JURONG OUTREACH - JUL 05

EVERY HAIR OF MY HEAD
3 Jul 05

In the year 1741, an Irishman named Connell was sentenced to death at Northampton . A minister by the name of Philip Doddridge sought to help Connell because he believed that he was not guilty of the crime of which he had been convicted. At great trouble and expense, Dr. Doddridge instituted a rigid scrutiny into the case, and proved, beyond the possibility of a doubt, that Connell was a hundred and twenty miles away when the crime was committed. The course of judgment could not, however, be reversed.

Connell was asked if he had any request to make before setting out for the gallows. He answered that he desired the procession to pause in front of the house of Dr. Philip Doddridge, that he might kneel on the minister's doorstep and express his gratitude to the man who had TRIED to save him.

"Dr. Doddridge," he cried, when the procession halted, "every hair of my head thanks you; every throb of my heart thanks you; every drop of my blood thanks you! You did your BEST to save me.... but you could not!" *

Like Connell, YOU and I have been sentenced to DEATH due to our SIN (Romans 6:23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Unlike Connell, we ARE indeed guilty! (Romans 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Yet, Jesus, at great trouble and expense, paid the price for our sins with His own life: "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:9-10).

He paid the price, NOT because we are innocent, but so that we can be forgiven and have life (Romans 6:23).

We must ACCEPT His offer in order to receive the blessings. To accept His offer of salvation, we believe in Him (Acts 16:31) And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house, turn from our sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. and be baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

THEN, as we walk in the light of His Word, the blood that He shed on our behalf will continue to cleanse us from our sins (1 John 1:7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Having accepted His offer on His terms, we will want to express our gratitude -- in WORD and in LIFE – much like Connell did to Dr. Doddridge.

WE say to Jesus, "Every hair of my head thanks you; every throb of my heart thanks you; every drop of my blood thanks you! You SAVED me from my sins!"

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 Oh Jesus I have promised

Oh Jesus I have promised to serve Thee to the end
Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my Friend
I shall not fear the battle, if Thou art by my side
Nor wander from the pathway if Thou wilt be my Guide.

HARDLY HIDDEN
10 Jul 05

During World War II , Germany had devised a plan to antagonize Britain by flying bombing runs to their mainland. The plan was to force the British fighter force to be spread thin in 'standing patrols,' which would require planes in the air flying ready at all times. As soon as fuel ran low, however, the patrol would have to land, perhaps without seeing an enemy, and fresh aircraft would take off. This process would have wasted precious high-octane fuel, pilot time, aircraft, and engines. Fighter Command in the Battle of Britain could not have sustained such an effort. It was a clever plan and one that could hardly fail.

In September 1940, Winston Churchill visited the control room at RAF Northolt to watch the air battle in progress. It was the height of the Battle of Britain.

Even when flying at night or emerging through cloudbanks, the German pilots were soon stunned to discover British attack aircraft waiting in position to deliver devastating defenses. German U-boats were coming under attack from British ships that came seemingly from nowhere to the perfect attack positions.

What the Luftwaffe had not realized was that their evil actions were being watched by an invisible and undetected force made practical by a top secret invention, the cavity magnetron, created at Birmingham University by John Randall and Henry Boot. The cavity magnetron was an ingenious electromagnetic device that allowed microwave signals to be transmitted by a small antenna.

(Today you probably have a cavity magnetron in your kitchen - it is the heart of every microwave oven!)

It was the first practical modern radar! Even though the German pilots thought they were operating in secret, their EVERY aerial move was not cloaked in secrecy, but made visible by an unseen force.

Today, many people remain comfortable in sin thinking that their actions are cloaked in secrecy, tucked away never to be discovered. But the Bible teaches that God's  revealing light shines into the far reaches of man's actions, illuminating both that which is GOOD and that which is EVIL. "No creature is hidden from Him, but ALL things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account" (Hebrews 4:13). No matter in what situation we may find ourselves, we are ALWAYS under the unseen but watchful eye of God.

Jesus said, "For there is NOTHING HIDDEN which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light." (Mark 4:22).

Solomon knew that "God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

"For we must ALL appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10).

The judgment of God need NOT be feared by one who is in Christ (Rom 8:1). He's not "out to GET us," He is "out to SAVE us!" Because of His GREAT love for us, God sent His Son to die for our sins (1 John 4:9-10).

To be found IN Christ... one must:

believe in Him (Acts 16:31), And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house,

repent of sin (2 Corinthians 7:9-10),Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death,

confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

and be baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26-27). Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

To remain IN Christ... one must continue to walk in the light of God's word in order to be continually cleansed by the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7-9).

Hide YOUR sins? Hardly! --GOD KNOWS ALL-- Yet, your sins can be "hidden" in Christ, if you will surrender your life to Him.

God bless you! -- Terry Livingston / David A. Sargent

A DOORKEEPER
17 Jul 05

Have you ever been to a building where there was a doorman? This is a person who stands next to the door and opens the door for anyone coming in or out. His main job is to make sure that door is open when someone wants to go through it.

It would not seem that opening a door would be a very important job. It certainly would not take a great deal of education to open a door. The doorkeeper rarely makes much money. Rarely would the doorkeeper be able to live in the building where he opens doors for the rich. The doorkeeper is not considered to be of the higher class of society.

There is nothing wrong with being a doorkeeper. The doorkeeper must be honest and courteous. And the doorkeeper's job is to be a servant of others. The doorkeeper also acts as a guard. He keeps those out of the building who do not belong.

In Psalm 84:10, we read, "For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of the wicked." The author of this psalm would rather be a doorkeeper in the Temple than live rich in a house of the wicked. He would rather be poor and righteous than live wealthy and wicked.

