Top Stories of 2006

I came across this article from religionnewsblog.com which listed the Top Religious Stories Of 2006. These "top stories" reminded me of the following Scriptures:

2 Timothy 3 Read This Chapter
3:1
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
3:2
For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3:3
unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
3:4
traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
3:5
having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
3:6
For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,
3:7
always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
3:8
Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith;
3:9
but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

2 Peter 3 Read This Chapter
3:1
Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder),
3:2
that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, F9 the apostles of the Lord and Savior,
3:3
knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts,
3:4
and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."
3:5
For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water,
3:6
by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water.
3:7
But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

-------------------------------------

I was glad to read that the Amish won the vote for top news story due to their example of forgiveness. It is good to see that forgiveness gets the top honors.
After all forgiveness is THE biggest story of all time for ALL mankind. This list of top news stories is a perfect picture of the beautiful Gospel of Jesus Christ. Man is sinful. He has nothing but evil in his heart. God is Righteous, Holy, and Just and must punish sinful man because man's sin is against God Himself. If a man repents of his sin and trusts in the salvation that Jesus provided through the cross he will be granted forgiveness from God.

Want to know more about this forgiveness? ....CLICK HERE.

What if we took THE BIGGEST news of all time, FORGIVENESS, and took it to the world? This is what Jesus commanded His disciples to do:

Mark 16 Read This Chapter
16:15
And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease

John 3 Read This Chapter
3:22
After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized.
3:23
Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.
3:24
For John had not yet been thrown into prison.
3:25
Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purification.
3:26
And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified--behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!"
3:27
John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.
3:28
You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.'
3:29
He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
3:30
He must increase, but I must decrease.
3:31
He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.
3:32
And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.
3:33
He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true.
3:34
For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure.
3:35
The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.
3:36
He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

Resolutions

New Year Resolutions
A couple of years ago I was in Walmart at the first of the year and noticed that all of the low carb, sugar free food items were displayed at the end of the first isle. When I returned a few weeks later the display had been replaced with valentine’s candy. I asked a nearby employee where the diet section was and he told me that they only have it for a few weeks adding, “Nobody buys it after that.”
What about our resolutions to read our Bibles, witness and pray? I hope that they last longer than the diet and exercise resolutions.
This year make it your resolution to hand out at least one tract per day and witness to at least one person per week. You don’t have to do this alone - join us as we go out of the four walls of the church house into the city.
The voice of the Martyrs reports that from January until September of this year, police arrested more than 499 house church members. A believer in Indonesia was beaten and threatened with death for witnessing and brother Liu Fenggang has been sentenced to three years hard labor for preaching - what’s our excuse?

What Should We Persue?

1 Timothy 6 Read This Chapter
6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
6:7
For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
6:8
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
6:9
People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.
6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
6:11
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

You Can Be Certain...

It seems the more I share THE faith the more I hear the thought expressed that one cannot know for sure or be certain that he is saved. The more I hear this thought the more I am convinced that this is merely a smokescreen to avoid the issue. Whenever I hear the "you can't know for sure" excuse I hit them with this verse:

1 John 5:13
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the
Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

Once I have explained the truth of this verse they usually give up the argument. However, if you would like to engage the discussion a bit further or simply study this out a bit more I would like to pass along the notes on this passage that are in the MacArthur Study Bible. John MacArthur gives five certainties of assurance that this scripture teaches.

1. Assurance of eternal life constitutes the first Christian certainty. While John wrote his gospel to bring unbelievers to faith (John 20:31), he wrote the epistle to give believers confidence that they possessed eternal life. The false brethren departure left John's congregations shaken (2:19). He assured those who remained that since they adhered to the fundamentals of the faith (a proper view of Christ, obedience, love), their salvation was sure.


