to hold their tongues in silence as they listened to Him. He spoke the words of truth that came from the Holy Spirit (See Matthew 10:19,20). The religious leaders were compelled to say, with amazement upon their lips, “How can this man know letters, having never learned?” (John 7:15). Though he had never attended their formalized schools, he was not too ignorant to pick up a book and learn how to read it!

Jesus once remarked in thankfulness to God, a praise for His heavenly wisdom! “21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight” (Luke 10:21). Truly, God reveals the truths of His word, even unto babes (in understanding, etc.). The truth of Heaven is given to those who humbly and prayerfully seek God for it in faith (Hebrews 11:6). “And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:12,13). Will you seek the Lord, to know His truth?!

[original old CCM blog post was on Nov. 29, 2012]

Strengthen your brethren!! (11-29-2012)

 

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:31-32).

Jesus often was in very close association with His disciples. He stayed with them and they stayed with Him. He taught them. He spoke words of caution and wisdom to them. He mingled with them from day to day and mentored their faith. Jesus, from the place of spiritual infilling and strength (being alone with God the Father in prayer, meditation, and study of God’s word), frequently came to His disciples with the words of life and insightful truth to fill their minds and hearts with that true bread from Heaven which would surely strengthen their faith against the terrible storms coming in the hours of trial.

Christ knew well about the plots of Satan for the Father had fully enlightened His mind to the spiritual workings and warfare surrounding Him! Jesus was not in the dark as to these things at all! He was given that spiritual discernment and understanding which was so necessary to stand faithful and true to God against the vicious attacks of Satan!

Christ knew also that He himself was training up a small force of powerful soul-winners who were, after His leaving, going to shake the world with the truths of Heaven, and to begin the movement known as His church! Though neither Peter, nor the others onlooking, nor perhaps we, at that time, could tell of the great plans which God had for Peter and the others, both the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and Satan knew of the plan! Satan discerned in Peter the makings of a fierce enemy who was later going to wreak immense damage upon his kingdom (though Satan could not tell to what extent exactly—he only knew that Jesus had invested a very special interest in Peter, James, and John, even an interest somewhat beyond the other disciples). Jesus knew well that Peter, as one of His own chosen apostles, was going to be a strong and fiery preacher (though he was yet, and even after, still a man with faults, which Jesus was continually working to cleanse away). Christ even knew that Peter had been chosen to proclaim through the power of the Holy Spirit, the great sermon upon the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) that was going to lead to the conversion of thousands of Jews in a single day!

Satan was angry and was well ready to pounce upon Peter as a maddened Lion seeking his victim. Jesus knew this and He prayed strongly for Peter! The Father moved with the might of Heaven to work upon Peter’s heart and to give the protection that was needed! Jesus spoke to Peter to warn him of the danger that was lurking for him, but also to reassure Him of the powerful prayers that were being offered for him and of the power of God that would be His help and stay. Peter had yet to experience a much stronger faith and to be converted into the soul-winning, surrendered, humble, and useful vessel that God wanted him to be. Jesus said to him, “When you ARE converted, strengthen your brethren (v.32).” This is also the call of God to us today! When you are converted, then strengthen your brethren (because Satan also wants to sift them out too).

We should take away several overall lessons from this instance. Remember that Satan hates above all, those who are God’s faithful soul winners (even “yet to be” soul winners), and especially those whom he knows God has especially chosen for a greater, more far reaching, and special work of God! Remember that Satan has it out for us all and we all need prayers, desperately! Pray for each other a lot (even as Jesus prayed for Peter)!! Remember also that some of us are struggling yet in their faith trying to find their strength in God! They may not yet be a powerhouse of faith or a strong warrior for God, but if they remain and let Christ do His work in them (with their cooperative permission), then they will surely become the converted soul-winner and Christian warrior that God wants them to be! Once we are converted to God, we have a very special work to do! We MUST strengthen our brethren in the faith too! If you start to become stronger in God, then you must share your strength to strengthen others who are yet weaker in the faith and ability to serve God! Together, you will both and all, grow into the stronger  members of the household of faith, that God desires you to be! We are to strengthen our brethren by meeting together about spiritual things “…and so much the more, as you see the Day [of God’s return] approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

