Key to Evangelism

The Key to Evangelism is the exaltation of Jesus Christ. So why do so many people expend energy toward sharing a "fail-safe" message that meets a human standard or expectation. To be clear, I'm thinking about the sinners prayer. In these days, the sinner's prayer is practically a holy grail. Lifted up high and to a religious "don't touch that one" status.

But why not examine our ways of doing evangelism? Scripture tells us to examine ourselves in order to see if we are living in the way (2 Corinthians 13: 5).

Take a closer look. Have you ever thought "if you just say these words of the sinners prayer, then you shall be saved." Yet rather than having any real power to save - which comes through Jesus Christ alone - these words were written by a modern day man and only provide fleeting comfort to the one trying to evangelize. For there is a real temptation placed upon every young evangelist to rely heavily upon these words alone and to enjoy the usefulness of this evangelistic tool simply because "success" is alluring.

In growing up into Christ, here is what I see:

1). The effective presentation of the sinner's prayer has become an objective means by which we - mere mortals - use to count our own achievements in performing this seemingly difficult task of evangelism. By example I will confess my own sin in this grievous way. For I have repeatedly thought "I have heard her say the sinner's prayer in my own hearing; I even led her in the prayer that day, therefore I have won one!" Plain and simple, this is our sinful nature rearing it's ugly head (as in pride) when we credit the winning of a precious soul to our own personal account. It's equivalent to sharing in God's glory that is due to him alone. And are we not told repeatedly, over and over, again and again, that salvation belongs to God. Yes! It is God who brings the growth, performs the miracle and does the good work.

2). The act of leading another person in the sinner's prayer such as saying "repeat after me" in parrot-like repetition causes the evangelist to instantly relax and be tempted to think "my work is finished" even though there still remains a great commission to go and make disciples. And the truth is there really is something more to be done such as walk in fellowship together and not send them out on their own (they are like baby birds needing protection, nourishment, and teaching on how to soar above the things of this world etc).

3). Any evangelistic training which relies on the sinner's prayer rather than the Holy Spirit to do his work is at risk for raising up ill-prepared evangelists. For they do not come prepared or armed with anything more. So the bottom line is this: it may be that a once useful tool has become a hindrance for us in cooperating with the creative work of the Spirit.

4). The thrust of our message should be a clarion call to repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Our story is explaining God's original and perfect plan to make a people for himself, the greatness of his love by sending his only begotten Son as an atonement for sin, and the finished work of our redemption won through Christ's victory on the cross.

Therefore, take time to ask the Lord what he wants to do in and through you this day. Don't look back. Press forward. . . and let's together recommit ourselves to cling to the cross (not a mere earthly crutch) to help us do the work to which we have been called.

Go ahead now. Use your own words and I'll use mine . . . the words the Holy Spirit places on our individual hearts that he wants to hear.

The author's personal reminder note: There really is a big difference between pleading another to "just say the sinner's prayer and you'll be saved" and clearly speaking the truth, such as boldly proclaiming "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." It is Christ who saves and not a prayer.

Joy

Galatians 5: 22-23
By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

Plain and simple: Joy is a fruit. . . it must be grown.

So let me help you understand. Joy, like all the other fruit, is grown from a small seed which is the Word of God (Mark 4: 14). It must be planted in the soil of your heart (Luke 8: 15) and then watered from heaven either by a direct downpour or some gentle teaching (Deuteronomy 32: 2) so that the roots go down deep. Then, at the appointed time, a tree will spring forth and grow. Wow! a miracle because it issues forth from God's design and exists only because of his "doing" (1 Corinthians 3: 7). He gives it life by placing his Spirit within (2 Corinthians 3: 6). Do you see? It is fruit of the Spirit. The fruit comes from Him (that is, God the Holy Spirit), and by no other means. And when the sun shines down on us because Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, and his Righteousness is lifted high like the noonday sun in our lives, our fruit begins to ripen.

So 'Yes' there is a purpose because his fruit is meant for sharing. . . . so that others may taste and see that the Lord is good! . . . and more seeds may be planted.

Aha! I'm back to Evangelism and nothing less.

