Seed for the Harvest

By Alan Demos

As Jesus spoke to both the multitudes and His own disciples, He knew that the Jewish people, however sincere or faithful, had no understanding of growth and harvest for their synagogues or the temple. They were people of tradition and Old Testament law. He had to prepare them to receive other sheep into His worldwide flock of believers. Several of His parables brought forth principles of the kingdom pertaining to evangelism, growth and the eventual harvest.

In the Sermon on the Mount, He taught that they would be “the salt of the earth,” and “the light of the world.” His plan was for them to influence more than one nation, one city and one religious group. All three Synoptic Gospels later record the parable of the sower. “A sower went forth to sow…” (Matt. 13:3.) In Matthew, Jesus pointed us to the ground when He said, “The field is the world.” Luke reveals what the seed should be. “The seed is the word of God.” (Luke 8:11) However humble the packaging, whatever the size or method of dispersion, the seed must be the Word of God and it must be planted in the ground! There we have it! God wants us to find a field, have the right seed in our hands, and sow! It doesn’t take an extensive knowledge of agriculture to be a sower – just willingness, time, a plot of ground, and some seed.

Have you found a field where you can labor faithfully for Him?

Finally, we must be patient. The seed we sow will rarely bring an instant harvest. Our love will be the sunshine; our tears in prayer will be the water. Yet, the regenerating power of the Word has to work through burial, germination, plant growth, flowers and, finally, in due season, the harvest. The faithful sower understands the principles of the harvest. He labors with purpose, beginning by preparing the seed. He knows that no two crops reach harvest in the same time period – the timing is ordered by God. Our Creator insured in the beginning (Genesis 1:11-12) that there would be future natural harvests when He created the plants and the trees with seed within. We learn what we need to know about spiritual harvesting by studying natural harvesting.

Has the seed been placed within you that will bring forth a harvest?

We live with fields all around us – big cities, small towns, and villages. The people into whose hearts we must plant the seed are not hard to find. They’re at home, at work, at school, on the streets and in our neighborhoods. How do we turn barren, unprepared soil into a harvest field? People who don’t believe in God or know who He is are not candidates for the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Faith in Jesus Christ comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God! The seed must be sown to bring forth faith! Jesus prepared for Pentecost by adding knowledge and understanding that would lead them to New Testament salvation. For three years He ministered through miracles and healings, taught and preached, rebuked the wayward and comforted the suffering. Why was He taking so much time to lay the groundwork?

He was preparing the ground even as He was preparing the seed.

None of us will ever be as effective as Jesus Christ, but He expects us to be both sowers and harvesters! Each of us can hide the Word in our hearts and minds, find a field, and decide how to plant, using our own chosen method. Some will pass out tracts to strangers or distribute literature in a neighborhood; some will preach from a pulpit; some will teach children in a Sunday School class; some will teach others in a home; others will just speak gently and persistently with a friend. No method is more important than another! No venue is off-limits!

The only requirement is that we sow His Word!

The written Word of God in a condensed version, a summary or an introduction, is called a tract, whether evangelistic for the unbeliever or doctrinal for the believer. Let’s supply ourselves with Gospel literature to use wherever we walk in our fields. Let us pray to be led by the Holy Ghost in our sowing. It is not for us to inspect the soil. We are called to sow on all kinds of ground - good ground and poor ground. Literature is a time and cost effective means of connecting God with believers needing more truth or sinners needing salvation. Literature should go out to those who don’t know about, or, are not yet ready for, our churches.

A literature evangelist can easily distribute more than a hundred tracts

in the same time that it takes to give a one-hour Bible study!

Literature ministry fulfills the purpose of God revealed in the parable of the marriage. The king said, “Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.” (Matthew 22:9). We can’t wait for them to come into our churches; we must go out to invite them. Without a doubt, we will not be wasting our time. “Cast thy bread upon the waters… for thou shalt find it after many days.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6) SOW faithfully in faith, and in God’s time, the Harvest will come.

Why not begin to utilize the wonderful tool of literature in your daily life

as you seek to win souls and lay a harvest at Jesus’ feet in eternity?

Editor's Note: Bro. Alan Demos and his wife Valerie have served as UPCI missionaries to the nation of Germany for many years. Bro. Demos skills and experience in literature ministry are legendary. In this article, he presents the concept of a literature ministry. Next month, we will feature a more in-depth look at what sowing the seed of the Word entails and the rewards it brings.

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Praise Report - from India!

 By Colleen Flanagan

We had our Unity Conference, and it did just that - it brought our little"family of God" together in unity! It was such a joy watching them come together all week long, practicing songs, working on the church, connecting the sound system, putting up signs, shopping, cooking - pulling together! They truly worked in "one mind and one accord!"

We did a PowerPoint to "God of this City." We tried to get a projector, but brought in a big screen monitor instead.

The little children called to me as we walked through the neighborhood; many came in and joined us. Four little girls learned "Jesus Loves Me" and we included that in the program. This has inspired so many, and now, next week, we are starting a Sunday School Program for them. We are so-oo excited!