2. Answered prayer is the second Christian certainty. (1 John 5:14-17)


3. Victory over sin and Satan is the third Christian certainty. (1 John 5:18)


4. That Christians belong to God is the fourth Christian certainty. (1 John 5:19)


5. That Jesus Christ is the true God is the fifth Christian certainty. (1 John 5:20) The Greatest Certainty of All.

I thought this was a very informative and worthwhile teaching. It may be a bit much in a witness encounter. Often times it is easier just to quote the verse and assure them the truth in the verse and this satisfies their rabbit trail.

Stick to the conscience through the use of the Law!

Altar Call Evangelism

How many altar calls have we all sat through? How many endless stanzas of "Come Just As You Are" have we heard during an altar call? I actually heard one Pastor say that he was not going anywhere and the music was not stopping until someone came forward...now our altar call evangelism has reverted to threats!

Are altar calls legitimate?

Paul Alexander has written an excellent article for the IX Marks web site entitled, "Altar Call Evangelism," in which he gives nine reasons why we should not have altar calls in our churches. Please CLICK HERE to read this excellent article.

Gilbert the Elf

If you have had the privilege of meeting Gilbert Nichols you know that he has a heart for the lost and a great sense of humor. You can check out his bio HERE. If you know Gilbert you also realize the problem with the title of this post. The word elf and Gilbert do not belong together because Gilbert is 7ft tall. Gilbert sent the following e-mail today and I thought I would post it to the blog....just for the world to see.

Enjoy!

CLICK HERE to see the e-mail.

Christmas Prayer

The following is a Puritan Christmas prayer.

THE GIFT OF GIFTS

O Source of all good,

What shall I render to thee for the gift of gifts,

thine own dear Son, begotten, not created,

my Redeemer, proxy, surety, substitute,

his self-emptying incomprehensible,

his infinity of love beyond the heart’s grasp.

Herein is wonder of wonders:

he came below to raise me above,

he was born like me that I might become like him.

Herein is love;

when I cannot rise to him he draws near on

wings of grace,

to raise me to himself.

Herein is power;

when Deity and humanity were infinitely apart

he united them in indissoluble unity,

the uncreated and the created.

Herein is wisdom;

when I was undone, with no will to return to him,

and no intellect to devise recovery,

he came, God-incarnate, to save me to the uttermost,

as man to die my death,

to shed satisfying blood on my behalf,

to work out a perfect righteousness for me.

O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds,

and enlarge my mind;

let me hear good tidings of great joy,

and hearing, believe, rejoice, praise, adore,

my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose,

my eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father,

place me with ox, ass, camel, goat,

to look with them upon my Redeemer’s face,

and in him account myself delivered from sin;

let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child

to my heart,

embrace him with undying faith,

exulting that he is mine and I am his.

In him thou hast given me so much

that heaven can give no more.

——Arthur Bennett, editor. VALLEY OF VISION: A COLLECTION OF PURITAN
PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS. Carlisle, Pennsylvania: Banner of Truth Trust, 2003
(first published in 1975), p. 28. ISBN 0-85151-821-4.

One2One At The Mall

This afternoon we met at the mall and had several one2one conversations with people. I could see God's provision in each encounter. Would you please keep these people that I was able to share the Gospel with in your prayers:

Matthew & Josh - teenagers that seemed to have an
understanding of the Gospel

Fabian - a young father that had no religious background
and was very receptive of the message

Aaron & Chris - two teenagers that were in a hurry but
listened to the Gospel message

Dee & Lee - their son is currently on a missionary
trip; they were not certain of their salvation

Faith, Jessica, & Art - a family of Jehovah's
Witnesses that listened to the full presentation that Ben provided (with
some argument) but they took the tracts and also took a Gospel of John I gave
them. Art said he would read the Gospel and consider what he had been
told. (Ben led in this Gospel presentation)

The mall was packed. The last Saturday before Christmas provided many opportunities to tell people about the true meaning of Christmas.

Why Does God Provide Salvation?

Regardless of what church you attend you will hear about the salvation of God. Generally, when the salvation message is taught there is much talk about heaven, eternal life, no sickness, no pain, and peace. These are all valid elements of the salvation of man. However, I would like to get you to consider this question: Why does God provide salvation to mankind? This thought or question is generally not discussed in most churches. The message of salvation typically revolves around the thought that man is valuable, God loves man, and God's purpose for man. In other words the message is that salvation is all about "me". Let me present to you what the Bible states as the reason God provides salvation to mankind.