Psalm 1: 1 - 3
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.

There's Something More

I can't stop thinking about the human spirit which yearns for something more. This plea is inside every human being. It's apparent in the world. It's prevalent inside all the church walls. There's no getting around it except by faith.

So I ponder this conundrum:

Why is it? . . . while many christian workers speak of a God-shape vacuum inside of us that nothing else can fill or fit, and therefore we must ask God for help; yet it remains that so many believers in Jesus Christ still yearn for something more.

My thoughts are these:

Though like a student who already knows the material I have bold confidence. I can pass this test for I read the text, studied it, memorized it, etc... I have also practiced writing down the perfect answer to any open-ended question.

Likewise, in a similar vein, I have found that valuable mainstream publishers always provide help or companion materials authored by little known individuals. They write lesson plans, examples, and answer keys to go along with their textbooks so that professors may read it, possibly use it, share it, and print it.

Yet God has done better. He is the author and perfector of our faith. He has given us something more!!

Listen to his text, study it, examine it, memorize it:

• "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever (John 14: 15 - 16).
• I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you (John 14: 18).
• Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them (John 14: 23).
  
• But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you (John 14: 26).

So the answer has already been given.

The Master is now patiently waiting for you . . . perhaps even silent and perfectly still . . . waiting . . . waiting for you . . . waiting for you to ask him for something more.

As a teaching assistant:

Let me shine some light to help expose the underlying problem of this conundrum. The conundrum is promulgated by unbelief.

Do you see it now? The question is related to your beliefs about God's own character. Do you believe what the world says? Either 'He is a harsh taskmaster with too many laws to obey' and 'He punishes' or Do you believe what God says? "I Am Who I Am" and he is "Our Father - Daddy God - who abounds in steadfast love and mercy." Both can not be true.

Therefore, I shall conclude that our belief - or unbelief - determines our response to him.

Supplementary Reading

‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’ Luke 11: 9 - 13 Ask for God's good gift of the Holy Spirit

‘Why do you call me “Lord, Lord”, and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who (1) comes to me, (2) hears my words, and (3) acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.’ Luke 6: 46 - 49 Take Action based upon his words.

The Master is now patiently waiting for you . . . perhaps even silent and perfectly still . . . waiting . . . waiting for you . . . waiting for you to ask him for something more.

Our Christian Heritage

The heritage of the saints is no small matter. It is truly great.

Although we may be called to good in the seemingly little (like give a cup of water), we are called to do great feats as ambassadors of Christ - we represent the King of Kings, we speak on his behalf, we offer his hospitality, we model his way of love, and we stand for his government here on earth. We are to bring the good news, not simply good intentions, whereever we place our feet; whether this be at home or on foreign soil.

So good intentions are not enough. We must be faithful to the task. . . in the little and in the knowing of the greatness of our God and of his Kingdom.

WARNING: There is a coming judgment of the Nations !

Matthew 25: 31 - 46
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' Then he will say tho those at his left hand, 'You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

To which kingdom do you belong? God's or the world. Sheep or the goats. On the right hand of God or the left. Blessed or accursed. Those who do or those who don't (incl. those with some good intentions).

This teaching is hard!
. . . so iMustAsk myself about today:

am I offering the excuse I meant to call you?

Sacred Moments

Because God is Holy Holy Holy there really is a sacred moment of sharing in Christ's sufferings every time a believer ministers directly unto the LORD.

To begin: It is like when you bind the wound of another, you are doing it unto him through a physical act of love (Matt 25: 40). So too when you find a tangible way to help bear the burdens of another in love (1 Cor 13: 7), you are participating in bringing forth God's plan and purposes in their life. Rightly so, these physical-tangible deeds are noteable ways in which we may seek to fulfill God's commandments to actively love Him and to love others too (Matt 22: 37 - 40). Accordingly, we should ascribe greatness to his name because he daily grants to every human being an opportunity to show their love for him and others.

