Soul-winning | THE BIBLE VIEW

The BIBLE VIEW #972 — Telling Others

In This Issue:
“You’re Forcing Your Religion Down My Throat!”
Too Late!
Bloody Hands
Verses on Soul-winning

Volume: 972 August 26, 2024
Theme: Telling Others

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“You’re Forcing Your Religion Down My Throat!”
Bill Brinkworth

Infrequently, after telling another what the Bible says one must do to know they are going to Heaven, I have heard, “You’re forcing your religion down my throat.” Often, that might be a tactic to halt what one doesn’t want to hear.

In most cases, when someone is explaining the Bible’s way to Heaven or what the Scripture says about a subject, it is because they are concerned for another’s soul and life. Why would anyone knowingly want another to spend an eternity of torment? How can anyone not say anything when they know, according to God’s Word, that the person may face terrible consequences for their actions? A caring, concerned Christian should want to do one’s best to alert any from a terrible future. It is not “forcing” a belief on anyone. It is a warning!

Can you imagine being on a nearby hill overlooking cars traveling on a two-lane road? From that vantage point, an onlooker could see a distant truck swerving all over the road, from one lane to another.

From that point of observation, down the road, traveling toward the upcoming danger, the observer could also see a car traveling in the direction of the dangerous swerving truck. Unless the car pulls over to the safe side of the road, the vehicle may be struck by the oncoming lane-wandering vehicle. Someone could be hurt from the possible danger the observer could see.

Would the onlooker not do his best, if it was possible, to warn the car of what may await it in the immediate future? The vehicle could be damaged, and the driver and any passengers could be harmed or killed.

Would he not scream as loud as possible to get the driver’s attention? I am sure arms would frantically be waved or anything done to prevent the accident that would soon happen.

One warning another of a burning eternity in Hell or consequences of a drastic wrong decision are similarly alerting another, as anyone should do, when one sees an imminent danger. That person knows of the Bible’s promises about everyone’s future and cares enough to attempt to keep anyone from being eternally punished or affected by wrong decisions. At the cost of possibly being misunderstood, disrespected, or disliked, the believer bravely heralds the upcoming danger. He is not “forcing” anyone to do anything. He is just relaying dangers he has learned from God’s Word.

Listen to those delivering the truths from God’s Word. Heed the biblical warnings they are sharing with you. Their cautions are to help you. They may be the last opportunity to prevent you from a nearby eternal disaster.

Too Late!
D. L. Moody

Many years ago, a merchant lay dying. When the physician who attended him saw there was no chance for him, he thought it would be time to talk about Christ to the dying man.

There are many Christians just like that physician. They wait until a man is just entering the other world, just when the sands of his life are about to run out, and when the death rattle is in their throat before they speak of Christ to the person.

The physician stepped up to the dying merchant and began to speak of Jesus, the beauties of Christianity, and the salvation He has offered to the world. The merchant listened quietly to him and asked, “How long have you known of these things?”

“I have been a Christian since I came from the East,” he replied.

“You have been a Christian so long and have known all this and been in my store daily. You have been in my house, associated with me, knew all these things, and why didn’t you tell me before?”

The doctor went home and retired to rest, but could not sleep. The question from the dying man rang in his ears. He could not explain why he had not spoken before but saw he had neglected his duty to witness. He went back to his dying friend, intending to urge upon him the acceptance of Christ’s salvation, but when he began to speak to him, the merchant only replied in a sad whisper, “Oh, why didn’t you tell me before?”

Oh, my friends, how many of us do the same as the physician? We do not make the eternity of those we meet a priority, and we let too many slip through the cracks into an eternal Hell. If we do not tell them while we have the opportunity, they will continue stumbling in a godless direction.

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverb 11:30

Bloody Hands
Bill Brinkworth

“If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he [the watchman] blow the trumpet, and warn the people; 4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. … 6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.” Eze. 33:3-6

When God gave His words to Ezekiel, as recorded in Ezekiel 33:1, He first gave the prophet an example so he would understand the importance of the task he was to be given. The parable was about a watchman who was selected and placed in a position to observe any enemy entering the country.

If the guard saw the enemy arriving in the land, he would blow a warning trumpet (Eze. 33:3). The watchman was not responsible if any perished for not heeding the instrument’s blast in either fleeing or facing the enemy; their blood was not “on his hands”. He was not guilty of any deaths (Eze. 33:4) if they occurred.

