441 Sermon Illustrations on Salvation

The story has been told of a wealthy man who became a Christian.

He tried to reach his friends for Christ and told them, with

tremendous enthusiasm, what had happened to him, how the Lord had

changed his whole life and even saved his marriage. But he found that

his words seemed to fall on deaf ears. His friends were not

interested.

Since this man had great wealth, he developed a plan that would use

this wealth to reach his friends. First he wrote out a check for a

million dollars, which everyone knew he would easily be good for. He

then visited his friends in turn and said, "I have always highly

regarded you as a friend and have wanted to do something for you.

Would you receive this check as a gift from me?"

People would look at the check and, when they saw the amount of it,

they would hand it back and say, "I can't take that from you." He

tried to give the check to many of his friends, but no one would take

it, although it was a valid and sincere offer. Finally the man

realized that people are not willing to receive great gifts without

having some part in it.

That may be why some people hesitate to accept God's offer of

eternal life as a free gift.

It was Easter Sunday, March 30, 1997, we were at the home of one of

our church members when my son Josh started going around asking, "If

you believe Jesus is your Savior and died for your sins say I.

One of the victims of the Okahoma City Federal Building bombing

stated that the only way that he could get out to safety was to follow

the trial of blood of the others who had gotten out.1

The same is true for us. The only way that we can escape the

truma of our sinful world is to follow the blood of Jesus.

- Matt Neace

1. Good Morning America, May 30, 1997

By ROBERT WELLER Associated Press Writer edited by Shelton Cole

LITTLETON, Colo. (AP) - John Robert Tomlin was remembered today as a shy teen who liked his Chevy truck, the Green Bay Packers and Jesus.

His was the first of many services for victims of the Columbine High School shooting that will be held in Colorado through the weekend.

A friend recalled his devotion to religion - he was a member of the non-denominational Christian church where the service was held, and a member of a Baptist youth group.

After the service, John's mother, Doreen Tomlin told reporters: ``He was such a good kid. But he was shy.'' Last summer the teen-ager worked as volunteer building homes for poor people in Juarez, Mexico.

``What got John to heaven was his faith not his hard work,'' Youngblood said. ``John, I'm on my way. You just beat me there.''

Tomlin's father, John, told reporters: ``First I'd like to say to the families of the children who did this we'll be praying with them and we feel no hatred toward them.''

The father also didn't want to blame school administrators for failing to recognize that some members of the Trenchcoat group were a danger.

``The only system that failed is that God is left out of everything,'' he said.

My Source:

WORDS OF LIFE Volume 4, Number 50 December 13, 1998

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Author: Churck Pearson

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ARE THERE CHRISTIANS IN DENOMINATIONS?

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned" (John 15:5-6). "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked" (1 John 2:3-6).

There is a very prominent, well vocalized opinion being advocated within the church of our Lord today. This opinion is that there are Christians out there among and within the denominations. Coupled with this idea is the idea that the Lord's church is nothing more than a denomination itself--a sect of "Christendom," if you will (which, if true, would be perfectly consistent with the first proposition). Sayings and slogans like "Christians only, but not the only Christians," and sectarian labels such as "our movement," or "our heritage" to describe the body of Christ further emphasize this concept. The idea is that the church of Christ is not a distinct, exclusive body which belongs to Christ, and that there are others outside of this body who are yet saved and are somehow a part of an ambiguous "mega-church" (the "church universal" which is confusingly made up of a conglomeration of diverse sects and denominations).

For many years, the faithful within Christ's church have asserted (truthfully) that the above assumption is false, and that there is only ONE true church (non-sectarian and undivided) which encompasses ALL of the saved (i.e., the church of Christ). Still, some brethren have thrown in with their denominational neighbors (with whom they wish to have Christian fellowship) and claim that there are Christians who are not a part of the church, and who have no need to be brought out of their denominational error in order to be saved and fellowshipped. We now ask the question: Is this possible? Can it be true that there are men and women who have obeyed the gospel of Christ, but who are within the circles of denominations (and more importantly, are in a saved state within those circles)? As with all other matters pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), God's word will give us a definitive answer.

First, we need to examine an important issue: How does one become a Christian? The Bible is crystal clear on this point, and most brethren would probably agree on it! A man or woman becomes a Christian by first hearing the gospel message proclaimed (Acts 15:7; Romans 10:17). This leads to believing, or coming to have faith in Christ and His word (Mk 16:15-16; Acts 16:31). One must then repent of past sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30). There must be confession that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Mt 10:32-33; Acts 8:37). Finally, the person must be baptized (immersed) in water for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16).

