(Duplication encouraged. An open King James Bible should accompany your study of this topic. Carefully, prayerfully study each verse given in order to answer each question correctly. Print this document out and pencil in the answers in the blanks provided. It may be best to cut and paste it to your word processing software and then print it out. Your life in Christ will be enriched forever as you embrace and put into practice His Word.)
“Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:38
God so loved the whole world that He graciously gave His only begotten Son to take our place on Calvary’s cross “while we were yet sinners.” (Rom. 5:8) He then raised Christ from the dead for our justification (Rom. 4:25). “We love him, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) Divine love gives and indwells all true believers who then reach out to those who don’t yet know Him – evangelism. “Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Rom. 5:5)
Jesus Christ, the eternal Creator and Sustainer of all things, left Heaven where He existed from eternity past as the eternal Word (Jn. 1:1-3). He left behind the glory and splendor of His Father to be born in the flesh, live a perfect life, conduct a 3.5 year ministry, die on a wooden cross, be buried and resurrected 3 days later. His one sacrifice completely satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to fully redeem mankind (Jn. 19:30; Heb. 10:12, etc.). He came to save the alienated and otherwise helpless race that He had created (Rom. 5:6,8). The Son of God came to this sinful earth on a Heavenly mission of mercy – to rescue all of us from our sinful and lost state which separated us from the holiness of God.
1. Why do you personally believe that a Christian would desire to help others learn about and experience a personal relationship
with ___________________________________________________________________
2. To whom does the LORD give the power and right to become sons of God? John 1:12
________________________________________________________________________
3. How has God ordained that the people of the world hear the Gospel? Romans 10:14, 15
________________________________________________________________________
Simply put, a “preacher” is a proclaimer or one who declares a message. Every believer is instructed by the One they have believed upon unto salvation, to be a communicator of the Gospel.
4. What was the apostle Paul’s wish for Philemon (a Christian brother)? Philemon 1:6
“That _____________________________________________ may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Philemon 1:6
The apostle Paul was here exhorting Philemon to communicate the “faith” and that such would “become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
5. How is it that we are to first communicate the Gospel? What component of the Word of God paves the way for sinners to be brought to salvation in Christ? Galatians 3:24
________________________________________________________________________
6. What is the law called in Galatians 3:24?
________________________________________________________________________
7. What does the law or “schoolmaster” do? Galatians 3:24
________________________________________________________________________
8. So, what is it that brings us to Christ?
________________________________________________________________________
9. Is the law good? 1 Timothy 1:8
________________________________________________________________________
10. Who is the law made for? 1 Timothy 1:8-11 KJV
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous
man, but for the __________ and __________, for the __________ and for __________, for __________ and __________,
for __________ of fathers and __________ of mothers, for __________, For __________, for them that
__________________ with mankind, for ______________, for __________, for __________ persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 1 Timothy 1:8-11
11. According to the Gospel, is the law to be used to show sinners the exceeding wickedness of their sinfulness and separation from the only true God who is holy? 1 Timothy 1:11___________________
12. Go to Romans 7:12 and complete this verse: “Wherefore the ______ is ______, and the commandment ______, and ______, and ______.”
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment (law) might become exceeding sinful. Romans 7:12-13
God’s holy law magnifies the sinfulness of men with it’s razor sharp holy edge. Concerning God’s law, Charles Spurgeon said:
“I do not believe that any man can preach the gospel who does not preach the law. The law is the needle. You cannot draw the silken thread of the gospel through a man’s heart unless you first send the needle of the law to make a way for it. If men do not understand the law, they’ll not feel that they are sinners. If they are not consciously sinners, they will never value the sin offering. There is no healing a man until the law has wounded him. No making alive until the law has slain him.”
So, when evangelizing, always remember that God’s law, namely the 10 Commandments (see Exodus 20), is to be used first and foremost to bring sinners to realize their unholy state and separation from their holy Maker.
“…by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20
“I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” Romans 7:7
Sin defined: “…sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4
One must be made aware of his own lost state before he will realize his utter need to be forgiven. Only the holy law of the LORD can bring sinners to such a place.
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalms 19:7
13. What comes to the humble hearts who hear and receive the truth of God? Romans 10:17
________________________________________________________________________
14. Why did Jesus Christ come to the earth? Luke 19:10
________________________________________________________________________
In Luke 19:10 also notice the phrase “that which was lost”. When the first man Adam sinned, he lost his fellowship with God. This caused the whole human race to be born in sin (Romans 5:12). The mission of Jesus was to bridge the gap again between God and man. He was entirely successful (Is. 59:2; Rom. 6:23; Jn. 19:30; Rev. 1:18).