To top things off, the "icing on the cake," the main Sunday School teacher here got the Holy Ghost on Sunday! That makes 25 since I've been here! God is so good! The ears are "tingling" here at what is happening in this little body of believers. Please keep me in your prayers. After all the fasting, praying, practicing, preaching, teaching - my body is weak. (I'm to speak at a non-Apostolic church this Sunday evening.) As I told God's people hereon Saturday, I can see the nail-scarred hands applauding, and hear Him saying, "Well done!"

Editor's Note: Sis. Colleen is amember of the Apostolic Church in Auburn Hills, Michigan (Pastor Steve Warman). She serves in short-term, A.I.M.-type ministries around the world and is currently serving in India. Sis Colleen also led our own Sis. Keila Fischer to the Lord through outreach to rehab housefor ladies back in 1998. 

For What Purpose was I Born?

By Charles C. Kirby
(A radio message dated November 11, 1945)

Inasmuch as all are born without their own consent, can it be that we are the helpless victims of Nature? Is it not more probable that those who are unhappy in this life have failed to fulfill the purpose of their birth?

When Christ was born, the Jews believed that He had come for the purpose of overthrowing Roman power and establishing the throne of David. When He failed to do that for which they thought He had come, they were sorely disappointed and immediately began to prepare to kill Him. Nevertheless, the Voice of God spoke from Heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." Evidently, Jesus was fulfilling His Heavenly purpose in life. What then was the purpose for which He was born? When we discover that, we have the key to every problem in our life; for Christ is and was the great example to all mankind. Pilate asked Him, "Art Thou a king then?" Jesus answered, "Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth." (John 18:37) He being an example unto us, therefore, let us also bear witness unto the truth.

Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah revealed the plan and purpose of God coming into the world to be born of a woman. Practically all things in the universe act according to the law of cause and effect. The cause for the coming of Christ is found - a deplorable condition upon earth that required the aid of a Saviour from Heaven. "And judgment is turned away backward and justice standeth afar off, for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey. And the LORD saw it and it displeased Him that there was no judgment. And He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no intercessor. Therefore, His arm brought Salvation unto Him and His righteousness it sustained Him. For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of Salvation upon His head; and He put on garments for clothing and was clad with zeal as a cloak." (Isaiah 59:14-17)

I have little or no confidence in any man's religious profession when it is not put into practice with a good supply of zeal. Christ Jesus came to the world and found the nations bound by their superstitions, ignorance, and fear, even in the children. The rulers of the Temple and synagogues were bound by sinful habits, which, although they condemned them in others, they condoned them in themselves. The lies of the satanic being who had deceived mother Eve into sinning had thoroughly schooled the inhabitants of the earth in his evil teachings and cunning ways: men living in sin without shame. Yes, they worshipped gods that were not real. They defiled themselves and all who came in contact with them. Jesus told the Pharisees that they compassed land and sea to make one convert, and when he was converted to their belief he was without doubt a confirmed child of the devil and headed for hell. In the midst of such gross darkness, sin, and shame, Christ stood forth as the world's only hope. And, please be informed that Christ is still the only hope for the world of today. When men could not penetrate the darkness of sin and unbelief, Christ was the light. When they knew not which course to pursue, Christ was the way. When they were dying physically and mentally, (dying in body and soul,) Christ was the life. And when they could not discern between right and wrong, Christ was the truth. He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6)

How weighty the words of Christ, "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth."

• "O Truth,Thou art the guide to all that stumble in darkness; Thou art the hope of all who perish today in the pangs of death and sin; Thy lamp of light is the beacon that guides life's lost sailors into the Haven of rest. Thy Word is the bread that makes the weak strong. Thy Spirit is the garment of righteousness that is given to clothe the naked. And, Truth, Thou art more precious than the gold of Ophir. Thy Words are like apples of gold in pitchers of silver. Thou hast escaped the search of the wise and prudent." [Source unknown]

And even those who brought the atoms under control, making possible the discovery of the atom bomb have been unable to find and analyze truth. But, thanks be to our Great God, this secret has been given to the meek of the earth, God having passed by the door of the high and mighty, chose rather to dwell in the hearts of the meek and lowly. Christ Jesus came from the glory world to bring truth to the earth. Even though His personal ministry was limited to but a small portion of the earth, earth's billions have been privileged to hear His gentle voice, "Come unto Me." He stands out today as the light of the world and the personification of truth. So far-reaching has His life and ministry been that millions down through the centuries of time have been set free through His Word and Spirit.

The miraculous success of the apostles of the early church was built upon this foundation. They were filled with the Spirit of Truth, which is the Holy Ghost. The souls of the apostles were as burning torches touched by the fire of the Spirit of Christ, the light of life, and the more abundant life. Just before Jesus went away, He said unto His disciples, "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms concerning Me. Then opened He their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures and He said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24:44-48)

Why was I born? Well might the apostles have asked this question of themselves until the day when Christ filled them with His Spirit and sent them forth to bear witness to the truth. Here was the answer to the eternal question, "Why was I born?" Here was the fulfillment of life and living. Here was a purpose, here was a mission and a goal - to bear witness to the truth. The lives of the apostles, like all true Christians of this generation, were filled with the life of Christ. His purpose was their purpose. His mission was their mission. His truth became their truth. "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, to bear witness unto the truth." The God who made the universe, He who made man in the beginning and breathed into him the breath of life - yes, God,our Great Creator, came down through more than forty generations of His children and was born of a woman to bear witness to the truth. Before the light of His Spirit, before the piercing light that burned in His eyes; the hearts of men melted to the point of public confessions. The healing eyes of the Spirit of Truth, like the balm in Gilead, healed again the hearts that were torn and bleeding.

