Our Tireless Witness

I know many of you can relate to the discouragement we experience when we witness to the lost members of our family and to our friends.  Their rejection can be heartbreaking.  The Gospel we bring them is often met with stubbornness, an unwillingness to hear it, and a desire to debate you.  It is met with defiance because they want to believe in a god of their own choosing, rather than the True God whom you are introducing to them.  They believe you are exclusive by insisting that there is only One Way, One Truth, and One Life.  They demand that you be inclusive and tolerant for those with different beliefs, doctrines, ideologies, or philosophies that do not line up with the Word of God.

They refuse to believe in a Jealous God that commands belief in Him, and Him only.  Submission to Him is out of the question; they prefer to maintain their self-reliance, their works, their pride, their arrogance. They seek after mediums, palm readers, and attempt to "channel" the spirits of the dead in vain attempts to soothe their consciences.  Their days are filled with fulfilling selfish wants and desires, chasing after unholy and lustful lifestyles that will only bring them greater pain and drive them farther from Him.  His call is unheeded.  Yielding to Him is seen as a sign of weakness.  And just when you thought your heart was completely broken over their response,or lack thereof, you faithfully remain vigilant in prayer that one day they will receive what you're bringing them.

If our friends and family do have any bent towards "religion," you discover that it is a religion of their own creation; a religion that soothes their conscience, one which never teaches the depravity of man and his need for reconciliation with God.  They have possibly embraced a false Gospel, one that lies to them that they are really good people and that good people aren't sent to Hell.  Or one that encourages works in order to appease God.  Many of them have had their ears "tickled" by wolves that have slipped into the church, giving them just enough of the Gospel to make them think they're hearing the Truth of God.  Or perhaps they have fallen into the damning prosperity crowd, the "blab it and grab it" church that believes God is a puppet, and if they make demands of Him, He will magically give them all of which they ask.   They may be clinging to Papacy, praying to saints, worshiping Mary, buying indulgences, and mistakenly thinking the priest in the closet will be able to absolve them of their sins.  That is, until the next time they sin and feel it necessary to "confess" once again.  A few "Hail Mary's," counting their beads, and relying on dead men to cleanse them is all they believe they need.

You wonder if there is any hope left for them.

In one of Charles H. Spurgeon's sermons, I once read about a conversation he had with his Christian mother before his conversion.  Apparently, he was a bad boy around the age of 15 who loved the things of the world and involved himself in them to the point that she feared for him and pleaded with him, begging him to consider Christ.  According to Spurgeon, she concluded by telling him that when she was at last in Christ's presence, in her glorified state and watching as He judged unrepentant sinners, she "would have to say amen to his condemnation."   I have been giving this a lot of thought the last few days, and I must agree with Mrs. Spurgeon's declaration.  The heartbreak she felt over her son's wayward life is the same heartbreak I feel over the unwillingness of those I love when they refuse to consider what I bring them.  However, when I am at last in my Lord's presence, when I am at last freed from my sinful state, I will not weep over those I loved who refused Him in this life and are condemned to an eternity of suffering.  Heaven would not have it.  As Spurgeon's mother said to him, I will also say "amen" to their condemnation.

Before you think I am heartless, let me explain.  Because we will at last be perfected like Jesus Christ in all ways, we will rejoice to see His enemies finally be put to eternal shame and destruction.  Sin that now resides in every atom of our being will be completely and utterly removed from us.  The concept is such an alien one to us at this point in time that we can not conceive what it will be like to be free of sinful thoughts and actions.  But then - ah then! -  it will be fully understood!  When we, Jesus' Saints, return with Him to bring an end to evil, we will rejoice because we will better understand the hatred and unbelief the world has had for Him.  We will see sin through God's eyes.  We will look upon them with more disgust than we ever experienced in this life; their sinful wickedness appalling and detestable because it is aimed at our King, our Lord, our Almighty God - the One they denied so vehemently.  He will be our Champion, our great Victor who has conquered His enemies, and we will praise Him for all of eternity for doing so.

