Will you help the “Lost” find their way home?

Greetings,

It is a joy for me to serve our Lord and be with you today.

As a volunteer speaker for the Pocket Testament League,

I am here to invite you to be part of this very meaningful ministry. 

 

Must, we take God's great message of salvation to others ?

The Bible Scripture commands us ;

Mark 16:15 (NIV)

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

 

Scripture tells why we should obey His commands;

John 14:15 (NIV)

"If you love me, you will obey what I command.

Our common objective is to share the Word of God around the world.

Most of us are called to stay and spread the Good News to our part of the world. 

Evangelism can start with each one of us, today, exactly where we are.  

In order to do that, we need to be equipped for our personal outreach.

 

Everyone’s circumstances are not the same so the “Pocket Testament League”

has provided many effective ways for our members to plant those seeds,

of course members can do it or members can sponsor someone else such as;

another member, or partner with a ministry such as a Care Team, food bank,

missionary, nursing home Chaplin,  a gospel in your Church Visitor’s Welcome Package.

 

Sponsors provide gospels to active members who do not have the financial means to

donate, but they have that passion for sharing God’s Word with those in need of salvation. 

Our purpose is to get Pocket-sized Gospels into as many hands and hearts

as possible, but we cannot do this without prayers, members, and sponsors.

Is God calling you to take a part in making known His message ?

Our membership has no fees or dues, we request members to pledge that they will:

“Read God’s Word each day”, 

“Carry God’s Word with them wherever they go”, 

“Share God’s Word as He gives them opportunities”. 

Will you make that pledge ?

Joining The Pocket Testament League takes about a minute on the internet.

Just enter:  www.ptl.org  and visit the signup page just click on “Join Now” and enter

“ referral number # 395591 “ to encourage this ministry.

Nothing changes hearts like God’s Word.

                                      Brother George

Time to Get Up and Begin Again

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Romans 11:29 for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.     Thoughts for Today:   This is perhaps my favorite Scripture. It is simple and straightforward -- and completely reassuring. How so? Because God didn't change His mind about Israel despite their short-comings, therefore He won't change His mind about me! Even if we're faithless, He remains faithful because He cannot deny His nature. 2 Timothy 2:19: "Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: 'The Lord knows those who are his,' and, 'Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.'" In our passage today, Paul tells us "God's gifts and His call are irrevocable." That means, no matter how badly we mess up, God will continue to hang in there with us. Sometimes we might feel as if our sinfulness is too great, or perhaps we've been testing the mercy and patience of God in rebellion. We might even know that if we continue down these paths we will eventually feel the repercussions of our acts. However, even though we may not deserve it -- God's not through with us -- because the gifts and call of God are irrevocable. He doesn't take them back, no matter how off course we might become. Let's take a moment and look at Peter. Peter swore he did not know Jesus. Why? Because a little girl said, "This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth." (Matthew 26:71) Despite knowing Jesus is alive, Peter was so disgusted and thoroughly disappointed with himself that he went back to fishing. The same is true for us when we foul things up in our own lives: We go back to the same old places, habits, and former friends. And we too come up empty-handed. John 21:3: "So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing." But then a voice calls out, "Put your net down on the right side of the boat." John 21:6b: "When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish." And what did they find when they got back to shore? That's right, fish roasting on the fire. The very thing they had gone in search of was right there in the hand of Jesus. John 21:12-13: "Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast.' None of the disciples dared ask him, 'Who are you?' They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish." Jesus then asked Peter, "Do you love me?" He didn't say, "Peter, you've really messed up badly so I'm going to put you on probation for a year." Rather, He said, "Feed my lambs...take care of my sheep...feed my sheep...and follow me!" (John 21:15-19) The Lord says the same thing to us when we've failed to live up to our responsibilities: "Get going again. Pick yourself up. Feed my flock. Do what you were doing before you digressed into sin." Only the Lord shows that kind of grace. Not people, schools, governments, review boards, or even churches. But Jesus does. He says, "Follow me, because my gifts and my call are irrevocable."     Questions to Ponder:   Are you in need of a second chance? Have you just messed up your first one horribly? Join the crowd. I am probably on my twentieth chance, yet the Lord still finds a use and purpose for me. Why? Because His gifts and call are irrevocable! Isn't that great news? How will you apply it today? Is it time to get up and begin again?