At Jacob's well this man of truth drew from the depths of a Samaritan woman's heart the confession of a life wasted in sin. And there, this great Son of Jacob offered her the water of life that could wash away each guilty stain. This was the ministry of all Spirit-filled preachers in the apostolic era. That is exactly what Jesus did when He sent forth His ministers to make disciples of all nations. The powers of darkness were greater than the men who were to be sent against it. Therefore, Jesus said unto them, "Behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you. But tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:49)

Now turn to the second chapter of the book of Acts. There you may read the account of the coming of the Holy Ghost Fire. This, of course, was the Pentecostal Fire. When the multitude that gathered heard the apostle Peter preach unto them that in Jesus Christ was the redemption for all mankind, they became convicted of their sins and asked, saying, "Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent!" Then and only then will God answer for you that eternal question, "Why was I born?"

By your first birth you were born in sin, therefore Jesus said, "Except a man be born again, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God." (John 3:3-5) By virtue of the second birth, a birth of the water and Spirit, which is baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, you become a child of the Kingdom, a witness of the Truth, and you will also know the purpose for which you were born.

The Lonely Heart...

A Poem by Marjorie Kinnee

Searching...

Not sure what for,

But knowing there's a lack,

A very deep need,

That cuts no slack.

Seeking...

Parched and thirsty,

Barren and dry,

Looking everywhere

For a love to satisfy.

Wondering...

Hoping and wishing;

Maybe if I pray,

The fear and the doubt

Might go away.

Hungering...

Feeling like a starving child,

I'm longing to be fed,

Nutrition's what I really need,

More than daily bread.

Fearing...

The life I've lived,

The scars I bear,

Make me cautious,

Afraid to dare.

Longing...

Do you see me here?

I'm right at your door,

Will you love me to Jesus

And joy for evermore?

Coming...

My time is now,

Intercessors I need,

Please, lead me to Jesus,

I earnestly plead. 

Any Time, Any Where, Any Place...

By Joyce Stclair

Not long ago, I was so impressed as an eye witness to God's love for just one of His own, that I decided to share the experience...

One day, I got a pop-up memory of someone I love very much, but have not seen or talked to in over thirty years. I spent the next two days trying to brush off the feeling, but it just intensified. Why did she come to my mind so strong when I had not thought of her in so many years? I made a call and learned she was in the hospital and was not expected to live. In that moment I knew the two days I had ignored God's quiet voice could have cost me more than I was able to bear. God in His master plan had given notice to one child of another's need.

My husband agreed to give me a ride the next morning to the hospital. I got up with both sadness and joy that I might see what I believe to be one of the most important people of my lifetime. My husband was ready and still waiting on me to get dressed. Next, a second strange thing took place. I stood in that closet so long that my husband grew impatient with me. (In a typical day, it's usually the other way around.) He stood in the doorway and asked, "What is the problem? Do you realize you have been in here for more than a half hour? You may not get here on time, it's more than an hour's ride to the hospital."

With every word he spoke a tear would fall. I knew he was right, but every single dress hanging in that closet just would not do. I cannot even explain why. My fingers thumbed back and forth through every piece, each time stopping on a red dress with no sleeves. I would say, "That's crazy - you can't wear that - it's the middle of the winter and 20 degrees outside." Why would fifteen other dresses not work? I'd never had a problem picking a dress off the rack before.

With frustration, I told the Lord my husband was getting angry and I'm wasting precious time - help me, Lord. I turned again toward the rack and let the Lord answer my problem, thumbing one more time across the rack. Guess what dress I stopped on? You guessed it - the red dress! I never would have worn it of my own will. I was going to freeze because it was the Lord's will, if I heard Him correctly. Once again, if I would have listened to His still, small voice the first time I stopped on the red dress, I would have been out of the closet and would have arrived at the hospital thirty minutes sooner. Seeing my husband's impatience, I found the longest furry coat that wrapped all the way around in an attempt to stay warm, and we left.

The family was present and had been there for three or four days. We had never met before, so we spoke for a moment about who I was, and how I knew their mother. They had only known of my name because their mother had frequently mentioned a child that she loved and continued to pray for. Glad to finally put a face to a name, she said, "Mother always called you by my name." (We share the same name.) "Yesterday, Mother said she did not want anyone to cry at her funeral and she wanted everyone to wear red.

I thought my spirit would jump right out of me. I sprang up from my chair and flung my coat open to reveal my red dress. My husband stood over in the corner with his mouth open in silence, knowing what we both went through to get me in it. Her family was speechless. They said, "There is no way you could have known because Grandma just said it yesterday." But God heard it. In granting her wish, He set before the unbelieving present, His love for His own.

Her daughter told me her mother had stopped speaking just the day before and had not been responding to anything today. She said they felt she was waiting for something, but they didn't know what. I asked if she wanted us to find her brother, but knew that was not what it was. So I spoke up and said, "She is waiting for me." I hadn't thought of that until right then. She wanted to see me one more time to assure herself that the child she never let go of was now safe in God's hands.