Jesus came to reconcile us to the Father and commission the reconciled by giving “to us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Cor. 5:18)
15. What is it that should constrain/compel us as the redeemed (bought back) of the LORD? 2 Corinthians 5:14
________________________________________________________________________
16. Write out 2 Corinthians 5:15:
_______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
“Have you no desire for others to be saved, then you are not saved yourself, you can be sure of that.” Charles Spurgeon
17. What ministry has the LORD committed to those who are saved?
2 Corinthians 5:18 ________________________________________________________
18. Who are we “ambassadors” for? 2 Corinthians 5:20
________________________________________________________________________
19. Who are said to be “bold as a lion”? Proverbs 28:1
________________________________________________________________________
20. What did the early Church pray earnestly for? Acts 4:29
________________________________________________________________________
21. Did Jesus suggest or command all disciples to preach the Gospel? Mark 16:15
________________________________________________________________________
Notice that Christ did not command His disciples to wait until they felt real good, led, or obtained a college degree, then to go preach, but rather to simply “Go” and “preach”. He promises to be with us “confirming the word with signs following.” (Mk. 16:15-20)
22. Where did the Lord tell His disciples to go preach? Mark 16:15
________________________________________________________________________
23. Where did Jesus tell them to start? Acts 1:8
________________________________________________________________________
The LORD commands all of His disciples to be filled with the Holy Ghost to be endued with power to bear witness of Him. He then instructs them to start sharing the Good News right where they are and move out from there. Notice the sequence of towns the early believers were told to witness in, “Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” When Jesus was speaking these words to His followers, they were in Jerusalem. First, He instructed them to proclaim the Gospel right where they were (Jerusalem), then to move out to the surrounding cities, and then to the “uttermost parts of the earth.” Read this verse again and notice this start where you are, and move out from there principle that Jesus taught. Beloved, if we don’t communicate the Good News to those around us, who will?
(for more concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit, see the Study Guide titled ‘Holy Ghost Baptism’ at SafeGuardYourSoul.com )
24. When commissioning His disciples to declare the Gospel, who did the LORD say would be with them always, even till the end of the world? Matthew 28:18-20
________________________________________________________________________
The word “commission” denotes that there are two or more people involved in one mission – co-mission. The believer is not alone when he goes, Jesus is with us at all times. – “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.” (Matt. 28:18-20)
The Father sent the Son, and Jesus sent the Holy Spirit who indwells us, to lead and empower His people in communicating His Word of life.
25. As “Jesus went about all the cities and villages” what did He do? Matthew 9:35
________________________________________________________________________
26. What was Jesus “moved with” when He saw the great needs of the people? Matthew 9:36
________________________________________________________________________
The power of love. “Charity never faileth.” 1 Corinthians 13:8
27. After seeing the multitudes of people who needed the Shepherd, what statement did Jesus make? Matthew 9:37
________________________________________________________________________
28. Are there many or few souls who can be harvested into the kingdom of God? Matthew 9:35-38
________________________________________________________________________
29. How did Jesus say that we are to pray concerning the harvest of souls that is to be reaped? Matthew 9:38
________________________________________________________________________
Doesn’t Matthew 9:38 identify an important item that should be on every believer’s daily prayer list?
30. Did Jesus say to wait a while, or to go reap the harvest? John 4:35
________________________________________________________________________
Do you truly desire to be a true and fruitful disciple of Christ? If so, then you must be willing to obey His command to be filled with His Holy Spirit, communicate His Word, and go and reap the harvest. In this verse Jesus refutes the waiting, procrastinating mentality. There is no reason to wait “the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” There are people in our vicinity who need His love today. The LORD will return soon and all who will be with Him should be found with their hand on the plow, reaping His harvest. (Luke 9:61-62)
Read John 4:35 again. Notice the phrase “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” To “lift up your eyes” means to open the eyes of your heart to the reality of souls that Jesus wants to rescue from eternal hell! The expression “look on the fields” means to look from the LORD’s perspective and beyond selfish needs into the needs of others, in this case, the unsaved. To “look” is to realize the needs of the hurting of this world. The hurting include all who are without Christ, whether religious, rich, poor, black, white, brown, red, or yellow.
