April 19
What does man find objectionable about the gospel? Everything! Think of John 3:16. “For God,” and some object to the idea that God even exists. “So loved the world,” and they object to Him loving all, even the worst. “That He gave,” and they are offended that they cannot contribute something of merit. “His only begotten Son,” and they do not like the exclusivity of the One Way. “That whosoever,” and they ask, “Do you mean mass murderers can pray and have a lifetime of sin wiped out?” “Believes on Him,” and they stumble at its simplicity. “There must be more,” they say. “Should not perish,”...
Read MoreApril 18
W.T.P. Wolston was born at Brixham, England, on September 6, 1840, and was converted at the age of 20 while listening to Charles Stanley, a commercial hardware salesman from Sheffield who led thousands to Christ. Wolston eventually became a loved and respected physician in Edinburgh, Scotland where he took every opportunity to speak to people about his Savior. He writes: “A short time ago I was traveling on a train, and there was in the car with me a bright-eyed boy named Robert, on his way home from school. We got into conversation. Presently I said to him, ‘Robert, I know a friend of...
Read MoreApril 17
Anyone witnessing will be challenged on homosexuality. Some will say it’s wrong to condemn, since people are born that way. Others will say grace prohibits judging. What is our response? First, we are all born sinners (Ps 51:5) with proclivities in different directions, but cannot excuse our sins by claiming “that’s the way I am.” Second, although some sins do greater damage that others, we should declare a gospel that both condemns all sin and provides forgiveness for all sin repented for. Third, it is not temptation to sin that is deserving of judgment (unless we put ourselves in harm’s...
Read MoreApril 16
Andrew Stenhouse writes: “We rented a hall on one of the main arteries of the city. It was busy and noisy, but God gave us the joy of seeing souls saved there. On one occasion a gentleman, Senor Marfan, was walking by when he had a seizure of pain and looked around for somewhere to sit. The nearest place was the doorstep of our hall. One of our young men, distributing invitation cards, brought him some water. In a few minutes he felt better and went on his way, after receiving an invitation. He didn’t return, but told his wife about his experience and handed her the card. As a result, she...
Read MoreApril 15
“If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God…” (Jn 7:17). When Pilate asked Jesus the question, “What is truth?” Jesus answered him with a categorical response. In effect, Jesus was asking Pilate if his was a genuine question or purely an academic one. Jesus was not merely checking on Pilate’s sincerity. He was opening up Pilate’s heart to himself, to reveal to Pilate his unwillingness to deal with the implications of Jesus’ answer. “They who are on the side of truth, listen to Me” (Jn 18:37), He said. Intent in the pursuit of truth is prior...
Read MoreApril 14
Ridley Haim Herschell, born to a devout Jewish family in Strzelno, Poland, had no peace. One morning he bought something wrapped in scrap paper on which was printed: “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” A few days later, he picked up a New Testament, which opened at the same passage! He borrowed the book and eagerly read it. He wrote: “One day I wept bitterly before the Lord, entreating Him to give me peace. These words of Jesus came to mind: ‘Hitherto ye have asked nothing in My name. Ask…’ (Jn 16:24). I cannot describe the reluctance I felt to pray in Jesus’ name. At...
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