Also, please take away from this, one last thought. You may be a little bit weak in the faith today (actually we all have our weaknesses and are at various places in our walk with Jesus right now), but do not EVER underestimate what you can become through a close connection with Jesus Christ! God has a plan for your life whether you see it all or know it all right now. You may think, “O but I am just a weak little child in God.” That may be true in our case as of now. It may be. But, that means nothing to stop you from your future destination of becoming a great faith-warrior in God! Don’t underestimate your value to God! Jesus is praying and interceding before God the Father on your behalf right now! And others of your Christian brothers and sisters are praying for you right now too! Good things are coming in Christ Jesus and if you choose today to pray and be faithful to Jesus Christ, you had better look out, because you don’t yet even know exactly the height in life to which God will take you! Therefore, “…be strong in the Lord” Jesus Christ “and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). The best things are yet to come and Jesus will make you into one of His faithful soul winners if you’ll be converted to God fully and accept the call!

Isaiah’s Miniature of Revelation’s Finale! (11-27-2012)

 

Have you ever you ever wondered how much the ancient prophets before the time of Jesus knew about end-time events? They certainly knew a lot! Sometimes more than we think! God showed many things to His prophets! He always does of course! “Surely, the Lord God will do nothing unless He reveals his secrets unto His servants, the prophets” (Amos 3:7). It’s also fitting for us to realize that prophets often saw many things from God, of which they did not write down, and which we do not have a record of today; Things which perhaps were not necessary for everyone to know at the time, but which God desired to share with His servants individually! Take the Apostle John for example and the book of Revelation! God showed him a message from the crashing sound of seven heavenly thunders. He was about to write it down, but God told him not to. He was to “seal up” what was shown, and “write it not” (Revelation 10:3,4).

So, just what is it that the prophet Isaiah knew about the final events of Revelation which God has revealed more explicitly to us through that book? Well, he may possibly have known even more than what is written in his book, but here’ the picture that is given to us! Take a look at Isaiah 24:21-23. It’s an outline, in miniature, of the events of Revelation chapters 16-22!

Here’s the text (with a few break downs and pointers), Isaiah 24:21-23:
(some of the previous verses to these ones also describe the destruction of this sinful earth at the second coming and how the wicked will cry for rocks to fall on them, etc. Compare, v.17-20 with Rev. 6:12-17).

21 It shall come to pass in that day
That the Lord will punish on high the host of exalted ones,
And on the earth the kings of the earth.

[Revelation ch.16-19. In ch.16 God sends the plagues as punishment on the evil doers. ch.17 describes Babylon the harlot and her sinful relationship to all the kings of the earth. The Bible also mentions here how they will try to make war with the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them. Revelation 18 describes the destruction of the of Babylon and how all the peoples (rich, etc.) and kings of the earth mourn over her. “Her plagues will come in one day [prophetically speaking] (Rev. 18:8). Babylon was high and proud but God brought her to nothing! (Rev. 18:7,8). She and her companions felt exalted, but God will decimate them. The Kings of the earth shall gather against Jesus Christ as He is coming, but He will decimate and destroy them with the breath of His mouth (Rev. 19)].

22 They will be gathered together,
As prisoners are gathered in the pit,
And will be shut up in the prison;
After many days they will be punished.

[Revelation ch.20. The 1000 years or Millennium. Satan and his followers are gathered into a prison situation (Rev. 20:1-3). His wicked followers will be dead from the brightness of Christ’s coming (2 Thes. 1:7-10, Rev. 19, etc.). They will not live again until the 1000 years are finished (Rev. 20:5). After these “many days” (Is. 24:22), “they will be punished” in the Lake of fire! Revelation ch.20 describes the great white throne judgment and the feeding of Satan and all his followers to the Lake of fire where they will be finally punished and destroyed for the wickedness of their lives. This destruction takes place “after many days” (after the one thousand years).]

