Thankful for Christian Education

(This copied article shares my summation of the benefits of true Christian education.)

This past Saturday we had some family time and decided to drive over to the coast for the afternoon. It was one of the most beautiful coastal days I’ve ever seen—the sun was warm, the waves were huge, and it seemed that we had several miles of beach to ourselves. One of the highlights was being able to take a walk along the shore with my daughter, Abbey.
During our walk, Abbey said, “Hey Dad, did you know that the Ocean has paths in it?” “Yes, I said—where did you hear about that?” She replied, “We’re studying oceanography in 4th grade and we learned it from Psalm 8.” Then we looked up Psalm 8 and read it together while we walked by the ocean. And once again, I thanked the Lord for the wonderful teachers and Bible-based education that my children have received.
If you’re investing yourself or your resources into giving your children a biblical education, stay at it—one day they will truly thank you. Nothing could better prepare them for life than having a biblical perspective in a world full of lies!
“O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!”

Psalms 8

Parenting Mistakes

Here’s a short list of mistakes that all parents can make when it comes to seeing, understanding, and biblically responding to the spiritual growing pains of life. (This is as much to myself as to others.) Stop and think about it—and pray for godly wisdom in responding to the issues of your children’s hearts with proper compassion, authority, and biblical instruction.
Too often, when our kids struggle, this is our reaction:
1. Denial – denying issues or naively thinking that there aren’t any issues to deal with.
2. Embarrassment – hoping others don’t find out about an issue—which causes me to not seek help or counsel.
3. Defensiveness – taking offense at someone’s attempt to deal with an issue, or allowing my child to avoid personal responsibility by blaming others.
4. Unresponsiveness – knowing there’s an issue but hoping it will just go away on its own (you know—a phase).
5. Weariness – knowing there’s an issue, but being too tired to respond, or becoming discouraged that nothing I’ve tried appears to be working.
6. Duplicity – not wanting to deal with my own issue, and thus, creating an allowance for my child’s.
7. Over-reaction – blowing up over the issue rather than contexualizing it biblically and responding appropriately.
The answers:

1. Expect your kids to struggle.

2. And, since everybody’s kids struggle, don’t be embarrassed when they do.

3. Be supportive when those in spiritual authority love your child enough to help—even if the child whines about it.

4. Don’t expect issues to disappear, they usually get worse.

5. No matter how tired or discouraged you are, don’t stop doing the right things—like praying and laboring.

6. Be willing to examine your own heart first so you can authentically help your child.

7. Put every issue into the context of obeying and honoring God, and respond in that light.

Let’s face it, our best parenting skills cannot cover the fact that we’re human! We all have blind spots. And our children all have an enemy who is targeting them. Every kid has issues and every parent is called of God to biblically nurture and lead through those issues. Expect the enemy to come after your kids—and ask God for wisdom and strength to do the right thing when he does.
“…bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4

Which Kind of Parent Are You?

As parents, we have an awesome responsibility to raise our children for the Lord. Parenting is so much bigger than providing basic necessities of life; it requires nurturing young hearts in the ways of the Lord.
Our culture pressures us to assume false methods of parenting that sound logical by man’s reasoning but will ultimately damage our children. We must reject these worldly philosophies and follow the principles of God’s Word to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
Below are four descriptions of parenting styles, three of which describe unbalanced approaches. These descriptions are helpful for parents with children of any ages, as they outline the heart philosophy of the parent rather than the behavior of the child.
1. Neglectful—Low in love, low in control
This parent avoids or flees his children. He finds it easier to say “Ask your mother” and continue watching a ballgame than to engage in opportunities to spend time with his children. He avoids setting boundaries and ignores the precious few boundaries that are broken. Unfortunately, children discern the neglect. Even as they take advantage of the relaxed rules, they translate the lack of attention as a lack of love.
Proverbs 29:15 describes the dangers of this parenting philosophy: “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”
2. Permissive—High in love, low in control
This parent allows his children to lead him rather than leading them. He fears his children and is reluctant to say “no.” While being your child’s friend is important, remember that you are his only father/mother. Be your child’s true best friend by fulfilling your role as his parent.
The book of Proverbs is full of Solomon’s admonition to his son to listen to and heed his father’s instruction: “My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother” (Proverbs 6:20). Solomon knew that he could give Rehoboam advice and instruction that would help him live a successful life.
3. Authoritarian—Low in love, high in control
This parent pushes is children to conformity, rather than leading them to maturity. Parents who lean toward this parenting philosophy should remember Ephesians 6:4, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
The goal for Christian families is not to raise well-behaved children; it is to mature Christ-like adults. To do this, you must reach your children’s hearts. Discipline and instruction is necessary, but never forget that heart strings are tied with cords of love.
4. Authoritative—High in love, high in control
This is the parent who accepts and fulfills his role as a parent by lovingly nurturing his child’s heart with love while training him in obedience. He sees the big picture and ultimately directs his child’s heart to the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). While retaining the role of a parent, he is able to fellowship with his child, spending quality and quantity time together.
It is God’s design that an earthly father would display an accurate representation of the heart of our Heavenly Father: ”Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him” (Psalm 103:13). Authoritative parenting that maintains a balance of committed love and caring control gives children a picture of their Heavenly Father that creates a hunger to know Him.