31. What does the LORD see as He looks down from Heaven upon the earth and into the hearts of those created in His image? Proverbs 15:11
“_____________________________________________ are before the LORD: how much more then the
________________________________________________________________________
32. If any person (regardless of what he professes) is ashamed of Jesus and His words, what will happen when He returns? Mark 8:38
________________________________________________________________________
33. What happens when a believer “draws back”? Hebrews 10:38
________________________________________________________________________
34. Will soul winners receive rewards from God in eternity? John 4:34-36
________________________________________________________________________
The true disciples of Jesus will be greatly rewarded with premiums that will never lose their value in the eternal kingdom of God. To win souls to Christ is to lay up timeless treasures and to make wise and eternal investments. In the LORD your labor is not in vain, God is an eternal rewarder of those who diligently seek and serve Him (1 Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews 6:10, 11:6; Matt. 10:42).
35. In eternity, who did the LORD say would “shine” with “brightness…as the stars for ever and ever”? Daniel 12:3
A. _____________________________________________________________________
B. _____________________________________________________________________
36. While on earth, what was Jesus’ “meat”? John 4:34
________________________________________________________________________
Christ’s priority was to please His Father in the redemption mission that He was sent on. It consumed Him (Ps. 40:7-10). The true sustenance of this life is to do God’s will and accomplish that which He sent us here for.
37. What “meat” did Jesus command His disciples not to labor for? John 6:27
________________________________________________________________________
“The meat which perisheth” refers to the temporal things of this fleeting life. Beware of the things of this world which can steal the affections of your heart. Beware of local churches which care nothing for evangelism but only to perpetuate their own existence while the world goes to hell. Friend of God, we should be very discerning, prayerful and careful concerning being entangled with doctrines that rob our hearts of pure and fervent love for Jesus and the spreading of His holy Gospel. Many today are being drawn away from the work of the Gospel they are called to with frivolous teachings which cater to the flesh while enticing and fostering idolatry and covetousness – inward focus (Phil. 3:17-21; 2 Pet. 2:1-3). Instead of presenting the clear teachings of Jesus Christ, Satan is using many “leaders” to misdirect the focus of the LORD’s people and cause them to be unfruitful in the kingdom of God (1 Tim. 4:1-6; 2 Tim. 3:1-5). The true Gospel of Jesus Christ causes one to love God supremely and to love his neighbor as himself. This includes obeying the command of the Master to love thy neighbor by communicating the Good News to him in lifestyle, testimony, or presentation of Scripture in written or spoken form. The Gospel causes men to love and obey God in simplicity and in truth.
38. What kind of “meat” did Jesus instruct His followers to labor for? John 6:27
________________________________________________________________________
By faith you must see that God is laying up eternal treasures for you as you obey the LORD Jesus.
39. What will determine reward amounts received? 1 Corinthians 3:8
________________________________________________________________________
40. What are some prerequisites for being a faithful soul winner? Psalms 51:7-13 (Read v13 first.)
v7 _____________________________________________________________________
v9 _____________________________________________________________________
v10 ____________________________________________________________________
v12 ____________________________________________________________________
41. What did Jesus say was the “seed”? Luke 8:11
________________________________________________________________________
42. What does a farmer do with seeds?
________________________________________________________________________
43. If the farmer doesn’t plant his seeds, will he still have a harvest? (circle one)
YES
NO
The “seed” of salvation (God’s Word) must be planted within the hearts of people if there is going to be a harvest of salvation. This can be done/communicated in any number of ways.
44. Did God promise that His eternal Word would be productive? Isaiah 55:11
________________________________________________________________________
45. When spoken, what will God’s Word accomplish? Isaiah 55:11
________________________________________________________________________
46. How is “he which soweth bountifully” going to “reap”? 2 Corinthians 9:6
________________________________________________________________________
Evangelism is sometimes tough, but always remember that it was greater pain than we’ll ever know for our Savior to suffer and die on the cross for the sins of the world. Read Hebrews 12:1-4 and 1 Peter 4:1, 2. There are times when the enemy and your own mind are going to attempt to cast doubt upon the effect of your witnessing. We should evermore live by the unchanging Word of God and not our fickle and temporal feelings. Beloved, be encouraged and do not waver, but persevere and “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”(2 Timothy 2:3). The LORD is doing a work in and through His children and all Gospel work will be rewarded.
