by Ingrid Schlueter
As a part of the job that I do in Christian radio, I have to fight my way through a blizzard of catalogs from Christian publishers across the nation. I also get a number of secular catalogs as well. There is one predominant theme now from both non-Christian and Christian publishers alike and it cannot be denied. That theme is spirituality and how to experience an authentic spiritual life.
The New Agers, or “transformational teachers”, as they now prefer to be called have books filled with the theme of finding personal peace through various methods. Five steps to this, ten steps to that. Each individual guru has his or her own path for you to follow that they claim will help you achieve “authentic” spirituality. Millions around the world are buying into each new offering from publishers who promise the ultimate spiritual answer.
It is no secret that like its secular counterpart, Christian publishing is largely a money-making business. Without a constant flow of new books that capture the imagination of the evangelical public, publishing houses would quickly grind to a halt. This reality, however, is often at odds with what is best for Christians in their spiritual lives. The publishing world and Christian media have created an array of celebrities who are looked to as spiritual experts upon whom we must depend to hear from God for our own lives. How many Sunday school classes today rely not on the Bible itself, but on the latest books about the Bible from the current raft of authors and teachers put forth from Zondervan, Nelson, Word, Intervarsity, and so forth? Many “Bible” classes today are taught by authors and celebrities on DVD, rather than a humble member of the church who has immersed himself in the Word of God.
Compounding this problem is often the content of the books themselves. One mainstream Christian book catalog I received offered all kinds of ways to find the right kind of spirituality. Here are some of the book titles they are promoting: The Path of Celtic Prayer: An Ancient Way to Everyday Joy, Spirituality Old & New: Recovering Authentic Spiritual Life, Flirting with Monasticism: Finding God on Ancient Paths (this is an evangelical publisher!), Fasting: Spiritual Freedom Beyond our Appetites, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us, Sacred Rhythms: Arranging our Lives for Spiritual Transformation, and The Deeper Journey. Like the medieval Roman church prior to the Reformation, finding God and experiencing Him is accomplished through a variety of methods and practices, not opening His Word, the Bible.
The conservative Christian publishers are at times no better. Here are a few titles offered by a more conservative publishing house. 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue, The Sassy Girl’s Checklist for Living, Loving and Overcoming, Take Back Your Life, Prayers for Emotional Wholeness, 30 Days to Taming Your Stress, 15 Minutes Alone with God. There are thousands upon thousands of books like this that hit the market every year, and enough people are buying them to keep Christian publishing a lucrative business. While some of these books may have good things to say about given problems in the lives of believers, the real question is this: If the Bible truly contains what we need for life and godliness, why are so many evangelical Christians seeing the Bible through the eyes of someone else? If the Holy Spirit leads us into all truth through His Word, than why are so many Christians looking for ten steps to freedom from this or that spiritual problem, or 30 days to being a better person? In short, why are billions of dollars a year going into supporting Christian publishing when we have the whole counsel of God in our hands?
Christians down through the centuries had nothing but the Scripture and their unquenchable faith in the Lord. They didn’t have the kind of celebrity media culture of today where we are told over and over that we need to buy this latest book or DVD to really understand how to encounter God. Yet those Christians of old were the ones who faced lions, fire, the sword, imprisonment, torture and the loss of every earthly comfort for the sake of the Gospel. How did they manage to do all of that without stacks of self-help books, guidance manuals and elaborate seminars on how to achieve real spirituality? The answer? They had something far more powerful than Christian publishing. They had the power of the Holy Ghost in their lives and utter confidence in what God had told them in His Word. That was enough.
This kind of deep Christian faith is not achieved by reading the Word through another’s eyes or adopting the practices or methods of the evangelical celebrity of the hour. It is discovered by delving into the vast riches of God’s Word for ourselves and by seeking God in earnest and prevailing prayer. It is astounding how we can spend our entire lives reading about the Bible, reading about a deeper spiritual life and a deeper relationship with Christ and yet never achieve it. Even those in ministry who are out fighting false doctrine and spiritual error can sadly fall prey to this. This kind of virtual Christianity is why our ministries and churches are so often full of carnality and flesh and lacking in spiritual power. Only a spiritual walk with God through daily immersion in His Word and faithful prayer will keep us from this state.