As we strive as parents to draw our children’s hearts toward the Lord, it is so important to recognize that in our own strength and through our own wisdom we are insufficient for this incredible responsibility. As Jesus clearly stated, “…without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Dating Mistakes

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The Choices We Face

We are faced with choices every day. Decisions must be made on an hourly basis. And there is a great possibility for error, simply because we are human! In addition, many of the choices we face don’t have an exact Bible chapter and verse for us to follow. Because of this, we must claim the promise of the provision of God’s wisdom. James 1:5 says “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God….” When it comes to decision-making, we can make our choices based on biblical principles—claiming God’s promise to provide godly wisdom along the way. Even when we are tempted to lie or gossip about someone or something, because of the old nature, we can struggle. Here are five simple questions to ask yourself when faced with decisions:

Does it violate clear teachings of the Bible?

There are some difficult passages in the Bible that require time in deep study to comprehend. However, most of the Bible is not this way. The most basic test of any decision is an honest look at what the Bible says. God wrote the Bible to communicate His person, His plan, and His principles for our lives. The timeless wisdom of the Bible is still as relevant for the decisions we make today as it was thousands of years ago when it was first written.“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Does it violate my body as the temple of the Holy Spirit?

We are living in borrowed property. If you borrow a friend’s car, you drive very carefully because that car does not belong to you. Someone else bought the vehicle, insured it, repaired it, and you get full benefit of it while it is loaned to you. Our bodies were created and then purchased by God. We are just stewards of them on this earth. Stop and ask yourself, “Is this really how I should treat God’s possession?”“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Does it cause another Christian to stumble?

Some people live with the attitude “I can do anything I want if it doesn't hurt someone else,” but the reality is that everything we do in some way influences someone else. Some things we do may not be sinful, but they can be a cause for another Christian to sin. Paul wrote that the strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak. It is the responsibility of the spiritually mature to live in a way that builds up those weaker in the faith.“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way” (Romans 14:13).

Does it go against the expressed will of my spiritual authority?

From Moses to the apostles, God has expressed His will through human authorities. No authority is perfect, but God still has asked us to submit ourselves to them.“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation” (Hebrews 13:7).

Does it glorify God?

We are usually very conscious of our reputations and appearances, but do we ask ourselves if our actions lift up the name of Jesus Christ? As we become more aware of the presence of God in our lives, our choices become much clearer. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Some decisions are big, and others are small, but they are all important. In order to get to our destinations, we must make sure the decisions we make keep us on the right road. May you follow the One who longs to give you direction in our lives!

Podcast: God's "To Do" List

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(Time: just under 3 minutes)

Deliverance from the Devil's Fiery Darts

http://collegecareerblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/deliverance-from-devils-fiery-darts.html

"BEFORE PENTECOST"

Here are some facts to show that the Lord's church was in existence before Pentecost.

1. The apostles were in it before Pentecost. "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues " (I Cor. 12:28).

2. The prophets and teachers were in it before Pentecost. "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues " (I Cor. 12:28).

3. It had an ordained ministry before Pentecost. "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach" (Mark 3:14).

4. It had the same gospel before Pentecost that it did afterwards. "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (Mark 1:1). "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matt. 24:14).

