KNOCK ON A DOOR

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

Mark 16:15, And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

The Lord has given each of His children principles to live by in His Word. They are not given to us to make us fit for Heaven. We were made fit when we believed, repented, and confessed Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. They were given for our good and His glory.

One of those principles to live by is that of telling others about Him. It is simply sharing what He has done for us. While we go out by faith, proclaiming the name of Jesus, He opens and closes doors for us. He prepares us for the “What’s Next” on his to do list. So, this morning, get up and go knock on a door in preparation for what He has next for you!

LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES

A man's feet should be planted in his country, but his eyes should survey the world. -Santayana

Mark 16:15, And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

There isn’t a time we should not be telling someone about Jesus. On vacation, in the super market, at the doctor’s office, at the dentist, at work, during football practice, at camp, or at a family reunion; God gives us opportunities to tell others. Sad thing is, many times we are not thinking about the opportunity that is right before us.

When is the last time you woke up looking for an opportunity to tell others about the Saviour? What about right now? Go to the Lord right now asking Him to give you an opportunity today!

JESUS’ MISSION

           The mission of the church is Missions.

Matthew 28:19-20, 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.

            The greatest desire for any Christian should be to see that others come to know the same great Saviour that saved them. Christians purpose here on earth is to bring others to Christ. Scripture tells us, “… he that winneth souls is wise.” Our desires, as born again believers, should line up with that of the Saviour. If they don’t there isn’t a problem with God; it’s our problem and we need to get right. We need to get to sharing!   

            Jesus had His mission, He was about His Father’s Business, changing the world. You and I ought to follow in those steps to change this world for the glory of God! Chappell said, “This mission should compel us, challenge us, motivate us, and, coupled with a love for Christ, consume us.”

            What is your mission today? If it’s not souls for God’s glory, change your mission!

WHAT ARE YOU IN LOVE WITH?

What you love is what you will invest in.

1 John 2:15, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

            A Sunday School teacher once said, “Show me your checkbook and I’ll show you what you love.” Our finances reveal what we spend our money on and what we spend our money on reveals what we love. But it goes deeper than that. What we invest our time and talent in also reveals where our heart is at. It reveals what we love.

            If you spend your time, talents, and treasures on the things of this world, you love the world. Now, the manner in which you do those things will truly determine how you love it. If you invest your money on missions (Men and Women going out to win souls for the glory of God), it reveals you love to see sinners saved. If you spend your money on temporal things, it reveals you love the God of this world, this world’s system, and the materialistic things this world offers.

MISSIONS

      The mission of the church is missions.

Mark 16:15, And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

            The Great Commission of every believer is to tell others about the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. It is not only up to the Pastor, Missionary, or Evangelist. Each one of us that has been born again has the responsibility to share the Good News.

            You can’t win someone to the Lord by living a carnal lifestyle. You can’t win someone to the Lord by being wrapped up in self. You can’t win someone to the Lord by making excuses of why you don’t tell them about Jesus. (I don’t know what to say. I’m scared they will not like me anymore. They might curse me out.) Quit making excuses, go in the power of the Lord, and stand amazed at what Christ can do through a willing vessel as yourself!

            One of the greatest things we can do as believers is to win souls. Proverbs 11:30, The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. How is your soul winning going? When is the last time you shared your testimony? When is the last time you told someone Jesus loves them? When is the last time you told someone about hell? Time is fleeting friend—win someone to Jesus today!

GET IT TO THEM

World Missions begins across the street, not across the sea.—Scott Caudill

Acts 1:8, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

            As you go out today, do not forget about souls. Don’t forget about the man whose wife just left. Don’t forget about the woman whose husband just beat her. Don’t forget about the drug addict. Don’t forget about the prostitute. Don’t forget about the millionaire. For each of these, and millions of others just like them, need Jesus. You and I are the conduit in which God uses to get the Gospel to them.

            Will you get it to them as the Lord commands?

LISTEN TO THE PREACHER

The best way to revive a church is to build a fire in the pulpit. - D.L. Moody

Romans 10:14, How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

            Many would love for the Bible Believing Preacher whether he be an evangelist, missionary, pastor, or lay preacher to be silent and let sin have it’s way. They do not want to hear the preaching of God’s Word. They do not want to hear the terrible diagnosis of their sin sick state. So many pastors, in fear of losing a tither, preaches something other than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They preach a come as you are leave as you came message. They preach without repentance. They preach a bloodless Gospel. They preach but their message isn’t what you find in the Word of God for a man, woman, boy or girl needs to do in order to be saved from their sin sick state!

