Seek to Save the Lost
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. John15:16.
This commission rests upon everyone who claim to believe in Jesus Christ. We are to seek to save those that are lost. . . .
The true worker for God wrestles with God in prayer, and puts intense earnestness into the work of saving lost souls. He does not seek to exalt self by word or deed, but simply seeks to win souls. God pronounces the purest, the meekest, the most childlike Christian, the best worker for Him, the mightiest in labor for souls. Heavenly intelligences can work with the man or woman who will not absorb the glory to himself, but who will be willing that all the glory shall redound to the honor of God. It is the man who most feels his need of divine wisdom, the man who pleads for heavenly power, that will go forth from communion with Christ, to hold converse with souls perishing in their sins; and because he is anointed with the Spirit of the Lord, he will be successful where the learned minister may have failed. God has given lessons that are all-important in regard to the duty of every disciple. Not one need be in darkness; for it is evident that every Christian is to be a living epistle, known and read of all men.
Everyone who believes in Christ as a personal Saviour is under bonds to God to be pure and holy, to be a spiritual worker, seeking to save the lost, whether they are great or small, rich or poor, bond or free. The greatest work on earth is to seek and to save those who are lost, for whom Christ has paid the infinite price of His own blood. Everyone is to do active service. . . . The sheep unsought is not brought back to the fold.
God depends upon you, the human agent, to fulfill your duty to the best of your ability, and He Himself will give the increase. If human agents would but cooperate with the divine intelligences, thousands of souls would be rescued. The Holy Spirit would give devoted workers glimpses of Jesus that would brace them for every conflict, that would elevate and strengthen them, and make them more than conquerors. . . . The Lord has promised that where two or three are met together in His name, there will He be in the midst.Those who meet together for prayer will receive an unction from the Holy One. There is great need of secret prayer, but there is also need that several Christians meet together, and unite with earnestness their petitions to God. In these small companies Jesus is present, the love of souls is deepened in the heart, and the Spirit puts forth its mighty energies, that human agents may be exercised in regard to saving those who are lost. Jesus ever . . . strove to impress upon His disciples that the Holy Spirit must enlighten, renew, and sanctify the soul (Review and Herald, June 30, 1896).
From Lift Him Up - Page 358
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Living by Faith: Righteousness by Faith
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- Romans 6:11
In the Chapter 5 of the Book of Romans, Paul speaks of the abounding grace of God which brings eternal life, and contrasts it with the fruit of abounding sin, death. He says that where sin abounded grace abounded much more, where one was held accountable for their sin, because of grace they were forgiven through the propitiation of the Saviour (Read Romans 4 and 5).
However, in this post we will discuss the life of faith, one where the justified individual walks by faith.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Many are under the impression that so long we confess with our lips that Jesus is Lord we will always be saved. It is true 'that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved'. However, there is a difference between simply confessing with the mouth and confessing and believing within one's heart.
God forbid that we should continue in sin, for we are dead to sin and are baptized into the death of Christ Jesus, that we may resurrect as He did to the newness of life.
What is this newness of life?
The newness of life is walking according to the Spirit, it is dying to sin and being alive to God. We no longer walk according to the flesh, not according to our passions and feelings, but according to the Spirit, by the mind serving the law of God. For those who are in the flesh cannot please God, for with the flesh is served the law of sin.
With that being said, what does it mean to be alive to God but dead to sin?
It means to walk in the newness of life, that is, according to the Spirit, becoming slaves of righteousness, a life of obedience unto righteousness, and freed from sin.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness. - Romans 6:12-13
LiFE Ministries Team
All Bible verses are taken from the King James Version 1611. -
Romans 6:21
Romans 6:1
Romans 10:9
Next week: Seeing our Faith (Glorification)
- Romans 6:11
In the Chapter 5 of the Book of Romans, Paul speaks of the abounding grace of God which brings eternal life, and contrasts it with the fruit of abounding sin, death. He says that where sin abounded grace abounded much more, where one was held accountable for their sin, because of grace they were forgiven through the propitiation of the Saviour (Read Romans 4 and 5).