Psalms 23 ReadThis Chapter
23:3
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of
righteousness For His name's sake.


Psalms 25 ReadThis Chapter
25:11
For Your name's sake, O Lord, Pardon my iniquity,
for it is great.


Psalms 31 ReadThis Chapter
31:3
For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for
Your name's sake, Lead me and guide me.


Psalms 79 ReadThis Chapter
79:9
Help us, O God of our salvation, For the glory of
Your name; And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, For Your name's
sake!


Psalms 109 ReadThis Chapter
109:21
But You, O God the Lord, Deal with me for Your
name's sake; Because Your mercy is good, deliver me.


Psalms 143 ReadThis Chapter
143:11
Revive me, O Lord, for Your name's sake! For Your
righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.

The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is for the glory of God....for His name's sake. I would like to issue this challenge to ALL believers. When you are listening to a sermon I want you to ask yourself this question: is this sermon man centered or God centered? Most topical sermons today give you five points to a better, more manageable life. They teach what YOU can do to better yourself. A God centered sermon points to God and what He has done for you, not for your benefit, but for His glory. God has provided salvation to bring Glory to Himself. The only way that mankind can obtain this salvation is to humble himself and repent towards God and have faith in Christ (Acts 20:21).

God has provided a way of salvation for His glory, not for man's glory.

Share the Gospel this Christmas

This was sent out in an email by Ray Comfort of Living Waters and Way of the Master.

In the carol "O Holy Night" we sing "Long lay the world in sin and error pining Till
he appeared and the soul felt its worth." My dad loved Christmas. He
believed that Jesus was the Savior of the world. He prayed regularly. He
followed me around and listened when I preached the gospel. But his soul never
"felt its worth." And even though the mild Savior was born to give
us second birth, my dad wasn't born again--and according to Jesus Himself my
dad would therefore not go to Heaven when he died (see John chapter 3).

I strongly suspected that he wasn't born again because the Bible says that there will be certain
"fruit" that will make it clear that someone has been born "from
above." If I buy what I think is a peach tree, I have good reason to
suspect that it's not if it never has any fruit. To believe in the Savior and
not be born again is like a man who believes in a parachute, but doesn't put it
on. Such a man will be okay, until he jumps out of the plane.

My dad lacked certain knowledge. He didn't understand that God was nothing like he imagined--that He
is holy and perfect and that because of that fact, God's wrath was upon him
because of his sins (see John 3:36). Like the rest of us, my dad had broken the
Ten Commandments, God was his enemy, and only in Christ can God and sinners be
reconciled.

I explained that God had seen the secret sins of his heart, and that if he had as much as lusted after a
woman, he had committed adultery in his heart (see Matthew 5:27-28). I also
explained that if he had told one lie, he was a liar, and the Bible warns that
all liars will have their part in the lake of fire. If he had stolen anything,
he was a thief, and the Scriptures warn that no thief will inherit the Kingdom
of God. There would be no second chance. Because God is perfect and demands
perfection (see Matthew 5:48), if my dad died in his sins, even though he
professed faith in Jesus, he would go to Hell. Forever.

One day he had a very serious heart attack. Two weeks later he was dead. But sometime during those two
weeks he was born again . . . and there was evident fruit. He prayed that God
would cast out his sin and enter in. He cried "be born in me today."

It took a heart attack to awaken him to the truth of the gospel. He finally understood why the Savior was
born--to suffer for the sin of the world (for his sins), and rise again on the
third day, defeating death. Jesus was born that man no more may die, and because
of the cross, God can now grant dying humanity the gift of everlasting life. God
and sinners can be reconciled. We can be made righteous in the sight of a holy
and prefect God by His amazing grace.

