The More I Suffer, the Freer I Become: Joy in the Fire! [podcast]
Forged in the Fire!
Liberty and Blessing
through Suffering
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:7
You have saving faith – and it’s on trial!!!! That alone is cause for celebration!!
“Adversity is the companion to every Christian on his way to paradise. The more difficult the path, the more joy for him who follows the LORD.” AW Tozer
Have you found more freedom through seasons of testing and trials?
“Your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest wounds.” unknown
Are you always seeking and in “the house of mourning” … or “feasting”?
Kingdom perspective: Ecclesiastes 7:2-5 What’s “better”?
“It is BETTER to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. 3 Sorrow is BETTER than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. 5 It is BETTER to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:2-5
Should the LORD’s children view suffering a curse or a blessing? Though God doesn’t author evil, He sure uses every trial, attack, and suffering to conform us to Christ’s holy image:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28-29
The LORD has predestinated that “all things work together for good to them that love God.” He didn’t say that He causes all these things but He does tell us that He works them all “together for good” to those who love Him – and those who truly love Him obey His command to deny self, take up the daily cross, and “be conformed to the image of his Son.“
“How much more crushing can you take? Until we know and truly understand, beyond head knowledge that we are less than nothing, we will not know that He is more than everything.” M.
Suffering for Christ’s disciples gives way to God’s blessings.
With this biblical truth in mind, that trusting and following Christ through suffering ultimately causes liberty in our lives, consider:
“For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:7
“He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.” 1 Peter 4:1
“The pressure in your life right now has a purpose. It’s not crushing you, it’s pushing what’s on the inside of you out. It shows you who you are.” unknown
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10
As we walk the narrow road with our LORD Jesus, suffering for righteousness sake, He will do 4 things in our lives – “perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
Have you ever prayed that the LORD would more deeply ground your life in Him? – Suffering will be included in His answer…. and so will PSSS… 1 Peter 5:10
WHAT is needed to be perfected, established, strengthened, and settled in the LORD? Answer: Suffering and continuing to worship, to trust, and serve God in it! (1 Peter 5:10)
The LORD is the Potter and we are His clay (Jeremiah 18:6). The purging, the stripping must occur in each of our lives. Even men like Joseph and Job had to be stripped.
“Know now that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net. 7 Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment. 8 He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths. 9 He hath stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head. 10 He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree.” Job 19:6-10
In the divine economy, the dead and burial always happen in order to bring about the resurrection (Isaiah 37:31; John 12:23). Such a phenomenon can be observed throughout the Bible, God’s people, and into the future glorious kingdom reign of Christ (Revelation 21, etc.).
In Psalm 105 we see a recounting of the work of God beginning with Abraham and into the life of Joseph and the captivity of His people in Egypt. In verse 37 of this chapter we see the season of resurrection beginning, unfolding
Ps 105:37—- “He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.”
This was the beginning of the season of resurrection for God’s people after their death and buried in the land of Egypt.
Paul’s thorn was a blessing…..
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
On Paul’s thorn, FB Meyer writes:
“We do not know what this thorn, or stake, was-whether eye trouble, or imperfect utterance, or some deformity in appearance-but it was the source of much suffering and many temptations. At first Paul prayed for its removal, but as soon as he learned that its continuance was the condition of receiving additional grace, he not only accepted it, but even gloried in its presence.”
The more we suffer, the freer we become! With this in mind, perhaps we will cease shunning and despising the sufferings we endure in this brief life and cry out to our Father in Heaven to use them to conform us to Christ’s image.
Idolatry will Damn the Soul
Are you bowing to the idols of our day? Is the LORD truly first place in your life – your time and treasure (money)? Are the affections of your heart set upon the LORD and Savior today or upon your own needs, desires, and life?
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me … Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: 13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: 14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Exodus 20:3; 34:12-14
Dancing in the Fire with the Fourth Man!
Remember in Daniel 3 when the three Hebrew children were thrown into the fire for refusing to bow to any other but the Most High God?