To continue: There is a lesser known privilege granted to the saints who love God first, above all else: that is to physically and tangibly suffer for the LORD (Phil 1.29). Yes, it is power of God at work inside them to willingly suffer on his behalf. This is no small feat inside the kingdom of God but born out of a great love for him, a genuine gratitude for his sacrifice, and a thankful heart for the gift of substitutionary atonement.

To explain: It is Jesus who suffered and died. He literally bore on his body all our sin, transgressions, pain, afflictions and disease (Isaiah 53: 3 - 5) in a physical-tangible way. On top of that he holds first hand knowledge of all our personal woes for he was despised, scarred, scared, scorned, rejected and more. How else can it be other than his act of substitutionary atonement deserves all praise, his perfect love demands our affections, and his wounds our tender human attentions. Therefore, let us not deny his personal need in this hour by turning a blind eye to his sufferings or deaf our ears to his cry Why have you forsaken me? . . . Ah! Do you hear the hammer even now, nailing his precious hand to the cross? I do hear that resounding throng of a hammer pound. It is nothing less than a direct blood-shedding blow taken on my behalf. Do you see him hanging on the cross with eyes of sorrow and his head hung low? I sometimes do when others are around reveling in lesser glories of mere human success. Quite truthfully he longs and patiently waits for my silent fellowship with him alone.

To encourage: Go ahead and take another sacred step forward. Go directly to him. Cast your eyes upon him for a sacred moment alone . . . you'll find hind in the Holy of Holies and just past the veil of focusing on temporal things. It's your calling, your walk of faith, and your heritage to minister directly to the LORD.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2: 9

To commission: Now go forth knowing Jesus Christ paid the price for you (Rom 5: 8). Nothing can separate you from the love of God and loving him (Rom 8: 35 - 39). Like the priests who have gone on before, you are invited to enter into the Holy of Holies and minister unto him. He likes to hear your praise and your small voice reminding him of what he has already done. Speak the truth in love to others. Speak the truth in love to Him -- for this sacred moment is hidden in Christ and meant to be found.

Short Course on Intercession

Biblical Text: Genesis 26 - 36
Main Character: 'the supplanter'.

His story goes something like this:
Jacob, when young, took advantage of his brother.
He crafted 'such a deal!' not to look like a steal, but instead of giving to others he chose to grab at a chance to make some wealth for himself.
The hidden cost was priceless; something money can't buy.
Something God calls precious; plus what is true and wise?
The way of brotherly love.

Don't you see the 'poor'[-idge] intentions had he?

1. Desiring wealth over love.

Don't you see what is hidden?

1. He gained earthly goods but lost brotherly love.
2. He got rich but it cost him everything; becoming emotionally broke.
3. He found wealth but lost relationship.

So What Now? I need my God to intervene.

Begin with Confession

Forgive me Lord for deceiving others. Forgive me Lord for lies. Forgive me Lord for seeking my own advantage. Forgive me Lord for greed. Forgive me Lord for hating my brother. Forgive me Lord for fearing for my own life!

2 Chronicles 7: 14
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Follow a Truly Reformed Model of Pleading Prayer
Pray God's spoken word to you; speak aloud his guidance and clear direction. Humble yourself before him and tell of all his mighty deeds. Seek the Lord and make plain your requests. Remind God (and yourself) of his good promises.

• He is faithful to bring it to completion.
• He is not a liar.
• Every word of God proves true.

Genesis 32: 9 - 12

And Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O LORD who said to me,'Return to your country and to your kindred, and I will do you good,' I am not worthy of the least of all the steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan; and now I have become two companies. Deliver me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I am afraid of him; he may come and kill us all, the mothers with the children. Yet you have said, 'I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted because of their number.'"

What happens at His Feet

At the feet of Jesus Christ there is wholeness. . . and at the feet of Jesus Christ there is healing. These are bold and trustworthy statements. Do you believe them?

Read the stories of healing found in Luke 8: 40 -56 and Matthew 15: 21 – 28. Take note that the first two individuals mentioned fell at Jesus’ feet and the third, a Caananite woman, came and knelt before him.

Why did these individuals humble themselves at his feet? Clearly at this point in time they recognized Jesus for who he is, the Son of God. With this revelation they placed their full trust in him. Moreover, it is through their actions that they acknowledge his Divine authority and show him the honor and respect due.