However, if the lookout saw the enemy coming and did not alert the people with the instrument’s warning sound, the death of any slain would be on his hands. He would be guilty of their demise (Eze. 33:6). His negligence made him accountable (Eze. 33:6) for their shed blood.

God then gave Ezekiel the task to be the nation’s watchman (Eze. 33:7). It was not so much a physical enemy he was to warn his people of, nor was he to man a trumpet and perch high on an observation post. The prophet’s task was to take the warnings God gave him and ensure God’s people heard His words. After Ezekiel delivered the message, it was up to the people what they did with the warnings. The rest of the book’s chapters reveal that Ezekiel fulfilled his commission.

Today, according to God’s Word, there are no longer prophets (I Cor. 13:8), no matter what many claim. All God wants us to know is preserved within the pages of the King James Bible for English-speaking people, so there is no longer a need for one to give us the message from God’s lips, as did Ezekiel.

However, since we have God’s Word, it is still imperative that all hear His message. Every Christian is responsible not only for reading God’s Word and obeying it but also for making sure as many as possible hear God’s warnings. We are to be watchmen warning of a horrifying eternity, telling of the one Way (Jesus) to avoid it, and telling all we can about how God wants us to live. Yet, most Christians have not done what is expected of them. There is blood on many hands!

God’s name is cursed, while most are silent. Our Savour is mocked and ridiculed, yet not much is said. Many live an ungodly life, yet nary a word that would help them leaves few Christians’ lips. Most around us have never trusted Christ as their Saviour and are doomed to eternal torment, yet not a word is offered to rescue them from a horrible future. Too many of today’s watchmen are silent!

Their warning “trumpets” are hushed as many are never warned of God’s words. There is innocent blood on too many hands. Oh, that we would have diligent, bold watchmen who would sound the warnings God wants us to announce. Sound the “trumpet” loudly as danger is close, lives are at stake, and it is up to us to sound the alarm! Keep your hands clean from the blood of others!

“Oh, how many we have encountered could have been saved or have their lives changed if we were bold enough to share the Word of God with them!”

Verses on Soul Winning

“Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20
“And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” Luke 14:23
“To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” I Cor. 9:22
“For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.” I Cor. 9:19
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
“If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.” Rom. 11:14
“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” I Tim. 4:16

The BIBLE VIEW #951 — Witnessing

In This Issue:
Winning Souls to Christ
We Are His Ambassadors
We just Deliver It!

Volume: 951 April 1, 2024
Theme: Witnessing

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Winning Souls to Christ
Bill Brinkworth

In John 4, we see Jesus got much encouragement and strength (John 4:32, 34) from doing what God desires all of us to do. He had the opportunity to speak to a Samaritan woman about spiritual things. He introduced her to the Messiah. We all would be likewise blessed if we did as our Saviour did.

A wise man (Proverbs 11:20) wins a soul for Heaven and robs Hell of victims. A born-again child of God is expected to tell others as Jesus did. We are not to be silent about the crucial business of eternity. We are commanded to broadcast God’s way to others and will be blessed for doing so.

In John 4:34-38, Jesus taught about telling others about God’s way to Heaven:

Now is the time to do it. Do not wait four months (John 4:35) or when you think the time is right. Too many say that telling others does not work now. Not true! People are getting saved all the time. There may be a person you work with or someone who lives across the street who desires that someone would tell them the Way. The harvest of souls for Heaven is ripe (John 4:35); go and tell someone. God will give the increase one day if you will go and tell!
When you win a soul, there will be eternal rewards (John 4:36). You will be encouraged, and even “crowns” are awarded in eternity for those who win souls. The person who gets saved through your telling them will also be rewarded with an eternity in Heaven.
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” I Thessalonians 2:19
“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16
A person who tells someone does not always win someone immediately. It is a team effort. Someone sows the seed of the hope and knowledge of Jesus and the way to Heaven. Often, another person will later lead the person to the Lord.

Maybe a mother or Sunday school teacher told the person about God’s plan for them in eternity. Nothing happened at the time. The person did not make a decision or did not believe enough to trust Christ as Saviour when they first heard the message. Later, a soul-winner came along (John 4:37) and led that person to a saving knowledge of the biblical way to Heaven.

If you are saved, you have a tremendous responsibility. That charge is to tell others about God’s way to Heaven. Have you told anyone today?