Second of all, where does baptism place the new believer? We understand from scripture that a person is not saved until he or she is baptized (1 Peter 3:21). Baptism places one into Christ (Galatians 3:27). So then, baptism is the culminating factor in becoming a Christian! A person becomes a Christian only after he or she is baptized into Christ. We also see that baptism places one into the church. Remember that being baptized is necessary in order to be saved. The Bible tells us that "the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47). The new, saved, baptized believer (i.e., Christian) is added to the church by God. Therefore, being saved (or being a Christian--see Acts 11:26) and being in the church are one and the same!

So let us make some application so far: A person must be baptized in order to become a Christian, and such places him or her into the church. Therefore, we can assert that a person who has not been baptized is not a Christian, and is not a part of the church!

This makes our task a little easier. We can now clearly argue that there can be no Christians in denominations which do not baptize (immerse) for the remission of sins. This rules out most mainline denominational groups, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Episcopalian, and other Calvinist/Wesleyan-based groups. These denominations practice infant baptism. Infants are sprinkled, not immersed. Furthermore, infants cannot be baptized for the remission of sins, since infants are without sin. Even if they were guilty of sin, infants could not obey the gospel, for they cannot believe, repent, and confess. People in these denominational groups are therefore not Christians, and not members of the church (despite claims of such people being "pious immersed"--by New Testament standards, there is no such thing). This also rules out denominations such as Baptists. These people immerse, but do so because they believe candidates for baptism are already saved! The scriptures teach otherwise. Therefore, a Baptist baptism is not "for remission of sins." A person so baptized has not had their sins washed away (Acts 22:16), and has not been saved.

But what about denominations which do baptize (immerse) for the remission of sins? Groups like the Disciples of Christ, the Independent Christian Church, and even Mormons practice this! The question which needs to be answered here is INTO WHAT BODY (OR CHURCH) ARE PEOPLE IN THESE GROUPS BEING BAPTIZED? Are these people being baptized into Christ, and are therefore being added to his church?

If there was such a thing as the "church universal" as people propose (a Christian church made up of a bunch of denominations), then it is quite feasible that a denominational baptism could put one into Christ. However, THE CHURCH OF OUR LORD IS NOT DIVIDED INTO SECTS! There is only "one body" (Ephesians 4:4). Likewise, the scriptures tell us that there is only "one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5). This ONE BAPTISM (an immersion in water for the remission of sins) places one into the ONE BODY. A denominational immersion can only place a person into that denomination not into Christ! It doesn't matter if that person has somehow heard the gospel, believed, repented, and confessed Christ (quite honestly, I don't see how a person could do this within a denomination--a denominational preacher who proclaimed the gospel of Christ, in theory, would leave his denomination so that he could obey what he is preaching). Presbyterian seed produces Presbyterians. Baptist seed produces Baptists. Christian seed (i.e., the gospel of Christ) produces Christians! "For every tree is known by his own fruit" (Luke 6:44).

There are many good, moral people within denominations. I was raised in the Presbyterian church. I know this for a fact. However, THEY ARE NOT CHRISTIANS! The Bible describes Cornelius as "a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always" (Acts 10:2). But Cornelius was not saved in his current state! Else why would Peter have had to come to his house and proclaim the gospel--after which Cornelius was baptized and did become a Christian (Acts 10:48)? Or in my own case, if I was saved in my former state of being a Presbyterian, why should I have gone to the trouble of obeying the gospel at age 23? A person may be a fine citizen, who loves his or her family, follows many of the Bible commandments, and goes to a denominational church faithfully, but THEY HAVE NOT OBEYED CHRIST AND ARE NOT CLEANSED BY HIS BLOOD! Unless such people learn and obey the truth, and become members of Christ's church, they will perish in their sins (Luke 13:3)! Salvation is only through Christ (John 14:6), not through a denominational group! He is the vine (John 15:5). We can become His branches if we abide in Him and bear good fruit! One cannot abide in Christ and bear fruit if one is outside of Christ--such are "cast forth" (John 15:6). One cannot obey the truth and abide in denominational error. Jesus said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32).

My Source:

GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT

Volume XIII, Number 48, November 29, 1998

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Author: Anonymous

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HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT YOUR SOUL?

Have you ever stopped to wonder

What this life is all about?

Why you're here, and where you're going,

When your lease on time runs out?

Maybe you've been far too busy,

Trying hard to reach your goal,

Would you let me ask you kindly,

Have you thought about your soul?

You may reach the highest portals,

And your dreams may all come true;

Wealth and fame may be your portion,

And success may shine on you

All your friends may sing your praises,

Not a care on you may roll;

But what about the "great tomorrow,"

Have you thought about your soul?

Don't forget your days are numbered,

Though you may be ridin' high;

But like all of us poor mortals,

Some day you'll just up and die.

Your success, and fame, and glory,

Won't be worth the bell they toll;

Let me ask you just one question,

Have you thought about your soul?

