Musing – What does it take to become a “Soul Winning” Church?

 Hebraic Musing – What does it take to become a “Soul Winning” Church?

This question assumes that your church wants to reach the world.  And if not, then why not?  Jesus reminds us that “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”  Matthew 5:13 NKJV   How to become Salt and Light?  Notice that one needs to be Salt before one can become a Light!  If a church is not Pro-Life and Pro-Family, are they really Salt?  What is Salt?   Seasoning; Antiseptic, Lasting, Taste.

How did the Apostles reach the whole known world so fast after Jesus’ death?  What started in Acts 2 and is to be continuing today?  When the day of Pentecost came “Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:3-4 NKJV  And the crowd “were all amazed and marveled.” v.7    Where have we seen Fire falling before?  God has been known to make His presence known by fire; here’s a few examples:

·         Moses called. “…Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush.” Ex.3:2

·         To Moses at the mountain. “… and the mountain burned with fire to the midst of heaven, …And the LORD spoke to you out of the midst of the fire.” Deut.4:11-12

·         God answered Elijah with fire on Mount Carmel. “Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, … all the people saw it… and they said, “The LORD, He is God!” 1 Kings 18:39

·         At the Dedication of the Temple “When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.” 2 Chron 7:1

·         “David built there an altar to the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on the LORD; and He answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering.” 1 Chron.21:26

·         Priestly Ministry Began when “… the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people, and fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering … people saw it, … fell on their faces.” Leviticus 9:23-24

As a result of the disciples being on fire and filled with the Holy Spirit, what happened?  Peter, a fisherman by trade, preached his first sermon to the diverse crowd.  “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”  Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”  As a result of Peter’s speaking the truth, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” Acts 2:36-37&41

Later, Peter preached and was arrested in Solomon’s Portico after a lame man was healed. “However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.” Acts 4:4

Those were examples of mass “soul winning”; but sometimes we work individually as in the classic account of Phillip’s creative encounter with the Ethiopian Eunuch.  An opportunity – “Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go near and overtake this chariot.’”  Not only did Philip explain the path to salvation, but the Eunuch’s decision also was followed up with immediate baptism!  BTW, to this day, Ethiopia is renowned as a Christian nation!

The account of Annanias & Saphira confirms that God wants us to use Salt to get Light.  “…And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.” Acts 5:10-11

Points to ponder

If you witness and they say “No”, did you plant a seed for them to consider?

How many times did you say “no” before you finally said “yes” to LORD Jesus?

Was Jesus speaking to you or someone else when He said
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”?

How do you feel when someone makes Jesus their Lord after you opened the discussion?

  Where is your mission field?  Are you a saltshaker?

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   September 24, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by Pastor Tom Hatley’s September 8, 2024 message

Musing - Why is your Testimony your best Witnessing tool?

 Hebraic Musing - Why is your Testimony your best Witnessing tool?

Over the years I have shared my testimony often and I’ve also been known to encourage and ask others to share their salvation experience (testimony).  From their sharing, I learn a lot about their relationship with the LORD, especially by asking them to describe that moment Jesus came into their life.

The sharing of testimonies has opened the door for countless seekers to give their hearts to Jesus and to make him LORD of their lives.  Many have discounted the Bible, so sharing personal testimonies avoids the accusation of cramming the Bible; and thus, it becomes a way for the Bible to become real and relevant.  People may disagree with your preaching; they might even argue with your teaching; BUT they cannot argue with your testimony.  It is real and it is the truth!

Notice the importance and impact of “testimonies” in this sampling of NT Bible references:

• John 19:35-36 – The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.   NIV
• John 21:24 --  This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.   
• 1 Cor. 2:1-2 – When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.  
• Rev. 12:11 – They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;

What is the ideal outline for your testimony?  (whether the 30 minute, 5 minute, or 1 minute version)

1.      What was life before?  (the dissatisfactions with your prior life)

2.      What made you recognize a need to change?

3.      What happened at that moment when Jesus came into your life?

4.      What has life been like ever since?

Have you written your own personal Salvation Testimony?  Could you spontaneously deliver it?  Can you share it in a 30-minute speech; or in a 2–3-minute opportunity; or to someone in an elevator in a few seconds?  Why might that be important?   We need to respect the listener’s time.

Who do you know needs to hear your testimony?  Who would relate to your changed life?

Have you ever shared your salvation testimony?   What happened?

How might our personal salvation testimony help to fulfill the “Great Commission”?

We probably won’t be called before governors or kings as they were in the book of Acts, but we may be called to testify to our neighbor next door.  I have been surprised at how many people are hurting and seeking answers and thus they are willing to hear my (or your) testimony.  I’ve had some incredible conversations with people while introducing them to Jesus before, during and after sharing my testimony.

I would love to hear your Testimony in one or two pages.    Brusherd@cox.net

Points to ponder

As a Christian, can you testify as a “Satisfied Customer”?

Do you have your testimony written out, ready to share?

Is your Salvation Testimony ready, on the tip of your tongue?
Have you practiced sharing it?

Do you have a 30-minute, a 5-minute and a -minute version ready?
(You never know how much time you will be given to share it!)

BTW - You can also “testify” how God recently blessed you in a special way!