5. It had a commission to preach before Pentecost and did it "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 10:7).

6. It had authority to baptize before Pentecost. "(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)" (John 4:2).

7. It had the Lord's Supper before Pentecost. "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me" (I Cor. 11:23-25): "Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee" (Heb. 2:12), "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives" (Matt. 26:30), "Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you" (I Cor. 11: 2),

8. It had a rule of discipline before Pentecost. "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matt. 18:16-18).

9. The keys of the kingdom were given to it before Pentecost. "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matt. 16:9).

10. It had a church roll before Pentecost with an hundred and twenty names on that roll. "And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)" (Acts 1:15).

11. It had a church treasurer before Pentecost. "For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor" (John 13:29).

12. It held an election before Pentecost. "And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; in so much as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles" (Acts 1: 15-26).

13. To this church there were about 3,000 additions on Pentecost. "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:41-42).

(From H. Boyce Taylor's "Why Be A Baptist")

Moving Forward Into The New Year

This was in my inbox this morning:

On this New Year’s Eve, you may be wondering what is going to happen. Years ago, some men were on a leaky old ship in the middle of a rough and stormy sea. One of them asked the captain, “Are we safe?” He said, “Well, the boilers are weak and may explode at any moment. The ship is taking on water. To be very honest with you, we may go up, or we may go down, but at any rate, we are going on.” And that’s the way we are as we face this new year. Jesus may come; we may go up. We may die, and go down and then up, but at any rate we are going on.

Hosea 6:3 - “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”

Reflecting on this past year, allow the Holy Spirit to invade your heart convicting and drawing you to Himself. Ask for wisdom, courage, and faith to continue on whatever happens this next year!

3 Acknowledgements of Thankful People

This Thanksgiving season the Lord has used Psalm 100 to remind me that the most important time to count blessings is during the difficult times. God remains the same in all seasons, and Psalm 100:3 tells us three truths about God that thankful people continually acknowledge.

“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

1. Thankful people trust in God’s sovereignty.

We may not always understand God, but we always trust Him.

Psalm 147:5 reminds us, “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” God loves us and understands everything about us. We can trust His sovereign power.

2. Thankful people acknowledge God as their Creator.

God created us, and He is the only one who has the power to sustain us. “For by him were all things created…and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:16-17).

Unthankful people easily quit, but thankful people keep their hand to the plow and look to the Lord to sustain them as they serve Him.

It is God’s nature to care for us whom He has created.

“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isaiah 46:4).

3. Thankful people remember that we are His people.

God loves us more than we could ever possibly comprehend. I think every father can understand when I say that three years ago I wish it were me who had needed the tumor removed , rather than my daughter. God’s love for us as His people is infinitely greater than a father’s love for his child. We are His people, and He loves and cares for us.

God’s will for each of His children is that we would give thanks in everything: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Even when we are bombarding Heaven with our needs, God instructs us to couple our prayers with thanksgiving: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).

Perhaps the greatest joy that thankful people find is immediate entrance to the throne of grace when they “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise…” (Psalms 100:4). In God—our sovereign, sustaining, loving God—we find much for which to be thankful!

Getting Rid of Anger

Ephesians 4:26-32
The apostle Paul wrote extensively about the character and conduct of believers. He urged Christians to live a life worthy of our calling (Eph. 4:1) and to be “followers of God” (Eph. 5:1). In his letters to the churches, he explained what it meant to live a godly life.

First of all, we must curtail some of our habits and behaviors and replace them with new ones that are acceptable to God. The acts of the “flesh” are no longer to be a part of us. We now have a new nature and must conduct ourselves accordingly. Galatians 5:19-21 lists 15 specific behaviors that have to cease. These include enmities, strife, outbursts of anger, disputes, and dissensions. Notice the role anger plays in each of these. It fuels disagreements and inflames antagonism. And second, if we get angry, we need to apologize quickly (Eph. 4:26).

The fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) is to replace ungodly thoughts and actions. If we have been quick-tempered, then we need to gain patience. If our anger runs hot, then we are to become peaceful people. Foolishness in speech must give way to the wisdom of Christ. Change is possible because sin’s power over us has been permanently broken. We have been set free to live in a way pleasing to God.