GIVE THE REASON FOR HOPE

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Grace Multiplied

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Romans 11:12 But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring!     Thoughts for Today:   At the present time God has set aside the Jews. He is not finished with them, He is just not dealing with them as a nation right now. Think about Paul's point for a moment: If the world has been blessed because of the Jews' transgressions, how much more so will the world be blessed when they stand in belief and submission to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? When will this happen? In the kingdom age, this is when Jesus returns to rescue the people of Israel from destruction at the end of the Tribulation. One might wonder: If the setting aside of the Jews brought God's grace to the Gentiles, what happens to the grace of God toward the Gentiles when the Jews are received again? It will be multiplied. James explains this to the great council in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13-17): "When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written [quoting from Amos 9:11-12]: 'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things.'" In other words, God is calling out a people (the Gentiles) for His name, at the same time He is calling out the Jews.     Questions to Ponder:   God has called us a people who bear His name. I consider it to be a great responsibility. How are you handling yourself in the workplace, in the supermarket, in the parking lot? Would God be pleased with your behavior? Would anyone want to know God because of your actions, or would the reverse be true?

The Four Works of Christ

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Romans 8:33b-34 It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died -- more than that, who was raised to life -- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.     Thoughts for Today:   Salvation and eternal life are secure for the believer because of the following four works of Jesus Christ: 1. Christ died for our sin. His life was delivered as payment for our transgressions. 2. Christ was raised from death to life. He was raised for our justification. 3. Christ is seated at the right hand of God. In our passage today, Paul tells us Jesus "is at the right hand of God". We also know from Mark 16:19: "After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God." If by comparison we look at the temple or the tabernacle we see no seat -- no place to sit. Why? Because the work of the Old Testament priest would never be finished. However, just before He died our Great High Priest Jesus Christ said in John 19:30, "It is finished." So why is Jesus seated? Because the work is finished. 4. Christ is interceding for us. Did you pray this morning? If not, you should have. But not to worry, whether you did or did not -- because Christ is right now making intercessions for us. These four works of Jesus Christ are the reasons why no one -- before God -- can condemn the acts of His chosen people. We have been forgiven.     Questions to Ponder:   God's chosen people are "justified sinners". His sovereignty, authority and power stand behind us. Why? Because Christ's death and resurrection removed all condemnation. Isn't that beautiful? Then why do we continue to beat ourselves up over sin? Isn't it time we fully embrace the power and majesty of God's sacrifice?

He Speaks in Our Affliction

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Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.     Thoughts for Today:   This society of ours seems to be dedicated to removing every last bit of suffering from our lives. But try as we might, we cannot completely eliminate suffering. We might not be so anxious to avoid suffering if we took a moment to look at it from God's perspective. Consider the following: Job 36:15: "But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction." I don't know about you, but during my greatest periods of suffering is when God has spoken to me most clearly. (Or perhaps I was more attentive.) Hebrews 12:7: "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" All too often we view hardship (suffering) as punishment. In fact, we often see discipline in much the same way. But isn't teaching a child to become successful through discipline -- in thought and action -- one of the goals of fatherhood? Psalm 119:50: "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life." While in suffering I've also learned to depend exclusively on the Lord -- sometimes because there was no other choice. The point Paul makes in our passage today is twofold. First, these periods of suffering provide insight into what it is like to have a close, personal relationship with the Father (in other words, the closeness we experience is a preview or a taste of the "glory that will be revealed in us" for all of eternity). And second, whatever pain we suffer will be nothing when viewed from an eternal perspective.     Questions to Ponder:   Here are three Biblical perspectives on suffering: First, there is suffering that simply must be endured without losing faith. Second, there is suffering meant to teach a lesson. Third, there is suffering to share in, understand, and depend upon the sacrifice Christ made for us. Which are you going through right now? Have you been steadfast in your faith? What attitudes need changing?

It's the busiest season of the year

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Don't forget to share hope this Christmas!