If you've never thought it over,

Spend a little time today;

There is nothing more important

That will ever come your way,

Than the joy of sins forgiven,

And to know you've been made whole;

In the name of Christ, the Savior,

Have you thought about your soul?

My Source:

THE REMINDER

Union Grove church of Christ, Cleveland, TN

September 12, 1999

Author: Roger D. Campbell

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WHAT IS MEANT BY SALVATION?

by Roger D. Campbell

A few days ago the church here received a packet in the mail in which there were a number of tracts and booklets that "The Tract League" (evidently a denominational publishing company) had sent for our consideration. We want to make some observations about one particular tract they sent that is entitled "What Is Meant By Salvation."

First, the outward appearance of the tract is itself pleasing to the eye. There was nothing "tacky" about the quality of the printing, so the tract cannot be faulted for looking shabby. The Lord's church, while striving to work as economically as possible and not waste His money or be extravagant, needs to put out written materials that do not give the impression of being cheap or second rate. On the other hand, the outward appearance of an object or activity does not tell the whole story. Eve seems to have been pleased or impressed with the looks of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but look at the horrible mess she found herself in when she dug into it (Genesis 3)!

Second, the tract in question discusses an important Bible topic. We cannot think of any topic that would be more relevant than "salvation." God sent His Son for our salvation because it is His will that all men be saved (1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Timothy 2:4). It is certainly commendable when people are thinking seriously about the salvation of man's soul. But, we must be careful to note that not everything men say and write about "salvation" is in harmony with the Lord's will.

The tract under consideration has twelve divisions in it. In nine of these there are quotations from the Bible. The people who mailed this literature to us obviously were not ashamed of quoting the word of God.

They certainly cannot be faulted for quoting from the holy word of Jehovah. How interesting and flabbergasting that in marked contrast to that, some of our brethren speak on radio programs or publish bulletins and other periodicals in which the Bible is rarely, if ever mentioned, let alone quoted! However, this word of caution is in order: simply to quote the Bible does not prove that the one who quotes it is saved, nor does it prove that he/she properly interprets it. Satan quoted the Old Testament scriptures when he tempted our Lord in the wilderness (Matthew 4:6; Psalms 91:11), but who wants to credit the tempter with pleasing God or correctly using the word of God?! Remember, there are some who pervert the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9), twisting or wresting the scriptures "unto their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16).

Yes, the tract of which we are speaking, What Is Meant By Salvation, "looks nice" to the physical eye, speaks of a significant topic, and quotes verses from the Bible. But, there is much with this tract, yea very much indeed, that is weighed in the balances and "found wanting" (Daniel 4:27)! One of the quoted passages of Scripture is 1 John 1:8,1 John 1:9, wherein we read, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive

ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." We cannot argue with these statements, for they are the words of the living God. However, it is completely out of place to quote them to a non-Christian and encourage him/her to confess his sins with the hopes that such will cause the Lord to blot out his sins. This is the

very thing that this tract does: it indicates that one who is not a child of God can be saved by confessing his/her sins before the Lord.

It is essential that we understand that the book of 1 John, including the verses which speak of confessing sins, was written to Christians. We easily see this from 1 John 2:12: "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake." Those to whom John wrote this epistle were saved, meaning they were already in Christ. Thus, confession of sins in prayer to God (when coupled with genuine repentance, Acts 8:21-23) is what God calls upon a Christian to do, not one who is out of Christ. In view of this, the tract in question is off the mark, way off the mark, in proposing that one who is unsaved can be cleansed of unrighteousness simply by prayer and confession of sin.

Another problem with this tract is its incomplete information. For example, we are told, "Salvation is a gift, pure and simple. God gives us salvation on the basis of what Jesus Christ has done for us … We receive it by believing." In view of the Scriptures we cannot dispute the fact that salvation is a gift (Ephesians 2:8,Ephesians 2:9). Nor can we argue against the idea that man receives this gift or is justified "by believing" (Romans 5:1). The tract again states, "Those who believe are saved." Is salvation by faith? Absolutely (Ephesians 2:8; Acts 16:31). But here is the problem: this tract, like so many that denominational groups publish, makes it appear that salvation is by "faith only." The Bible clearly declares that a person is not justified by faith only (James 2:24), but by a faith which acts and obeys by love (Galatians 5:6).

Now here is a tract entitled What Is Meant By Salvation, and not one time is repentance mentioned. Of course faith/believing is emphasized in it, but not one word about repentance! We do not suggest that every

tract on every topic must touch on the theme of repentance. However, a tract that is supposed to tell one about salvation and how to be saved from past sins ought to include all the necessary actions, and

repentance is certainly one of them! On the day of Pentecost Peter told the Jews to repent in order to have the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), and Paul preached repentance as a command of God (Acts 17:30). Any

"appeal" to sinners that does not include repentance is not complete.