However, in this post we will discuss the life of faith, one where the justified individual walks by faith.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Many are under the impression that so long we confess with our lips that Jesus is Lord we will always be saved. It is true 'that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved'. However, there is a difference between simply confessing with the mouth and confessing and believing within one's heart.
God forbid that we should continue in sin, for we are dead to sin and are baptized into the death of Christ Jesus, that we may resurrect as He did to the newness of life.
What is this newness of life?
The newness of life is walking according to the Spirit, it is dying to sin and being alive to God. We no longer walk according to the flesh, not according to our passions and feelings, but according to the Spirit, by the mind serving the law of God. For those who are in the flesh cannot please God, for with the flesh is served the law of sin.
With that being said, what does it mean to be alive to God but dead to sin?
It means to walk in the newness of life, that is, according to the Spirit, becoming slaves of righteousness, a life of obedience unto righteousness, and freed from sin.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness. - Romans 6:12-13
LiFE Ministries Team
All Bible verses are taken from the King James Version 1611. -
Romans 6:21
Romans 6:1
Romans 10:9
Next week: Seeing our Faith (Glorification)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Living by Faith: Justification by faith
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
- Habakkuk 2:4
In the book of Romans, Paul quotes from this very same Old Testament verse, however, here in the book of Habakkuk, we are given a contrast between the faithful life and the faithless. He whose soul is lifted up, who trusts in himself is not upright, but he whose life is directed by trust in God, and that alone is just and upright.
The Bible defines faith as the hope of things not seen and the evidence of things hoped for; walking by faith and not by sight - it is, simply, seeing as God sees.
In the book of Hebrews, we are given the experiences of the patriarchs and pilgrims of old; Abel, Abraham, Noah, Moses and others. It is written, ‘by faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’
Faith is essential in every Christian’s life, it is by faith that we have an audience with the Most High; it is by faith that we have a relationship with the unseen God, who is immortal and invisible. By faith all things are possible.
Indeed, it is by faith in the news of Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection that we are justified. The just live by trusting in the gospel of Christ for their salvation, for it is in the gospel that the righteousness of God is revealed. When complete surrender is given and trust is put in the sacrifice of Christ, we see the justice and mercy of God. Before man and the unfallen worlds is displayed God’s ability to be just and uphold His eternal Law by not seeing sin’s penalty be paid. Yet He is still merciful and sends His only, begotten Son, the express image of His likeness, the fullness of His glory, to be the captain of our salvation through suffering.
But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
But for us also, to whom it (righteousness) shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. - Romans 4:24-25
LiFE Ministries Team
All Bible verses are taken from the King James Version 1611. -
Habakkuk 2:4
Hebrews 11:5-6
Next Week: Living by Faith (Righteousness by Faith)
- Habakkuk 2:4
In the book of Romans, Paul quotes from this very same Old Testament verse, however, here in the book of Habakkuk, we are given a contrast between the faithful life and the faithless. He whose soul is lifted up, who trusts in himself is not upright, but he whose life is directed by trust in God, and that alone is just and upright.
The Bible defines faith as the hope of things not seen and the evidence of things hoped for; walking by faith and not by sight - it is, simply, seeing as God sees.
In the book of Hebrews, we are given the experiences of the patriarchs and pilgrims of old; Abel, Abraham, Noah, Moses and others. It is written, ‘by faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’
Faith is essential in every Christian’s life, it is by faith that we have an audience with the Most High; it is by faith that we have a relationship with the unseen God, who is immortal and invisible. By faith all things are possible.
Indeed, it is by faith in the news of Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection that we are justified. The just live by trusting in the gospel of Christ for their salvation, for it is in the gospel that the righteousness of God is revealed. When complete surrender is given and trust is put in the sacrifice of Christ, we see the justice and mercy of God. Before man and the unfallen worlds is displayed God’s ability to be just and uphold His eternal Law by not seeing sin’s penalty be paid. Yet He is still merciful and sends His only, begotten Son, the express image of His likeness, the fullness of His glory, to be the captain of our salvation through suffering.