In one moment during those two weeks my dad simply repented and surrendered his life to God, and
trusted in Jesus alone for his eternal salvation. Have you done that? Will you
prepare Him room? Does your soul feel the gospel's worth? Be reconciled to God.
I'm concerned that perhaps you haven't repented and trusted the Savior. Why?
Because I know that like my dad, millions believe, but there's no biblical
fruit. Please, do what the Bible says, "Make your calling and election
sure." Pray something like this: "Dear God, I have sinned against you.
I have broken your Commandments and if you judge me according to your perfect
standard, I will justly end up in Hell forever. Thank you that Jesus once and
for all took my punishment. He suffered for me and rose again. I trust in Him
alone as my Savior and my Lord. In His wonderful name I pray."

I hope and pray that you have truly repented and been born again. If you have, Christmas will never be
the same. If your sins are forgiven, you will find comfort in the Scriptures.
You will find comfort through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. And you will
have great comfort on your death bed. Instead of death being a terrifying dark
door to the unknown, the moment of your passing will become the most incredible
moment of your life--the entrance into everlasting joy, and pleasure
forevermore.

The Bible says the Kingdom of Heaven is coming to this earth. Can you imagine how wonderful it will
be? Actually, you can't. We have never seen or heard or imagined anything as
wonderful as what God has in store for those who love Him. Think of the most
beautiful rose, the cutest puppy, the most breathtaking sunset, or the
magnificence of a snow-covered mountain. Imagine now that you were there before
God created those things. There would be no way you could have predicted such a
creation; and even though we can see how unspeakably great God is through the
creation we see, He says, "Behold, I make all things new." So, never
think of Heaven as a kind of spooky home of "departed spirits." It's
down to earth, new bodies, utter perfection, and pleasure forevermore. No more
pain. No more suffering. No more death. So, feed yourself daily--read your Bible
every day without fail. And make sure you obey what you read, and you will never
look back. God will keep you in His mighty hand.

Thank you for reading this.


God bless you,

Ray Comfort

Please feel free to go to Living Waters and click on the top right corner "SaveYourself Some Pain." There you will find important principles to help you grow in your Christian walk.

Guest Book and Map Added to Site

Hello everyone,

I wanted to announce a new feature I have added to the Repent and Trust web site. I have added a Guest Map to the site. This map acts as a guest book plus it plots on a map that person's location. Please feel free to visit the new web page HERE. I have also added a link to the map on the blog on the lower left column for future blog visitors.

Below you will see a live version of the map that I have built into the web site. Please feel free to click the map and add yourself onto the map. Orange dots will automatically be added to the map to pinpoint the location of new visitors that sign the map. If you click on an orange dot you will be able to see that person's name, location, picture, email address, and comments (all of this information is optional).

Repentance or Incantations?

Believe it or not the word REPENT is a very big word and teaching within the pages of the Bible. Unfortunately our "seeker-sensitive" churches have tossed out that word because it does not tickle the ears of the seekers.....don't forget that they are sensitive and will leave the church if the offense of the Gospel is expounded.
I am saddened that when I have a conversation with someone that they point to a time in their life when they repeated a prayer after someone and that is their conversion experience. What ever happened to being BROKEN and HUMBLE before God?
Our drive-thru Christianity has reduced salvation to an INCANTATION where the seeker can come to the front, say a prayer, check that item off his list, and then continue on in the same life that he walked into the church with. We need a reminder on what being BORN AGAIN is all about.
I have heard the argument, "you are trying to work your way into heaven through repentance...I am under grace". In his book, The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes:

The only man who has the right to say that he is justified by
grace alone is the man who has left all to follow Christ. Such a man knows
that the call to discipleship is a gift of grace, and that the call is
inseparable from the grace. But those who try to use this grace as a
dispensation from following Christ are simply deceiving themselves.

This is a hard teaching. This is why people have a hard time with the Gospel. The true Gospel of Christ demands that we realize we are wickedly depraved sinners and that God is Holy and Just and is completely fair to cast us into hell. The Bible teaches that the only way to receive forgiveness is to come before God in humility and repentance through the blood of Christ.