We could say the same thing about both confession of faith in Jesus and water baptism. According to the New Testament these two are also conditions of salvation for a person who is out of Christ, yet neither of them is anywhere to be found in this tract on "salvation." "… with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:10; cf. Acts 8:37). Who could doubt that confession of faith in God's Son is essential? Baptism is also commanded for those who want to have their sins washed away or be saved (Acts 22:16; Mark 16:16). But again, mention of baptism in this tract is completely absent. So, once more this tract about salvation comes up wanting, incomplete and deceptive. It does not tell God's complete story about what one must do in order to be saved.

Then, and we are not surprised, the tract ends with "the usual." Just what is "the usual?" An appeal to the reader to accept God's gift of salvation and be saved by praying to Jesus. Here it is: "If you are ready to accept this gift, pray this prayer: 'Jesus, I believe that you are the Son of God. I believe that you died on the cross for my sins and that you rose from the dead. You are my salvation. Please wash all my sins away and make me a child of God. I give my life to you today. Amen.'"

Some might be wondering what is wrong with such a prayer. Our answer is "a lot!" First of all, nowhere in the Bible do we ever read that Jesus or His faithful servants ever instructed any person who was not a child of God to pray. We might read of some people praying who were not faithful children of God, but never does the divine record indicate that our Lord or His servants told the unsaved to pray. Secondly, and this is directly to the heart of the matter of salvation, not one time in the New Testament do we read of Jesus or His faithful servants saying that unsaved people ought to pray in order to receive the remission of sins. Not one time! Yet, the so-called "sinner's prayer" (to pray and accept Jesus as one's personal Savior) is used worldwide by various denominational groups. There is just no Scripture to support it, none! Thus, it is not from God, but men (Matthew 21:25). It is the doctrine of men, causing worship to the Lord to be in vain (Mark 7:7). It is false teaching, and false teaching never helped a single person be saved or faithfully serve the Lord God.

The tract that we have briefly reviewed is very similar to scores of others that denominations distribute by the millions. As with so many of them, one of the great dangers in this tract is that it is a mixture of God's truth and the teachings of men. Yes, salvation is a great topic. But, unfortunately the bottom line on the tract under consideration is this:

(1) It leaves out part of God's truth on the subject;

(2) it perverts part of what the Bible says; and

(3) it adds things that men have dreamed up.

As a result we have no choice but to reject this tract and all others like it. Let each of us give diligence to study the Bible so we can be certain of our own salvation, so we can tell others what the word of God says about how to be saved, and so we can detect and refute all false teaching about salvation.

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out in to the world" (1 John 4:1).

-- ganroger@juno.com

There was once a man who didn't believe in God, and he didn't hesitate to let others know how he felt about religion and religious holidays, like Christmas. His wife, however, did believe, and she raised their children to also have faith in God and Jesus, despite his disparaging comments.

One snowy Christmas Eve, his wife was taking their children to a Christmas Eve service in the farm community in which they lived. She asked him to come, but he refused.

"That story is nonsense!" he said. "Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man? That's ridiculous!" So she and the children left, and he stayed home. A while later, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard. As the man looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm.

He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening. Then he heard a loud thump. Something had hit the window. Then another thump. He looked out, but couldn't see more than a few feet. When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to see what could have been beating on his window.

In the field near his house he saw a flock of wild geese. Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the snowstorm and couldn't go on. They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter. They just flapped their wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed.

The man felt sorry for the geese and wanted to help them. The barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought. It's warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm. So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside. But the geese just fluttered around aimlessly and didn't seem to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them.

The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them and they moved further away. He went into the house and came with some bread, broke it up, and made a breadcrumb trail leading to the barn. They still didn't catch on.

Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be warm and safe. "Why don't they follow me?!" he exclaimed. "Can't they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm?" He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn't follow a human. "If only I were a goose, then I could save them," he said out loud.

Then he had an idea. He went into barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese. He then released it. His goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn--and one by one the other geese followed it to safety. He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind: "If only I were a goose, then I could save them!" Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier. "Why would God want to be like us? That's ridiculous!"

Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese--blind, lost, perishing. God had His Son become like us so He could show us the way and save us. That was the meaning of Christmas, he realized.

As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought. Suddenly he understood what Christmas was all about, why Christ had come. Years of doubt and disbelief vanished like the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer: "Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!"

--Author unknown

And although J.I. Packer wrote these words nearly twenty-five years ago, they are a needed reminder of the essential role God plays in all evangelistic endeavors.