I look forward with tremendous anticipation to that day of victory for my King's honor.  But while He tarries, my love for my unbelieving family and friends still whispers within me.  And because of the deep love I have for them, the desire I have for their salvation is even greater still because I understand the implications of eternity without Jesus Christ.  Regardless of the responses we receive from those who have not yet believed in the One Who has done all to secure their salvation, we must continue in our witness.  Jesus commanded it: "...and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  (Acts 1:8b,  ESV) - and it is our duty to Him to fulfill it.

We must use Jesus' example. Never should we allow rejection from others to cause us to quit.  Like our Lord did, we must meet the woman at the well in Samaria and the Scribes and Pharisees at the temple.  And we must tell them of not only a forgiving and merciful God, but of a God who is also just and filled with wrath against sin and those who reject His Son and His redeeming act that purchased our salvation.  Regardless of their unwillingness to hear, they must know that, one day, they will stand before Almighty God in judgment, and that all their deeds and thoughts while on this earth will be laid out before them.  Without the covering of the blood of Jesus Christ, which washes away our sins and clothes us in His righteousness, their condemnation will be swift and their eternity sealed in damnation.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ can not be silenced. Many have tried and failed. No threats of persecution, whether physical or emotional, ever stopped it from spreading across the earth.  Nor will it stop it in our lifetime, or the one after us, even if it comes from family and friends.  We will experience the excuses, objections, and the rejections from many, but it shouldn't discourage us.  Our words must be from His Word, never of our own making.  They must be clear and transparent and never deviating from the Truth of Scripture.  Our testimony must be His testimony; never boasting of ourselves, but of Him.  The work we do must be dictated by Him, never becoming our own, rather pointing out His work.  And the love that we shed abroad upon the hearts of our loved ones must never be lacking the fullness and reflection of the immensity of our Lord's great love for mankind.

Spurgeon exhorts us with the following:

Do not watch the clouds or consult the wind.  In season and out of season, witness for the Savior.  If it happens that, for Christ sake, and the Gospel's sake, you must endure suffering in any form, do not shrink from it, but rejoice in the honor thus conferred on you, that you are counted worthy to suffer with your Lord.  Rejoice also in this: your suffering, losses, and persecution will be a platform from which you can witness for Christ Jesus even more vigorously, and with greater power.  Study your great Exemplar, and be filled with His Spirit.  Remember that you need much teaching, much upholding, much grace, and much humility, if your witnessing is to be to your Master's glory.

"Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good."  (Eccl 11:6, NASB)

The heartbreak we feel over unyielding hearts can be discouraging, but it must never cause us to faint or turn away.  We must sow; in the morning or the evening, in good times and in bad, never allowing ourselves to become weak over insults or slights.  Nor should it cause us to minimize the Gospel in order that we not offend anyone with a part of its Truth.  Jesus never spared His hearers of the complete and true nature of God, His will, or His purpose.  His descriptive words revealed a loving and kind God, but also a wrathful One Who would ultimately destroy sin forever.  He knows those He has chosen, and one or all of our loved ones may be among those He will spare. There will come a time when our work for Him is done and we are able to at last turn our faces away from this sinful world.  But now is not that time.  We must faithfully continue with tireless devotion, drawing upon God's strength and heeding His direction until, at last, all of His children are drawn into the safety of His arms.

So, to my beloved family, to my cherished friends, and also to the person who finds himself on this blog, I will tirelessly continue to witness to you.  I will bring you the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ, and to exalt Him above all of creation and the false things you have embraced.  It may not be something you want to hear or read, but I am compelled by a Force greater than myself to give it to you.  The decision whether or not to heed the warnings I bring will be your own.  But our Lord will receive glory and honor, either because of that decision, or in spite of it.

"Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the Name that is above every name, so that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."   (Philippians 2:9-12, ESV)

I encourage everyone to examine themselves in the light of God's Word, and to believe, repent, ask forgiveness, and be reconciled to God.