Bob DeWaay has written two excellent articles that explain the requirement and misconception of repentance. You can read them by clicking the two links below.

PART 1 PART 2

You can also learn more about repentance by visiting THIS PAGE on our web site.

Happy Birthday Jesus

John 1:14
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

O Holy Night

Isaiah 30:29
You shall have a song As in the night when a holy festival is kept, And gladness of heart as when one goes with a flute, To come into the mountain of the Lord, To the Mighty One of Israel.

The World Loves Death

Proverbs 8
Read This Chapter

8:32
"Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways.
8:33
Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it.
8:34
Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors.
8:35
For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord;
8:36
But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death."
------------------------------------------------------

Do those who hate God love death? Take a look at the world around you. The pictures above are from American culture: music, movies, toys, and lifestyles. Take a look at THIS LINK which is the web site for a restaurant called Hell Pizza in New Zealand. Here is ANOTHER LINK of a comercial set to the song Silent Night. The world is truly fascinated with death....they love it.

As for those that have found God and life and have obtained favor from the Lord (Prov. 8:35) how should we approach the world that is in love with death? Read this instruction given in the book of Jude:

Jude
17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
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The world is lost and dying. Jesus has instructed His followers to make disciples and take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. If you are born again you need to be sharing the Good News and giving out gospel tracts. If you are uncertain or nervous about sharing THE faith CLICK HERE.

Triumph Over Persecution

1 Peter 4:12-19
Read This Chapter
4:12
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
4:13
but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
4:14
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
4:15
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.
4:16
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
4:17
For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
4:18
Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"
4:19
Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

-------------------------------

As an American it is hard to fully understand being persecuted for having faith in Christ. When I go into the streets and approach someone to give them a tract or have a conversation with them to share the Gospel the most persecution I can expect is to be scorned and ridiculed. I think the scripture referenced above was referring to a more severe, life-threatening, persecution, but I do think it is important for us to keep in mind what points this portion of scripture is bringing out:

Attitudes Necessary to Triumph Over Persecution

1. Expect it - v.12


2. Rejoice in it - v.13-14


3. Evaluate its cause - v.13-14


4. Entrust it to God - v.19

Please remember our truly persecuted brothers and sisters in your prayers, but as for us that live in countries that still allow freedom of religion please use this portion of scripture to know that it is of no loss to us to be scorned and ridiculed for the Savior. You can learn more about truly persecuted Christians HERE.

Isaiah 9

1 Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, As when at first He lightly esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, And afterward more heavily oppressed her, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the Gentiles. 2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian. 5 For every warrior's sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire. 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

8 The Lord sent a word against Jacob, And it has fallen on Israel. 9 All the people will know-- Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria-- Who say in pride and arrogance of heart: 10 "The bricks have fallen down, But we will rebuild with hewn stones; The sycamores are cut down, But we will replace them with cedars." 11 Therefore the Lord shall set up The adversaries of Rezin against him, And spur his enemies on, 12 The Syrians before and the Philistines behind; And they shall devour Israel with an open mouth. For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still. 13 For the people do not turn to Him who strikes them, Nor do they seek the Lord of hosts. 14 Therefore the Lord will cut off head and tail from Israel, Palm branch and bulrush in one day. 15 The elder and honorable, he is the head; The prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail. 16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed. 17 Therefore the Lord will have no joy in their young men, Nor have mercy on their fatherless and widows; For everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, And every mouth speaks folly. For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still. 18 For wickedness burns as the fire; It shall devour the briers and thorns, And kindle in the thickets of the forest; They shall mount up like rising smoke. 19 Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts The land is burned up, And the people shall be as fuel for the fire; No man shall spare his brother. 20 And he shall snatch on the right hand And be hungry; He shall devour on the left hand And not be satisfied; Every man shall eat the flesh of his own arm. 21 Manasseh shall devour Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; Together they shall be against Judah. For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still.

