JURONG OUTREACH - August 06

THE VERY LAST GOSPEL TRACT
1 OCTOBER 06

Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at the church, a man and his eleven-year-old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel Tracts. This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the man and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring down rain. The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said; "OK dad, I'm ready." 

His dad asked, "Ready for what?" "Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out." Dad responds, "Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring down rain." The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking " But Dad, aren't people still going to Hell, even though it's raining?" Dad answers, "Son, I am not going out in this weather." Despondently, the boy ask, "Dad, can I go? Please?" His father hesitated for a moment then said, "Son, you can go. Here are the tracts, be careful, son." "Thanks Dad!" And with that, he was off and out into the rain. This eleven-year-old boy walked the streets of the town going from door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract. After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST TRACT. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted.  

Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell. He rang the bell, but nobody answered. He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer. Finally, this eleven-year-old trooper turned to leave, but something stopped him. Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. 

He rang again and this time the door slowly opened. Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She softly asked, "What can I do for you, son?" With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, "Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU and I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE." With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave. She called to him as he departed. "Thank you, son! And God Bless You!" 

Well, the following Sunday morning in church an elderly lady appeared. She told the people at church: "No one in this church knows me. I've never been here before. You see, I was not a Christian. My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world. Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live. So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and brokenhearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, 'I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away. I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly.  

I thought to myself again, 'Who on earth could this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me. I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder. When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you! The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, 'Ma'am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU.' Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand. Since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel Tract; I have come here to personally say THANK YOU TO God's little “angel” who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from eternity in hell” 

We may never know how our actions or words can touch a life and bring it nearer to God. May this touching story encourage our brethren who have been handing out tracts tiredlessly, weeks after weeks and months after months to continue in this good work.

May we encourage you, brethren, to join in the effort to hand out tracts to our friends, relatives, neighbours and to join our “Tracting Outreachers” on the 1st and 2nd Sundays of October and November in preparation for our December Gospel Meeting with brother Perry Cotham. Yes, the field indeed is white with harvest. Let the labourers come forth! 

December Gospel Meeting—1-3 Dec 2006

Theme: THE GLORIOUS GOSPEL OF CHRIST

Speaker: Perry B. Cotham

BEAUTIFUL FEET THAT BRING GOOD TIDINGS
8 OCTOBER 06

In ancient times in some nations there were messengers that would run to take their messages. In Palestine there were messenger teams. One messenger would run a distance and then hand off the message to another runner. There were different teams for different messages. There was a good message team and a bad message team.

The watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem knew the runners that always ran the last leg to Jerusalem. Thus, when the runner was approaching the city, the watchmen could already yell to let people know what kind of message was coming. People would gather to greet the runner with good news. They looked forward to hearing the joyous information he was bringing.

Because Palestine is very hilly, the runners were required to run through the mountains. In Isaiah 52:7, we read, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings
of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" This verse is a prophecy of the gospel age. We know this because Paul uses it in Romans 10:15 to say that preachers and teachers are needed to spread the gospel. (Rom 10:15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 

According to God, it is a wonderful thing to bring the good news of his salvation to people. People need the good news of salvation. Do you tell people about God, Jesus, the Bible and the church? Do you obey God in all things? You need to study the Bible and learn what it says. (2 Tim 2:15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

The Gospel is “GOOD NEWS.” It is news too good to keep to ourselves!  

The message..."Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel [lit. "GOOD NEWS"] which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved -IF- you hold fast that word which I preached to you; unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that CHRIST DIED for our sins according to the Scriptures and that HE WAS BURIED, and that HE ROSE AGAIN the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). 

WHY is that such GOOD NEWS? Because YOU and I are sinners (Romans 3:23), and the wages of sin is DEATH (Romans 6:23). But Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3) so that we could be forgiven of our sins (Ephesians 1:7) and receive the GIFT of ETERNAL LIFE (Romans 6:23) with Him in heaven.

To receive the benefits of Christ’s death on the cross, we must: believe in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31)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 (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 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.

Then we must: CONTINUE to “hold fast” to the Word of God (1 Corinthians 15:2), living in obedience to it, so that the blood of Jesus can CONTINUE to cleanse us from our sin (1 John 1:7). 

Having heard the GOOD NEWS, have YOU obeyed it?  

Now, will you share it? The Gospel is “GOOD NEWS.” We have NO right to keep it to ourselves. Let’s take it into ALL the world, and let people hear it, so that they can OBEY it, and be SAVED from their sins.

TRIED BUT MESSED UP
18 OCTOBER 06

Six-year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor. He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten. Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad. He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove (and he didn't know how the stove worked!). 

Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky. 

And just then, he saw Dad standing at the door.… 

Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him. Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process. 

Despite our best efforts, you and I end up making a "mess" of our lives!

ALL of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. It seems that as we try to clean up one mess, we cause another. We end up being frustrated and burdened by guilt. When we realize that the Heavenly Father sees the mess that we have made, we are even more concerned about our awful predicament. Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. 

However, the Heavenly Father longs to hold us, to forgive us, and even to clean up our mess for us.  

In fact, it was because of our mess that His Son died on the cross. "He bore our sins ["our mess"] in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed" (1 Peter 2:24).  

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”  

The Father's forgiveness is open to those - who by faith will come to Him (Hebrews 11:6) with their mess, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

repenting of their sins (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,

confessing Jesus as the Divine Savior (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.

being baptized (immersed) in the name of Jesus so that their sins can be washed away (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. 