But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
But for us also, to whom it (righteousness) shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. - Romans 4:24-25
LiFE Ministries Team
All Bible verses are taken from the King James Version 1611. -
Habakkuk 2:4
Hebrews 11:5-6
Next Week: Living by Faith (Righteousness by Faith)
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Lessons in Character Building
At one time John engaged in a dispute with several of his brethren as to which of their number should be accounted greatest. They did not intend their words to reach the ear of the Master; but Jesus read their hearts, and embraced the opportunity to give His disciples a lesson of humility. It was not only for the little group who listened to His words, but was to be recorded for the benefit of all His followers to the close of time. "And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all" (Mark 9:35).
Those who possess the spirit of Christ will have no ambition to occupy a position above their brethren. It is those who are small in their own eyes who will be accounted great in the sight of God. "And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me" (verses 36, 37).
What a precious lesson is this for all the followers of Christ! Those who overlook the life duties lying directly in their pathway, who neglect mercy and kindness, courtesy and love, to even a little child, are neglecting Christ. John felt the force of this lesson and profited by it.
On another occasion his brother James and himself had seen a man casting out devils in the name of Jesus, and because he did not immediately connect himself with their company, they decided that he had no right to do this work, and consequently forbade him. In the sincerity of his heart John related the circumstance to his Master. Jesus said, "Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part" (verses 39, 40).
Again, James and John presented by their mother a petition requesting that they might be permitted to occupy the highest positions of honour in Christ's kingdom. The Saviour answered, "Ye know not what ye ask" (Mark 10:38). How little do many of us understand the true import of our prayers! Jesus knew the infinite sacrifice at which that glory must be purchased, when He, "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame" (Heb. 12:2). That joy was to see souls saved by His humiliation, His agony, and the shedding of His blood.
This was the glory which Christ was to receive, and which these two disciples had requested that they might be permitted to share. Jesus asked them, "Can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can" (Mark 10:38, 39).
How little did they comprehend what that baptism signified! "Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: but to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is repared" (verses 39, 40).
{The Sanctified Life 54-57}
Those who possess the spirit of Christ will have no ambition to occupy a position above their brethren. It is those who are small in their own eyes who will be accounted great in the sight of God. "And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me" (verses 36, 37).
What a precious lesson is this for all the followers of Christ! Those who overlook the life duties lying directly in their pathway, who neglect mercy and kindness, courtesy and love, to even a little child, are neglecting Christ. John felt the force of this lesson and profited by it.
On another occasion his brother James and himself had seen a man casting out devils in the name of Jesus, and because he did not immediately connect himself with their company, they decided that he had no right to do this work, and consequently forbade him. In the sincerity of his heart John related the circumstance to his Master. Jesus said, "Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part" (verses 39, 40).
Again, James and John presented by their mother a petition requesting that they might be permitted to occupy the highest positions of honour in Christ's kingdom. The Saviour answered, "Ye know not what ye ask" (Mark 10:38). How little do many of us understand the true import of our prayers! Jesus knew the infinite sacrifice at which that glory must be purchased, when He, "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame" (Heb. 12:2). That joy was to see souls saved by His humiliation, His agony, and the shedding of His blood.
This was the glory which Christ was to receive, and which these two disciples had requested that they might be permitted to share. Jesus asked them, "Can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can" (Mark 10:38, 39).
How little did they comprehend what that baptism signified! "Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: but to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is repared" (verses 39, 40).
{The Sanctified Life 54-57}
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Watch and Pray
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. Mark 13:33.
"Take ye heed, watch and pray" were the words of our Saviour spoken in reference to the time of the end, and His second coming to take His faithful children home.
First, you are to watch. Watch, lest you should speak hastily, fretfully and impatiently. Watch, lest pride should find a place in your heart. Watch, lest evil passions should overcome you, instead of your subduing them. Watch, lest a careless, indifferent spirit comes upon you, and you neglect your duty and become light and trifling, and your influence savor of death, rather than life.