There is a place for solid Christian literature, without doubt. I have been greatly helped by the writings of faithful and godly men and women, past and present. But when the writings of others become the primarysource of our spiritual food, we are missing out on what God has to say to us through the Word, directly. There is also no substitute for time away from the noise and clamor of our commercial culture (that includes much of evangelicalism as well, sadly) and time with the Lord Himself.
Our souls are restless, as Augustine once wrote, until they rest in God. Our souls are hungry, and they are only satisfied when they are in fellowship with our Creator. That will not come by learning how to chant mantra prayers, or clutching prayer beads or burning candles or listening to some expert on “spiritual formation.” It will also not come by listening to every new emerging teacher to produce a DVD on the ultimate whiz bang way to encounter God or by reading yet another author’s take on what God has to say to us. The Scriptures tell us that He who has begun a good work in us will be faithful to complete it. (Phil. 1:6) That’s why our eyes need to be on the author and finisher of our faith, and not on the hot new release from profit-driven Christian publishing. The old gospel song says it best:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
in the light of His glory and grace.
Sign up for free email devotional HERE… The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.
Support | STORE | Christology | Deliverance | Fasting and Prayer | Fresh Start with God | Peace with God | Jesus is Coming Just as He Promised [podcast] | Having No Part Dark [podcast]
Articles
Personal Evangelism
Soul Winning is the Work of Every True Disciple of Jesus
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
Oh the joy of being privileged to know Him and be called out as His “ambassadors”! As His called out ones, we are sent by Him to make known His glorious Gospel to lost souls for whom He came and bled (1 Tim. 1:15).
“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16
NO one will saved before becoming greatly convicted of their sin-give them the Law then they will desire Christ (Galatians 3:24; 1 Timothy 1:9-11). The law convicts and brings them to Christ – it serves God’s purpose. We don’t lead them to Christ so much as God’s law convicts and leaves them feeling the reality of their alienation from God – and then they will be prepared to hear the saving Gospel of Christ. This is the New Testament way of winning souls to Jesus.
What’s most important and the biblical model for evangelism, is to give the lost the law of God (10 Commandments), to convict them which in turn will bring them to Christ (Romans 7:12; Galatians 3:24; 1 Timothy 1:7-10). Placating lost souls with scientific arguments in defense of the faith seems to seldom if ever result in a lost sinner coming to the Savior in repentance. It is the law of God that pierces directly into the consciences of men and converts sinners to Christ (Psalms 19:7). When Paul spoke with the secularists of his day on Mars’ Hill he spoke to them of their idolatry (a sin violating the first 2 of the 10 Commandments), called them to repentance, and warned them that Judgment Day was coming (Acts 17:22-34).
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Psalms 19:7-8
Presenting the Word: First the law to cut, to convict, and to expose how wicked the sinner is and deserving of nothing but damnation, THEN the Gospel of Jesus’ saving grace to make the sinner whole amen!
Your communications and ministry are fed and fueled by your personal daily study and knowledge of God’s Word (Proverbs 22:17-21; 2 Timothy 2:15).
Have you ever desired for your friends and family to be present at a gathering of Saints where there was in anointed call to receive Jesus and they were drawn up to be saved? I have. That’s a great desire and yet in the days of those special gatherings of true, Jesus-seeking disciples are becoming more and more limited. Therefore we must be that altar call, that anointed vessel of God who goes to the people and brings them in. God will make it happen in His resurrection life as we consent to daily dying (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).
Keep showing forth His truth, which is marching on in the hearts and lives of all who have ears to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Churches.
Psalms 126:5-6 says:
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Though you see no changes with your physical eyes, remember that “we walk by faith and not by sight” and that His Word never returns void, so keep planting the seed of His Word into the hearts of men even though sometimes it is with tears (Isa. 55:11; Lk. 8:11; 2 Cor. 5:7). You will “doubtless come again with rejoicing.” (Ps. 126:5-6)
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
Like a lion that conquers and dominates its prey as it pleases, we must unleash the Word of God itself which never returns back to Him void but always accomplishes what He pleases.