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 

Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way,

for His wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.

Psalm 2:11-12, ESV

Just Wait Until Your Father Gets Home!

(Editor's note: from the archives.)

 
These words heard by nearly every child born on this earth were intended to strike dread in them and the anticipation of a trip to the woodshed. They were perhaps some of the most remembered words uttered from my mother’s mouth.  But, Mom wasn’t short of her own switches.   She was quite capable of doling out immediate punishment if the need arose.

In fact, there was a time when part of the punishment consisted of Mom making us go out to the backyard and cut our own thin branch from a tree.  You know the kind.  They were smaller than the diameter of a pencil, about two feet long, and made a high pitched buzz as they came whizzing through the air towards your backside.   Mom would place it on top of the refrigerator where it was handy and a constant reminder that her eye was on us. My sister once took it upon herself to remove it and break it into pieces while Mom wasn’t looking.  Her efforts to dispose of it brought further wrath and she was promptly marched to the backyard and told to cut another one.  We quickly learned that Mom’s supply of switches was endless.

However, Dad’s preferred choice to mete out discipline for extremely bad behavior was his belt.   It never came off his waist unless the offense was a serious one and a life lesson was in order.  A quick slap on a bare behind ultimately got our attention and prevented us from repeating our mistake.  But the sound of Dad marching down the hall to our bedroom where we waited, and the jingle of his belt buckle as he whipped the belt from his pant loops, usually had us crying and repenting before he entered the room.  And, as was most often the case, his heart would melt at the sight of us and words would replace the sting of the belt.

My husband once told me that his father went to a tanner and had a strap made with my husband’s name on one side and his sister’s on the other.  His Dad would hang it in obvious sight as a constant reminder that, even though he was gone quite often, it would be readily available when he got home.

As children growing up in a large immediate family, we were sure to engage in activities with our cousins that would get the adult’s attention and the need for discipline.  My father’s middle sister, Donna, was especially quick to catch us and mete out our deserved punishment. When I was four or five years old, a group of us had uttered a word that seemed harmless at the time, but raised the ire of my Aunt.   She herded us together and made us sit in a line on the front porch.  Standing before us and delivering a stern lecture on why the word we used was not appropriate, a bar of soap was whisked out from behind her apron.  As she marched down the line like a drill sergeant, she accurately and efficiently shoved the bar of soap into each of our mouths.   The taste of the soap lingered in my mouth for what seemed like days and it was a long time before the word ever again crossed my lips.

By today’s standards, many would think my siblings and I were harshly abused.  Nothing could be further from the truth.   In fact, if my parents had known about some of the stuff we had gotten away with, I am sure they would have put us under lock and key.  Either that, or Dad would have needed a new belt every few months and Mom would’ve run out of limbs to cut switches.  We were well-behaved kids, respectful and polite.  But we were also typical kids with a bent towards mischief and curiosity.

During the generation I was growing up in, it was expected that kids be disciplined for bad behavior.   We could not get away with much.   The small town we lived in was close-knit and everyone’s eyes were on us to make sure we stayed the well-behaved kids they expected us to be.  As with any small town in the 1950’s and 60’s, there was the average knot head that was always getting into trouble, and everyone knew it.  But the community was ready and willing to step in and help turn the kid around.

As my sister and I were raising our own children, we were at a family BBQ and the Aunt who wielded the bar of soap was present.  We sat and watched as our kids tore around the yard with their cousins and raised all sorts of Cain.   At one point, both my sister and I caught the kids misbehaving and both of us spoke to them at once.   For some reason, they did not appear to hear us, even though we felt that we had used our best you-better-stop-that-right-this-minute-or-you’re-in-trouble voice.