“And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. 27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.” Daniel 3:20-27
Notice that this passage reveals that “fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.” (v 23) For those looking on, this was bad news, right? It looked like these three men were done – dead! Remember, those who merely threw these three men into this raging fire died by just getting close to it!
Do you see the Gospel – death, burial, and resurrection – in this ordeal? After these three children of God were thrown in this violent fire to suffer (death), they “fell down” (burial), and then they were “loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt.” (resurrection) – “Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither.” (Daniel 3:25-26)
Did you notice that “these men were bound” and “were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace“? The people witnessed the resurrection power of Christ, the fourth man – the Son of God! – “Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?… Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
These 3 men were bound going in and free coming out of that fiery trial! At the cost of their own lives, they trusted the LORD who joined them in the fire and set them free. The only thing the trying fire did was to loose their bands and make them free!
The Three “Yielded their Bodies”
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1
Laying down our lives always causes fruit that glorifies God – the fruit that only the LORD can produce. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego laid down their lives long before they were hurled into the limelight to be killed. They were already dead. – “Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3)
“Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.” Daniel 3:28-30
As was the case with king Nebuchadnezzar and the whole kingdom of Babylon (the world), so has it been and is it when God brings victory in the lives of those who truly trust Him. It is a great witness when others – both saved and lost – see God bring you through sufferings with great joy! This is when people begin to say in their hearts, “Wow, I want what they have!” The supernatural work and grace of our God is clearly seen in His people when they are blessed to endure sufferings with great joy – a great smile – as they continue “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” In fact, following Christ, which includes suffering, helps us to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and” to “run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
The 3 Hebrew children of God were kidnapped and forsaken by their ruthless captors, but there was a fourth man in the midst of that trial, even the Son of God! Though all those around your forsake you, the LORD will stand with you, keep you, and “preserve” you to the end:
“At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:16-18
Our LORD has a plan to settle us, to mature, to establish, to bring His strength into our lives.
Notice that the breakthrough for these 3 Hebrew children of God came AFTER they suffered, not before. – “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, AFTER that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10
4 Benefits of Suffering for Christ in 1 Peter 5:10:
- perfect (mature, equip),
- stablish,
- strengthen,
- settle you
I call this the PSSS “secret” – like when someone says to you: “pssss, hey. Come here, I have a secret to share with you.” PSSS = Perfect, Stablish, Strengthen, Settle you!
Joy in the Fire
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4
Suffering is the occasion for the LORD to purify and bring you “forth as gold.”
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
The Gospel key for you to ever remember and employ, is to continue to die down deep – to be dead and buried with Christ – and raised up by His divine power to please Him in abundant fruitfulness as you look for His soon return!
Learn to be grateful and verbalize your thanksgiving to the LORD! Get those hands up today and praise and thank the LORD for blessing you to suffer and for all that you have in Him who is your “exceeding great reward.” (Genesis 15:1) Praise Him today for the great mercy He has shown you! Ask Him to give you joy in the fire!
Remember that your Savior suffered immensely and yet is identified as the One who had more joy and gladness than any other (John 15:11; Hebrews 1:9). The Son of God came and lived sinlessly, suffered at the hands of wicked men, was crucified, buried, and raised again! He’s now reigning at the right hand of His Father in Heaven, making intercession for you to overcome all and to reign victoriously with Him forever!
All suffering and trials and tears will be for ever gone very soon, so enjoy them while you can! (Revelation 21:4; Hebrews 13:14).
The Blessing of Opposition | Persecution
For more on the blessing of suffering with Christ, study the life of Joseph in Genesis 37-50. | The Great Benefit of Suffering by F.B. Meyer | Bring it on Devil!
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Articles
Godly Integrity [podcast]
“Loved this podcast. Thank you. As I was listening I was thinking of Daniel and the Bible says he had an excellent spirit! So I wondered why that would be said of him. A few things stand out in his life. Daniel 6:14 says he has excellent wisdom. He lived by God’s standards and ways. And we also know he was a man of prayer. And even when there was a decree signed that he was to stop praying he still petitioned the Lord. Daniel 6:10 says “he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God,” He also refused to “defile himself with the portion of the King’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank:” Daniel 1:8. This would be such a great prayer for us all to ask God to give us an excellent spirit such as Daniel had.” Karen Cochran
INTEGRITY
in·teg·ri·ty
inˈteɡrədē/Submit
noun
1. the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
“he is known to be a man of integrity”
synonyms: honesty, probity, rectitude, honor, good character, principle(s), ethics, morals, righteousness, morality, virtue, decency, fairness, scrupulousness, sincerity, truthfulness, trustworthiness
“I never doubted his integrity”
- the state of being whole and undivided.