“Except for a temptation here and there, the devil has to do little to get the souls of men into Hell. ALL will go there unless they do what God has made the only way to escape a tormenting eternity! That way is by being born again. Christians must do all they can to win others to Christ so they can be saved from an agonizing eternity! — Bill Brinkworth

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”
Proverbs 11:30

We Just Deliver It!
Bill Brinkworth

I do not know if there are many boys or girls who deliver newspapers anymore. However, when I was younger, many my age would get bundles of the daily paper delivered to them, fold them, put them in their newspaper bag, and give them to their customers.

Every day, often first thing in the morning or after school, a bundle of local newspapers would be retrieved by a delivery person. They would do their best, no matter the weather or time, to get the paper for people to read.

If the customer had not opened and read the paper, his ignorance of what was happening in the world around him was not the delivery person’s fault. The paper was made available to him by the diligence of the newspaper deliverer.

Likewise, it is usually not a preacher’s or person delivering God’s message’s fault people do not heed the biblical warnings given to them. The spreader of the Good News obeyed what he was commanded to do from the Word of God. He did his part.

They were the delivery “boys.” Their efforts ensured God’s Word was put in the hands and ears of those needing to know His message. All the delivery person can do is get God’s Truths to others. No one can make anyone saved or be obedient to His commandments.

What are you doing with God’s message faithfully delivered to you? Did you listen intently? Were you convicted about something that was said? Did you go to the Lord, beg for His mercy and forgiveness, and intend to do as the Holy Spirit’s heartfelt “whisper” urged you to do? Or did the message go in one ear, and no obedience to the Holy Spirit’s calling ever followed? If so, you have been delivered God’s Good News. What will you do with His message?

“If people shared the Gospel like they do gossip, we’d have a major revival worldwide.”
— Author Unknown

We Are His Ambassadors
Bill Brinkworth

The apostle Paul was locked in a deep, dank dungeon for his testimony and preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was separated from his friends, did not get the proper food and care, was isolated, and forgotten. Yet, he knew God was aware of his predicament and allowed him to be there for a reason.

Ephesians 6:20 explains why: “For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” An ambassador is an important, special representative appointed to represent another power. Paul’s mission in prison was to be a representative of God.

As odd as many think Paul’s mission was, all Christians are called to be emissaries of Heaven. God may have them in a particular neighborhood, situation, hospital bed, job, or school for a specific opportunity. He wants them to deliver his message to people in that position. Often, no one else can reach them outside the position one finds oneself in.

We can be ambassadors for Heaven with our lives. Many are watching us in many situations, such as how we speak, act, react when angry or sad, or even dress. If we do not tell others about the goodness, mercy, and grace of God, and be a testimony for Him, who will?

The Bible tells us how we can tell others. We can be an emissary by:
Singing: Instead of the world hearing us sing their songs emphasizing adultery, drugs, sexuality, disobedience, and other ungodly actions, they should listen to us singing songs praising His goodness and mercy.
“Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.” Psalm 9:11

Talking:
“Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.” I Chronicles 16:9
“Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.” Luke 8:38-39
“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8-9
“The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” John 4:28
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverb 11:30 Use your voice to win others to the cause of Christ.

Being a good example:
“I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked. I will wash my hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.” Psalms 26:5-7
“And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?” Mark 4:21 The light of a good testimony for the cause of Christ can be brightness in this dark, sinful world. Do not “hide” your Christianity.

Quoting scripture and biblical principles:
“Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.” Psalm 119:27
“My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.” Psalms 119:171-172 How will the unsaved world hear of the Word of God unless the people of God tell them?

Praising Him:
“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalm 107:8

“If Christians do not tell the lost how to be saved from a tormenting eternity, who will?” It is the responsibility of believers to tell others how to be saved!
— Bill Brinkworth

The BIBLE VIEW #932 — Witnessing

In This Issue:
Soul Winning
Why People Don’t Witness to Others
Talking Business
Suppose
A Dying Man’s Challenge
The Ant’s Evangelism

Volume: 932 November 13, 2023
Theme: Witnessing

Read the FREE typeset version of this newsletter at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html (Click on #932). Use it for your church bulletin inserts or as a ministry handout.

Soul Winning
Bill Brinkworth

When a person gets saved, all his sins are forgiven. Although God will not remind him of his iniquities, the believer will be judged for what he did for Christ after he was saved.