Being close to God gives more riches spiritually than any physical wealth could ever be. The rewards of righteousness are wonderful. Being close to God involves being a servant of others. As a doorkeeper to the kingdom of God, you also live in the Kingdom. You open the door for others who meet the requirements to live in the Kingdom. You also guard the door to keep those out who are not allowed to live in the Kingdom.

Our Lord Jesus has given us an excellent example that we may follow. For He has set Himself to be the door, the door that leads us to safety in the kingdom of God.  If we enter by His door, we will find life eternal.

(John 10:7) Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

(John 10:9) I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

For those who have not entered will you do so today?

The Scriptures teach that we must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 16:31), And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house, repent of our sins (Acts 17:30-31), And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. and be baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38). Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

We live in constant preparation as we continue to follow God for the rest of our lives (1 John 1:7).But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

HIS MOST PRECIOUS POSSESSION
24 Jul 05

The story is told of two soldiers who had recently been released from a prison camp in Siberia following World War II. "We did our best," said an officer, "to repatriate the men as fast as possible, but many were still there when winter threatened to close up the port." Only a limited number could board the last small boat...

Among those waiting to be transported were two who had been friends all through the war. One of them was selected, but the other seemed doomed to remain behind. An order was given that those who were leaving could take only one important item of luggage. The heart of the man who was chosen went out to his friend, so he emptied his duffle bag of its prized souvenirs and his personal belongings and told his companion to get into the canvas sack. Then carefully lifting the bag on his shoulders, he boarded the ship with his dear friend -- his single, most precious possession!

Because of our sins, you and I are doomed! "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" and "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 3:23) Jesus did this willingly so that you and I might gain safe passage "home" to live together with our Heavenly Father for eternity. Our "ticket" home came at a great personal cost to Him, however His self-sacrifice was motivated by His great love for us. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13).

Through the death of Jesus, a "new and living way" has been opened up for us to enter that heavenly home (Hebrews 10:22). Accessing this way to heaven requires faith (Romans 5:1), repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confession (Romans 10:9-10), baptism (immersion) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), AND faithful obedience in walking the well-lit path of righteousness (1 John 1:7).

The last ship is leaving... Can you hear the boarding call ( Mark 16:15-16)? “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Jesus has given up everything so that He can take you with Him into that ship whose destination is the safe harbour of heaven. Don't be left behind -- YOU are HIS most precious possession! Will YOU allow Him to carry you home?

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry,
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry,
everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discourage.
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness.
Take it to the Lord n prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge–
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

THE TEN LEPERS
31 Jul 05

One of the most interesting events in the life of Jesus is His meeting with ten lepers “And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?“(Luke 17:11-17)

So many people, down through the centuries, fail to express appreciation.  Instead of counting their blessings, multitudes list their complaints.  It is very common in our society to find that few are expressive of grateful words for those who bless their lives.  Particularly is this attitude evident in many children toward their parents.  In fact, it seems to be the order of the day for offspring to blame, accuse and have little regard for those who provide food, clothing, shelter and education for them.  A simple and sincere “thank you” is a rarity in our day, whereas disobedience, rebellion and anarchy is a dominant factor in our age.  Christianity demands more from us as we are taught to be grateful, considerate and encouraging.  (1Thes 5:18)

In the forty-four years I have tried to live for Jesus, as a gospel preacher, many people are on my “thank you” list.  To ponder over those moments and the brethren who make life rich and meaningful, stirs my soul to express deep and earnest appreciation.  I do not want to walk in the path of the nine lepers who failed to return and thank the Lord.

First of all, I am thankful to a loving sovereign God who sent the Redeemer to save my sinful soul.  The burden of guilt was lifted when Calvary became real and personal to me.  We show the gratitude we profess by the lives we manifest daily.  We surely appreciate the sacrifice Jesus made when He became “obedient unto death, yea, the death of the cross” (Phil 2:8).  No one ever loved us like that, before or since.  What a friend we have in Jesus!

I am grateful to parents who put the kingdom first and taught me in word and by example what Christianity is all about.  My first memory is of my beloved mother singing gospel hymns as she worked in the home.  My dad, regardless of long hours of labour, would still study the Bible before going to bed.  We attended gospel meetings all summer longs, and I was privileged to hear and know scores of wonderful gospel preachers that still influence my life tremendously.

I am grateful for older members of the church who were constantly urging me to consider preaching the word—even when that was not what my future seemed to hold.  However, the seed they planted in my mind never totally went unheeded.

For powerful Bible teachers, who stirred in my heart and mind the rich content of Scripture and the peace and challenge of the sacred text, I shall be forever indebted. 

Some of the best friends a young man could ever count taught me, by example and kind personal interest, the joy and contentment that comes from telling others the grand old story of salvation. I will fervently try to pass this enthusiasm on to young men today.

I am especially grateful to a corps of young preachers—then and now—that warm our hearts and invigorate the soul.  My fellow evangelists of forty years ago, helped when we were all young and idealistic.  At least ten of us would visit, correspond and help each other in every righteous endeavor.  We would pray together, rejoice freely in one another’s successes, have Bible drills to sharpen minds and exhort as needed. What camaraderie!  Those golden days will never be forgotten.  They are precious memories, indeed.

But now we are older preachers, and a new area of encouragement comes from young servants of God who are determined to preach the gospel with boldness.  They encourage us by their dedication and challenge us to keep up our study and unwavering loyalty for the cause of the Master.  It has been a marvelous trek with Christ and the family of God for which we give thanks.

Lest we be like those nine lepers, we must pause now to praise God for a spiritual helper such as the wife who stands by your side through all the years, in joy and in sorrow to holdup the banner of the cross.  Without such a one, we could not accomplish much for eternity.  That one leper will forever be a reminder to all of us to pause frequently to count our many blessings.  God has been very good to all of us.  May we praise His holy name.