God will do His work in the hearts of men, as we send forth His truth in love.
“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10
What is your personal plan or strategy for reaching lost souls? Are you busy about your Father’s business if seeking to save that which was lost? (Luke 2:49; 19:10)
YOU cannot talk anyone into being saved. Stop trying! You must preach them into being saved – by communicating the Word. Only Christ can save them, not us! Did Jesus say “Go talk people into being saved” or did Jesus command “Go ye into all the world and PREACH the gospel”? (Mark 16:15) The latter of course. Men are born again by the incorruptible Word of God (1 Peter 1:23). We must humble ourselves and cease acting like we can win a soul to Jesus when Christ alone can do such. Yes, He chooses to use us as His very “ambassadors” and yet, that is done by the preaching of the law to convict and saving cross of Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Men are born again by God via His “incorruptible” Word:
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23
Personal testimony from brother Charles:
“To God be the glory in all things for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! I was saved through my sister in Christ, acting as His hands and feet that shared with me the following Scripture:
“John 14:6-7
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen him.
She was spreading the gospel and upon hearing this my ears were opened, and conviction came through. I say God found me because as a child of God we are just spreading His Word and had I not been His I would not have felt the weight and power in this Scripture. So, in hearing I was made to believe … and in believing became changed in my walk … with Him guiding me. God bless brother!”
Preparation – Armed and Dangerous!
IF a “church” isn’t producing soul winners, it’s being led by a wolf! (Ephesians 4:11-12)
How can a local assembly of believers see the LORD add to the church when the hireling(s) leading them have no concern for Christ’s Great Commission mandate to preach the whole Word of the Gospel which will result in the LORD saving souls? (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20)
Remembering the 2 “R”s of the Gospel: Repent, Receive Jesus. -“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21)
Personally, I carry King James Bibles, good Gospel tracts, small books, booklets, etc. in my car at all times. The LORD uses them mightily to teach. After ministering to a saint in Christ or a lost person, I always send them away with something appropriate for them to read. I off a KJB Bible to believers if I find out they don’t have one and/or give them one of the books to assist in deepening their walk with Jesus. To the lost, I give a Bible, tracts, and/or a booklet that pertains to them being saved.
The Born Again Book (small, powerful!) | What Next: Now that You are Saved (small discipleship book)
Many a Christian is possessed with the false notion that God needs people-instead of the fact that people need God! Repent. God is the only self-existent One! Jesus is not a sap! He walked away from many- and told you to do the same! (Matthew 10:16; 13:58) The LORD begs no mere man, sinner, to come to Him. He invites but never begs! (Matthew 11:28-30). Rebellion is a choice HE gave them! If they want to rebel, SHAKE OFF THE DUST AND MOVE ON! That’s what Christ did and told you to do! (Matthew 7:6; 10:14)
JESUS tract ENGLISH (click to download print-ready PDF) this is the actual text of the JESUS tract of both the English and JESUS tract SPANISH (click to download print-ready PDF]
Are YOU “ready”?
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15
Are you “ready” or not “ready”?
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Case for Scripture Memory:
“Let mine hear RETAIN thy words.” Proverbs 4:4
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Evangelism | Jesus, Light of the Word | Compassion in Light of Christ’s Soon Return | Striving Together for the Faith of the Gospel [podcast] | Prepared to be Used of God | The Return of Christ | Christ’s Compassion Audio | Our Approach to the Lost | Kindness is a Soul Winning Weapon | Stop Sinning? Really? How? | Angry Street Preacher Warning
Apostasy
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
Mourning Trumps Merriment in Christ’s Kingdom
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’d like to walk in Your bless-ed joy, filling my life to overflowing, no matter what’s transpiring. LORD, I ask You to do Your deeper work in my heart, in my life. Please set apart my life to truly glorify You, being full of the fruits of Your righteousness. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Everyone desires the joy of the LORD, right? Yes, yet only those who are willing to devour His Word – to get it into their hearts and keep it flowing into their hearts, will experience that great joy of the LORD which is our strength! In context, the joy of the LORD is the strength of those who read it, hear it, embrace it, adhere to it, and keep it flowing into their mind and heart daily! (Nehemiah 8:8, 10)
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly (directly), and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. … 10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:8, 10
After they had feasted on God’s Word, the elders of Israel said to them: You are now full of the Word. Now “Go your way”, that is, go home and be blessed to “send portions” of the bounty of the LORD you’ve been filled with today to overflowing. “Freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) Let your cup run over and bless others! Let your light shine into others, may your cup run over onto others, to bless them with the bountiful blessings of the LORD you have received.