We all struggle with some form of ungodly behavior, but happily, we don’t have to continue in it. As new creations, we no longer have to be defined by who we were before salvation (2 Cor. 5:17). To exhibit the righteousness that is yours, cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s transforming work.

The Lord Honors Humility

1 Kings 3:10-14

Because Solomon humbly asked for wisdom to guide his people, God rewarded him with riches and honor in addition to wisdom. God desires that His followers serve Him in humility, not wishing to achieve great personal gain. Yet He often rewards them richly when they do walk humbly with Him, for He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think," (Ephesians 3:20). May we praise God for not only meeting our daily needs but also blessing us far beyond our requests.

The Lord Examines Our Motives

Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

Sometimes we mistakenly assume that motives don’t really matter as long as our actions appear right. For example, our heart may be far from God even when we are going through the motions of worship. But this verse reminds us that the Lord “examines” our motives, and He is quite capable of distinguishing genuineness from insincerity. Whether we are dealing with worship or day-to-day interactions with others, the Lord desires genuine motives and sincere hearts. May we praise God that He sees our true motives.

Characteristics of a Biblical Co-laborer

What kind of person is a blessing to a church and a pastor in the ministry? Here are qualities God will bless:

Integrity - a pure, godly life of maturity. This should be someone who obviously has the filling of the Holy Spirit.

Intelligence - at least the basic competence to know or to learn the ministry functions a pastor is delegating.

Intensity - a willingness to bear a burden, to work hard, to intervene, and to get into action. There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you are interested in something, you do it only when it is convenient. When you are committed to something, you accept no excuses. Someone observed, "Trying is just a noisy way of not doing something."

Intuition - an instinctive understanding of the heart. The apostle Paul wrote of this in reference to Timothy in Phil. 2:19-21. When Paul looked around for a man who shared his heart for God's people, he could only find one at the time - Timothy.

A pastor's co-laborers must be men who understand his vision and are willing to express his heart in ministry. There should be no room for a renegade or someone with his own personal agenda. I've experienced this personally in the ministry, and it will drag a pastor and a church down fast. Pastor's are looking for a few good men; more than a few is even better!

The Lord Responds to Our Cry

"The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;" Psalm 20:1

This Psalms invokes a blessing upon God’s people, calling for the Lord to respond to their cry for help and to keep them safe. The last few lines of the prayer underscore the psalmist’s confidence in the Lord’s blessing, for he asserts that God’s people “we are risen, and stand upright” (20:8). We need not rely on human weapons and strength, for, like the psalmist, we boast in the Lord, who will respond to our cry. God’s power is more than sufficient to overcome our difficulties. May we praise God for responding to our cry and delivering us in times past, and may we thank Him for watching over us today.

Jesus Gave Himself

The devil told Jesus, “Serve Yourself!” (Matt. 4:3–4). Peter said, “Pity Yourself!” (Matt. 16:21–23). His unsaved relatives said, “Show Yourself!” (John 7:4). The crowd at Calvary said, “Save Yourself!” But Jesus was deaf to all those appeals and gave Himself.

Three Keys to Ministering to People

Matthew 25:35–40

Most of Christ’s earthly ministry was spent on others.

Count Nicholaus von Zinzendorf of Saxony wrote a guide known as “The Order of the Mustard Seed.” It states:
1. Be Kind to All People
2. Seek their Welfare
3. Win them to Christ

It has been said that the ministry is not just paperwork but people-work. It’s hard to go through life without having to deal with people. In fact, it’s just about impossible! As we saw yesterday, God desires that we would take time to help people. Even if there’s no payback for us, we should always stop to do the right thing.

When we put others first and help them, we are helping Christ. Being kind to others, putting their well-being above our own, and telling them of Christ is our pattern for dealing with others.

How are your people skills? Are you known as somewhat stand-offish or rude to others? God says that whatever you do to others, you are doing to Him! Take these three principles, “The Order of the Mustard Seed,” and implement them in your life. Show others kindness through your speech and actions. Then, place their needs and desires above your own. Go out of your way to help them. And also, share the good news of God’s salvation with them. Next time you interact with someone, ask yourself, “How would I treat Christ in this situation?”