            Friend, it says in 1 Corinthians 1:18, For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Don’t ever think you will be good enough to get into heaven! Without you repenting and trusting Jesus Christ as Saviour, you will only be headed to a Devils hell. So do your family and friends a huge favor, listen to the preacher!

Cast That Gospel Net

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.

Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Notice Jesus didn’t say, “Follow me, and I will build you a bigger house”. But I believe your finances will better if you do. He didn’t say, “Follow me, and I will keep you out of trouble” But I believe that if you live by His Word, the choices you make because you do, will keep you out of trouble. He didn’t say, “Follow me, and I will keep you healthy.” But I believe if you do, you will live a healthier life.

A lot of people would have you to believe Jesus came to make you happy, to give you your best life now, or to fill your pockets with all the money you want. That’s not what He came for! What Jesus said was, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” He told His parents, “I must be about my Father's business.” Each of us needs to be about our Father’s business. We need to be casting the Gospel Net out into the waters of whosoever will praying God would give the increase!

BE VICTORIOUS

Be ashamed to die until you have won a soul for the Lord Jesus.

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

The only thing we do in someone’s salvation is sowing the seed and applying a little water. That’s really all any gardener or farmer does. They prepare the field by tilling the soil. They make rows to receive the seeds. They add fertilizer, seed, and water or they let the natural water from the Lord. They sit and wait until God creates one of this world’s greatest miracles; life! I am reminded this morning that our responsibility in being victorious in seeing the lost, dying, and hurting come to know the Lord is sowing the seed of the Gospel and applying the water of the Word. Without those two things we are living in a hopeless world! It is neither you nor I that does the saving, it’s the Lord Himself! So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:7

BE MISSION MINDED

A man's feet should be planted in his country, but his eyes should survey the world. –Santayana

Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. Psalm 96:3

There are so many opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We should start in our homes, going out into our neighborhoods, and then to the uttermost parts of this Earth. We should leave no ear untold or heart impacted about the saving power of Jesus. It should be our life’s goal to see many to come to know Him as Saviour! Oh, you can’t go? That’s okay, support those who can! Give to Missions! Pray for Missionaries! Pray for the field God has called them to!

There are still many who have never heard the Good News! Will you be Mission Minded being part of the solution or will you be on the other team?

USED UP!

            When everyone in a church uses their spiritual gifts for the glory of God, the church is able to function as God intended.—Paul Chappell

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Colossians 3:23

            Being used up for the Lord is not a bad thing. It means that you have given everything you have in order to see men, women, boys, and girls saved! It means you want to honor the Lord with the gifts you have been given! It means you love God more than yourself!

            Are you being used for God’s glory? If not, why are you wasting your time—Get Busy!

NO GAMES

            No time for games, we have the Great Commission to accomplish!

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Acts 26:16-18

            Some people want to argue over what color the carpet should be in the church. Some people want to complain the Pastor didn’t acknowledge their service. Some people would rather fuss and fight over simple things in the ministry rather than doing what God has commanded us to do! There isn’t any time for that mess! Grow up and get over it! Get busy sharing the Good News! People are lost, dying, going to Hell! Love your Saviour enough to set aside the petty differences you may have with someone so you can tell someone about the Him!

PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

            You will never make a missionary of the person who does no good at home.  He that will not serve the Lord in the Sunday school at home will not win children to Christ in China. –Spurgeon

            John Harper was a Scottish preacher that is best known for his last message. While the Titanic was sinking he proclaimed to many of those on board, “Are you saved?” If the answer was “No”, Harper shouted, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Harper continued to go from person to person until He slipped under the waves for the last time.

            Brother Harper should be an example to each of us. There is truly no greater message we can proclaim than the Good News of the Gospel!

IT’S YOUR DUTY!

A man's feet should be planted in his country, but his eyes should survey the world. -Santayana

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:18-20

            Paul, speaking to the Church at Ephesus said, “…, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the Gospel,” We are bold when it comes to finding a deal, when someone cuts us off on the interstate, or when we ask our Boss for a raise. We find all kinds of courage, tenacity, and our voice. What about when it comes to being a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ? Where is your courage? Where’s your zeal? Where is your fiery spirit? Where is your voice to tell the hurting Jesus cares? Where’s your voice to tell the lost and dying that Jesus saves?

            Church, it’s our duty to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the lost, dying, and hurting world. If you don’t who will?

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAINS…

To share the Good News of the Gospel is paramount in winning souls!

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15

I like what one person said the other day, “We are not left here on this earth to make friends but to make disciples.” How true of a statement that is and we do it by sharing the Gospel. Oh yes, we need to mend fences, build bridges, and have connections throughout society but if we are not following that up by sharing the Gospel with this lost, dying, and hurting world we are living in, we are missing when it comes to our mission in the Great Commission.