We have to eat the fat and drink the sweet of the Word of God to be filled with the joy of the LORD which is our strength!
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
Nourishing the Body of Christ
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6
DO people know they can find the rich treasures of God’s Word when they walk into your life, when they visit your social media page? (Colossians 3:16) Will they be “nourished” by the milk and meat of God’s bless-ed Word when they are graced to be in your company?
“There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise.” Proverbs 21:20
Holy Father, we ask You in the name of Jesus to make us happy in Jesus as You’ve forgiven and freed us from our sin and so of all people on Your earth, only Your people can be truly happy in Thee dear LORD. Please bless each of Your beloved saints to be anointed for the death and burial of the self life and raised up in Your blessed resurrection grace and joy. In Jesus’ name let it be dear LORD.
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11
Support | STORE | Podcasts | H.O.T. Bible Study [podcast] | Divine Blessings | Exhort One Another Daily | The Return of Christ | The Joy of Fulfilling the Great Commission | The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold | Lie of the Ages (book) | Soul Damning Sins (small book) | Why We Need not Fear Death | Revelation Bombshell!
Abiding
The Death before the Death [podcast]
Gethsemane Preceded Calvary
“And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:42-44
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke 9:23-25
Shall We Freshly Declare the Cross to be Front and Center in our Personal Lives?
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison Ministry | Mexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Prayer | Manhood | The Conquering Cross of Christ [podcast] | The Cross Victory | Sin – Man’s Core Problem
Personal Evangelism
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
The Death before the Death [podcast]
“Rend Your Heart, and Not Your Garments” [podcast]
God and His Word are Unchanging [podcast]
Soul Sleep Exposed: Where Do We Go When We Die? When do we Go there? [podcast]
Oneness Godhead
Pride and False Prophets [podcast]
“Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour and are Heavy Laden, and I will Give You Rest” [podcast
Have We Misunderstood Why Christians Meet Together? [video]
Jesus Christ is God [podcast]
Salvation is Not a One-Time Experience but a Lifelong Walk [podcast]
“Feed My Sheep” [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 43
IS AMERICA DOOMED? To Stay or to Go [podcast]
10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]
Jesus Calling Devotional Exposed: 10 Things You Might Not Know
How to Spot a Fake Bible [podcast]
Jesus Christ is God [podcast]
Read the Handwriting
Why the Apocrypha Isn’t in the Bible
Soul Sleep Exposed: Where Do We Go When We Die? When do we Go there? [podcast]
Salvation is Not a One-Time Experience but a Lifelong Walk [podcast]
Mug Shots and Mercy Moments! [podcast]
How do We Know Who is “of God” and Who is “Not of God”? [podcast]
Concerns about the writings of C.S. Lewis [podcast]
What the Bible says about Effeminate Men [podcast] [shorts video]
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
Personal Evangelism
What is the difference between a “Textus Receptus Man” and a “King James Man?”
Personal Evangelism
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
The Death before the Death [podcast]
America1 year agoThe Drugging of America: The Pharmakeia Sorcery Deception [podcast]
- Articles3 years ago
Children being Rescued in Tunnels: Happening Now – UPDATE!
- Articles8 years ago
Self-Examination in Preparation for the Lord’s Return
- Apostasy3 years ago
SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
Navigation
Quick links
Newsletter
Stay updated of the ministry operations. We saved a spot for you on the ministry email list.
© 2025 Safe Guard Your Soul. All Rights Reserved