The Law and the Gospel

There is much confusion within professing Christianity about the Gospel. If you do not agree with that statement then I challenge you to turn your television to any Christian network and just wait for a Gospel presentation to be given. The general consensus is that we need God to be happy. This is a man-centered gospel and not the True God-centered Gospel that Jesus came to deliver.
Just to add to the confusion even more, whenever the Ten Commandments are brought up with the majority of professing Christianity there is an instant indignation and you are looked upon as a legalist and "one of those". You cannot deliver the full counsel of God and have someone understand the JOY of the Gospel without bringing them through the Law first. Without the Law the Gospel is absolute absurdity to a lost person. Without someone first understanding the Righteousness and Holiness of God they cannot understand the need for the perfect sacrifice of Jesus.
Please READ THIS for a more thorough explanation of the proper use of the Law to lead someone to the Gospel of Christ.

Homeless Ministry

Tonight I joined in with our group that ministers to the homeless every Friday night. We started out at a local all you can eat pizza buffet.....to pick up pizzas for the homeless not for ourselves! This local restaurant has actually volunteered to give all of their left-over pizzas from the buffet to our efforts with homeless every Friday night. We went to the main public libray and soon had several homeless people eating pizza and drinking tea. After some small talk and just asking them what their stories were I began to witness to three individuals. Their names were Larry, Tom, and I have forgotten the third individual's name (God has not!). They were very receptive to the message. Perhaps it was a mouth full of pizza that made it easy! Anyway they listened and asked some good questions and then thanked me for talking with them. I had the chance to talk with Larry one on one and he expressed his gratitude for the pizza and the gospel message. He said he was a believer but just "down and out" at the moment. Would you please keep these three individuals in your prayers.

You can find out more about our homeless ministry HERE. If you are in the Lubbock area we would love to have you join us. If you cannot join us please consider a similar outreach for the homeless in your city. You should be able to find a pizza place that will be willing to help out. It is very easy to share the Good News with the homeless when they have a full belly.

The TRUE Meaning of Christmas

What is Christmas all about; Santa Claus, Christmas trees, gifts, families, or a baby in a manger? These are all great things but the TRUE meaning of Christmas is PEACE. The Bible records in Luke 2:14 that the angels proclaim: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men.
What were the angels talking about? Were they peace loving, flower-power, hippie angels?
NO!
The angels were proclaiming that God has provided a way for man to have PEACE with God and escape the wrath to come. They were not talking about a transcendental, ying and yang, inner peace, rather they were proclaiming an external, objective reality...Peace with God!
You must understand that God has declared Himself to be at war with every human being because of man's sinful rebellion against Him and His laws.

God is a righteous judge,and a God who feels indignation every day. If
a man does not repent, God will whet his sword;he has bent and readied his bow;
he has prepared for him his deadly weapons,making his arrows fiery shafts.
Psalms 7:11-13

We have all lied (at least once...), stolen (regardless of value), and we have all committed adultery in our hearts according to Jesus (Matt. 5:27). We have all broken God's law. This is why mankind is at war with God and just in case you have the thought....no we cannot win this war.
But do not forget about the angels that proclaimed; "Peace on earth!". The angels were announcing that God had sent His Son, His spotless Lamb, into the world to take on the sins of all mankind and to become the perfect sacrifice.

For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes
in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

God poured out His wrath upon His perfect Son because God is Righteous, Holy, and Just and the penalty for sinning against God HAD to be paid. It pleased God to bruise His Son.

It is through the work of Jesus on the cross that God has reconciled man to Himself. However, this salvation does not apply to everyone. In order for you to take part in the Salvation that God has provided through His Son, Jesus, you must Repent and Trust in Jesus.

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere
to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in
righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance
to all by raising him from the dead (Acts 17:30-31).

This is the TRUE meaning of Christmas....Peace with God through His Son Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas

Fishers of Men Evangelism Conference

This conference will be held at the Lake Placid Retreat Center, Hartford City, Indiana. Many good speakers and topics will be covered. JOSE MUNIZ (you have read some of his encouraging posts on this blog) is the featured speaker and if you have never heard him speak you will definitely be encouraged. Click the Fishers of Men Conference picture above for more details.