“upholding territorial integrity and national sovereignty”
synonyms: unity, unification, coherence, cohesion, togetherness, solidarity
“the integrity of the federation”
Being circumspect, having a heart and life of godly integrity, should be the prayer and goal of every person who names the name of Christ (2 Timothy 2:19).
“And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.” Exodus 23:13
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Circumspect
careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences : prudent.
Circumspect…. circular, fully around you, the circumference of your sphere to be fully orbed with integrity and honesty and moral excellence before the LORD.
Living life in a prayerful, careful and prudent way; discreetly: All disciples of Jesus must work hard to live circumspectly, as they are called to be examples.
“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” Exodus 23:19
The LORD is a God of pure and perfect integrity and commands His people to likewise be.
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,” Ephesians 5:15
“Circumspectly – Exactly, with the utmost accuracy, getting to the highest pitch of every point of holiness. Not as fools – Who think not where they are going, or do not make the best of their way.” John Wesley
“In the next seven verses, Paul contrasts foolish footsteps and careful conduct by a series of negative and positive exhortations. The first is a general plea to his readers to walk not as fools but as wise. As mentioned previously, walk, is one of the key words of the Epistle: it is mentioned seven times to describe “the whole round of the activities of the individual life.” To walk circumspectly is to live in the light of our position as God’s children. To walk as fools means to descend from this high plane to the conduct of worldly men.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Walk circumspectly – Our word circumspect, from the Latin circirmspicio, signifies to look round about on all hands; to be every way watchful, wary, and cautious, in order to avoid danger, discern enemies before they come too nigh, and secure a man’s interest by every possible and lawful means. But the original word ακριβως signifies correctly, accurately, consistently, or perfectly. Be ye, who have received the truth, careful of your conduct; walk by the rule which God has given you; do this as well in little as in great matters; exemplify your principles, which are holy and good, by a corresponding conduct; do not only profess, but live the Gospel. As you embrace all its promises, be careful also to embrace all its precepts; and behave yourselves so, that your enemies may never be able to say that ye are holy in your doctrines and profession, but irregular in your lives.” Adam Clarke
SEE, hear a Scripture you desire to be a reality in your personal life? Pray it! Jesus says for us to “ASK” = Ask, Seek, Knock (Matthew 7:7-11).
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” Matthew 7:7
Examples of Integrity – Representing Christ
When speaking to others about the LORD, do you show them and/or speak HIS words to them? Or, like so many others today, do you attempt to explain God using only your own words? DO YOU have integrity to the Word of God?
“Preach the word.” 2 Timothy 4:2
“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God.” 1 Peter 4:11
In Dealing with the Opposite Sex
When a beautiful lady walks in the room, how do you currently react? What if she’s a married woman, another man’s wife? Dare we lust after another man’s wife? Read 1 Thessalonians 4.
“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Matthew 5:28
Do we objectify women out of an adulterous heart of lust?
“I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” Job 31:1
No, this doesn’t mean that godly men are to attempt to deny that women are beautiful. Such would be unnatural. The LORD made them that way and put the magnetic attraction between the sexes for His purposes – and not for us to lust after them outside the context of marriage. The last thing we need in our day is more men without “natural affection.” (Romans 1:31; 2 Timothy 3:3) Admit it – women are beautiful. Also, admit and acknowledge that God calls us to be holy and possessed with His integrity. Oh and He’s watching how we view His ladies. Purity by way of the daily cross is the only solution (2 Corinthians 4:10-12; Galatians 2:20). | The Cross
“Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:” Romans 1:31
“Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Do You Have “Eyes full of Adultery”?
“Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:” 2 Peter 2:14
Godly Integrity in Business
IF you own a company and have 1 or more employees, teach your people to RESPECT your clients. Be a person of godly integrity (Proverbs 20:7).
Godly Integrity in Stewardship
Do you spend all on the god of self? Or, are you a giver who helps poor Christians and true original Gospel ministries? (Matthew 6:19-24; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, etc.)
Godly Integrity in Parenting
WHEN you see a full grown man, or woman, who is doing the right things – DOING.
In many cases this seems to indicate that he/she was most likely brought up right (Proverbs 22:6). And as an adult has continued to make the right choices daily to do things the right way
God’s way.
Proverbs chapters 3 and 4, Aamazing.
PRAYER: Holy Father, in the name of Jesus, cleanse this vessel. Make me to be UPRIGHT, a man/woman of absolutely integrity – through and through. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Are you teaching these Bible truths to others, to your children?
Are you a God fearing parent? Are you training up your children HIS stated way? If not, the LORD is calling you to repentance, now. God is watching and holding you personally accountable to teach His Word to HIS children He gave you on loan. | Godly Parenting Now
The truly God-fearing man/woman will without wavering do God’s will no matter what, even when it brings great harm upon themselves:
“In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” Psalms 15:4
“Integrity” appears 16 times in God’s Word – the King James Bible. Here are some of those instances:
“Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.” Job 31:5
“The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.” Psalms 7:8
“Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.” Psalms 25:21
“A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.” Psalms 26:1
“But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.” Psalms 26:11
INTEGRITY: If you owe someone $1,000 and can’t pay it all at once, show integrity and send them $ every month or week till you’ve paid them off. If you don’t, you show yourself to be a man who is without integrity (Proverbs 20:7). Soon as you begin paying back, you demonstrate the earnest of your integrity.
“And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.” Psalms 41:12
“So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.” Psalms 78:72
“The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.” Proverbs 11:3
“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.” Proverbs 19:1
“The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” Proverbs 20:7
YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know You are perfect, pure, and “Holy, holy, holy.” And, You commanded me to be holy as You are holy. I turn afresh to You here and now, this instant. Jesus I admit and confess before You that I’ve not bene pure or poor in spirit. I have sinned against You and now ask You to forgive and purify my heart dear LORD. Establish my now crucified – dead and buried – life in Your holiness and integrity, for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Walking in Godly Integrity and Restitution | The Cross
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“Your Redemption Draweth Nigh” [podcast]
“Great podcast!” Robin Figtree
“Amen! This verse is hope for the remnant believers! As we are not to be like the world and the lukewarm Christians whose hearts are failing them for fear. Luke 21:26. But we are to put our hope and faith in our blessed Saviour who will come like a thief in the night. We are to live with an eternal perspective. And not to live in despair, hopelessness, and fear.” Karen Cochran
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28
After detailing the things that would be occuring in the earth before His return, Jesus then instructs us what to do: “Look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”
Hebrews 10:35-39
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”
Jesus told us to “look up, and lift up your heads” when we see the signs of the end which would indicate His soon return. Rather than being overly preoccupied with the signs and Satan’s agents that Christ told us would be most evident just before His return, we should be all the more seeking the face of the Lord. Jesus is coming which should hasten us to do the ministry commission He left us to do—edify, nourish, teach and send forth His people into ministry to make Him known to the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15, etc.).
“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Are you nourishing your heart daily in God’s Word? Who will you build up in Christ today?
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58
Prayer: LORD, please root me soundly in You this day. Produce the fruit and good works in this vessel that glorify You. Help me to nourish, edify, and equip others of Your beloved people. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Articles
Satan Hates Soul Winners With A Passion
Are You On His Hit List?
“He that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30
Do you desire to win souls? Are you willing to try a new, yet time-tested method to reach others for Christ while there is still time? This method that I am going to share with you is approximately 500 years old and could revolutionize your life today here on earth, and throughout eternity. It started when the LORD had the printing press come into existence so that His Word could be propagated to all the peoples of the earth.