For much of the time we've been apart, I was a backslider. Two years before this, I gave my life back to God. Her daughter, Joyce, and the family left the room to give her mother and I some alone time.

She looked so small and weak. Her face was raised to the heavens with her eyes closed. I laid my face close against hers and whispered in her ear that I had arrived as God told her, and "Thank you for your love and prayers that spanned fifty years. They've brought me back to the Lord. You are leaving me in His arms and I will see you again soon."

I felt a need to know that she knew I was there. When I stopped speaking, I felt her whole body react. It's hard to explain how she responded in words. It was as if she suddenly took a deep breath with excitement. She did not open her eyes, but I know she knew I was there. I said then, "You can go home now." That moment brought a peace that helped carry me through the sorrow of our loss.

This wonderful lady was my Sunday School teacher for all of my very young years in church. I can still hear her tell my favorite story of Zaccheus in the tree as if it were yesterday.

God bless the Sunday School teacher who trains up a child in the way of the Lord. Their arms embrace with comfort. Their prayers help keep you from harm. Their love endures for ever and they hand you over into God's arms. Well, that's the way it was with this special teacher. God fulfilled her prayers while she yet lived to know it. It was a close one, but God made it on time, and that is His promise, isn't it?

God bless the prayer warrior who prays for others. Those prayers may be the only thing standing between a soul and damnation. If I were to sum up my relationship with my Sunday School teacher, it would be this: Til death do us part. I was told she died within hours after I left. Her work was done. She fought a good fight, ran a good race, and was now ready to receive her crown of glory.

God made quite an impression on all that were present that day. Listen for the quiet, still, small voice of the Lord who directs all the steps of the righteous man or woman. What a conversation she and I could have had if I had listened sooner.

Author's note: I used no names in this testimony on purpose because God has never been a respecter of persons. We are all merely vessels. We do not draw our wisdom from people, but from the events as they occur; for in them is the power of God.

Wife of a Bandit - A Testimony

By Jill Friedman

My husband was unsaved, but he would say... "I'm coming; you can't change a bandit overnight." (but God can!)

For years, my husband would hum verses and choruses to old gospel songs he did not know. I started to notice what they were... "An Old Account Settled" was one, another was "Marching to Zion" (like our choir used to sing when I was a child). He also would whistle "I Remember When My Burdens Rolled Away." Hearing these gave me hope down through the years.

Then one Saturday, after 34 years of marriage, I was thinking of buying something at the store and felt a check in my Spirit - so I did not go.

My husband came home heavily burdened like never before. He felt that if he did not act, something horrible would happen. Feeling deep grief and heavy conviction, he didn't know how to rid himself of it, or what it was. He tried to talk to his mother - that did not help. Then he talked to me and I encouraged him to talk to Pastor and come to church.

When he came that Sunday morning, he was desperate, crying and repenting. He returned for the evening service and felt he had to be baptized in Jesus, Name that night to get relief from the weight bearing down on him. He didn't want to wait until the following Sunday for Bro. Grisham to get back into town - felt he had to deal with this right away. So, he was baptized immediately and has faithfully attended ever since (eight years now). His joy over being forgiven was great - so was his worship. He didn't know many of the choruses we sing, so he would whistle along. As he did, his face reflected the gladness in his heart. 

About a year later, he was still seeking the Holy Ghost, we went to Michigan Camp Meeting. I would get to the tabernacle early to save a front row seat, waiting and lifting my hands in worship as people entered for service. On the second to last night of camp, Bro. Lee Stoneking prayed for my husband. However, he did not receive the Holy Ghost that night. The next night, the last night of camp,my Jewish husband received the Holy Ghost in a miraculous way, speaking like a warrior or an Old Testament prophet in a very unusual dialect I had never heard before. Since then, he has been used many times by the Lord in witnessing to his Jewish friends and relatives. Seeds are being planted - God will give the increase. 

Never give up! God is able! "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes!"

P.S. The next song God gave him was, "Bringing in the Sheaves!" Hallelujah!

Planning My Funeral

By Rachel Coltharp

I am planning my funeral. 

I know EXACTLY what I want.

The least expensive coffin on the market.

Do NOT waste precious dollars on a fancy box 

that is just going in the ground.  

I was frugal in life, I have a reputation to protect.

Bury me in a size 8. 

Maybe something with lace, or sequins. 

Or even better, lace AND sequins.

I know you'll have to cut it open 

and drape it over me, 

but DO PLEASE bury me in a size 8.

Save your money, don't send flowers.  

Instead, have a meal with someone you love.

Feel free to have tacos, chocolate cake 

and sweet tea to remember me by.

And here is the best part, 

I want THESE words said.

I want my kids to say, 

“My mom was a woman of integrity.  

She lived at home, like she lived in public.” 

I want my husband to say 

“She treated me with dignity and respect, 

and made me want to be my best self. 

Rachel made me proud to be a man.”

I want my neighbors to say, 

“She shared her veggies and flowers with us, 

and our kids always had a safe place 

to play over at her house.  

She sure loved our kids. 

Mrs. Coltharp, she really loved her church.  

She invited me to come every time we talked.”