Our Aunt began to laugh at us.  She informed us that the tone and tempo of our command sounded more like a wimpy plea rather than a demand to stop what they were doing.  So, thinking her experience and maturity could provide us with some insight, we asked her to demonstrate.  Rising to the challenge, she looked straight at the kids and in a low and threatening voice, and words I fail to remember, told them to cease and desist at this moment - or else.  To our amazement, they did!  My sister and I were stunned.  What was the difference between how we had reprimanded the kids and the method my Aunt employed?   It had to be the bar of soap.  We were certain she still carried one around with her and our kids must have known it.

I am one among many who believe that today’s children could use some old-fashioned discipline.  A trip to the woodshed or a march to the backyard for a good switch does no harm as long as the one doing the disciplining keeps a clear head as to why he has to do so.   As Proverb 23:13-14 wisely instructs us: “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death.” (NIV)  And as God did with the children of Israel, when my own kids misbehaved to the point of needing restraint, I always followed up with an explanation as to why they received their punishment.   Just as I knew my parents and Aunts and Uncles loved me, my children also knew I loved them in spite of what I had to dish out.

If we would only take a moment and look closely at the behavior of children being raised in today’s disrespectful environment, we would see a vast difference between them and those who are being taught Biblical values and morals.  In God’s infinite wisdom, He watched as His children misbehaved and wandered away from His truths.  His response was always to bring out the rod of discipline in order to turn their heads back around.  And as Proverb 22:6 points out, if we employ His will by raising our children the way He desires, they will carry these lessons with them for the rest of their lives.   I am proud of my two sons who are now grown with children of their own.  Each matured into honest, respectful, and respected men who applied the lessons they learned to their lives.  The values that were instilled in them as children have been handed down to their own children in spite of the world’s dogged effort to convince them otherwise.  And I can assure you that neither son bears emotional scars for having been occasionally spanked when they grossly misbehaved.

Our children must learn that there are consequences for their actions.  Instead of putting a child into “time out” or attempting to “reason” with a willful and stubborn individual as he kicks and screams, the rod of correction is usually more successful.   The sting of a switch lingers far longer than a feeble attempt to sweetly reason with a child.  I have watched my children, my grandchildren, and others' children gleefully skip away after a verbal reprimand, learning nothing except that they got away with whatever it was to bring it.

This generation is sadly failing Parenthood 101.   Parents today have this misguided idea that children must freely express themselves and are simply trying to figure out their identity and individuality.  There is less quality time and instruction spent with their children and we are seeing a surge in bad behavior and violence as the result.  Parents want to be their children's friend rather than their parent, guide, and teacher; leaving them to their own devices and careening towards disaster and failure as adults.

“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15) (NIV) God has given us a clear and sane reason why parents should turn to the rod of discipline more often.   Born into sin, our children are empty vessels when they enter the world.   It’s up to us to choose how the child is filled.  If we leave them to themselves and the influence of the world, we can be assured the contents will spell trouble and dismay. “The rod of correction imparts wisdom; but a child left to himself disgraces his mother…Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.” (Proverbs 29:15, 17) (NIV)

In the twelfth chapter of Hebrews, the author speaks of the benefit of God’s discipline and the parallel between our earthly father’s need for it and the infinite wisdom of our heavenly Father’s rod of correction.  The type of discipline we employ with our children should be considered nourishment to their souls.  It awakens their conscience and instructs them on Godly behavior.  It equips them with the necessary tools to live productive and value-filled lives.   “Because the Lord disciplines those He loves…,” so should our chastisement be done out of heart-felt love and desire to see our children mature into responsible adults and decent, law-abiding citizens.  “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (v 11, NIV)

I learned a valuable lesson from the Aunt who had the bar of soap and who commanded attention when she spoke. My husband used to tell our sons that everything they did reflected back on us and how we raised them.  If I had chosen to ignore the wisdom my Aunt had to offer and the lesson behind my own parent’s discipline, I’m sure trouble would have come more often.

As I look at today’s society, I have to question how some people were raised and whether they ever heard the words, “just wait until your father gets home”.  One day our Father will come home, and this time, He won’t hesitate to bring out His eternal rod of discipline and apply it where necessary.