One of the responsibilities a Christian has is to tell others the biblical way to Heaven. Although it is the most neglected commandment by Christians, it is the most important! Here are some of what the Bible says about our personally winning souls to Heaven:

It is the primary way a lost person will hear about God’s way to Heaven.
“And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me?… Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.” Acts 8:30-35

How will the spiritually lost be saved unless a child of God tells them how? Most of us who are saved were led to the Lord by someone telling us either by mouth or written word.
It will rescue a soul from spending an eternity in Hell.
“Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20
It should be done in every house, as did the early church. Door-to-door, one-to-one witnessing is still how we are expected to tell others. It is how the early church grew, and it is how today’s ministries will grow.
“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Acts 5:42 Also Acts 2:46-47
It should be done by EVERYONE, not just the disciples, missionaries, pastors, and deacons!
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” Matthew 28:19 Also: John 20:21, Luke 24:47.
It is some of the Christian “fruit” a born-again believer should produce.
“And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.” John 4:36 Also: John 15:16, 20: 21.
The lost need to be “compelled,” as were the visitors in the parable of the Great Supper (Luke 14:16-24). “Compelling” is done one-on-one!
“And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” Luke 14:23
It is commanded by God for us to do!
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20
It is the wise thing to do.
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30
Many commentators teach that believers will receive a crown of rejoicing for witnessing and winning a lost soul to Christ.
“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:3
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” I Thessalonians 2:19

God chose us to point others to the way to Heaven. What a shame it would be for a Christian to live a full life on Earth and never, or rarely, have won a soul to a heavenly eternity.

“Well, I just can’t do it” or “I am too shy to talk to anyone” are not excuses that biblically keep anyone from their God-commanded duty to witness. I have never met a person who thought that it was easy for them to witness to strangers in the beginning. However, God has always helped them when they showed they were willing to obey His commandment.

I am sure it was hard for the early church members to win souls to Christ, but because they obeyed God, their ministry grew. After they witnessed to others, God blessed their church.

There are too many bound for Hell (Mark 7:13). Do not be a selfish Christian and not share the way to eternity in Heaven with anyone.

Someone probably shared it with you. If they did not, you would most likely not be Heaven-bound. Soul winning is the biblical way to get the message of salvation to others. It still works today! Have you witnessed to anyone this week?

“It has been estimated that probably 95% of all church members have never
led anyone to Christ!”

Why People Don’t Witness to Others
Bill Brinkworth

I have heard most of the excuses not to win others to Christ. Honestly, I have used most of those justifications and listened to the same excuses from many of the best soul-winners I have encountered. However, none of the reasons for not obeying God’s commandment to win souls to Christ are biblical.

Here are some of the most common reasons for not winning a lost soul from an eternal destiny in Hell:

“I’m too shy.” All feel like this at one time or another, but should not obedience to God’s commandments supersede our pride and selfish feelings? Is not a soul’s eternal destination more important than our feelings of self-consciousness and pride?
“I don’t feel like it.” Laziness to do the right thing is another non-biblical reason many hide behind.
“I didn’t know a Christian was supposed to tell others.” Too many do not read the Word of God for themselves, so they do not know what they are commanded to do. Unfortunately, many preachers who do not want to offend their members also do not make their flock aware of what they are expected to do.
“I’m afraid of what others may say or think.” It is a shame that a person we may never see again may not have the opportunity to hear the salvation message from our lips because of our fear. Jesus was not afraid to tell others the true way to Heaven, although it cost Him His earthly life, nor were the Apostles and many that gave their lives so that others could hear it.
“I don’t know what to say.” Most people do not know how to tell others how to be saved when they first are born-again. Tell them how you got saved.

God often convicts others through the use of His Word. Hide Scripture in your heart by memorization so that when the Holy Spirit uses you to witness to another, you have it ready to win a soul to Him.

Talking Business
Author Unknown

A pastor was passing a big department store and followed an impulse to go in and talk to the proprietor about his salvation. Finding the owner, the preacher asked, “Mr. T…, I’ve talked beds, carpets, and bookcases with you but never talked about my business to you. Would you give me a few minutes to do so?”

Being led to a private office, the pastor took out his New Testament and showed the businessman passage after passage of one’s duty to accept Jesus Christ. Finally, tears began rolling down the owner’s cheeks. He said to the preacher, “I’m 70. I was born in this city, and more than a hundred ministers and more than 500 church members have known me as you have in doing business with me. You are the only man who ever spoke to me about my soul in all those years.”