I want my friends to say, 

“Rachel always told me the truth.  

It wasn’t always what I wanted to hear, 

and I didn’t always agree with her, 

but she always had my best at heart.”

I want my bank account to say 

“She always paid her tithe, 

and gave generously to the Kingdom.”

I want orphaned/abandoned children to say 

“She shared with us when we were alone, 

cold, hurting and hungry.”

I want my Bible to say, 

“She slap WORE ME OUT”..

I want my computer, cell phone, debit card, check book and mailbox to say “She served Christ first with me, herself second.”

I want my house to say, 

“I heard her pray every day,   

and watched her disciple her children

 right here within my walls. 

She made me a holy place.”

And I want it all to be true.

So, like I said, I’m planning my funeral.  

Every day.  

Every time I plan a meal.  Every time I open my web browser.  Every time I whip out my debit card.  Every time I pay my tithe.  Every time I open my door to a neighbor, a friend, or a child.  

Every time I reach for my Bible.

Every time I choke back my sarcastic reply, choosing a gracious word instead.  Every time I stifle my irritation and serve with humility, as unto the Lord, and not men.

For when my voice has ceased to speak, 

my words will echo in the hearts of my children.  

When my prayers have ceased to be breathed, 

they will still fan the flames 

in the souls of my loved ones.  

When my fingers stiffen and are folded 

into eternal stillness, 

my life will still touch those I leave behind.

  I’ll be gone.  

But I’ll still be here.

I’m planning my funeral.  

Are you?

Editor's Note: Rachel, wife of Brent Coltharp, who co-pastors First Apostolic Church in Aurora, Illinois, is the mother of four children and wears many hats as she passes through her days. Most of what she has described in the article above are easy to observe in a life that's being well-lived for Jesus.

Doing Good to Others

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Luke 10:30-37
Key Verse: Luke 10:37b - "Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."

In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus taught the basic principle of ministry - doing good to others in the stead of Christ.

Let's look at six ways to help and do good for others...

1.) Be Sure You Have the Right Attitude.

• The Priest - insecure, fearful, avoided the problem. He held the victim at arm's length and isolated himself from the suffering man. Though his mandated ministry was clearly outlined, this priest was not willing to fulfill his responsibilities.
• The Levite - curious but uninvolved. Like a gawker, he wanted to see what was going on, but wasn't willing to pitch in and help.
• The Samaritan - saw and took action at his own expense. His compassion reached out to risk his own life for the sake of the injured man. He was willing to get dirty and bloody and gave of his time, energy, and personal resources.

* The key here is that we need to treat others as we would like to be treated!

2.) As People of God, We need to Cultivate a "Good Samaritan" Attitude!

• See the need...
• Ignorance and busy-ness are culprits/enemies of the right attitude.
• Meet the need...
• We need discernment; slow down, talk and listen to others.
• Two pence = two days' wages!

3.) Sympathize/Empathize - Show Compassion!

• Feel how others feel. (See Romans 12:5.)
• Judge nothing before the time!
• Learn how to listen!
• You learn sympathy/empathy by your experiences.

4.) Seize the Opportunity!

• Don't wait! Don't hesitate! - become a friend!
• Get down on their level - identify with them.
• Take a risk - be willing to get dirty.

5.) Be Willing to Sacrifice for the Sake of a Soul!

• Money - personal involvement/investment.
• Time - the Samaritan took at least two days!
• Energy - first aid, picked up, carried, took care.
• No guarantee of a return.

6.) Love Needs to Be the Driving Force!

• Compassion moved the Samaritan to action.
• He didn't get discouraged when/if he wasn't appreciated. (What could a man left for dead know of what was done to rescue him until well after the fact?) 

Fixing Your Focus

By Don Warfield, Sr.

Text: Philippians 3:13-14 - Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

As a young man, I wanted to know why we do what we do as Pentecostals.

David's past affected his future. Living in the past blinds you to the future. The past can overwhelm you and restrict your present and future usefulness. Even good things like blessings can hold you to the point where God can't send new blessings your way. Fix your focus on what's in store...

• Revival - Salvation
• Holy Ghost outpouring - Joy
• Rapture - Millenial
• Heaven - Eternity with Jesus

1.) Paul said he hadn't made it yet. He kept his body under subjection.

• If your past is under the Blood, Jesus does not remember it any more.
• If you (or anyone else) digs up your past, you (or they) go there alone because Jesus won't go there.
• Remember, it's not over until your feet leave the ground!

2.) You have to let go to reach forth (forward)

• Think about Who is out there in your future
• Pressing toward the prize involves effort
• Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."
• At the close of his ministry, Paul said,
• I have fought a good fight.
• I have finished my course
• I have kept the faith
• He knew there was a crown of righteousness waiting
• He knew the time of his departure was at hand
• He was ready to be offered
• He was about to apprehend that for which he had been apprehended
• Victory was within reach - but once again he needed to let go of what was past and stretch himself toward what was in store.

The little maid witnessed to Namaan's wife. She was right where God wanted her to be (no matter how she felt or how her family felt). Her words changed Namaan's life.