47. What is involved in the process of winning souls? What do we observe men to be doing in this process? 1 Corinthians 3:6
________________________________________________________________________
To obtain the harvest of salvation the seed of salvation must first be planted and watered. The Word of God teaches us that a constant flow of the Gospel is going forth in the earth. One is planting, another is watering and God is bringing the increase of salvation (1 Corinthians 3:6). As a member of the Body of Christ, we are called to do our part. Satan is going to try to discourage us. He hates the truth that is being spread, because it is setting free those he has blinded and captured with his devious lies (John 8:31, 32). Press on beloved. You are a messenger of the Almighty Creator of this universe. Your God owns this earth and has commissioned you to share His message with the people that He loves (Psalms 24:1). We go forth under His authority. Boldly share the unchanging truth, the Gospel, that makes men free from sin, the devil, and eternal hell. Let’s proclaim liberty to the captives.
48. When the Word of God is planted and watered within the hearts of men, who is it that brings the increase? 1 Corinthians 3:6
________________________________________________________________________
49. What is the Word of God within you called? 2 Corinthians 4:7
________________________________________________________________________
50. What did Paul command Timothy to preach? 2 Timothy 4:2
________________________________________________________________________
As a disciple of Jesus it is of the utmost importance that you simply proclaim the truth of God’s Word, letting God’s Word convict and draw men to Him. All opinion and religious thought, not yet purged, must die. Fill your heart and mind with the eternal Word of God daily. Be prepared to share His truth with the souls that you come in contact with.
51. Did God tell Ezekiel the prophet to stop preaching if no one listened and obeyed? Ezekiel 2:6, 7
YES
NO
God has never promised that all who hear would be saved, but this does not remove the responsibility of the Body of Christ to proclaim His truth.
52. In this dark world of sin, what blazing torch does God instruct His disciples to hold forth as they work out their salvation with fear and trembling? Philippians 2:12-16
________________________________________________________________________
53. Concerning soul winning, what did Paul charge Timothy to do in his earthly walk with God? 2 Timothy 4:5
________________________________________________________________________
54. Who is it that is truly walking in divine wisdom? Proverbs 11:30
________________________________________________________________________
55. What two entities in the earth right now are calling sinners into the kingdom of God? Revelation 22:17
________________________________________________________________________
56. As a disciple of Jesus, how often should you be ready to help others come to know God’s truth and love? 1 Peter 3:15
________________________________________________________________________
57. What is it that will enable the disciple of Jesus to be able to answer critics of God and His kingdom? Psalms 119:42
________________________________________________________________________
58. According to Psalms 107:2, what is God’s instruction to you as a redeemed child of God?
________________________________________________________________________
We should pray to our Heavenly Father daily to open doors to tell others about Him. We are instructed to pray for laborers and be one ourselves (Matt. 9:38). Let’s pray that He would send forth laborers into His harvest. Proclaim His goodness at every possible opportunity. Ask Him for boldness. Remember that “The righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverb 28:1
Will you pray and obey? Please take a minute to search your heart before answering this all-important question. Repent of any previous hardness of heart and disobedience. Ask the Lord Jesus to cleanse your heart of all rebellion and to grant you a fiery zeal to proclaim His truth in love.
YES
NO
NOW IS A GOOD TIME FOR YOU TO BEGIN TO PRAYERFULLY EMPLOY DIFFERENT METHODS TO REACH PEOPLE WITH THE GOOD NEWS. IDEAS: SHARE GOD’S WORD AND YOUR PERSONAL TESTIMONY WITH OTHERS. USE GOSPEL TRACTS – ALWAYS HAVE THEM ON HAND. PUT A TRACT IN ALL ENVELOPES THAT YOU SEND OUT. PLACE THEM ANYWHEREPEOPLE WILL FIND THEM. GIVE THEM DIRECTLY TO PEOPLE. NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT A GOOD SUPPLY OF GOSPEL TRACTS. WRITE LETTERS TO FRIENDS AND INCLUDE SCRIPTURES, TRACTS, AND/OR YOUR TESTIMONY. THE LIST GOES ON. JUST USE YOUR GOD-GIVEN RESOURCES AND WATCH HIS BLESSING BEGIN TO FLOW.
CHALLENGE ESSAY ASSIGNMENT:
In 250 words or more, detail the ways that the Word of God should be incorporated into the daily life of the believer. (Tips for your essay’s content: study, performance, prayer, warfare, proclaiming, meditating upon, memorizing, etc). Search the Scriptures as your source for this essay and use Scripture and references to validate your statements. Begin with deep and prayerful meditation on God’s Word. Write your essay neatly and in an organized manner.
SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION: Mark 16:15
It would be very advantageous for you to cross reference all of the Scriptures in this study. For example, pencil in each topically similar verse into the margin next to the corresponding verses on this same subject. Write out these verses with references on index cards – make it a priority to carry and post them where you will study and meditate upon them. These two measures will build in you a wealth of truth on each topic. This will help you to retain and become resourceful in the Word of God – ready to be used of Him. Capture the knowledge that you have learned, don’t let it slip away from you.
Capitalize on your efforts. This is preparation in earnest (2 Timothy 2:21).
STUDY GUIDES
Holy Word of God
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Holy Ghost Baptism
Water Baptism
The Believer and The Word
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Articles
Bearing the Precious Seed of God’s Word [podcast]
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6
A harvest of blessed souls is going to be the result, the ministry produce, the fruit of all who bear and distribute, scatter the seed of the incorruptible Word of God into the hearts of men (1 Peter 1:23).
The LORD didn’t say “go explain who I am to other people.” No, He said “preach the word” and “preach the gospel” (2 Timothy 4:2; Mark 16:15).
Our cute little thoughts and sayings are not even within the same universe of power as the Word of God. Obey God. “Preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2). We can’t explain someone into salvation. No, only God can draw and convict the lost soul and He instructed us to simply communicate His Word to them.
Instead of doing just another little video of yourself or posting a nice little saying, trying to entice people to Christ, why not just post HIS Word – the KJB? You and I have no power to save anyone, not even yourself (John 6:44; 12:32). Only Jesus can do that and He told you to go preach His Gospel and not try to entertain people into His kingdom (Mark 16:15).
“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
When this revelation (recorded for us in Isaiah 55:11) truly hits and settles in your heart, you will never be the same.
People need to hear from God, not us. Have you memorized Isaiah 55:11?
IF Jesus taught something and we’re not teaching it – it’s because we are not following Him correctly – on HIS stated terms (Matthew 28:18-20; John 8:47; 2 Timothy 3:16; 4:2-4, etc.). Are you following Jesus Christ or mere man? Do you preach Christ and His doctrines from HIS Word or are you just regurgitating the pitiful poisons of mere men?
We are still very wise in our own conceits. May the LORD bless us to true repentance with the fruit of allowing God to speak for Himself by simply giving people His Word in His love and wisdom (Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 4:2, etc.).
Leveling endless explanations of the faith is futility if the person communicating is not speaking God’s very Word! God’s words are all-powerful because He spoke them and He alone is ALL-mighty. The Source of God’s words is God Himself and so inherent in His words are His power, His presence, His conviction (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Revelation 1:8, etc.).
The Word of God must become the emphasis and not us, not our wonderful, skillful explanations of who God is. After all, have we forgotten that He is infinite and we finite? Are we not but dust? See Psalms 103:14. Regrettably, many in our day have been elevated in the church world for being able to render endless explanations in their international apologetics ministries. Most of these same men used very little if any Scripture which means they helped no one. Many of those in the “Christian” audiences that elevated these men simply wanted to see the arguments of the enemy of souls defeated and not to be grounded deeply in God’s Word for themselves. One such man was the late Ravi Zacharias.
The Words of the Divine vs the Dust
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:23-25
The “incorruptible seed” is the Word of God, it’s power packed with divine energy. If we are but “dust” before the Almighty, does that not convey just how futile it is to attempt to explain God and His will? Shall we choose to trust the divine or the mere dust created by the divine?
“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.” Psalms 103:13-16
It’s not that we don’t speak our own words also in communicating to others in ministry, yet the substance of what we communicate in those moments is not our words but rather God’s words. He is divine and we are but dust.
In 1 Peter 1:23 Scripture informs us that people are “born again” by the “incorruptible seed” of the Word of God, not our explanation, not by our words.
“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
It’s the Word that never returns back to God void, not our explanation. If you wish to be used of God powerfully, you must read, study, be resourceful with, and communicate HIS words.
When you encounter a person in darkness, don’t take it personally. No, rather, see it as an opportunity to kindly plant the seed of the Word of God in their heart – which never returns back to the LORD void but always accomplishes that which pleases Him (Isaiah 55:11). “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16).
The emphasis should not be on our ability to explain God but rather on his word and simply obeying him by preaching it. It’s the incorruptible seed that brings conviction of salvation not our words.