What a sad commentary on the many who talked with this businessman. Yet, many who have crossed our paths have never heard the Gospel from anyone, including us.

“Many Christians complain of the condition of the world today. If they believed what they confessed, they would lead the lost to Christ, then the world would be changed!” — Author Unknown

Suppose
“Suppose,” A tract from the Great Commission Prayer League

Suppose someone was to offer me a thousand dollars for every soul I earnestly tried to lead to Christ. Would I endeavor to lead more souls to Him than I am attempting to do now just for the money? Is my love of money stronger than my love of God or souls…?

“Whatever God gives you to do, do it as well as you can. This is the best possible preparation for what He may want you to do next.” — MacDonald

A Dying Man’s Challenge
Baptist Standard

A young married man went into a Christian man’s office on an errand of business. As he was leaving, the proprietor said, “My young friend, are you a Christian?”

The young man replied, “I regret to say I am not.”

The faithful friend then kindly urged him to seek Christ at once and to delay no longer securing salvation. The young man thanked him politely and said he would “think of it.”

In three weeks, the young man’s widow called the office to bring the man’s last dying words. She said, “He thought much of your kind advice and resolved to seek Christ. He was suddenly taken sick. After a few days, he found sweet peace in believing, became entirely resigned to God’s will, and died in the assurance of faith. ‘Tell the businessman,’ he said, ‘that I thank him with my dying breath for his faithfulness in telling me the way to Heaven.’”

“It is only God that saves souls! However, Christians are to be His messengers of the wonderful, saving news.”

The Ant’s Evangelism
Author Unknown

A gentleman laid a piece of food on the table, picked up an ant, and placed it on the morsel. He was astonished to see the little creature rapidly descend by one of the legs of the table and seek his fellows. They appeared to understand the ant’s news. He then returned to the food, followed by a long train of his fellow citizens and directed them to the prize.

Are there not many who know the sweetness of the Gospel, who might learn a lesson from that ant? If we have tasted and have seen that the Lord is good, let us now do what we can to lead others to a similar blessing.

“Witness to the person as you have the opportunity today. They may not have a ‘tomorrow’. It may be their last chance.”

The BIBLE VIEW #916 — Conversion

In This Issue:
Robinson Crusoe’s Change of Heart
Not by Argument
Unchanged

Volume: 916 July 24, 2023
Theme: Conversion

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Robinson Crusoe’s Change of Heart
Excerpts from The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe

Many of the older classic books had a spiritual lesson taught within their pages. The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe, is one of those. The adventures of Robinson, who was ship-wrecked in the mid-1600s, told of his life and how he survived much of the time alone on a deserted island.

Many rewrites of the book and movies leave out the most important theme of the film — that he was disobedient to God and running from His will. Here are excerpts of what the character finally learned about himself:

“Why has God done this to me? What have I done to be thus used? My conscience presently checked me in that inquiry as if I had blasphemed, and me thought it spoke to me like a voice: ‘Wretch! Dost THOU ask what thou hast done? Look back upon a dreadful misspent life, and ask thyself what thou hast NOT done? Ask, why is it that thou wert not long ago destroyed? Why wert thou not drowned in Yarmouth Roads; killed in the fight when the ship was taken by the Sallee man-of-war; devoured by the wild beasts on the coast of Africa, or drowned HERE, when all the crew perished but thyself? Dost THOU ask, what have I done?’ I was struck dumb with these reflections, as one astonished, and had not a word to say – no, not to answer to myself, but rose up pensive and sad, … my thoughts were sadly disturbed, and I had no inclination to sleep …

“… and as the few books I had saved lay there too, I took out one of the Bibles which I mentioned before, and which to this time I had not found leisure or inclination to look into. I say, I took it out….

“… having opened the book casually, the first words that occurred to me were these, ‘Call on Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.’ These words were very apt to my case and made some impression upon my thoughts at the time of reading them, though not so much as they did afterward….