The Father wants us to continue to try to "make pancakes" (do good works) for Him with our lives (Ephesians 2:10). For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  

And as long as we do our best to do His will, He will continue to "clean up the messes" that we make (1 John 1:7). 

Tired of the mess? Turn it over to God!

THE WILL TO CARRY ON
22 OCTOBER 06

Douglas Maurer, 15, of Creve Coeur , Missouri , had been feeling badly for several days. His temperature was ranging between 103 and 105 degrees, and he was suffering from severe flu-like symptoms. Finally, his mother took him to the hospital in St. Louis . Douglas Maurer was diagnosed as having leukemia. The doctors told him in frank terms about his disease. They said that for the next three years, he would have to undergo chemotherapy. They didn’t sugarcoat the side effects. They told Douglas he would go bald and that his body would most likely bloat. Upon learning this, he went into a deep depression.  

His aunt called a floral shop to send Douglas an arrangement of flowers. She told the clerk that it was for her teenage nephew who has leukemia. When the flowers arrived at the hospital, they were beautiful. Douglas read the card from his aunt. Then he saw a second card. It said:
" Douglas – I took your order. I work at Brix florist. I had leukemia when I was 7 years old. I’m 22 years old now. Good luck! My heart goes out to you. Sincerely, Laura Bradley.” His face lit up. His whole outlook changed. It’s remarkable! 

Douglas Maurer was in a hospital filled with millions of dollars worth of the most sophisticated medical equipment. He was being treated by expert doctors and nurses with medical training totaling in the hundreds of years. But it was a salesclerk in a flower shop, a woman making $170 a week, who – by taking the time to care, and by being willing to go with what her heart told her to do – gave Douglas HOPE and the WILL to carry on. It is encouraging and comforting to know that no matter what you are facing in life, there is Someone who CARES and who can RELATE to what we are going through.

That Someone is JESUS...
“Therefore, in all things He [Jesus] had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17).  

Jesus was “made like us,” therefore He knows what we go through AND He is able to provide that GRACE and MERCY to help us in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). But even more, Jesus was “made like us” to give us HOPE for better things to come. The basis of that hope is that Jesus DIED for our sins on the cross so that we might have forgiveness of sins. He was BURIED, but He ROSE again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1-3).  

HIS resurrection provides promise of our OWN resurrection when Jesus returns (1 Corinthians 15:20ff.
Because of JESUS, our whole outlook changes! He gives us HOPE and the WILL to carry on!

YOU can share in that hope if you will trust and obey Him: believing in Him (Acts 16:30-31),  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,

repenting 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,

confessing Him 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 being baptized (immersed) in His name for the forgiveness of 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. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Hope is maintained for the one who continues to follow Jesus for the rest of his life (1 John 1:7). 

Do YOU have that Hope?

GOD'S BARE HOLY ARM
29 OCTOBER 06

In ancient times most people wore loose fitting clothes. Even the soldiers wore loose fitting shirts. The looseness allowed the individual to do many things without the arm being cramped.
But when it was time for the heat of the battle, the soldier would roll his sleeve up and tuck it over his shoulder. This would completely free his arm so that he could swing his sword in any direction. When a normal worker was getting into very serious hard labour he would also tuck his sleeve over his shoulder. When a person was seen with his arm bare, it was a sign that something serious was happening.

In Isaiah 52:10, we read, "The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." This chapter is full of prophecies about Christ. This verse is also about Christ. Christ is pictured as God's bare arm. In Isaiah 51:9-11 the arm is described as the one who made the sea a dry ground for the Israelites to cross over.
(Isa 51:9-11) Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon.
Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over? Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away 

When Christ came to earth he did not preach and teach in secret. He did not do his miracles in secret. He did these things in the open so that all could hear and see. He allowed himself to be crucified in full view of the world. Then he sent the Holy Spirit for the Christians during the First Century so that they could do miracles. These miracles were to verify that they were indeed preaching the words of God, the new covenant through Christ.

Christ's mission was a serious one. He taught the coming kingdom. He taught of salvation. He worked very hard during his preaching ministry. In fact, he seldom got sleep. He is now the Prince of Peace leading his troops in a spiritual battle. In all ways, he is the Bare Holy Arm of God. We are to follow Christ. He is our example. We should figuratively tuck our shirt sleeve over our shoulder. We should be working hard for our Heavenly Father. We should be in the middle of the spiritual battle. 

Here is an opportunity for us to roll up our sleeves and get down to work. The field is white with harvest and the harvest time is coming. Let us go forth to invite friends and relatives to the coming Gospel Meeting with bro Perry Cotham December 1st-3rd. The call for workers to go into the field has gone forth—will you come? Come be part of the tracting team. 29/10, 5/11 & 12/11.

 

To the Work!

To the work! To the work! We are servants of God,

Let us follow the path that our Master has trod:

With the balm of His counsel our strength to renew,

Let us do with our might what our hands find to do.

To the work! To the work! Let the hungry be fed:

To the fountain of life let the weary be led:

In the cross and its banner our glory shall be,

While we herald the tidings, Salvation is free!

To the work! To the work! There is labour for all,

For the kingdom of darkness and error shall fall:

And the name of Jeheovah exhalted shall be,

In the loud-swelling chorus, Salvation in free!

Toiling on….toiling on, Toiling on….toiling on:

Let us hope, let us watch,

                                                    And labour till the Master comes