• Her captivity restricted her
• His leprosy restricted him
• Her witness changed him; his health, his religion, his outlook
• His former gods had no power
• Her God had all power
• Her witness refocused his thinking

How will they hear without a preacher? (witness)

Acts 10 shows us that this message is not for angels to deliver. It's our responsibility! Your witness is to tell what God did for you and to let them know He can do the same for them.

We are not the message - HE is!
We are simply the messenger. "...and you shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8b)

Editor's Note: Bro. Don Warfield, Sr., leads our Home Bible Study ministry and teaches the adult Sunday School class in rotation each month. His studious attention to the Word is evident in him able ministry of the Word.

God's Priority - Your Needs

By Jonathan Jeffrey

Text: Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

The job of the church is not to impact the church, it's to impact the world!

In football, the huddle is not the object - it's what happens when the huddle breaks out that makes the difference!

Matthew 9:37-38 - reveals Jesus' priority and His only prayer request - souls!
I Timothy 2:1-4 - tells us to pray for the lost to be saved according to God's will.
John 13:35 - instructs us to pray for love among the brethren.
Jude 22 - says we should keep ourselves in the love of God.
Matthew 12:29 - shows the need for the binding of the enemy's spirit and influence.

God's priorities include...

• a witness of righteousness
• a witness of miracles with signs following
• a witness of boldness in sharing the Gospel
• a witness of unity among the believers
• a witness of wisdom among the believers
• the awakening of souls
• the conviction of sin

Our goals should be...

• having the mind of Christ
• having a harvest-centered focus.

Editor's Note: Jonathan Jeffrey has made himself a servant of the body of Christ here at New Life. Husband of Jamine, father of three vital and active young sons, Jonathan serves as our New Life church photographer and is a blessing to the music ministry, singing and making melody in his heart and life to the Lord!

The Seed is the Word

Editorial by
Marjorie Kinnee

Text: "Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God." (Luke 8:11)

Both Matthew and Luke record the parable of the sower. Identifying four types of soil, Jesus spoke of things easily understood in an agricultural society. Farmers knew all about stony ground, about weeds and thorns, and about hungry fowls of the air. They also knew that fertilizer and crop rotation upped their chances of an abundant harvest, which was the goal of every farmer. But when He explained the parable to His disciples, Jesus likened the soil to the hearts of men. Thus, while the hearts of men varied in their ability to receive, grow, and bear fruit; He began His explanation with an absolute fact. "The Seed is the Word of God."

From the beginning, the Word of God was powerful. The very first record of the Word of God ia found in Genesis 1:3 - "And God said, Let there be light, and there was light." Hebrews 4:12 tells us "...the Word of God is quick, [alive] and powerful..." The apostle John launched his gospel with this truth... "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) And in his first epistle, John says, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us:..." (I John 1:1, 3)

New Life Apostolic Church has been immersed in our theme for this year; "Reaping the Harvest." Each month, throughout the year we're focusing on particular aspects of that theme. Bible Studies, sermons, and devotional messages highlighting various facets have blessed and inspired us to "sow the seed" diligently and in faith, expecting an abundant harvest.

One thing is sure - with good seed, a good harvest will follow. Even seed stored in Egypt over thousands of years in the tombs of the kings; once planted, it grows and flourishes. Jesus said, "Except a corn of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth alone." The laws of harvest are immutable. Though seed may lie dormant for a long time, even over centuries; but when planted in good soil, it will come to life. Why? Because the life is in the seed! Jesus also said, "The words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63b)

This is why you may plant a seed of truth in the heart of someone, then you and/or he moves away to a distant place. You never see each other again. Rest assured, that seed still has all the potential it ever had. Somewhere, sometime, in God's time, it will come to life! (See John 4:35-38.) It's God breathed!

Let's consider the breath of God. Genesis 2:7 tells us that God breathed into man's nostrils "the breath of life, and man became a living soul." That was the physical birth of man. Since then, every child born into this world has to take that first breath. Without it, the child is stillborn. Ezekiel related his vision of the valley of dry bones - a vast army of slain [dead] soldiers. Although the scattered bone were miraculously joined together and muscles and skin covered the carcasses, they were still a bunch of dead bones and skin until the breath of God came. As Ezekiel prophesied to the winds, they blew across the slain. The breath of life entered and they lived again - a great and mighty army. (See Ezekiel 37:9-10, 14.)

When Jesus talked with Nicodemus, (John 3:1-8) He drew a correlation between the natural, physical birth and the new birth - a work of the Spirit - and referred to the wind. Later, at the close of His earthly ministry, Jesus "breathed" on His assembled disciples and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." (John 20:22)

Is it any wonder then, that when the Day of Pentecost was fully come... "Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4)

We are laborers together with Christ. The work He began in the earth has been entrusted to us who believe and obey His commandments. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation, crying "Be ye reconciled to God!" (See Isaiah 55:8-13.) "So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

Proper Preparation for the Harvest

By Rob Brown

Text: Proverbs 6:6-11

The world longs to compete for success - BUT - you can't compete without proper preparation.

The ant is the hardest worker on the planet. It can carry up to five times its own weight. It can build bridges over water. Ants work together, utilizing synergy. The Bible says, "Faith without works is dead." Work identifies your faith. The child of God cannot work under a "little red hen" mentality. We need to be "laborers together!"

Four Ways to Prepare...

1. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God..." (Matthew 6:33)
1. Bring them into the right atmosphere
2. We're not in control of the timing - that's God's
3. He's a rewarder of the diligent seeker
4. Consistently feed on the Word of God
5. A "cheater" cannot expect a reward from God
6. Commitment - in this thing for the long haul
7. Be filled with the Spirit
8. God gives more than you expect (benefits)
9. Noah received detailed instructions from God
2. Laziness will leave you empty (Proverbs 13:4)
1. Diligence (effort) in work is required
2. You can't pass a test if you don't study
3. Your "lack" will be apparent - it shows
4. Laziness is a sin! (James 4:17)
5. God has done so much for me - I owe Him!
6. He deserves my best effort
3. Humbleness will help you handle success (I Peter 5:6)
1. God does the exalting in His time
2. Allows you to stay passionate and on target
3. Gives you the power to maintain your gain
4. Helps you see new areas and potential for growth
5. Our flesh is subject to pride, which in turn, can thwart/destroy it all
6. Humility has room to receive more
7. Gets ourselves out of the way so He can move and work as He sees fit
8. Pride IS going to be humbled
9. We didn't get to this point on our own. It's His mercy, His grace, His strength
10. A humble heart knows its lack/s
11. A humble heart is teachable
12. Pride thinks it has arrived - I've made it!
4. When you do your part - God will do His
1. Work like everything depends on you and pray like everything depends on God
2. Your part - dive in headfirst. A huge harvest takes huge effort
3. When you have done all - you can stand
4. No pain - no gain
5. Church is not forced labor
6. "A man persuaded against his will is of the same opinion still."
7. God doesn't come in without an invitation. He knocks, but opening the door is our part
8. His Spirit woos... draws... convicts
9. Our part is to hunger to be part of the Harvest.

Missed Opportunities...

Editorial
By Marjorie Kinnee

Texts: Jeremiah 8:20 - The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.
Hosea 8:7a - For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind."

These are arguably the saddest verses in all Scripture. They speak to the grief of those who have not heard, and to the sorrow of those who have no more hope. There will come a day when mercy's arm will no longer be stretched out. Judgment is certain and unavoidable, but it's not here yet.

There is a charitable organization called the "Forgotten Harvest." It provides food for the hungry. They provide food for the physical man. Jesus focused on the harvest of souls, saying harvest time was not off in some time in the distance, but it was already ripe. His only prayer request was that we pray the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers into His fields. He also charged us to "work while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work."

The Old Testament prophet, Ezekiel, said that judgment upon the wicked is determined, but if the wicked one is warned, and if he repents, the mercy of the Lord is available. Both Old and New Testaments declare that God desires repentance - and that turning away from sin in repentance is the one thing that turns God's wrath against sin into His mercy and grace.

The kingdoms of Israel and Judah had repeatedly turned away from God, choosing their own wicked ways despite the warnings and alarms of many prophets. They would not listen. What's more, they  imprisoned, tortured, and killed those who warned them of God's wrath and their impending judgment. They were so set in their wickedness they sacrificed their own children to gods of wood and stone; gods who could not see, hear, or rescue them from their folly.

So many opportunities... so many chances... to turn away from sin, to turn away God's wrath. And what about those children? Harnessed to the sins of their fathers and mothers, children of a corrupt generation; their innocence and future hopes were forever ruptured by the ever-present evil that colored every facet of their miserable lives. Talk about a forgotten harvest! What a picture!

History really does repeat itself. We live in a generation like that of Israel just prior to its judgment. We also live under the mandate to live as lights in a dark world. Ezekiel's warning is no less clear today. If we refuse to warn, to sound the alarm; their blood will be required at our hands. The only way to turn the wicked and to bring about God's power to save is to warn them. To speak the truth clearly and in love is both our hope and theirs'.

Daniel prayed a prayer of repentance for the entire nation. (See Daniel 9:3-19.) Prayer and fasting according to the instructions in Isaiah 58:4-9, must be married to the promise of the harvest... The law of sowing and reaping remains in full force. This is the fast God has chosen!

1. to loose the bands of wickedness
2. to udo the heavy burdens
3. to let the oppressed go free
4. to break every yoke
5. to deal thy bread to the hungry
6. to bring the poor and them that are cast out to thy house
7. to cover them that are naked
8. to hide not thyself from thine own flesh

"Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rearward... And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, abd thy darkness be as the noonday." (Isaiah 58:8,10)  

Tell Them to Come!

By Pastor Ken Foreman

Text: Luke 14:16-24

"Tell them to come that My house may be filled." The master in this parable was depending on his servants to take care of his feast - and those who were bidden to come to his feast.

Our job - Sow the seed! (Invite them!)

Food in the Scripture is usually associated with victory, celebration, gathering, and fellowship. Supper is the last meal of the day. Evening is suppertime - night is coming.

It is the evening time of the church age! Contrary to popular opinion - God does want His house to be full! (verse 23)

Come! - The master sent out the invitations, then followed up with a servant on the day of the feast. (Matthew 11:23)

Come! - "All things are now ready!" But the invited guests began to make excuses. Seems they were all on the same page.