If you need any help, I have a good, sturdy tree full of switches in my backyard.

"Strive To Enter" - Part II

Do you see the connection between my last post, "The Coming Storm," and Ryle's exhortation in Part 1 that is built upon the dire warning given by Jesus to those who were present to hear Him?  I hope you do.  I personally know far too many people who either refuse to hear the Gospel, or worse yet, have heard it and continue to be as stubborn and hardhearted as they always have been when it comes to believing that the day of their death is as imminent as the day of their birth, and repenting of their offenses and asking forgiveness of God.

Of course, the apathy, complacency, and/or unbelief isn't common to only this period in history.  From the very beginning an untold number of mankind has discovered, far too late, that the warnings presented in Scripture are not mere suggestions.  God's Word, which cannot be questioned, altered, or ignored, is sealed in eternity.  "Life as usual" is a dangerous motto.  "There will be time, later" is a dangerous attitude.  "I'm a good person" is a foolishly dangerous statement.  "God would never send someone like me to hell" is dangerous ignorance of His righteous and divine judgment and, as Jesus warned the Pharisees of His day that the narrow door would be closed against them, so shall He close it to those who believe their halfhearted, works-based, broad-road religions will gain them entry.

In the last post, we learned from J.C. Ryle why we must "Strive to enter through the narrow door..." and why "many...will seek to enter but will not be able."  In summary, Ryle impresses upon us the following:

1. As the prophecies in the Old Testament have come to pass without fail and to the letter, so shall Jesus' prediction in Luke 13:22-30 be fulfilled.
2. There will come a time when it will be too late to seek salvation.
3. There will come a time when Heaven's door will forever be closed to all but God's children.
4. Repentance will come too late.
5. Faith will come too late.
6. "A desire for salvation will come too late."
7. Man will see that the things he treasured here on this earth are but worthless dust, compared to the treasures of Heaven.

Ryle concludes the first portion of his chapter by speaking to the unbelievers, who will eventually see the value of what they were being offered but, like the ten Virgins who allowed their lamps to run out of oil (Matt 25:1-13),  it will be too late.   He then exhorts the believers, who may currently be suffering from trials or persecution, to "take courage [and] look forward to the LORD's second coming" and to "not fear the reproach of men."

And now, without further ado, let's see the answer Ryle provides for such a predicament.

Part 2

And now let me offer to every one who reads this paper a few parting words, in order to apply the whole subject to his soul.   You have heard the words of the LORD Jesus unfolded and expounded.  You have seen the picture of the way of salvation:  it is a narrow door.  You have heard the command of the King: "Make every effort to enter in."  You have been told of His solemn warning: "Many will try to enter in, and will not be able to."  Bear with me a little longer while I try to impress the whole matter on your conscience.  I still have something to say on God's behalf.

 (1)  For one thing, I will ask you a simple question.  "Have you entered in through the narrow door or not?"  Old or young, rich or poor, religious or atheist, I repeat my question, "Have you entered in through the narrow door?"

I do not ask whether you have heard of it, and believe there is a door.  I do not ask whether you have looked at it, and admired it, and hope one day to go through.  I ask whether you have gone up to it, knocked on it, been admitted, and "are now inside?"

If you are inside, what good have you got from your religion?  You are not pardoned and forgiven.  You are not reconciled to God.  You are not born again, sanctified, and suitable for heaven.  If you die as you are, you will live in the same place of torment as the devil will: forever, and your soul will be eternally miserable.

Oh, think, think what a state this is to live in!  Think, think above all things, what a state this is to die in!  Your life is but a vapor.  A few more years at most and you are gone; your place in the world will soon be filled up; your house will be occupied by another.  The sun will go on shining, the grass and daisies will soon grow thick over your grave, your body will be food for worms, and your soul will be lost for all eternity.