“… that I began to say, as the children of Israel did when they were promised flesh to eat, ‘Can God spread a table in the wilderness?’ so I began to say, ‘Can God Himself deliver me from this place?’ And as it was not for many years that any hopes appeared, this prevailed very often upon my thoughts; however, the words made a great impression upon me, and I mused upon them very often.…

“… But before I lay down, I did what I never had done in all my life – I kneeled down and prayed to God to fulfill the promise to me that if I called upon Him in the day of trouble, He would deliver me. After my broken and imperfect prayer.…

“JULY 4. – In the morning, I took the Bible; and beginning at the New Testament, I began seriously to read it, and imposed upon myself to read a while every morning and every night, not tying myself to the number of chapters, but long as my thoughts should engage me. It was not long after I set seriously to this work till I found my heart more deeply and sincerely affected by the wickedness of my past life. The impression of my dream revived, and the words, ‘All these things have not brought thee to repentance,’ ran seriously through my thoughts. I was earnestly begging God to give me repentance when it happened providentially, the very day that, reading the Scripture, I came to these words: ‘He is exalted a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance and to give remission.’ I threw down the book, and with my heart as well as my hands lifted up to heaven, in a kind of ecstasy of joy, I cried out aloud, ‘Jesus, thou son of David! Jesus, thou exalted Prince and Saviour! give me repentance!’ This was the first time I could say, in the true sense of the words, that I prayed in all my life; for now I prayed with a sense of my condition and a true Scripture view of hope, founded on the encouragement of the Word of God; and from this time, I may say, I began to hope that God would hear me.

“Now I began to construe the words mentioned above, ‘Call on Me, and I will deliver thee,’ in a different sense from what I had ever done before; for then I had no notion of anything being called DELIVERANCE, but my being delivered from the captivity I was in… But now I learned to take it in another sense: now I looked back upon my past life with such horror, and my sins appeared so dreadful, that my soul sought nothing of God but deliverance from the load of guilt that bore down all my comfort… And I add this part here, to hint to whoever shall read it, that whenever they come to a true sense of things, they will find deliverance from sin a much greater blessing than deliverance from affliction….

“… I never had once the words ‘Thank God!’ so much as on my mind, or in my mouth; nor in the greatest distress had I so much as a thought to pray to Him, or so much as to say, ‘Lord, have mercy upon me!’ no, nor to mention the name of God unless it was to swear by and blaspheme it. I had terrible reflections upon my mind for many months, as I have already observed, on account of my wicked and hardened life past, and when I looked about me and considered what particular providences had attended me since my coming into this place, and how God had dealt bountifully with me – had not only punished me less than my iniquity had deserved but had so plentifully provided for me – this gave me great hopes that my repentance was accepted and that God had yet mercy in store for me.”

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13

Not by Argument
J. C. Jones

It is commonplace to think that an argument can convert a soul or change a person’s actions. Conquer a man by arguing, and as a rule, you only confirm him in his error.

Last Monday, I looked at a picture titled “Conquered, but Not Subdued.” The young lad in the painting was conquered by his mother. There he stood, with his face half turned towards the wall. One could see determination in his mouth, defiance in his eye, and anger in his nostrils. He was conquered but not subdued. Drive a sinner in argument to a corner so that he cannot escape, he most likely will not change his ways.

You have all seen sheet lightning. They flash. They dazzle, but they never kill. Arguments, after all, are only sheet lightning — flashing, dazzling, enlightening, but rarely changing anything.

I say nothing against giving logic. Have as much of it from the pulpit as you can, and personal encounters, but logic will not save or change too many.

God can never save you by argument. Too many would even rebelliously defy the Almighty in a direct debate. However, one can be changed and wooed when spiritual knowledge is taken by the Holy Spirit and convicts one’s soul. It is His revelation, delivering, and reasoning to one’s situation and soul that will result in any change.

“Arguments seldom change one’s mind. However, we still need to be the ‘delivery boy’ of the Truth, but only the Holy Spirit can do any converting!”

Unchanged
Beecher

There are scores of men who live for the flesh. They live under the dominion of their senses, yet they often live with full knowledge of truth from God’s Word. None know it better than they.

Some men have read every word of Scripture. Some are familiar with every argument and statement in theology. There are even men that have known and have seen much of the power of God in revivals. Still, there is within them that fixed, rooted, toughened life of sin that refuses to yield itself to any power which can be wielded merely by the hands of men. Too often, they die in their sins, unchanged by the truth they heard.

“Before anyone is saved or changed they usually have to get to the ‘bottom of their barrel.’ Unfortunately, for some it is lower in the barrel than it is for others.”