"While we must always remember that it is our responsibility to proclaim salvation, we must never forget that it is God who saves. It is God who brings men and women under the sound of the gospel, and it is God who brings them to faith in Christ. Our evangelistic work is the instrument that He uses for this purpose, but the power that saves is not in the instrument: it is in the hand of the One who uses the instrument. We must not at any stage forget that. For if we forget that it is God's prerogative to give results when the gospel is preached, we shall start to think that it is our responsibility to secure them".

-- Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God

See: Jonah 2:9; Romans 9:15-16; Titus 3:4-5

Submitted by:

Pastor Kevin Burden

In 1967 while taking a class in photography at the University of Cincinnati, I became acquainted with a young man named Charles Murray who also was a student at the school and training for the summer Olympics of 1968 as a high diver.

Charles was very patient with me as I would speak to him for hours about Jesus Christ and how He had saved me. Charles was not raised in a home that attended any kind of church, so all that I had to tell him was a fascination to him. He even began to ask questions about forgiveness of sin. Finally the day came that I put a question to him. I asked if he realized his own need of a redeemer and if he was ready to trust Christ as his own Savior. I saw his countenance fall and the guilt in his face. But his reply was a strong "no."

In the days that followed he was quiet and often I felt that he was avoiding me, until I got a phone call and it was Charles. He wanted to know where to look in the New Testament for some verses that I had given him about salvation. I gave him the reference to several passages and asked if I could meet with him. He declined my offer and thanked me for the Scripture. I could tell that he was greatly troubled, but I did not know where he was or how to help him.

Because he was training for the Olympic games, Charles had special privileges at the University pool facilities. Some time between 10:30 and 11:00 that evening he decided to go swim and practice a few dives. It was a clear night in October and the moon was big and bright. The University pool was housed under a ceiling of glass panes so the moon shone bright across the top of the wall in the pool area.

Charles climbed to the highest platform to take his first dive. At that moment the Spirit of God began to convict him of his sins. All the Scripture he had read, all the occasions of witnessing to him about Christ flooded his mind. He stood on the platform backwards to make his dive, spread his arms to gather his balance, looked up to the wall and saw his own shadow caused by the light of the moon. It was the shape of a cross. He could bear the burden of his sin no longer. His heart broke and he sat down on the platform and asked God to forgive him and save him. He trusted Jesus Christ twenty some feet in the air.

Suddenly, the lights in the pool area came on. The attendant had come in to check the pool. As Charles looked down from his platform he saw an empty pool which had been drained for repairs. He had almost plummeted to his death, but the cross had stopped him from disaster.

1 Corinthians 1:18 - "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God".

1. To God be the glory — great things He hath done,

So loved He the world that He gave us His son,

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

And opened the Life-gate that all may come in.

Chorus

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory — great things He hath done.

2. O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood!

To every believer the promise of God;

The vilest offender who truly believes,

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

3. Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,

And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son,

But purer and higher and greater will be

Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

*

1. How I love You!

You are the One!

You are the One!

How I love You!

You are the One for me.

2. I was so lost,

But You showed the way,

‘Cause you are the Way.

I was so lost, but

You showed the way to me.

3. I was lied to,

But You told the truth,

‘Cause you are the Truth.

I was lied to, but

You showed the truth to me.

4. I was dying,

But You gave me life,

‘Cause You are the Life.

I was dying, and

You gave your life for me.

5. How I love You!

You are the One!

You are the One!

How I love You!

You are the One for me.

6. Hallelujah!

You are the One!

You are the One!

Hallelujah!

You are the One for me.

*

I will serve Thee because I love Thee,

You have given life to me;

I was nothing before You found me,

You have given life to me.

Heartaches, broken pieces,

Ruined lives are why You died on Calv'ry;

Your touch was what I longed for,

You have given life to me.

*

1. Jesus my Saviour I rise to praise You;

Jesus my master, to you I bow.

Jesus my Leader, this day I'll follow

Jesus my Captain calling me now.

2. Lord I now listen tuned to Your Spirit;

Lord I am watching looking above.

Lord I am waiting, speak, I will answer,

Lord I am open, filled with Your love.

3. Christ be my conqu'ror, victor in battle,

Christ be my freedom, truth making free.

Christ my provider, bread for today's needs,

Christ be all fulness, overflow me.

4. Son of Salvation, God of all glory,

Fountain of life the wellspring of Joy.

Lord Jesus Christ now King above all Kings,

Your highest praises, I now employ.

5. Glory and honour, praise, adoration,

Wisdom and riches, all majesty;

Strength, pow'r and blessings of all You're worthy,

Jesus the Lamb reigns, eternally.

[Tune “Bunessan” (Morning hath broken)]

*

People need the Lord,

people need the Lord;

At the end of broken dreams,

He's the open Door.

People need the Lord,

people need the Lord;

When will we realize

people need the Lord?