Must See Christmas Video (alternate version)

This is another Christmas video that was put together with movie footage.

Christmas Linebacker

Just when you thought it was safe to slack off...
the Evangelism Linebacker returns!

Pictures from the Miracles Christmas Parade

This is a picture of our group that gathered together to hand out gospel tracts at the parade.

CLICK HERE to see more photos from the Christmas parade.

Miracles Christmas Parade

We had ten adults and five children out on 34th street last night handing out tracts to people sitting in lawn chairs waiting for the Miracles Christmas Parade to begin. With temperatures in the low 40’s most of the spectators were wrapped in sleeping bags or quilts to ward off the wind chill.

Soon after we got there the police blocked off the street and diverted the traffic to another route; Russ (Tiny) Abe quickly took advantage of the situation and began handing out tracts to the occupants of the passing cars.

David and his group gave away gallons of hot chocolate on another corner which was a success measured by the steady stream of customers.
After prayer we divided into several groups and tracked both sides of the street for several blocks; stopping occasionally to do some one-to-one witnessing as the Lord directed.

Spurgeon on Preachers

"Little is that ministry worth that never chides you. If God never uses his minister as a rod, depend upon it he will never use him as a pot of manna, for the rod of Aaron and the pot of manna always go together, and he who is God's true servant will be both to your soul."

"If you always enjoy sermons, the minister is not a good steward. He is not acting wisely who deals out nothing but sweets."

Charles Spurgeon

A Must See Christmas Video

Here is a video that you can use as an e-card to share the TRUE meaning of Christmas with your friends and family. PASS IT ON!!!

Sin and Repentance Bible Quiz

I was surfing along the net and came across THIS QUIZ which is a fairly good test of one's knowledge and understanding of the message of Christ.

Good Luck! (can I say that on a Christian site????)

p.s.
I object to question 23. I think they are using a scripture out of context to support their statemet and begin to lean over to the "me" gospel. You read the question and let me have your thoughts.

Head On A Platter

(from the back cover of the book)
After 22 years of marriage, I woke up one day feeling miserable and all alone. And because as a couple we had become complacent in our relationship with one another, I stood as an open, easy target for another man's selfish desires. And before I knew what was happening, I announced to my husband and father of our two children that I was going to file for divorce. Realizing I was serious, he asked me to meet with our pastor and listen to what he had to say. Out of pure, simple respect I agreed, but in my mind it was a total waste of time.

As we sat in Steve's office, I knew in my heart I was wrong; but I had already justified my decision. Nothing was going to change...our marriage was over! I braced myself for the anticipated sharp rebuke; however, I was not prepared for what was about to happen. The next thing I knew I found myself under conviction and totally taken by surprise with the words I was hearing the pastor say...

You too are about to hear some of the words Pastor Miller shared with me over 8 years ago. And as my husband and I prepare to celebrate 30 years of marriage, our prayer is that some of those very same words will be used by the Lord to help you understand exactly how He feels about this extremely controversial subject that affects so many people...divorce and remarriage.

Sherrie

What Mormons Believe

This is an animation of what Mormonism teaches. Their theology is WAY OUT THERE. I just wanted to post this so you would know what they believe when you run into one. Just remember to not get tangled up in the intellect. Shoot for the conscience with the bullet of the LAW and then run for the GRACE of the cross.

Isaiah 12

You will say in that day: I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, that you might comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LordGod is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

Witness at the Mall

Today we were at our local mall being a witness and I had the opportunity to talk with several people. They were all receptive to the message to some degree.

Please pray for:

Mialy, Jesus, Michael, and Mary Joe

Ray

Autumn, Christian, Cameron, Lauren, and Kim

Lupe

Gabby and Alisandra

Power From On High

Before sinners will be won to the Lord, there must be revival in the hearts of the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We need, desperately need, the filling of the Holy Spirit from on high. Winning men and women to Christ Jesus is a miracle. It requires supernatural power. Nothing less than the Holy Spirit Himself can convict and regenerate the human heart. The Holy Spirit works through the Word borne by believers.