Did the LORD command His people to go explain to others who He is or to simply “preach the gospel”? Mark 16:15
“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
When you read, when you are daily studying God’s Word, do so with the truth in mind that God wants you learning of Him for your own relationship with Him and also to help others.
“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Philemon 6
“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
Our LORD Jesus studied and knew the Word well. Notice how the Son of God readily navigated through the Holy Scriptures to find the exact Scripture He wanted to communicate:
“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written…” Luke 4:17
Notice another prominent biblical example of how true elders of Christ, as they stand before one or many people, put full emphasis on God’s Words and not their own. They concentrate and put full priority in God’s Word and not their own explanations:
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” Nehemiah 8:8
- “read in the book in the law of God distinctly”
- “gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”
Note how these godly elders read God’s Word to the people and then gave the sense of it. This speaks for itself and reveals to us just who is a godly elder and who isn’t. Rare is the man today, in this late hour, who reads Scripture upon Scripture to the people. Many are so busy giving you their explanation that they have no concern that you are hearing the actual, literal words of the LORD. Sad.
Regrettably lots of people brag about their pastor and how he (supposedly) preaches the Word. In most cases it’s obvious that they’re telegraphing that they trust him, the mere man, the pastor and have no life with Christ in His Word daily for themselves – which the LORD commands (2 Timothy 2:15). Hell is full of people who took men at their word instead of loving God enough to find out what He said in HIS Word for themselves firsthand. Sad. If you don’t love God enough to pour over His words, His instructions, His promises, and His doctrines and warnings for yourself, you are in utter need of true repentance and to seek His holy face continually (1 Chronicles 16:11).
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:13-17
Preach the Word
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:1-4
The Parable of the Seed Growing
“And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:26-29
Getting in on the Gospel action begins with a simple prayer, perhaps something like this …. LORD, please prepare and use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
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Abiding
Mary hath Chosen that Good Part [podcast]
Luke 10:38-42
Mary = loving relationship with Jesus, not just being busy with doing, with labor, with performing works such as what Martha was doing. First and foremost, Jesus saved us for relationship with Him and the Father (John 17:3). And here our Savior expresses that knowing, loving, adoring, and listening to Him are at a divine premium, they are most important to God. That’s what God desires – for us to delight ourselves in Him (Psalms 37:4).
“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4
David’s brothers looked the part but they couldn’t and wouldn’t even face Goliath, much less slay him. David though, was spending time alone with the LORD, listening to His voice and tending to the sheep. He who is the only man God ever said was “a man after mine own heart,” was used mightily of God to slay the giant (Acts 13:22; 1 Samuel 17).
Isn’t this how we are with our children? Wouldn’t every parent rather their precious children sit in their mom or dad’s lap telling their parent how much they (the child) loves them (the parent)? That’s the biggest heart melt we know, right?
Like David, the most powerfully used warriors are first worshippers.
Our real, our genuine relationship with the LORD is that place out of which His power and grace (divine enablement) will flow. Like David, we must be primarily, and first and foremost worshippers. Out of that rich communion with the Savior will flow the warrior anointing of the LORD who is “a man of war” (Exodus 15:3).
Many who sense the call of God on their lives to minister go to seminary. Sad. We must go to God ourselves – in prayer, a life of prayer, relentlessly seeking His holy face in His Word for ourselves.
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6
Private prayer with the LORD precedes God using us. Those who seek God in “secret” will be “openly” rewarded by Him.
“The little estimate we put on prayer is evidence from the little time we give to it.” EM Bounds
“A sinning man stops praying. A praying man stops sinning.” – Leonard Ravenhill
Luke 10
38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
“Mary hath Chosen that Good Part”
The “good part” Mary chose consists of…
- Mary made the only wise choice “Mary hath chosen.”
- Mary put Jesus first. She put the Savior first, not herself or her idea of what it meant to serve Him.
- Jesus says here that choosing to put and keep Him first is the “one thing [that] is needful” or most necessary (v39, 42).
- Sitting before Jesus Himself and not searching for God outside of God Himself, primarily that is. All other learning is supplemental and subservient to that which the LORD tells us specifically, in His Word.
Worshippers become the most powerful workers God uses!
Like many today who are shallow rooted, Martha was a worker but not first and foremost a worshipper. Mary was a worshipper who loved to spend time with Jesus. Therefore she was empowered by God Himself via that fellowship with Him to walk in His holy compassion and to do His works with His power and for His glory (1 Corinthians 15:10).