It was 1908 - in the early days of Major League baseball in America. The Chicago Cubs and the New York Giants were battling it out for the National League championship and the opportunity to play in the World Series. New York first baseman Fred Merkle was in position to be a game-winning hero actually. He was on base when a teammate got a hit that would enable Merkle to score. And he thought he had as he crossed home plate. But the Cubs touched second base and claimed that Merkle had missed that base as he was running to score. The umpire ruled that the almost-hero was out at second because he hadn't touched the base. That mistake ultimately cost his team the championship.

Well, I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Missing First Base."

Imagine - you think you've made it home safely, but it turns out you're "out" because you missed a base you failed to touch. That can happen to people when it comes to the "home" that really matters - an eternal home in heaven when we die. There are just too many passages in the Bible that indicate that people who thought they would make it there will be surprised to find that they can't get into heaven.

Matthew 7, for example, portrays a Judgment Day scene when people will remind Jesus of all the Christian things they have done, and He will say, "Depart from Me - I never knew you." Somehow, they missed Christ in the middle of all their Christianity. How does that happen? How can you make sure it doesn't happen to you? You need to make sure that you didn't miss first base as you played the Christian game.

Thomas had been with Jesus, day in and day out for three years. Yet, in spite of being one of Jesus' twelve disciples, he had apparently failed to touch first base. Until he does it in John 20, beginning with verse 26, our word for today from the Word of God. Thomas wasn't there the first time the resurrected Christ appeared to His disciples, and he can't believe Jesus is alive. The second time, Thomas was there and the Bible says "Jesus came and stood among them and He said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.' Thomas said to Him, 'My Lord and my God!'"

That simple, two-letter word can be the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus, between going to heaven and going to hell - "my." There has to be a day when you make the Lord your Lord. When you walk up to that cross and say, "Jesus, for me. What You did on this cross there was for me. And I'm taking by faith what You did here for me." If you know you've done that, it's settled. But if you don't know that you have consciously given yourself to Jesus, you probably haven't. And for all you've done on His field, you've missed touching first base.

But He's brought you this message today because He doesn't want you to miss Him. Tell Jesus, "I'm Yours, beginning right here, beginning right now." You can experience the wonderful relief of finally getting this settled. If you want to belong to Jesus for real, please let me send you the booklet, "Yours For Life." It's all about beginning your personal relationship with Him. Just let me know you want it.

Don't make the awful mistake of failing to touch first base - and then being called out at home.

________________

Copyright © Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc., PO Box 400, Harrison, AR 72602. Used by permission. Written by Ron Hutchcraft. "Practical Answers to Real Life Issues"

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Sin's Deadly Wages

Read: Romans 6:16-23

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. --Romans 6:23

The following story was often told by Charles Haddon Spurgeon: "A cruel king called one of his subjects into his presence and asked him his occupation. The man responded, 'I'm a blacksmith.' The ruler then ordered him to go and make a chain of a certain length.

"The man obeyed, returning after several months to show it to the monarch. Instead of receiving praise for what he had done, however, he was instructed to make the chain twice as long.

"When that assignment was completed, the blacksmith presented his work to the king, but again was commanded, 'Go back and double its length!' This procedure was repeated several times. At last the wicked tyrant directed the man to be bound in the chains of his own making and cast into a fiery furnace."

Like that cruel king, sin exacts from its servants a dreadful price: "The wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23). But the good news is the last part of that verse: "The gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." If you are not a Christian, consider the consequence of your sin. Then "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31). --RWD

Lord, give me courage to confess,

To bare my sinful heart to Thee;

Forgiving love You long to show

And from my sin to set me free. --DJD

To get to heaven, it's who you know that counts!

Salvation or Eternity (Third Place Winner, additional 12 month subscription

w/sermons)

You can not read the article that appeared in The Atlanta Journal (AP

story, June 5, 1997, "$5 Million Mistake") without feeling some remorse for

Clarence Jackson. "The clock struck midnight and Clarence Jackson didn't turn

into a millionaire." Jackson who is 24 works in a small cleaning business in

Hartford, Connecticut to help support his elderly parents. He won the

Connecticut Lotto jackpot in October, 1995. It was worth 5.8 million dollars. He

submitted the ticket three days after the one year deadline. He had given the

ticket to his ailing father and didn't realize it was a winner until fifteen

minutes before the deadline. He didn't know he could verify the ticket at his

local lotto dealer. Instead he waited until Monday to redeem the ticket at lotto

headquarters. It was too late. The Connecticut House of Representatives voted

82-63 to award Jackson the money. Senator Alvin Penn refused to allow the bill

to come to the floor of the Senate and thus the bill died. Representative

Michael Lawlor said, "Give the guy the money.... You say we can't change the

rules. That's all we do here is change the rules! We're the Legislature."