As a roman catholic monk with an unredeemed, darkened heart, Martin Luther read the book of Romans and had just discovered that a man is saved by God’s grace through faith, not by works or adherence to a religion (Ephesians 2:8-9). He accepted God’s gift of eternal life and was saved. So, this reformer nailed the 99 declarations to the roman church door and was thereby persecuted by the catholic system from that day forward. A few years following this event, and by divine providence, the printing press was invented. Luther began publishing literature (tracts) about salvation by grace through faith and was able to reach tens of thousands across Europe with the Gospel. Riding upon the vehicle of the printed page, the Gospel of Jesus spread like wild fire across the Europe.
Gospel Tracts have been used by Christians for some 500 years now to reach millions of precious souls who might never have been otherwise reached. The Gospel of Jesus Christ in short form on a tract can convict the alienated soul of sin and plant the necessary seed of salvation.
“I HAVE PLANTED, APOLLOS WATERED; BUT GOD GAVE THE INCREASE…NOW HE THAT PLANTETH AND HE THAT WATERETH ARE ONE: AND EVERY MAN SHALL RECEIVE HIS OWN REWARD ACCORDING TO HIS OWN LABOUR. FOR WE ARE LABOURERS TOGETHER WITH GOD.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Did you notice that the apostle Paul said; ” I HAVE PLANTED, APOLLOS WATERED; BUT GOD GAVE THE INCREASE…”? How can God give “the increase” if His servants don’t plant and water the seed of His perfect Word? Isn’t it amazing how that our Heavenly Father has granted us the privilege of participating in His plan of redemption and even promises rewards in Heaven to the faithful?! (John 4:35; Daniel 12:3)
A tract as defined by Daniel Webster means “a pamphlet or leaflet, especially one on a religious subject.” A Gospel tract is a vehicle upon which God’s holy Word is recorded. The tract is then placed where the lost can pick it up, read it, and have the Gospel of Christ enlighten their hearts. This is a proven method of communicating the death, burial, and resurrection of the Son of God to sinners.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
Has the Holy Ghost been prompting you to reach the lost in this last hour? If so, it is important for you to realize that literature evangelism is a method that He also originated and is integrally involved in today.
Remember, there will be no sinners to reach in Heaven and we only have a short time to reach them here on earth, because our LORD is coming soon. The close of this age is at hand, “…the night cometh when no man can work.” John 9:4 If we are going to do something for Christ, we must do it now.
Someone has wisely stated that “The only thing better than going to Heaven is taking others with you.” I dare to say, according to Scripture, that ALL true Christians have a desire to share Christ with others. It would not be impossible for His love to fill one’s heart and he not desire to tell others.
I am writing to you today, as your friend and brother in Christ, to tell you that you can do something significant to reach the lost for Jesus! You can use this practical method to reach others for Christ. Distributing Gospel literature is a very effective method of evangelism. I am no different than you and have been putting out Gospel literature for over 15 years now. On a daily basis I have developed the simple habit of carrying tracts wherever I go. I always have 3-10 tracts on my person with at least 50-150 in my car. This habit has become so natural that I feel lost without Gospel literature in my possession – only because I have developed the habit of evangelizing this way. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul instructed Timothy to; “Do the work of an evangelist.” 2 Timothy 4:5 Note the phrase “the work of an evangelist.” “The work of an evangelist” is to win the lost.
I KEPT RUNNING OUT AND THAT GOT ME MAD!
One of the reasons I started a tract ministry in 1987 is because I got tired of running out of tracts to pass out. I got very frustrated and wanted to put an end to lack, once and for all time! I never wanted to be without Gospel literature again! It seemed like every extra dollar I could squeeze out, I’d mail to a tract ministry to order 100-200 tracts. That’s all I could afford at the time. Obviously, I didn’t have an abundance of money in those days, but the LORD used what I had to His glory and He multiplied it, as He promised in the parable of the talents and as He did with the loaves and fishes (Matt. 25; 2 Cor. 9:10).