The Lord Is Our Rock

For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
Psalm 18:31

We often hear that the Lord is our rock, but what does this really mean? A rock in ancient Israel provided security in two ways: It served as a bulwark against attacking armies, and it provided an immovable foundation for great buildings. David realized that God was an unshakeable foundation for his faith, and he often ran to this refuge to regain his strength. We can find our security in the Lord as well. Let us praise God that He is our rock, upon which we can confidently build our life and faith.

FRMBC is Making a Difference

The increased mockery toward the name of Jesus Christ, although disheartening, should not come as a surprise to the believer. In fact, Jude 18 warns us that in the last times there will be mockers who walk after their own ungodly lusts. How far we have come from the Biblical authority on which our nation was founded!

Through almost every media outlet, the teachings of the Bible are belittled or misconstrued. The Christian faith has been the center for countless comedy sketches, yet we are the ones labeled “intolerant” because we hold to the literal interpretation of the Word of God.

So, the question arises: how can we make the difference God has called us to make in this troubled world?

Biblical Convictions Make a Difference

In the beginning verses of Jude, we are instructed to build up our faith because there are others who are trying to tear it down. Although unpopular, it is vital that as Christians we stand firm on our faith. It has been said, “The men and women who have moved the world have been the men and women the world could not move.”

Biblical Consecration Makes a Difference

We first make a difference by what we believe. Once we believe what is right, we can then make a difference by how we behave. Our behavior should be distinctly different than the behavior of the world. Second Corinthians 6:17 instructs us with these words, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” May we always remember that God desires for His children to remain unspotted from the world. In order to make a difference, we must be different. Someone has noted, “The greatest challenge facing the American Christians is not persecution by the world, but seduction from the world.”

Biblical Compassion Makes a Difference

The theme verse for our current series, "Making A Difference", is Jude 22 which says, “And of some have compassion, making a difference.” As we go through each day, we must remember the multitudes of people who have been blinded by the world’s philosophy. Where all other factors may fail, our biblical compassion can make a difference in their lives.

More than ever, after 15 years of pastoring, I am thrilled with the opportunity that God has given His people to make a difference. May we anticipate what He will do in and through our lives at FRMBC!

Jesus Christ is Precious

“My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.”

Psalm 139:15–18


There is no challenge so great in our lives that we can’t overcome it to tell others of Christ.

As captain of a slave ship, John Newton was a rough, dirty sailor with a foul mouth and an appetite for rotten living. When he was young, he had the gift of a good mother who told him about the Saviour, but he chose to reject Him. He hated life, and life hated him. Then someone placed in his hands a copy of Thomas a Kempis The Imitation of Christ, and he was saved. After that, he went all over England sharing his faith.

Well past his “retirement age,” he had to have an assistant stand in the pulpit with him on Sundays. He was nearly blind and spoke in whispers, but nothing could keep him from preaching while he still had breath.

One Sunday, while delivering his message he repeated the sentence: “Jesus Christ is precious.” His helper whispered to him: “But you have already said that twice.” Newton turned to his helper and said loudly, “Yes, I've said it twice, and I'm going to say it again.” The stones in the ancient sanctuary fairly shook as the grand old preacher said again: “Jesus Christ is precious!”

Most, if not all of us, have heard John Newton’s story of his salvation. He was once a slave ship owner, enslaving men for his own gain, he was saved and spent his life freeing men from the bond of sin for God’s glory!

But even when Newton was old and had physical limitations, he never ceased from declaring how good God had been to him. No matter where he was or who was around him, he took time to relay the miracle of his salvation to others.

Isn’t God’s salvation a miracle? The fact that God would send His only Son to die a cruel death on the Cross for people who had rejected Him is mind-boggling. But even more astounding to think of is the fact that with all Christ has done for us, we sometimes fail to tell others of Him.

John Newton didn’t allow blindness and a weak voice to keep him from declaring God’s goodness, so what excuse is there for us? God commands us to tell everyone we meet of His miracle of salvation in our lives!

What is holding you back from witnessing to others? There is no challenge so great in our lives that we can’t overcome it to tell others of Christ. Whether through a tract or even sharing your testimony with them, determine to tell at least one person today of God’s love. After all the Lord has done for you, what keeps you from obeying Him?