When our works are not fruitful as they should be, perhaps it can be traced back to our lack of fellowship with our LORD. As we fellowship with Him, putting Him first and not ourselves, our vessel, our cup will run over with His goodness…. it will spill over onto others! (See Psalms 23:5.) That’s when our labor will carry His eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalms 23:5
When Jesus came, it was God bringing Heaven to the people – to forgive their sins and make them whole (Matthew 9:6). This was the foretold fulfillment of His kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
When Jesus came, He went to the people, to heal, to save, to make whole (Matthew 9:35-38; Acts 10:38, etc.).
As we go, Jesus is with us, “even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20).
Daily, our LORD is using His people to bring Heaven to the people. As the Holy Spirit fills our lives, His blessed presence and fruit in our lives is going to over overflow onto others.
A sister in Christ once told me that “The best Marthas are first Marys.” Think about that one in light of what we read in this passage when Jesus visited the home of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Those who sit at Jesus’ feet to hear His holy counsel, are changed into His image and become reservoirs for His blessed glory. Their cups run over onto others!
“Prayer is of transcendent importance. Prayer is the mightiest agent to advance God’s work. Praying hearts and hands only can do God’s work. Prayer succeeds when all else fails.” E.M. Bounds
When worshiping Jesus is our first priority, the work He uses us to do WILL carry His unction and bring fruit to bear for His eternal glory.
Rote obedience to minister to others, while not anchored in intimacy with our LORD, will not yield an abundant harvest, fruit. In contrast, we can be blessed to have God’s power and grace to do His work and that happens as we are truly communing, fellowshipping in the construct of that oneness relationship He made us for (John 15; 17).
Knowing God’s Word and obeying Him is not an automatic progression (John 8:31-36). One can know the Bible and not its Author. Or, one can know the Bible well and not know the Author well (Job 22:21-28). Obeying God’s Word requires knowing Him, abiding in an intimate fellowship with Him, thereby enabling that saint the grace (divine enablement) to obey Him (John 5:39-40; 7:17; 14:21-23; 15:1-16, etc.).
Martha “received him.” Many of us have “received” Jesus, have been saved by Him (John 1:12), yet like Martha we aren’t sitting at His holy feet, listening to Him speak through His Word. Like Martha, we also are “cumbered about much serving.”
It should be understood that our work can exceed our worship, our hospitality can exceed our holiness, our serving can exceed our sanctification, etc. That would be defined as imbalance (Proverbs 11:1).
In Luke 10:38-42, notice that Mary sat directly at Jesus’ feet and no other. When we arise in the morning to commune with the LORD, such is to be direct communication between you and Him, alone (Matthew 6:6). That would mean perhaps that when you arise in the morning you aren’t reading some other book about God or turning on a podcast or TV program to find and commune with the LORD. No, those things involve others. We must directly commune with the LORD in prayer and in HIS Word. How else shall we be able to discern the “MANY false prophets” Jesus warned us “shall deceive many”? (Read Matthew 24:11; 1 John 4:1.) How can we know the counterfeit if we don’t know the real? We can’t.
In principle, Martha is a person like Cain, a person who chose to do things their own way, not God’s – because they are not truly submitted to God. Does that describe your life friend? Jesus calls us home to Himself (Matthew 11:28-30).
Are we attempting to serve the LORD on our own terms or are we sitting before Him, hearing His voice as we are worshipfully, joyfully submitted to Him on His stated terms?
“The men who have done mighty things for God have always been mighty in prayer, have well understood the possibilities of prayer, and made the most of these possibilities. The Son of God, the first of all and the mightiest of all, has shown us the all-potent and far reaching possibilities of prayer. Paul was mighty for because he knew, how to use, and how to get others to use, the mighty spiritual forces of prayer.” EM Bounds, The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer, P. 341
When we are brought to the point of true repentance it will be obvious in that we will do things God’s way and no longer our own. Like Mary, we will be settled at His feet, hearing His Word, His voice. The Mary person is in love with and submitted to the LORD and Savior she so joyfully worships.
“Jesus never taught His disciples how to preach, only how to pray. To know how to speak to God is more than knowing how to speak to people. Power with God is the first thing, not power with people. Christ loves to teach us how to pray.” –Andrew Murray, With Christ in the School of Prayer, pp. xxiii-xxiv
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