What did they find at Jesus’ feet? The answer is simple, yet multi-faceted. They received spiritual blessing and wholeness (i.e. the strengthening of their faith); physical healing; and they heard the words of Christ. Do you see, or has it been hidden from you, that when we fall at the feet of Jesus we are renewed by the very word of God? This is not new! (Hebrews 13:8). When Moses came into His Presence (e.g. into the tent of meeting) he spoke with God. . . this same intimate relationship with God is available to us today. In fact, the curtain has been torn for this purpose (Luke 23: 45). Christ’s life, death, and resurrection is our invitation. Through Christ we are invited to come before our King.

So the question is: Will you come into his presence, acknowledge him as King, and listen for his voice? It is there at his feet that we receive his spoken word to us which leads to the life abundant Jesus promised his followers.

What a wonderful promise we have in Isaiah 55: 11 that God’s word is totally trustworthy and true at all times.

"So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

What is his word to us today? Do you long to hear the words “Samuel, Samuel” spoken by Christ himself. God does have a plan.

The Invitation is forever printed in black and white:

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Four Words that Divide

With great power to separate evil from good Jesus spoke four simple words: I am the Gate (read John 10.7 through 10.19!).

These four small words are sharp and to the point, dividing falsehood from truth. In the most definitive terms, there is no other way to salvation except through Jesus Christ.

We as humans may also choose to freely speak with power: I will follow you. When spoken, and without a doubt, these four little words draw a clear demarcation upon the sands of time. There is no fence to sit upon. These four spirit-filled words put you immediately on the front line of battle.

Either you are for, or against, Jesus Christ?

Listen again to the words of Jesus Christ: "My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they FOLLOW ME. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish." (John 10. 27 - 28).

These are:
Words of wisdom.
Words of intimacy.
Words of promise.
Words of warning.

Four simple words that divide. Four small words that lead to full surrender.

Go ahead. Confirm your walk with a forward (i.e., a four word) press toward the prize of Christ Jesus (Philippians 3.14) and speak, pray, sing, text, blog, or paint a spirit-filled expression of love for Him: I will follow you.

Sight

So spiritual and physical sight comes straight from the hand of God. Both are good gifts. One temporal. One eternal.

We need Christ to see. He gives sight to the blind. He reveals that which is hidden (including his glory).

Matthew 11: 27
All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

Do you want to know more?

Come to him.

Matthew 11: 28-30
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy , and my burden is light."

John 8: 31b-32
"if you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

Isaiah 48: 6
You have heard; now see all this; from this time forward I make you hear new things, hidden things that you have not known.

Most Precious and Crushed

Crushed Rose Petals are used for the most expensive perfumes.

So while a full bloom rose is deemed beautiful, this is not the end for some. Some flowers are saved to be crushed . . . like a redeeming act of God.

At first glance, it seems like a precious, beautiful, delicate, living thing is utterly destroyed; however, this is not an ordinary affair. The one crushed becomes a useful treasure for the king and the rose is considered nothing short of being highly-esteemed, -valued, -desirable, -prized, and ultimately called “most precious.”

Do you see the parallel?

When a life is poured out it becomes a pleasing fragrance for the King of Kings.

An Example

Pure Nard was used to anoint Messiah. Like a crushed beautiful rose, it flowed from the passionate love Mary had for her Savior (see Mark 14: 3 – 9; Matthew 26: 6 - 13). . . and how much more it flowed from the veins of Jesus Christ in passionate love for his people.

In plain speech, our model is JESUS CHRIST. He showed us how to live and how to die. He willing gave up his life and submitted himself to the will of the Father (Isaiah 53: 10); choosing to be crushed and crucified (not obliged).

This not only represents a costly gift of love, it is LOVE.

Homework

Come close and gaze at the Beautiful and Most Precious Rose

It is He who shed his blood and rose.

Conquering death. A mighty feat.

Such Victory!

Our Scripture Reading:

Isaiah 53: 4 -5; 12

4 Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed . . . 12 Therefore I will allot him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Our Victory Song:

Jesus Christ poured out for the remission of sin!