1. Bought a piece of ground - gotta check it out
2. Bought five yoke of oxen - gotta prove them
3. Married a wife - I cannot come

Note: All these had received their invitations, had R.S.V.P.'d, yet waited til the last minute to let their host know they weren't coming.

Come! The master says, "Go quickly to the lanes and streets of the city and bring in the halt, maimed, blind, and poor."

It was done, and the servant said, "There is still room!"

Come! The master says, "Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in!"

1. When someone refuses you, don't take it personal, they're not rejecting you. (I Samuel 8:7)
2. Seek the Master for additional instructions
3. There will be a full house. The supper was a sure thing; it was going to happen!
4. Let the celebration begin - with whosoever will! (Revelation 22:17)

You Get Out What You Put In

By Rob Brown

Genesis 1:11 - "And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so."

Fruits by their nature, reproduce themselves. God ordained it so. The apple tree produces apples. The fig tree produces figs. The oak tree produces acorns. The tree is known by it's fruit. What kind of fruit are you producing?

Good seed produces good fruit and the fruit of the Spirit is "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, patience, faith, goodness, meekness, and temperance; against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23) We can only produce what's already inside us. One sows, one waters, but God gives the increase. What kind of fruit do you embody?

Evil seed produces the things God hates. (See Proverbs 6:16-19.) The seventh is an abomination; "sowing discord among brethren." Luke 19:22-26 reveals that wasting "seed" means eternal loss.

Broadcast the seed! Sow it everywhere, anytime, anyplace; make the effort! Mustard seed is the tiniest of seeds, yet, when planted, it grows into a "tree" in which the birds can roost.

Editor's Note: Rob is a vital part of our youth leadership team. Aftter his graduation from college, he is employed as a teacher in an elemntary charter school in Dearborn Heights. This message was both - timely and a blessing to the church.

Understanding Sowing and Reaping

By Berris Flemmings

John 12:32 - "If I be lifted up... I will draw all men unto Me."
Ecclesiastes 3:2 - "...a time to plant [sow] and a time to pluck up [reap]..."
II Corinthians 5:17 - "...in Christ,... a new creature... old things pass away,... all things become new."

Sin separates us from God. Yet, as the song says, "Everybody ought to know Who Jesus is." He died for all. He so loved that He gave.

The sower went forth to sow - on various types of soil (all types). We, too, are to spread the Word... sow the seed! Not picking and choosing, but broadcasting the seed wherever and whenever. It's God Who gives the increase. He alone can give life to the seed.

• Ezekiel's boneyard looked hopeless - but God knew the potential.
• Saul was a persecutor - an unlikely convert, yet he became God's man for his time.
• A caterpiller is lowly and wormlike - but it is transformed into a butterfly.

The Word (seed) is alive - applied it changes, transforms. The wise man build his house upon the Rock. The foolish man builds on sand. Rain and winds come to all - only that which is built on a sure foundation survives.

On Athen's Mar's Hill, Paul said, "Him declare I unto you." The world doesn't know Jesus. They're not looking for more of the same they see every day. You need to be different, like God intends, so He can make an impact on your world through you. What to sow...

• The Word - the Word is the seed!
• Love - "...perfect love casteth out all fear."
• Hope - He's our hope!
• Joy - Rejoice in your Salvation - Your joy shows!
• Peace - He is our peace.
• Patience - Wait for the seed to sprout.
• Kindness - We're living epistles, "...known and read of all men."

It is important to note that suffering works in us - to His glory.

The farmer sows - and then he waits... He also waters, cultivates, fertilizes, and weeds - and then he waits some more. In due season, he reaps... if he faints not!

Editor's Note: Bro. Berris is a pillar in the church. He team teaches in the Adult Sunday School class, ushers, and serves as a valuable asset to the Kingdom. Thank God for saints litke Bro. Berris! 

The Only Thing Necessary...

By Donna Franklin

"So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word of My mouth, and warn them from Me. When I say to the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shalll die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand." (Ezekiel 33:7-8)

Edmund Burke said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

It never occurred to me to make Edmund Burke's quotation pertinent to soul salvation. Our church was praying at the altar when the Lord put it into my mind and caused me to consider it in this different way,

There have been so many times in the history of nations when evil ruled, and the only way the evil was conquered was when someone righteous took a stand that rallied enough others who were then able to overcome the evil.

The founding fathers of this nation gave their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to bring into being a country that offered freedoms based on rights from and Almighty God. George Washington pronounced the winning of the war of independence as "almost a miracle." The Lord helped the small rag-tag army because these good men were willing to take a stand againt evil.

Are we willing to give our all for what we believe? Do we believe in the Word of God? Does He require of us to go and make disciples all over the world? Do we believe that if we don't tell the Good News to the lost, they will spend eternity in the lake of fire? Do we understand that the Great Commission Command is meant for every individual that has the truth? Everyone is commissioned to preach the Word in some area (Samaria).

Today is the day of salvation. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Today. The only thing necessary for the devil to triumph is for us to do nothing! The Lord is coming back soon! The harvest is ripe now! Let's get into the fields and reap that harvest before it is too late!

Editor's Note: Donna Franklin and her husband attend the Paoli United Pentecostal Church (Pastor Terry Erwin) in Paoli, Oklahoma. Donna is a prolific writer of articles and poetry.