Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1)
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1) We are in perilous times. The Bible tells us that not everyone who proclaims the name of Jesus, is truly sent of God. There are many preachers in this age that are presenting a gospel that is not of God. Preachers who focus on Money and wealth, while neglecting sin and Hell. There are some who are teaching that we need to remove Crosses, not preach on sin, and come together with Islam. Those who say there is no Hell, and that all will go to heaven. WOW! So what do we do? Our first defense is knowing the word of God! Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11). Ever question we need answered about our faith is written in the Bible. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; (2 Timothy 3:16). Our other Defense against False teachings is Prayer! The Holy Spirit gives us discernment and warning. If something just does not feel right in your spirit, chances are that the Holy Spirit is giving you a warning! Take it to the Lord in prayer, and ask him to guide you.
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8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 New King James Version) (NKJV) Sometimes it just seems like God isn't there! There is trouble brewing.....Where is he? What is he doing? Has he abandoned me? Does he even care? If he is God, why is he allowing this to happen? Sound Familiar? We have all been there at one time or another. So then why does God allow us to screw up and make poor choices? Whey does he allow those trials and "thorns in our side" to go on for what seems like forever? When things are going great.......when we are prospering at work, the family is doing well, we have a strong group of friends....... We don't seem to need God. Ever had those times when Life is so crazy busy that you seem to have less and less time for God? Or when you are making money, paying the bills, and have lots left over for fun, you don't need to rely on God to supply your needs. When you have lots of friends, and are having fun, you don't seem to need to talk to God as much. Sometimes God allows these things to go, to prove that we NEED him, that we LOVE him, and to remind us that it is only when we are fully abiding in him that we are truly successful.....for HIS glory rather than ours! When things are less than ideal, and the world is crumbling around us, and we are persecuted and lonely, we will run to God, and spend time with him. It is in those times of trouble and weakness that we allow God to take control, and really shine in our lives. It is during these times that the POWER of God is shown, and when things change and improve, it brings glory to HIM! So when things aren't going right, and the chips are down....Turn back to God, give up your control of life, so that HE can shine! For when we are weak, truly we are strong! But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 New International Version (NIV) Just as I am. It's such a strong statement. So many people think that they need to take care of their faults and sins BEFORE they can come to God. But God clearly Died for us, and shed his blood while we were still unworthy. The change that happens in us (beating addictions,depression,habits) is a change that is initiated by God through his Holy Spirit, not by our vain efforts. When a person, in his sin, decides that he has had enough of the way he is living, and has Godly Sorrow (repentance), and accepts Christ, the process Begins. Jesus described the process of Salvation this way, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (John 3;3). Being Born again means death to the old person, and the birth of the new creation in Christ. Just as in our physical birth and development, it is a process. We learn to walk, to talk, and how to behave, and in the process we fall, babble and get consequences for bad behavior. Our spiritual life is the same. Some problems God may deliver you from immediately, and some things may be a process to change. But the journey creates Godly character through Trials and tribulation. Bob stood on the corner by the Bus stop. For over 20 years, he stood in the same spot, handing out Gospel tracts to everyone who passed by. Bob was shy man. He never preached or prayed with anyone to receive the Lord, he just passed out his tracts faithfully.
In his later years, Bob became very ill. On his death bed, he told his wife how ashamed he was of himself. For years, so many people had crossed his path, but he never saw a soul come to know Christ . Later in that week he received a visit from a man he did not recognize. The man introduced himself as was a missionary to South America. He spoke to Bob about the miracles he has seen in South America, and the thousands of people who had come to know Jesus. Bob appreciated his work, and communicated to the man that he wished he has made such a contribution to the kingdom. The missionary told Bob that he had visited him today because he heard about his medical condition. He told Bob that when he was a teenager, he was lost and ready to commit suicide, but he received a tract from Bob. He went on to say how he read that tract that night, and gave his life to Jesus. He hugged Bob and thanked him for his service. A short while later, Bob passed away. At his funeral were many people who came to pay respects to the man, from whose tireless efforts, provided the word of God, which convicted many to be saved. God's word is powerful. The scriptures tell us that, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:26). Even if you are shy, or have trouble speaking to others, you can still contribute to the great commission. The word of God is powerful to convict, and even through a tract (booklet or pamphlet containing the gospel message) God can convict and lead people to himself. Here are some ideas, on how to effectively use Tracts: 1. leave tracts in places that people will find them, such as Bus Stops, seats in a movie theatre, Restrooms, park benches, Newspaper vending machines, Grocery stores, Mall benches, or anywhere there is traffic. 2. Find a busy street, or transit station and hand them out to people who pass by. 3. At restaurants, Leave a tracts for your server (make sure you leave a good tip with it) 4. Include tracts in business and personal letters, bill payments, or in books you loan to friends. 5. Give tracts to people at Fast food drive thru windows. These are just a few suggestions, we welcome your comments and stories of how you have effectively used tracts! No man can come to me, except the Father which has sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:44)
One pitfall many people fall into when sharing their faith, is their reliance on themselves and their words. We often forget that well formulated arguments and eloquent speeches do not bring people to God, it is the Holy Spirit that does the work and draws all men unto God. |
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