It is not soul-winning to lure Christians from other churches to our own. Men need to be brought to Jesus Christ and not to particular views of Christianity. Winning men to the Lord is the object.

We dare not attempt the winning of the souls of men with the puny resources of humanity. This is the work of God! Before God will work, He insists we see our need of Him. There must be searching of our hearts.

In these days, I am amazed to find that people who have said they were saved have only a head knowledge and depend upon a mental assent to the truths of the Gospel for their salvation. There is no change of life, no reality, no new birth. It is now wonder that they have left the gathering of believers -- "for what fellowship has...light with darkness?" (2 Cor. 6:14).

Their tragedy, however, lies in their seeking out the other "almost" Christians who like them are dead, with form but no power, in fact denying the regenerating power. The promise of the Lord in Deuteronomy 4:29 and Jeremiah 29:13 is that when you seek God with all your heart and all your soul, you will find Him! There must be that "life or death" seeking of the Lord at any cost! The Spirit Himself will bear witness with our spirit when we are the children of God (Romans 8:17).

How we need to be conscious of the power, majesty, greatness, and foreknowledge of our God as were the disciples! How vital that we, too, speak the Word with boldness, and that God by His power through the name of Jesus would grant to us the signs and wonders to confirm His word!

The place where we are ought to be shaken. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit! We need to speak the Word with all boldness. Let us obey God and pray that in these latter days men may be won to the Lord Jesus Christ!

-Paul Rader (1878-1938)

Rader was one of the most powerful evangelistic preachers of the early 20th Century. He described himself as an "ex-bellboy, ex-cowboy, ex-prospector, ex-football player, and ex-pugilist." He pastored Moody Church in Chicago, Illinois (1915-1921), and followed founder Albert Simpson as president of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (1920-1923). Rader founded the Chicago Gospel Tabernacle in 1922 and pastored it for 11 years. He wrote many Gospel song lyrics and a few tunes, and was instrumental in the founding of the Tabernacle Publishing Company.

article from sermonindex.net

Podcast Added To Blog

I have added a Podcast feature through Gcast on the blog. You can find this podcast below the Repent and Trust Home Page link on the left side of the page. You can count on the messages posted in this podcast to pertain to the gospel and evangelism.

Check the podcast periodically to find new messages. The podcast will automatically update on the blog as they are added.

Miracles Christmas Parade

Miracles, Christmas Parade on 34th Street
Saturday Dec 9th.
Meet for prayer and marching orders at 5pm by David's Hot Chocolate wagon at 3610 34th street. Park wherever you want or in the Sunset church lot close by.

Dress according to the weather. Even if it's warm at 5pm when the sun goes down it will get colder.

The parade starts at 7pm, but many people will be lined up in their chairs or even tailgating in parking lots, a couple of hours earlier. Therefore we will have lots of people to tract and witness too.

The parade route starts at Brownfield Hwy and goes down 34th Street however, the reviewing/media stand is close to Sunset Church of Christ (which serves as the H.Q. for the parade); this is where most of the people will be gathered.

We will walk the parade route tracting those sitting in chairs. (wear comfortable shoes) and do witnessing as the Lord gives opportunity.
Please pray that God will open doors and hearts and lead us to lost souls and lost souls to us. Pray that we will have boldness to speak and that the Word of God will be like a two edge sword to the heart of lost people. Pray for the anointing and the leading of the Holy Spirit. I will go out on Tuesday to prayer walk the route in preparation for this event

People leave in a hurry when the parade ends so therefore the opportunity to reach thousands of people is before the parade starts while they are sitting around with nothing else to do but wait!

Even if you have not been out with us before we are inviting people who would like to intercede in prayer or give out tracts to join us. We will provide the tracts.

Contact us at dorothy@repentandtrust.org or toby@repentandtrust.org or meet us on the street with a love for God and the lost on:

SATURDAY 9th DECEMBER at 5pm.