“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.”  Matt.10:32

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                            September 17, 2024

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage” “Musings - A Victorious Life”  “Musings - The Torah and New Testament”
Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      www.InsightsByYosef.com

Musing – Why might a “Professing” Christian be afraid?

 Hebraic Musing – Why might a “Professing” Christian be afraid?

Just because a person goes to church and claims to be a Christian, might they be missing the real definition of a Christian?  Most people, if asked, will confess to being afraid to die.  It is a step into the unknown; or is it?

Do we fully realize what it is to be a Christian?  We read about revivals, the Reformation, the persecuted, the martyrs and confessors and realize that those overcomers had to have real faith in Jesus Christ.  The were not afraid of death because they knew “It is well, it is well with my soul!”

What did John hear Jesus say to His Father about the real Christians? 

 - “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.”  John 17:6 NKJV  

 - “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.” 17:9

 - “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” 17:14 

What’s the typical attitude toward death, or the prospect of death?  What did Jesus say about those who are “in the world” and did not do things for His people?  “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:” Matthew 25:41    You might want to read verses 31-46 for all that Jesus said to them.

We are often serving a trinitarian God.  How many people, including “professing” Christians, are still focused on worshiping their own trinitarian god?    Me, Myself, and I?

What does the Bible say about the faith of Patriarchs of old?  “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. …  But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. … for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:13-16

Eventually, whether we belong to the world or to Christ will be the only thing that matters!  So “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” Philippians 2:12

Finally - “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 2 John 2:15-17 NKJV

Points to ponder

What is faith?

Which is more important?  This life; or the life to come?

Does our life go on forever?     Where?

Is Almighty God at the center of your life?    All the time?

Why does the World try to distract us from serving Jesus Christ as our Lord?

♫ What a day that will be, When my Jesus I shall see, And I look upon His face,
      The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand,
        And leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   September 10, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by Chapter 4 of “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go – Facing Death with Courageous Confidence in God” by Mancy Guthrie.

Musing – How many Resurrections are recorded in the Bible?

 Hebraic Musing – How many Resurrections are recorded in the Bible?

More than I originally thought!  What can we learn from these Biblically recorded accounts?

1. The first resurrection involves Elijah and the grief-stricken widow’s son.  “And he said to her, ‘Give me your son.’ …  And he stretched himself out on the child three times, … and said, ‘O LORD my God, I pray, let this child's soul come back to him.’  Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived.  … Then the woman said to Elijah, ‘Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth.’”  1 Kings 17:17-24. NKJV Resurrection of the dead was testimony of the power and love of God!

2. The second resurrection involves the desperate Shunamite woman whose son died.  “When Elisha came into the house, there was the child, lying dead on his bed.  He went in … and prayed to the LORD.  And (FINALLY) …  the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.  And … when she came in to him, he said, ‘Pick up your son.’.”   2 Kings 4:8-37 is worth reading to fully appreciate the woman’s faith!

3. In Israel there are many caves where the bodies are placed, after death. After the flesh has rotted away, the bones are put in a bone box called as ossuary.  More than one body could be buried in the same place, in this case it was Elisha’s body.  “So it was, as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band of raiders; and they put the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.” 2 Kings 13:21   Even the bones of God’s prophet, Elisha, produced life!

What impact did these NT resurrection examples have on the faith of the disciples?

4. Jesus resurrected a widow’s only son. “…behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. …, He had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’  Then He came and touched the open coffin, …  And He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’  So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. … Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen up among us.’”  And the result of this resurrection is in verse 17.  “…  And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.” Luke 7:11-17

5. The synagogue leader in faith begs Jesus to heal his daughter.  “…he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter lies at the point of death.  Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.’  So Jesus went with him…, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, ‘Your daughter is dead.  Why trouble the Teacher any further?’  As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe.’  And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John …  He said to them, ’Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.’  …  Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, ‘Talitha, cumi,’ which is translated, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’  Immediately the girl arose and walked, …. And the three disciples were overcome with great amazement.”  Mark 5:22-24,35-42.

6. The resurrection of Lazarus is the most well known, next to Jesus’s own.  Shortly after the shortest verse, “Jesus wept” in John 11:35, “Jesus said, ’Take away the stone.’  Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, … Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?’” And in vs.43 – “He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’  And he who had died came out.”  Thus they believed in Jesus!

7. At the moment when Jesus was crucified, “Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.” Matthew 27:51-53   God demonstrated His power by gloriously raising some well-known saints and prophets shortly after Jesus’ death, a stunning sign to all who witnessed it.

8. While mourning the loss of beloved Tabitha “Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. … he said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’ And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.  Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.”  The result.  “And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.” Acts 9:40-42   What was the impact on Peter’s faith and the faith of many?

9. Paul was preaching an Havdalah message late Saturday night “And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was … overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.  But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, ‘Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.’”  Acts 20:9-10   Not an ordinary church service event!  How did this resurrection minister to Paul?   And to the Church?

Jesus Himself explained the importance of resurrections. “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—.” John 5:28-29

Points to ponder

Does this give you the faith and hope you need for your own resurrection?

Do you remember the day Jesus was Resurrected in your life?

Come quickly Lord Jesus

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd       September 3, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of Christian Faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”
Note – Inspired by Johanna Shager Hocker’s “Eight Resurrections, besides Yeshua, found in the Bible”