And all this time there stands open before you a door of salvation.  God invites you.  Jesus Christ offers to save you.  All things are ready for your deliverance.  Only one thing is lacking, and that is that you should be willing to be saved.   Oh think of these things, and be wise!

(2)  For another thing, I will give plain advice to all who are not yet inside the narrow door.  That advice is simply this:  "to enter in without a day's delay."

Tell me, if you can, of anyone who ever reached heaven except through "the narrow door."  I know of none.  From Abel, the first who died, down to the end of the list of Bible names, I see none saved by any way but faith in Christ.

Tell me, if you can, of any who ever entered through the narrow door without "making every effort."  I know of none except those who die in infancy.  He that would win heaven must be content to fight for it.

Tell me, if you can, of anyone who ever strove earnestly to enter, and failed to succeed.  I know of none.  I believe that however weak and ignorant men may be, they never seek life heartily and conscientiously, at the right door, and are left without an answer of peace.

Tell me, if you can, of anyone who ever entered through the narrow door, and was sorry afterwards.  I know of none.  I believe the footsteps on the threshold of the door are all one way.  All have found it a good thing to serve Christ, and have never regretted taking up His cross.

If these things are true, seek Christ without delay, and enter through the door of life while you can!  Make a beginning this very day.  Go to that merciful and mighty Savior in prayer, and pour out your heart before Him.  Confess to Him your guilt and wickedness and sin.  Open your heart freely to Him; keep nothing back.  Tell Him that you put yourself and all your soul's affairs wholly on His promise, and [to] put His Holy Spirit within you.

There is everything "to encourage you to do this."  Thousands as bad as you have applied to Christ in this way, and not one of them has been sent away and refused.  They have found a peace of conscience they never knew before, and have gone on their way rejoicing.  They have found strength for all the trials of life, and none of them have been allowed to perish in the wilderness.  Why shouldn't you also seek Christ?

There is everything to encourage you to do what I tell you, "at once."  I know no reason why your repentance and conversion should not be as immediate as that of others before you.  The Samaritan woman came to the well an ignorant sinner, and returned to her home a new creature (John 4:1-44.  The Philippian jailer turned from darkness to light, and became a professed disciple of Christ in a single day (Acts 16:16-30).  And why shouldn't others do the same?  Why shouldn't you give up your sins and trust in Christ this very day?

I know that the advice I have given you is good.  The grand question is, "Will you take it?"

(3)  The last thing I have to say will be a request to all who have really entered through the narrow door.  That request is that you will tell others of the blessings which you have found.

I want all converted people to be missionaries.  I do not want them all to go out to foreign lands and preach to the heathen; but I do want all to be of a missionary spirit, and to make every effort to do good at home.  I want them to testify to all around them that the narrow door is the way to happiness, and to persuade them to enter through it.

 When Andrew was converted, he found his brother Peter, and said to him, " 'We have found the Messiah' (that is, the Christ).  And he brought him to Jesus (John 1:41-42).  When Philip was converted, he found Nathaniel, and said to him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." ' Nazareth!  Can anything good come from there?' Nathaniel asked.  'Come and see,' said Philip."  (John 1:45-46).  When the Samaritan woman was converted, "Leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 'Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did.  Could this be the Christ?' "  (John 4:28-29).  When Saul the Pharisee was converted, "At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God."  (Acts 9:20)

I long to see this kind of spirit among Christians in the present day.  I long to see more zeal to commend the narrow door to all who are yet outside, and more desire to persuade them to enter through and be saved.  Happy indeed is that Church whose members not only desire to reach heaven themselves, but desire also to take others with them!

The great door of salvation is still ready to open, but the hour draws near when it will be closed forever.  Let us work while it is called today, for "night is coming, when no one can work" (John 9:4).  Let us tell our relatives and friends that we have accepted the way of life and found it pleasant; that we have tasted the bread of life and found it good.