Our Battle Charge:

Ephesians 5: 1 – 2

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Additional reading: 2 Corinthians 2: 14 – 17.

What a Difference a Word Makes

1 Chronicles 19: 1 – 5

¹ Some time afterward, King Nahash of the Ammonites died, and his son succeeded him. ² David said, “I will deal loyally with Hanun son of Nahash, for his father dealt loyally with me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. When David’s servants came to Hanun in the land of the Ammonites, to console him, ³ the officials of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Do you think, because David has sent consolers to you, that he is honoring your father? Have not his servants come to you to search and to overthrow and to spy out the land?” ⁴ So Hanun seized David’s servants, shaved them, cut off their garments in the middle at their hips, and sent them away; ⁵ and they departed. When David was told about the men, he sent messengers to them, for they felt greatly humiliated. The king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.” (emphasis mine)

Much like the passage found above, I am asking you to take a closer look at the path embarked upon when one person exposes another in an unloving manner. Do you see how a single negative word from a naysayer can expose underlying fear, thereby increasing the likelihood of lashing out? Or likewise, how easily an ‘exposed’ and offended person suffers emotional trauma?

It does not matter whether this unloving and highly-personal exposure is done with malice, by force or is purely accidental in nature. The result is the same. Humans experience acute humiliation when their flesh is exposed, made to be an example (for all to see) or simply disgraced by the hint of scandal. Since we are made of flesh and blood we can not avoid it. This path is taken regardless of whether the exposing is purely physical in nature (as seen in scripture above) or spiritually-speaking as an uncovering of our sinful, flesh-filled ways (seen in the Book of Genesis).

The primary purpose of this teaching, however, is not to depress but to help lift you up through the proclamation of the Good News. You have been bought with a price, redeemed and chosen through Jesus Christ. God’s grace has been extended to you. Jesus, the very Lamb of God, shed his blood. Without blemish he became a perfect offering for our sin. He was a man of suffering. He was despised and rejected on our behalf in order that we might be adopted as the sons and daughters of God.

Hear the word of the Lord:

Ephesians 1: 7

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.

He lavished his Love on us. Now, Let us rejoice!

The secondary purpose of this teaching is to gently remind me of the reason why Christians, should practice the discipline of extending great grace. Look at King David’s response. In a Christ-like manner King David responded with kindness and gentleness allowing the injured to have time to heal. While these two fruits of the Spirit are some of the most under-rated (or least tasted) ways in the church today, they are given to us for a purpose: to assist in the giving of new life to others.

Made in the image of their creator, the fruits of the Spirit are life-giving fruits.

With God’s help we are called to do the same. . . so let us be doers of the Word (James 1: 22) ; choose to crucify our flesh (Galatians 5: 22 – 25); and become first responders in times of fear, shame, humiliation and personal offense.

Our weapons are not of this world (Ephesians 6: 10 – 20). Come armed with the Word of God.

Matthew 5: 44

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (emphasis mine)

At His Feet

At the end of the age, at his feet we will be. No one, not a single person will be left standing. For every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Isaiah 45: 23; Philippians 2: 9-11; Romans14: 11). The Bible is clear that Jesus Christ is to receive honor and glory and power . . . and the twenty four elders fall before the one who is seated on the throne and worship the one who lives forever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing (Revelation 4: 10 -11).

To what extent do you grasp the true meaning of these actions? In the context of our American culture we have no comparable experience. We only understand in part. In theory we understand that when one goes before an emperor or king there is a protocol to be followed, but we don’t have an emperor or king. We also say the words that “honor is due” to those in authority over us, but we retain the right to argue with them. So how do we begin to learn to show true honor to our Coming King of Glory?

Christian Dalits of India can help teach us by their example. From the very beginning, at their moment of birth, these Dalit people are not considered worthy of being touched. Their fellow countrymen will not even place them in a human caste system and as their name suggests they are labeled “untouchables.” In fact, the mere touching of an “untouchable” has been prohibited over the centuries and every human dignity has been denied them. But by the grace of God, those Dalits who experience new birth through Jesus Christ are now learning what it means to give honor and respect. How? By the touching of feet. They do not go around touching everybody’s feet, but the feet of one’s elders (as in the leaders of the church) and those whom one genuinely respects. It is a deliberate act and within their faith community they find opportunities to provide believers and leaders with this dignity.