It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season. This year, set your heart and mind on what really matters. Be intentional about pressing in to God – and sharing the love of Jesus with others with these Christmas-themed pocket-sized Gospel of John CELEBRATE THE REASON. “I want to shine the light of Christ into the lives of the lost this Christmas season through the Christmas gospel of John booklets. I’m excited to bless them with a gift of the pocket gospels that could change their lives.” - Phyllis L. from Lancaster, PA

Scripture Works!

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Romans 10:11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."     Thoughts for Today:   In our passage today Paul quotes Isaiah 28:16b: "...the one who trusts will never be dismayed." The King James Version of this passage is: "...he that believeth shall not make haste." So what is the appropriate translation? Is it: never be put to shame; never be dismayed; or not make haste? What is the difference? All of these translations encapsulate the meaning of the Hebrew word chuwsh, which means to "flee with alarm". In other words, Jesus is never going to embarrass, He will never disappoint or discourage, and we won't need to rush off in a hurry because we're either humiliated or disheartened. Why? Because Scripture works. It works in our lives and it certainly works when shared with other people. We never have to wonder, "I hope they understand, I hope it takes, I hope they don't think I'm a fool." Have confidence, Scripture works. Trust in Him! Whoever submits to Jesus' Lordship will never be disappointed. His Word guarantees it.     Questions to Ponder:   I just love writing and teaching about Scripture. Why? Because it works!      I see lives changed, new careers found, marriages healed, children reconciled with parents, new friendships discovered, and people just simply doing so much better than they were before. Scripture works. Is Scripture working for you? Is it in your heart, in your mind and in your life? What about at work? At home? In your car? Surround yourself with Scripture and you too will experience the goodness and provision of the Lord.

Not Too Difficult or Beyond Our Reach

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Romans 10:8-9 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.     Thoughts for Today:   Is Jesus known through philosophy? What about theology? Jesus is only known through a child-like simplicity. We come to Him with belief in our hearts that He died for our sins, rose from the dead, and is alive. We make this confession with our mouth, "Jesus is Lord -- my Lord, I believe in my heart that He died for my sins, He is risen, and I am forgiven." So what happens? We are saved. How does it work? I'm not sure. Is it just that easy? Yes. In our passage today, Paul quotes Deuteronomy 30:14. Let's take a moment and look at the preceding verses (Deuteronomy 30:11-14): "Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, 'Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?' Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, 'Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?' No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it." God has made it easy for us. All that's required of us is to profess with simple words our simple faith. Why do we make it so much more complicated and difficult? The word is near us -- in our mouth and heart. It's simple. Why? So we may obey. How? Just believe and confess.     Questions to Ponder:   Have you ever felt that sharing your faith was just too difficult ? Haven't had all the answers, so you've left evangelizing to "professionals". The Bible tells us, "the word is near us -- in our mouth and heart." We don't have to worry about coming up with the right words. God has placed His Word all around us. All we have to do is -- obey. Will you share your faith today?

The Cornerstone and a Stumbling Stone

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Romans 9:32b-33 They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."     Thoughts for Today:   This is a quote from Isaiah 8:14 and Isaiah 28:16. Previously, Paul makes the point that Israel has tried it's best to follow laws which should have led to righteousness, but was left without it. However, their greatest error was in ignoring and rejecting the final step in God's plan for redemption. Ephesians 2:20-21: "...built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord." Consider Jesus' words in the following two passages: Mark 8:34: "Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.' " John 6:37: "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away." So what does all of this mean? Answer: If we are to be saved we have a responsibility. What is it? To say "No" to the sinful nature ("deny self"), and faithfully follow Jesus. Paul tells us the Jews tried to pursue a righteousness of their own by following the Law. It didn't work for them and it won't work for us. We too will fail if we attempt (like the Jews) to arrive at righteousness through our own meager, self-serving, and prideful enterprises -- it is our "stumbling stone". Perfect righteousness only comes from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.     Questions to Ponder:   In John 8:37, Jesus spoke these words to the Jews: "I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word."   Jesus asks us this same question today: Do you have room for My word? Do we keep the teachings that suit us, and throw out the ones that don't? Give it some careful consideration: What has Jesus said that causes you to stumble? Are you like the Jews? What teaching are you ignoring?