TRACT MANIAC
Within days of receiving tracts in the mail from other tract ministries, I was completely out and wanting more in order to reach more people. Finally, after praying about this, I believe it was impressed upon my heart to write an evangelistic message, so I did. It became the very first tract we ever published and was titled “The Absolute.” Then, I felt impressed to get a printing press. At that time I didn’t even know what a printing press looked like. Well, to make a long story short, we were blessed with one and started learning how to use it without the slightest lesson or experience. The first night, myself and a friend ruined 1-2 reams of paper trying to learn. We learned as we went. This was the start of a ministry that would lead to numerous salvations by producing some million and a half tracts over the next few years, and it all started by simple obedience to God’s Word.
“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables (the printed page), that he may run that readeth it.” Habakkuk 2:2
THE 1080 PLAN
What do you think might happen if you simply placed 3 tracts per day where someone could pick them up? That’s 90 per month and 1080 per year! Just think, if only 50% of those tracts got read (that’s a conservative figure) what could happen. Only Heaven will reveal! That’s 540 souls who would have the eternal Word of God planted in their hearts as a result of your ministry. Isn’t this exciting!?
Just maybe you have experienced the thoughts that went something like this; “Okay, I want to be used by God to reach the lost, but how do I get started? What practical thing can I personally do to let fellow men know about the love of God?” If this has been the question of your heart, just maybe you could obtain some Gospel tracts and begin a tract outreach ministry to the world around you? No one else can reach your world but you. This is your calling from God. What do you think? Only eternity will reveal how many people miss eternal hell and go to Heaven as a result of your service to our LORD. Remember the song, “Thank you, for giving to the LORD, I am a life that was changed…”? Will there be people in Heaven who thank you for reaching them before it was too late?
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN REACH OUT WITH TRACTS:
Reflecting upon today, I remember that I was privileged to distribute several Gospel tracts in my travels. I didn’t even need to go out of my way – I was already going to be in those places. I thought, “Why not make the best impact for Christ while walking to and through a building?” In the morning, while searching for a greeting card, I placed some tracts (2-3) inside some greeting cards at the grocery store, and on the way out dropped one in each of two soft drink machines so that the next person who got a soft drink, got a tract too. This took little extra effort, I was already enroute, yet could have eternal consequences. At a restaurant tonight, I used the restroom and placed 3-4 in there so that the next few unsuspecting patronizers would have the Gospel readily available to them. Don’t forget, there is normally a water fountain and/or telephones near bathrooms where tracts can be placed. Don’t forget to place one of two in different places of the phone book. Today, at the gas pump I placed a tract on the pump so that the next person could get it. There are limitless ways to get tracts out so that sinners can be reached. Your imagination is the limit. What an adventure!
THERE ARE MANY PLACES GOSPEL TRACTS CAN BE PLACED. HERE ARE A FEW:
Hands (remember to smile with God’s love), convenience stores, newspaper stands, coke machines, Laundromats, beauty shops, telephone booths, airports, airplanes, park benches, magazines/magazine racks, restaurants, doctor’s offices, grocery store shelves, bus stations, dentist’s offices, public restrooms, libraries hospitals, shopping malls, at social events, etc….and the list goes on. The idea is to infiltrate, inundate, and saturate your community with the Gospel.
INVADE YOUR CITY WITH THE WORD ON THE PRINTED PAGE: Launch a major tract attack in your world. Begin today. Jesus said: “The seed is the word of God”. It’s our time to PLANT IT! (Luke 8:11) God will bless your efforts. If you need tracts, contact us.
This ministry exists to spread the Gospel. We would love to assist you in starting your own witnessing ministry for the Lord. All you need to get started is a willing and obedient heart, and some good Gospel literature.
If you need Gospel tracts to help you reach the lost, click on the Tracts button on this site.
“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21
todd tomasella
P.S. – It makes it all worth while when you get a personal phone call at 3 AM in the morning from a guy who has just read a tract you distributed and is wanting to pray to get saved! This actually happened! But, whether you see the fruit or not, you must understand that God’s Word does not return void, but accomplishes what God ordains in the hearts of those who read the literature you place out in your world. See Isaiah 55:10-11; Rom. 1:16
NEVER doubt the power of God’s Word.
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).
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