Jackson left the Connecticut State Capitol a dejected man.

1. Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

Sing, O earth – His wonderful love proclaim!

Hail Him! hail Him! highest archangels in glory,

Strength and honour give to His holy name!

Like a shepherd Jesus will guard His children –

In His arms He carries them all day long:

Chorus

Praise Him! Praise Him! tell of His excellent greatness!

Praise Him! Praise Him! ever in joyful song!

2. Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

For our sins He suffered and bled and died;

He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation,

Hail Him! hail Him! Jesus the Crucified.

Sound His praises – Jesus who bore our sorrows –

Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong:

3. Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring!

Jesus, Saviour, reigneth for ever and ever,

Crown Him! crown Him! Prophet and Priest and King!

Christ is coming, over the world victorious –

Pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong:

When D. L. Moody was asked what he thought of Spurgeon, he said:

“He is a perpetual stream of Christian sunlight. One Sunday morning in London,” continued Mr. Moody, “Spurgeon said to me, just before he commenced his sermon: ‘Moody, I want you to notice that family there in one of the front seats, and when we go horne I want to tell you their story.'

“When we got home,” said Moody, “I asked him for the story, and he said: ‘All that family were won by a smile.'

“‘Why,' said I, ‘how's that?'

“‘Well,' said he, ‘as I was walking down a street one day, I saw a child at a window; the child smiled, and I smiled, and we bowed. It was the same the second time; I bowed, she bowed. It was not long before there was another child, and I had got in the habit of looking and bowing, and pretty soon the group grew, and at last, as I went by, a lady was with them. I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to bow to her, but I knew all the children expected it, and so bowed to them all. And the mother saw that I was a minister, because I carried a Bible every Sunday morning. So the children followed me the next Sunday and found I was a minister. And they thought I was the greatest preacher, and their parents must hear me. A minister who is kind to a child and gives him a pat on the head, why, the children will think he is the greatest preacher in the world. Kindness goes a great way. And finally, the father and mother and five children were converted, and they are going to join our church next Sunday.'

“Won to Christ by a smile!” said Moody. “We must get the wrinkles out of our brows, and we must have smiling faces, if we want to succeed in our work of love.”

*

"Without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Christianity is about as nourishing as pre-chewed sawdust," declared Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President R. Philip Roberts.

Referring to the Great Awakening, Roberts noted that some ministers had resisted the movement. Roberts then warned of an even greater danger to God's kingdom: "the danger of being unconverted while in the ministry."

"The threat and calamity that such an awful state poses, not just for the general populace, but for the one who is seemingly called of God and perhaps is ready to embark on the adventures of theological education, or is even now in the midst of it, is indeed horrible and awful," Roberts said.

He then posed the question, "Are you saved and are you sure?"

Roberts said he was less concerned with offending someone who was present than that someone present "might learn all of the fine points of ministry and miss the most important point. And that is that the Christian life is involved with knowing Jesus Christ personally and walking with him on a daily basis."

Roberts said his concern was heightened by recent statistics indicating that less than half of the reported 16 million Southern Baptists attend church on Sunday morning. "If half of our convention cared enough about the holy Lamb of God to get out of bed and show up for church on Sunday morning, there would not be enough room in our churches to contain them. In fact, most of our members are what we might call seventh-day horizontalists."

Quoting the research of George Barna, Roberts noted, "Only 43 percent of those who call themselves Baptists agree with the proposition that a person is saved by grace, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and not by works. Of those who call themselves Baptists, 66 percent do not believe in a personal devil. But more important than surveys and reports are the words of Jesus Christ himself recorded in Matthew 7:21-23. Not everyone who calls Jesus Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven and many will say they have done great works, but Jesus will say that he never knew them."

Roberts reminded his audience that the Bible calls for the believer to examine his or her faith. He cited 2 Corinthians 13:5 and 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 as but two examples. "Jesus makes a statement, indeed a prophecy, that a day will come when many -- did you get that -- will come to him and say, 'Lord, Lord.' And he says that they will come with a tally of what they had done in his name. But they will be disappointed."

Those ones in Matthew 7 who called Jesus "Lord" had made a proper confession in at least two ways, Roberts said. After quoting Romans 10:9-10, Roberts noted the importance of acknowledging Jesus as Lord. "There are always three elements of a saving confession. And on two counts this crowd was correct." He described the audible confession as also being an acknowledged or public confession. "It was made before men," he said, "but if that is as far as your confession goes, it is not far enough."

"Not only did they make a great confession, they had executed a glorious conduct," Roberts continued. "They could drum up statistics as to how God had used their ministry. When Jesus said that he did not know them, they responded in protest and pointed out that they had prophesied in his name, cast out demons in his name and done many wonders in his name. It seems they were busy about preaching," Roberts said. "Is it possible that one can preach from this inerrant Book and miss its message?"