Second, you are to pray. Jesus would not have enjoined this upon you, unless there was actual necessity for it. It is well known to Him that of yourself you cannot overcome the many temptations of the enemy, and the many snares laid for your feet. He has not left you alone to do this; but has provided a way that you can obtain help. Therefore He has bid you to pray.
To pray aright is to ask God in faith for the very things you need. Go to your chamber, or in some retired place, and ask your Father for Jesus' sake to help you. There is power in that prayer that is sent up from a heart convinced of its own weakness, yet earnestly longing for that strength that comes from God. The earnest, fervent prayer will be heard and answered. Go to your God who is strong, and who loves to hear children pray, and, although you may feel very weak, and find yourself at times overcome by the enemy, because you have neglected the first command of our Saviour, to watch, yet do not give up the struggle. Make stronger efforts yourself than before. Faint not. Cast yourself at the feet of Jesus, who has been tempted, and knows how to help such as are tempted. Confess your faults, your weakness, and that you must have help to overcome, or you perish. And as you ask, you must believe that God hears you. . . . God will help you. Angels will watch over you.
But before you can expect this help, you must do what you can on your part. Watch and pray. Let your prayers be fervent. Let this be the language of your heart, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." Have a set time, a special season for prayer at least three times a day. Morning, noon, and at night Daniel prayed to his God, notwithstanding the king's decree, and the fearful den of lions. He was not ashamed or afraid to pray, but with his windows opened he prayed three times a day. Did God forget His faithful servant when he was cast into the lions' den? O, No. He was with him there all night. He closed the mouths of these hungry lions, and they could not hurt the praying man of God (Youth's Instructor, October 1855).
From Lift Him Up - Page 368
"Take ye heed, watch and pray" were the words of our Saviour spoken in reference to the time of the end, and His second coming to take His faithful children home.
First, you are to watch. Watch, lest you should speak hastily, fretfully and impatiently. Watch, lest pride should find a place in your heart. Watch, lest evil passions should overcome you, instead of your subduing them. Watch, lest a careless, indifferent spirit comes upon you, and you neglect your duty and become light and trifling, and your influence savor of death, rather than life.
Second, you are to pray. Jesus would not have enjoined this upon you, unless there was actual necessity for it. It is well known to Him that of yourself you cannot overcome the many temptations of the enemy, and the many snares laid for your feet. He has not left you alone to do this; but has provided a way that you can obtain help. Therefore He has bid you to pray.
To pray aright is to ask God in faith for the very things you need. Go to your chamber, or in some retired place, and ask your Father for Jesus' sake to help you. There is power in that prayer that is sent up from a heart convinced of its own weakness, yet earnestly longing for that strength that comes from God. The earnest, fervent prayer will be heard and answered. Go to your God who is strong, and who loves to hear children pray, and, although you may feel very weak, and find yourself at times overcome by the enemy, because you have neglected the first command of our Saviour, to watch, yet do not give up the struggle. Make stronger efforts yourself than before. Faint not. Cast yourself at the feet of Jesus, who has been tempted, and knows how to help such as are tempted. Confess your faults, your weakness, and that you must have help to overcome, or you perish. And as you ask, you must believe that God hears you. . . . God will help you. Angels will watch over you.
But before you can expect this help, you must do what you can on your part. Watch and pray. Let your prayers be fervent. Let this be the language of your heart, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." Have a set time, a special season for prayer at least three times a day. Morning, noon, and at night Daniel prayed to his God, notwithstanding the king's decree, and the fearful den of lions. He was not ashamed or afraid to pray, but with his windows opened he prayed three times a day. Did God forget His faithful servant when he was cast into the lions' den? O, No. He was with him there all night. He closed the mouths of these hungry lions, and they could not hurt the praying man of God (Youth's Instructor, October 1855).
From Lift Him Up - Page 368
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