Call to Commitment

As I prepare and share radio programs on the Old Testament kings, I am made aware, once more, of man´s inability to handle power, no matter how great his character and spiritual maturity. We need constant reminders of the propensity of a common fault in human nature. David fell and a long line of Israel and Judah´s kings followed him. I just studied good King Uzziah, of whom it was said that “he became exceedingly strong… he was marvelously helped till he became strong.” But then, “When he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction.” He became furious, when the priests tried to advise him for his own good, and ended his life alone and in disgrace.

 The apostle Paul understood this defect in human nature, even in those born again, and was humble enough to write of his own personal experience: “Lest I should be exalted above measure… a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me… for when I am weak, then I am strong.”  

 Don’t think that Tozer chose this text, looking for a sermon for his Sunday morning service in his church, or that he prepared it for preaching in one of the annual “Councils” (as they called them) of his denomination. That is, he wasn’t motivated by an urge to have an interesting text to catch the attention of the thousands of people attending from all parts of America and representatives of various parts of the world.

 We lived within 300 miles of Chicago, where Tozer was pastoring a church. I was only 19-years-old when Tozer died and I don’t remember ever hearing him in person, but I have read every book I could find of his and listened to dozens of his tapes. My dad heard him on various occasion in these “Councils”, that I mentioned, or in pastoral conventions, because he belonged to the same denomination. Also, I communicated for at least ten years personally, by letters and by telephone with a good friend of Tozer, Leonard Ravenhill. Len preached in Tozer’s church, prayed alone with him and considered him his mentor.

 No, from what I know about Tozer, he didn’t write this chapter because its theme would fit nicely into his book. He wrote it because he knew personally some of these “kings¨, just like the one described in Ecclesiastes, and I suspect that he found some of them in the organization that he belonged to. Tozer had enemies, who didn’t like him, because he brought to light the situations that he knew on his back doorstep. I had a friend, who was a student at a Bible school under the same denomination. Tozer came to talk to the students at the school’s “spiritual life week”, and afterwards was severely criticized by some of the professors.  

 In the meantime, we are studying a tool for evangelism. Christian, if you have a desire to share the gospel with friends, relatives, and whoever the Lord would have cross your path, you need to study it. I am not talking about following a method, but using biblical and spiritual principles in evangelism. This was the way of the great evangelists throughout church history. They would start with the law of God, then show that no one has kept it. Therefore, everyone needs to repent. When there were signs of true repentance, the evangelist would share the hope of the gospel… the good news! It is there that the sinner must put his trust. Trust is synonymous with faith; faith in the person and the work of Christ. This is what Jesus meant, when He said, “Repent and believe the gospel!”

 You might want to review the first two articles. Here is the last part of this excellent tool. It deals with the following issues… Condemned by our genes… The only remedy… Your debt has been paid!... The need to be born again… God promises a new life… A future without end… What are you waiting for?

 If you want to give people something of value to read, you can receive this and two other installments in the form of a small book. Simply write us at loelmarga@telefonica.net . A tract is all right, in order to get someone’s attention, but it gives little information concerning salvation and the reason why it is needed. This little book will inform them clearly about the righteousness and the love of God. I really wish that many, who have a desire to evangelize, would use it.

 This second article deals with the following issues… What does the Law of God demand?... Guilty or innocent?... What does “death” mean?... The second death… Justice satisfied… The astounding rebellion against God… An example from hell… The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

 If you want to give people something of value to read, you can receive this and two other installments in the form of a small book. Simply write us at loelmarga@telefonica.net . A tract is all right, in order to get someone’s attention, but it gives little information concerning salvation and the reason why man needs salvation. This little book will inform them clearly about the righteousness and the love of God. I really wish that many, who have a desire to evangelize, would use it. 

Soon I will be presenting my annual exposition of a book in the Bible. I am contemplating writing on John´s first epistle, but if I feel very energetic, I might take on the prophecy of Jeremiah. Please pray that I will find the will of God, as to how I can best encourage and inform His people.

 In the meantime, I continue to bring up articles, which were published earlier on this blogspot. This theme, Before the Supreme Judge was first published in three parts between July 7 and July 16, 2014. I present it again to Christians, as a tool for evangelism. Let me ask you… How have you learned to share the gospel in personal evangelism? See if it lines up with the truth presented in these three writings. They contain in detail the biblical principles concerning the subject.

 Most methods of evangelism will include the question, Do you recognize that you are a sinner? That question will usually be hurriedly passed over, in order to arrive at more pleasant and acceptable points. This thesis covers the theme thoroughly, better providing the unbeliever with the reason, for which he needs salvation. Please read this and the next two articles seriously and carefully.

A tract might be good to get someone’s attention, but it gives little aid in informing about the need for salvation and why, precisely, it is needed. This booklet will tell clearly of the justice and the love of God. If you want to give people something of value to read, you can receive this and two other installments in the form of a small book. Simply write us at loelmarga@telefonica.net. I really wish that many, who have a desire to evangelize, would use it.