As an answer to his question, Roberts related how after a revival service a retired minister came to him and asked the same question. "There on our knees in the pastor's study that night, the retired minister gave his heart to Jesus Christ."

Roberts also noted that it is possible for one to exercise great gifts and still not know Christ as Savior. He offered Judas as a prime example, noting that he was probably among the 70 who went out and cast out demons in the name of Jesus. "And, according to the Bible, the priests of Egypt did miracles. Jesus warned that a day would come when false prophets and false christs would arise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect," Roberts said.

"Why say all of this? Because possibly there is someone out there saying to themselves, 'I have taught or I teach Sunday school. I taught Bible school. I have been on a mission trip. I am licensed to preach. I am ordained. I am going to school here.' And yet, could it be possible that you do not have a personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ?"

Roberts added, "Let me say to you today that the most dangerous cult in America is not located in Salt Lake City or Brooklyn, N.Y., or Clearwater, Fla. Rather, the most dangerous false religious movement in America today is organized, social, cultural, traditional Christianity that emphasizes all the good things about the faith but misses the point. And that point is that we must know and own Jesus Christ as our own personal Lord and Savior. Without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Christianity is about as nourishing as pre- chewed sawdust."

Reflecting on the day of judgment, Roberts observed, "What a sad conclusion, what a horrific conclusion, that here they were expecting to hear, 'Well done thou good and faithful servant,' and hear instead, 'Depart from me you workers of iniquity, I never knew you.'"

Questioning how this could happen, Roberts asked, "How can half of our people not care enough to worship the Lamb of God on Sunday morning? It has to do with the third element of a saving confession. The missing ingredient to a biblical confession, in addition to it being audible and acknowledged, is that it must be authentic."

Roberts noted it is possible to make an inauthentic confession when someone is encouraged to just join the church by his parents, his teacher or his pastor instead of being encouraged to accept Christ. Walking the aisle and getting baptized is not authentic salvation, he said. "Salvation is the result of faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Confession should be the result of the convicting power and work of the Holy Spirit. And that conviction is that I am a great sinner and Jesus is the great Savior. Confession is authentic when it is induced by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit."

After extending an opportunity for "anyone and everyone who was unsure of his or her salvation" to come forward, Roberts closed the invitation. "I have to say that I am glad that this was one invitation I have given to which no one responded."

1. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,

Calling for you and for me;

See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,

Watching for you and for me.

Chorus

Come home, come home;

Ye who are weary come home;

Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,

Calling, O sinner, come home!

2. Why should we tary when Jesus is pleading,

Pleading for you and for me?

Why should we linger and heed not His mercies,

Mercies for you and for me?

3. Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,

Passing from you and from me;

Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,

Coming for you and for me.

4. O for the wonderful love He has promised,

Promised for you and for me!

Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,

Pardon for you and for me.

*

A visitor approached the preacher after listening to his sermons on the necessity of receiving Christ as Savior.

The man said he thought that Christianity should limit itself in presenting Christ as our example whom we should follow.

The preacher turned to the visitor and said, "If I were to preach Christ as our example, would you follow His example?"

"Why not?" was the flippant answer.

The preacher thought for a moment and said, "Okay, let us think then of some of the things that Jesus did and did not do. One of the things that is said of Him is that He did not sin. Can you take that step and follow His example in doing no sin?"

"No, I must be very honest about myself, I do sin."

The preacher then answered: "It is impossible then to follow Jesus unless you first make Him your Savior. It is He who must live in you so that you can say 'For me to live is Christ.'"

Jesus came into the world not to set an example for us, but to become our Savior. It is only as we receive Him that we are able to follow Him because He indwells us.

There was a conversation between the great artists Renoir and Matisse.

At the time, Matisse was Renoir's young student. Renoir suffered from terrible arthritis. It was very painful for him to paint. He had to hold his brush between his thumb and index finger. And as he painted, students often heard him crying out in pain. On one such occasion, Matisse asked the old master, "Why do you go on if it hurts so much?"

And Renoir answered, "The pain passes, but the beauty remains."

1. I know not why God’s wondrous grace

To me he hath made known,

Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love

Redeemed me for His own.

Chorus

But I know whom I have believed,

And am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I’ve committed

Unto Him against that day.

2. I know not how this saving faith

To me He did impart,

Nor how believing in His word

Wrought peace within my heart.

3. I know not how the Spirit moves,

Convincing us of sin,

Revealing Jesus through the Word,

Creating faith in Him.

4. I know not what of good or ill

May be reserved for me,

Of wary ways or golden days,

Before His face I see.

5. I know not when my Lord may come,

At night or noonday fair,

Nor if I walk the vale with Him,

Or meet Him in the air.

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