Do you personally find opportunities to show outward signs of your respect to the Coming King? Are you able to humble yourself? Do you get down low enough? (e.g. on your knees) Will you touch the foot of another? Jesus did. Read John 13: 1 – 11. Jesus not only got on his knees but he also washed the feet of his disciples. He did this in a manner of servitude, showing by example, and thereby prepared his disciples to do the same.

Will you touch the feet of the Coming King? Will you give him the honor and respect that is due? Will you humble yourself and touch the feet of Christ through a washing of the feet of your brother or sister in Christ? Don’t you see? Christ lives in them, and what you do to one of them you do for him (see Matthew 25: 31 – 46).

Now go forth treasuring these words in your heart: But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves (James 1: 22).

Before I was humbled I went astray,

but now I keep your word.

Psalm 119: 67

Keep His Commandments and Live!!

Proverbs 4: 10 - 27

Hear, my child, and accept my words,

that the years of your life may be many.

I have taught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.

When you walk, your step will not be hampered;
and if you run, you will not stumble.

Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
guard her, for she is your life.

Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not walk in the way of evildoers.

Avoid it; do not go on it;
turn away from it and pass on.

For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.

For they eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what they stumble over.

My child, be attentive tomy words;
incline your ear to my sayings.

Do not let them escape from your sight;
keep them within your heart.

For they are life to those who find them,
and healing to all their flesh.

Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.

Put away from you crooked speech,
and put devious talk far from you.

Let your eyes look directly forward,
and your gaze be straight before you.

Keep straight the path of your feet,
and all your ways will be sure.

Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
turn your foot away from evil.

In the days of Noah the earth was filled with violence (Genesis 6). And similar to today, the people's hearts were continually inclined toward evil (e.g., read the news, examine video games, and walk through the bookstore).

Noah, in stark contrast, was found blameless. Even though he was surrounded by the deep darkness of the times he chose to walk with God. Even before the cross, he chose to be Christ-like. He laid down his plans and picked up God's perfect plans (the Ark-iTech of LOVE). As a kind of forerunner, he daily chose to suffer public humiliation in order to build a vessel through which God would save the world from the coming flood.

In writing this, I must interrupt with sounding trumpet:

Jesus

Jesus Christ is to recieve all glory and honor and power. Jesus Christ is pure. He is the righteous and blameless Son of God. It is through Jesus Christ, and no other, that salvation is found. Jesus Christ is God's perfect and chosen vessel to save us from sin and death (which is our last enemy we're told, not flood nor famine nor blame).

So how should we live? Listen to God's commands. Trust and Obey. This is exactly what Noah did in his day. . . and please take note: God kept his covenant with Noah. Noah was saved. He did not succumb to the waters of destruction.

God is faithful.
God was faithful.
God will continue to be faithful to you and your family.

His Words of Instruction:

• "Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live."
  Proverbs 4:4

• "You must therefore be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn to the right or to the left. You must follow exactly the path that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you are to possess."
  Deuteronomy 5: 32 - 33

Discernment

1 John 2: 18 - 25

18 Children, it is the last hour! As you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. From this we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But by going out they made it plain that none of them belongs to us. 20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and all of you have knowledge. 21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and you know that no lie comes from the truth. 22 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; everyone who confesses the Son has the Father also. 24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginnning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he has promised us, eternal life.

1 John 4: 1 - 3
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. And this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that is is coming; and now it is already in the world.

• False prophets, who represent and speak for false religions, do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. They do not acknowledge him because they do not know him.

• False prophets, as well as their followers, reject truth and speak lies. They speak lies because they believe a lie, and reject the one who is the Truth.

• False prophets do not believe eternal life is found in Jesus Christ alone. They can not accept or speak the words that Jesus is the only way. Jesus is the the Way.