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Shotgun or Rifle? 4.26.10

4/26/2010

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Shotgun Or Rifle?

Two desperate pioneer hunters were attempting to kill as much game as possible - preferably deer - to feed their starving families. One cold early morning, moving as quietly as possible, they approached a clearing about 75 yards away. To their amazement, they spotted nearly two-dozen deer. Each man carried a gun - one had a Winchester repeating rifle and the other a Browning 12-gauge shotgun. Since they knew from experience that they would likely have only one shot before the deer would bolt and scatter, the question instantly arose in their minds - "Which gun should we use?"

The man with the Browning shotgun whispered, "Let's use my shotgun. That way we can easily hit three or four of the deer in the clearing!"

The other men replied, "Yes, we might hit several, but we probably won't bring any down, and they may all end up escaping in the woods. We’d better use my rifle!"

"We may kill one if we use your rifle” replied the first man, “but all the others will surely get away!"

Which gun should they use? To experienced hunters the answer is obvious - THE RIFLE. After all, what good is it to hit several deer in the herd if you do not bring down a single one to eat? Although the rifle may bring down only one, it is far better than none at all. And hopefully there will be another day to hunt the remaining deer.

This story serves to help us to understand the most effective way of winning souls to Jesus Christ. Although most Christians are genuinely eager to wins the lost to the Lord, they frequently resort to the “shotgun” approach. Instead of narrowing their “sights" on one individual at a time, they attempt to win a multitude via vague conversations, harried invitations and generally unorganized efforts. While their intentions are noble, they rarely meet with much success.

On the other hand, those that typically experience the greatest triumphs soul winning primarily concentrate on one soul at a time. They thoughtfully select a relative, friend or associate and immediately begin devoting fervent prayer and sustained effort to bringing this individual to Jesus Christ! They determine their needs or interests, specifically invite them to certain church services or activities, and remain in constant contact. And they specifically mention their “targeted” soul in virtually every prayer! Although the multitude may appear to be "getting away", individual precious souls - one by one - are won to Jesus!

So put up your shotgun and pick up your rifle. Try to select one person in particular and devote your time, energy, and prayers to him or her. Don't quit trying until they either submit to Jesus or move “out of range”. Through your determined, persistent efforts you will likely bring numerous souls to Jesus and Heaven!

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses ONE of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the ONE which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found IT, he lays IT on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found MY SHEEP which was lost!' I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over ONE SINNER who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:4-7)

Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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Church of the Communion 4.22.10

4/22/2010

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CHURCH OF THE COMMUNION

With the plethora of denominations in the world, I suspected that it was only a matter of time before the "CHURCH OF THE COMMUNION" would be created. As its name suggests, this church focuses exclusively on the Lord's Supper. In fact, that is the ONLY act of worship practiced in the "CHURCH OF THE COMMUNION". (Services typically last 20 minutes or less.) Attendees show up on time (after all, if you miss communion, you miss it all) and leave promptly. To my knowledge, there are no songs, sermons, prayers (other than those offered during communion), and occasionally no contribution.

Active members of the "CHURCH OF THE COMMUNION" site several reasons for attending. First and foremost, services are CONVENIENT. While attending services at some churches might tie up the better part of a morning, attending the "CHURCH OF THE COMMUNION” is no different than taking a coffee break. Secondly, attendees insist that the Lord's Supper is the only critical act of worship. They believe that other acts of worship, such as singing, giving, praying and hearing the gospel are elective. In other words - why waste time with the "preliminaries" when the "CHURCH OF THE COMMUNION" allows its members observe the "main event" and leave.

Before going on, I confess that the "CHURCH OF THE COMMUNION" does not actually exist, at least to my knowledge (although a careful search may reveal denominations utilizing that name). The reason I referred to such a church is that millions of so-called christians would likely flock to it. Tragically, this might include a substantial number in the Lord's church.

I say this because some make it a habit of arriving at service around the time communion begins, then make a hasty exit. (I do not refer to those who are forced to leave because of work schedules, illness or emergencies.)

Just as with the hypothetical members of the "CHURCH OF THE COMMUNION", these individuals also believe that the Lord's Supper is the “main event” of worship, and that the other worship acts are optional. This is a tragic attitude, and I believe it is unscriptural, not to mention being distracting and displaying impertinence towards God and His word.