Child of God, the New Year has come and we are 5 days into it. How is your witnessing going? How is your sharing going? How many people have you told about Jesus this week? Get out and tell them about Jesus this week! Tell it on the mountains, over the hills,= and everywhere!

WORK, WORK, WHY DO WE HAVE TO WORK?

Blessed is the man who has some congenial work, some occupation in which he can put his heart, and which affords a complete outlet to all the forces there are in him. -Burroughs

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Psalm 90:17

Many people complain about the work they get to do. They find themselves bemoaning the thought of going back to their job as if they are going to get a root canal. What a miserable way to live!

We have an awesome opportunity to bring honor and glory to Him in the place where He has given us to work. The way we look and view this place in which we work will be expressed to everyone. While we may not like every aspect of our work place, we can still exalt our Saviour when we discuss it with others. What a privilege to work while we can, where we can, and when we can so we can proclaim the Gospel! Take advantage of the opportunities God gives us and stop complaining about them!

CAN I GET A WITNESS?

No doctrine of the Christian religion is worth preserving which cannot be verified in daily life. –Watson

We have three different witnesses upon this planet to guide one to salvation;

One is God’s creation- “…I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:40

            While God’s creation points us to the creator, that is all it can do. It cannot rebuke. It cannot correct. It cannot save. But, if a lost man looks at creation and says “Where is thy God?” It shows the depth of man’s depravity.

One is God’s people- “Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” Acts 5:20

            While the crowning of God’s creation is man, man cannot save anyone. We can rebuke, correct, and point lost man to the Saviour but God gives the increase.

One is God’s Word- “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39

            Friend, the greatest witness we could ever have is the Word of God. It tells us where we came from, where we are going, and what to do about it. You ask, “Where’s that?” Well friend, according to the Word of God we were all created in His image; perfect, wholly, and sinless. Yet, because of man’s own choice, sin entered in the world. The only cure for this sin was the Lord to send His only begotten Son- Jesus to redeem us from our sin.

             Have you seen His creation? Have you heard His people cry out the Good News of the Gospel? Have you read His Word? Have you been saved? If not- why not? If so- PRAISE YE THE LORD! Can I get a witness?

I SURE AM THIRSTY!

A thirst for the things of God will lead to a satisfied soul!

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4

Have you ever been thirsty for a drink of water? I mean really thirsty? So thirsty you would do or pay about anything for a bottle of water? That is the type of thirst we ought to have for the things of God. Look at the thirst David had for the things of God, He said, “I desired”, “I seek after”, “I may dwell”, “to behold”, and “to enquire”.

Oh that we would have that desire of the things of God!

THERE’S MORE TO IT THAN JUST GOING TO CHURCH!

Spurgeon said, “Sinners are dying in the street by hundreds; men are sinking into the flames of eternal wrath, but they fold their arms, they pity the poor perishing sinner, but they do nothing to show that their pity is real. They go to their places of worship; they occupy their well-cushioned easy pew; they wish the minister to feed them every Sabbath; but there is never a child taught in the Sunday-school by them; there is never a tract distributed at the poor man's house; there is never a deed done which might be the means of saving souls.”

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16

I heard a simple saying years ago; GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH! While it is a simple saying, I am also sure this is one of the most important places on the planet today. The church is more than a social club where people chew the fat on politics, make financial contacts, and complain about the weather. No, church is where people meet together to learn about who God is and who where are, what He has done and what we have done, and what we mean to God and what it all means to us. It’s a place where lives are transformed, taught, and tethered to God’s Son. The local church is a place where souls are saved, saints are sanctified, and saints start sharing the Gospel.

The local church is the most powerful place on Earth today yet, it is also the most neglected place as well. Child of God, sinner friend, GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH!

GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH!

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. Acts 5:42

Notice what it says in the verse above, “…they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Why didn’t they teach home economics or shop class? Why not a class on business or how to balance a checkbook? They didn’t teach and preach those things because those things won’t get anyone to Heaven!

And then look where they did it at, “…in the temple, and every house.” This temple is our modern day church. It was the central place of worship. So they came to the temple to worship the Lord while begin taught and preached to. Not only did they come to the temple but they started at home! What a challenge for you and I! It’s not up to the church to teach our kids, it’s yours and mine Mom and Dad!

Lastly, look at how often they did it, “And daily…” In their homes and in the temple they met daily to worship the Lord Jesus by teaching and preaching about the death, burial, and resurrection. 

This morning, GET UP, GET READY, and TO GO TO CHURCH! But before you leave the house, will you teach and preach Jesus?