James 1:22
But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Yesterday, after I wrote my blog I received a personal email from one of my loyal and valued readers. The message went something like this, “Could you please move on brother Neil, I am convicted already.” This, of course, is referring to the many days that I have spent writing about God’s command that we be witnesses for Him. I understand the desire to move on. Anyone that loves God wants to know more about the Scriptures.
It reminds me of an old joke from many years ago. A young preacher took his first church and on the first Sunday he got up and preached a good message that everyone enjoyed. The next Sunday he got up and preached the same message. On the third Sunday he preached the message again. After the services were over the head deacon and chairman of the search committee that brought the preacher to the church politely pulled the preacher aside and said, “You are a really good preacher and we are happy to have you, but you keep preaching the same message over and over again. Can’t we move on now?”
The young preacher just smiled and said, “Well sir, I just thought I would preach this one until you get it right and then move on to another subject.”
I know how hard I have been pounding this subject. The truth is being a witness for Christ is the most important part of our reason for being on this earth. I have emphasized the subject only because of its importance. There are literally thousands of subjects worth spending time on in Scripture, but none more important than witnessing.
What happens quite often though is that we preach, or write about a subject and people get convicted, but that is as far as it gets. You see, it is one thing to be convicted, and quite another to perform an action to do something about it. As pastor of a church I preached an average of 140 sermons each year. Most of my sermons were listened to by people that would say a hardy amen or nod their heads in agreement while I was speaking. However, to take something that you agree with, or feel convicted about, and then perform the actions it takes to change the way you live is much different.
I believe knowing to do better and not doing it may be worse than pleading ignorance about it. God uses the Holy Spirit to convict us of our sin. If He convicts and we don’t heed the conviction and do something to change, doesn’t that magnify the problem?
Many of you have read the words I write, but have you talked to anyone about becoming a believer in Christ this week or last week? The proof is in the pudding.
I have to tell you, I was please to get a call yesterday from a pastor friend of mine who told me that my words had not fallen on deaf ears. He came in contact with an unbeliever yesterday, witnessed to him and led him to Christ. What a great thing to hear.
I will make a deal with all of you. If you will find someone that is on their way to a sinners hell and tell them the good news of Jesus Christ then I will stop writing about witnessing. Now I hope you hold up your end of the bargain. I will.
The more you know the more fightning the truth is! The truth is Hell is real people are going and our own pride stops us from even trying to tell them about the Savior. We warn people about everYthing else. I'm guilty just worried about me my family my money my life. We are so screwed up people talk about murdering babies with abortion like its nothing we think of Hell like its nothing. As Christians we have a duty to stand for truth Gods truth. Do we fear the Lord! Or do we think he is lying about Hell? God have mercy on us we don't deserve your grace. Lord forgive us for being self centered! Don't give up on me Lord! Give strenth and knowledge to me!I fear your Power and judgement!I need you Lord Jesus I can't do it alone. My biggest sin maybe my lack of urgency and failure to speak the truth among so many lies. Don't give up on me Father! In Jesus Name Amen.
Posted by: Brayden O'donnell | 10/25/2011 at 09:17 PM