This flawed idea likely arose back in the pioneer days. At that time, few preachers were available, so saints did the best they could when they assembled to worship God. They often met outdoors, sang songs, offered prayers, partook of the Lord's supper, and went home. If a preacher was available, he would deliver a sermon. However, the one constant was the Lord's supper. From this, the belief emerged that it was the most important part of worship.

When increasing numbers of Americans began taking vacations, some Christians would stop at a church long enough to observe the Lord's Supper. To encourage this flawed practice, some resort area congregators went so far as to prominently list the times of their communion services. Unfortunately, this led some Christians to believe that, as long as they partake of the Lord's Supper, their worship obligation is complete.

While the communion service is important, nothing in Scripture indicates that singing, praying, giving and listening to God's word are optional. Worship is not a matter of doing the least possible for God; it is giving God our very best!

“Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” (Acts 20:7)

Jesus, Always Jesus!
Dennis
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The Most Important Part? 4.12.10

4/12/2010

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 The Most Important Part?


Occasionally someone asks, "What is the most important part of a worship service?" Although every act of worship to God is significant, we have a tendency to “prioritize” the service. For example, many would be quick to point out that the "The Lord's Supper" is the most vital part of worship, as we remember the horrific death of our Lord. Some might insist that the sermon is the most crucial part because we are listening to God’s inspired word. Still others will point out the deep significance of our prayers, singing and giving.


Who’s right? Perhaps everyone. After all, I cannot imagine a corporate worship service that omits out any of the aforementioned acts. At the same time, I would like to draw your attention to one portion of our typical worship assembly that receives little attention and is occasionally omitted entirely -- the invitation song!


No, I cannot quote a scripture that mandates the singing of an invitation song at any or every corporate worship assembly. But I can assure you that God has no objection to such being offered – “And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17)


So what makes the invitation song significant? Following a Bible based sermon, the preacher typically concludes with a fervent plea for needy souls to obey the gospel of Jesus, rededicate their lives to the Lord, or possibly request special prayers. In virtually every church assembly, lost (or struggling) souls are present that desperately need to respond to the invitation. Unless they do so, they may leave the building headed for the eternal fires of Hell!


It is unfortunate that, during the singing of this decisive song, some Christians appear to have “more pressing” matters on their minds. For example, some may giggle or tease back and forth; others might go for the drinking fountain or rest room; a few may gather up coats, toys and other belongings; and some might even hurriedly head for the nearest exit.  And all of this during the singing of a song in which heaven itself seems to plead: "Sinner, come home!"


The reason that God sent His Son… that Jesus died on the cross… that brave men (and women) have been tortured and martyred for proclaiming the gospel… can all be summed up in what occurs during the invitation song -- sinners are urged to come (or return) to Jesus Christ!


You cannot put a price on the value and significance of the invitation song. Therefore let the teasing, coats, toys and drinking fountains go for a few minutes. Sing the song with all your heart! Pray for the lost to respond as you sing! And praise God when a sinner comes home!


"I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:7)


Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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The Fence 4.6.10

4/6/2010

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The Fence

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20)

How many times have we been guilty of rashly speaking words in anger, only to later regret them? The phrase, “If only I could take it back!” has been repeated millions of times. And although we may apologize for our callous remarks, the “damage” may not heal for some time. The story below illustrates this point very well.

There was a young boy that possessed a terrible temper, frequently causing him to say malicious and hateful words to siblings, friends and even his parents. Following countless scoldings and time-outs, his father, weary of the boy's verbal tirades, took stronger measures. Subsequently, every time his son lost his temper, his father would give him a long nail to hammer into the old fence in the back yard.

The first day the boy drove no less than 37 nails into the fence. That night, his hands and arms ached terribly and his body was exhausted. He then realized that it might be easier to hold his temper than to drive those long nails into the old fence. Promptly learning his lesson, the number of nails he drove into the fence declined rapidly.

Eventually the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. His father commended him, and then suggested that the boy pull out one nail for each day that he was able to control his temper.

Although it took several months, the boy finally announced that all the nails were gone. The appreciative father took his wiser son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, son, and I am proud of you. But I want you to remember something. Look at all the holes you left in the fence. Although it still stands, it will never be the same. And it is the same when you say something in anger. Your words will leave scars just like the holes in the fence. Even if you are sorry and ask for forgiveness, the “holes” may remain for years. So always be careful with your words."



“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.” (Proverbs 12:18)

Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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