23 Then the moon will be disgraced
And the sun ashamed;
For the Lord of hosts will reign
On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
And before His elders, gloriously.

[Revelation 21 and 22. The light of God’s glory will now eternally shine in the new heavens and the new earth. The earth will be fully made new and the New Jerusalem will be right there in the midst as it’s new capital city. All the sin and evil, the Lake of fire, death, and every other bad thing will be gone forever! God and His glory will dwell there, and His righteous people with Him. His glory will outshine the sun and moon. There will be no need for their light there (See Rev. 21:23 and 22:5).]

Closing thoughts: Be ready friends for the final hour is soon to come upon us!! Prepare, prepare, prepare to MEET the Lord your God for He is coming so soon! Let us be fervently active to share His soul-saving message with others just now! May you be continually blessed in the Spirit and grace of God as you seek to follow Him, surrendering and consecrating your life to Him, and studying and sharing His word!

Why can’t God just let everyone into Heaven? (11-26-2012)

“Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD” (Isaiah 26:10).

The Bible is clear!! God loves all people and He really DOES desire that all men and women would be saved! (See 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; and Ezekiel 33:11). He very much hates the fact that men and women will be dying and perishing in their sins! Obviously, that’s why He sent Jesus as One who could “save” us “from our sins” (Matthew 1:21; John 3:16). He loves us and desires all to be with Him. However, God cannot and will not allow any sin or disobedience to enter into His pure and Holy Universe for eternity (See Genesis 3:22-24). Nothing that defiles or works any kind of crookedness or sin will ever be able to enter into the Holy gates of Heaven (Revelation 21:27). God will cleanse and purify the whole universe from sin. Only righteousness will be in His heavenly land. We are going to a land in which only righteousness dwells! A pure and holy Canaan! (2 Peter 3:13). He must first purity our hearts, that we may enter, otherwise we will not be there.

Isaiah 26:10 says, If God showed favor to the wicked, to let them come on into heaven, still it would be no advantage to anyone!!! They would still NOT learn righteousness! Instead, they would pollute the pure and holy land of heaven. They would bring their corruption, sin, and wickedness into that blessed land! They would deal unjustly and they would not give any glory to to the God of that land. They would not see His majesty! They could not behold His presence! Sadly, there is no option for them, but to die in their sins (if they would not be saved from their sins). Heaven would be no joy to the sinner if permitted to enter there for their love of sin and wickedness would never be catered to there. The sin they love would never be permitted or allowed! Therefore, if we live in our sins today, then we will die in our sins, and we will not be able to enter Heaven.

Thankfully, God gives us the forgiving and cleansing power of His son Jesus Christ!! He can purify our hearts and make us to be pure and holy in thought and overall character! Sinners, terrible sinners, “… such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). That means that Jesus does cleanse, transform, and change our lives forever if we let Him, and if we choose to serve Him and trust Him as our Lord and Savior! Jesus Christ has the power to cleanse us and save us by His blessed grace and His holy blood! Amen!! May you experience the saving, purifying, blessed, and holy power of Jesus and His blood that cleanses us from our sins and gives us pure hearts and minds! Let us choose to serve Him today! Amen! Will you do so now?

[originally on our old CCM blog, 11-26-2012]

Some Ministry Updates (Nov. 25, 2012)

 

Hope you’ve been blessed as you’ve had the chance to study the Bible with many resources from Clear Call Ministries! We’ve just updated a few things on our page! As you may’ve noticed, we’ve recently updated the face of our sound resources page! It was in need of some changes!

In Bible Class these days we are continuing on with our series through the book of Daniel! It has been a blessing so far! Hope you’ll take a listen!

Also, we’re slowing (week by week) working on an audio series on Christian living! All the PDF not files for it are already posted along with a couple of the audio files which have been completed!

Additionally, we’ve completed several other topical lessons which will be posted soon to our “sermons and lessons by topic” section soon! We’ll let you know when they’re up!

May the Lord Bless you as you seek to know Him more!

Ben
@Clear Call Ministries

[originally posted in our old CCM Blog, Nov. 25, 2012]