Skip to main content

FORBEAR NOT

Proverbs 24:11-12 says:

If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

I believe that the Lord set an example for us all when he said: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Certainly, the teaching is multi-faceted. The primary teaching is concerning what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross of Calvary. Praise God for such a precious gift that brought about our forgiveness and redemption. But the second application is that we ought to be willing to lay down our lives for others. To be living sacrifices that they too might know, might see, might receive the Gospel that can change their live as well.

But we live in a generation of forbearance in Christianity. We love to take care of ourselves and not put our necks out. We love to look out for number one or even our immediate families and call that sacrifice. Sacrifice for oneself or their own is more akin to selfishness because it pertains to ourselves.

I no way should we allow our family to suffer - please - I’m not saying that - but to call it a sacrifice is also a stretch for every husband, wife, and parent should be willing to as a normal part of life.

But let’s use this season to sacrifice for those around us that are in need and especially for those who need the Gospel. Let us not forbear to help those that are drawn unto death - an eternal death. Let’s share with them the precious gift of salvation and what Christ did for us on the cross.

- Pastor Mark Sage

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Recognize God's Mercy, but now - LET'S DO THE WORK!

Praise God for His mercy and grace upon America this election season.  We need to recognize that we have been blessed by the Almighty.  He has given us more time to enjoy our freedoms.  While our hope rests in the Lord always – we do thank Him for allowing us to enjoy our freedoms in our country into the near future – freedom to worship, freedom to assemble peaceably, freedom of speech, and the right to bear arms.     BUT NOW…   LET"S DO THE WORK!  With these freedoms come responsibilities.  We have asked God to give us the outcome we have received – but that same merciful God has a will for our lives that involves loving Him and serving Him faithfully.  If those who proclaim to be “born again” believers in this nation do not use these liberties we have been afforded to live for God and instead continue to use them for license to selfishness, greed, and pride – then this nation is doomed for we have already tested God...
Post a Comment
Read more

Jesus Loved Martha

John 11:5 " Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus." Yes, this is an odd verse to quote from my devotions, but it reminds us of a great truth: God's love for does not change in the midst of a trial. Remember, Mary, Martha, & Lazarus were going through the great trial of their lives in this chapter. They may have been inclined to question God's love. BUT THE TRIAL ACTUALLY PROVES HIS GREAT LOVE! It shows us His love is not altered because we are facing a trial. The trial is always meant to grow our faith, strengthen are walk, to correct us or to guide us - but never is it meant to question His love for us.
Post a Comment
Read more

The Cult of What If

I had an old preacher many years who gave many pearls of wisdom, some were very helpful and some were very funny - but they all had a good application.  Once he simply defined tithing thusly: “Tithing is God’s way for God’s people to do God’s business.”  Sometimes his wisdom would end up contradicting other wise statements he would make.  For instance, he would say: “Tired men rule the world,” but then two weeks later he would say: “Never make a decision when your are tire.”  Both are wise statements, but they just don’t go well side by side.   There was another statement that he made that has stuck with me for all these years.  He would say (and very directly): “I DON’T DEAL IN WHAT IF’S.”  He would say this in response to people when they gave an excuse in the form of “What if this happens” to allow justification of some sin or why they could not commit to something. I’ve thought a lot about that statement through the years and how to apply and even ...
Post a Comment
Read more