I have heard it calculated that if every believer in the world were to bring one soul to Christ each year, the whole human race would be converted in less than twenty years.  I make no comment on such a calculation.  Whether such a thing might be or not, one thing is sure:  that thing is, that many more "souls might probably be converted to God, if Christians were more zealous to do good."  This, at least, we may remember, that God does "not want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2Peter 3:9).  He that endeavors to show his neighbor the narrow door is doing a work which God approves.  He is doing a work which angels regard with interest, and with which the building of a pyramid will not compare in importance.  What does the Scripture say?  "Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins."  (James 5:20)

Let us all awaken to a deeper sense of our responsibility in this matter.  Let us look around the circle of those among whom we live, and consider their state before God.  Are there not many of them yet outside the door, unforgiven, unsanctified, and not prepared to die?  Let us watch for opportunities of speaking to them.  Let us tell them of the narrow door, and entreat them to "make every effort to enter in."

Who can tell what a "word spoken at the right time" may do?  Who can tell what it may do when spoken in faith and prayer?  It may be the turning point in some man's history.  It may be the beginning of thought, prayer, and eternal life.  Oh, for more love and boldness among believers!  Think what a blessing to be allowed to speak one converting word!

I do not know what the feelings of my readers may be on this subject.  My heart's desire and prayer is that you may daily remember Christ's solemn words, "For many, I tell you, will seek to enter but will not be able."

 Keep those words in mind.

End of Chapter

Although the words above are not my own, they reflect the yearnings my heart contains:  "to be allowed to speak [or write] one converting word!" and the amazing blessing for doing so!  My readers are few, but it's always my desire that an unbelieving wanderer searching for truth and answers will stumble upon this blog, will find what he or she is looking for, and his or her heart will be opened to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  As Ryle states, a genuine Christian desires that others are brought with him into glory.  We don't count the number we have helped draw, for that privilege solely belongs to God, and it would the height of arrogance and pride to assume we have anything to do with conviction, other than being the bearer of the Good News.  But when Christ's Gospel is received and the evidence of a new life is present,  the true Christian delights in unimaginable and unspeakable ways, and rejoices with the "angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10).

For my unbelieving family, friends, and readers, may this brief excerpt from J.C. Ryle be the "turning point" in your future:  an eternity of peace and perfection in the presence of our LORD Jesus Christ.

And to my family, friends, and readers who are attempting to enter the narrow door by any other way than through the One Who holds the key, the door will one day be shut forever and you will find yourself locked out with no hope.

In conclusion, I would like to add the following from C.H. Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" devotional.  I hope and pray that you will keep both Ryle's and Spurgeons "words in mind."

"The LORD shut him in." ~ Genesis 7:16

Noah was shut in away from all the world by the hand of divine love.  The door of electing purpose interposes between us and the world which lieth in the wicked one.  We are not of the world, even as our LORD Jesus was not of the world.  Into the sin, the gaiety, the pursuits of the multitude we cannot enter; we cannot play in the streets of Vanity Fair with the children of darkness, for our heavenly Father has shut us in.

Noah was shut in with his God.  "Come thou into the ark," was the LORD's invitation, by which He clearly showed that He Himself intended to dwell in the ark with His servant and his family.  Thus all the chosen dwell in God and God in them.  Happy people to be enclosed in the same circle which contains God in the Trinity of His persons, Father, Son, and Spirit.  Let us never be inattentive to that gracious call, "Come, My people, enter thou into they chambers, and shut thy doors about thee, and hide thyself as it were for a little moment until the indignation be overpast."

Noah was so shut in that he could not even desire to come out, and those who are in Christ Jesus are in Him forever.  They shall go no more out forever, for eternal faithfulness has shut them in, and infernal malice cannot drag them out.  The Prince of the house of David shutteth and no man openeth; and when once in the last days as Master of the house, He shall rise up and shut the door, it will be in vain for mere professors to knock, and cry, "LORD, LORD open unto us!", for that same door which shuts in the wise virgins will shut out the foolish forever.

LORD, shut me in by Thy grace.