Having a Heart for the Lost

“Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself, be sure of that.” Charles Spurgeon

This quote strikes a nerve doesn't it?  But isn't evangelism the most loving thing we can do for someone? We may seek and find excuses and justifications for not witnessing, but I know all true believers inwardly have a desire for the lost to come to salvation.  

When we are called to love God and to love others (the Greatest two commandments, Mark 12:28-34), that means talking about Him to those who do not yet know Him.  God is the definition of love (1 John 4:7-21) and must be heard of, believed in, trusted in, and shared to experience true love.  Love flows into the soul through Jesus, and out of our heart and through our lips in witnessing.

Have you witnessed to someone this year? This past month? This week? Will you pray for the opportunity to share the Gospel today? 

Evangelism is tough.  It is a spiritual battle.  But it is often more simple than we make it out to be.  Want some help with sharing Jesus with a lost friend, coworker, family member, or neighbor?  Check out livingwaters.com for evangelism encouragement, resources and ideas!


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Continuous Prayer

I love this quote!

"There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continued conversation with God." Brother Lawrence

Better than hearing or reading this quote, have you experienced it?  Have you ever had one of those days when you intentionally conversed with Jesus as if he were walking with you everywhere?

The truth is that for those who are Christians, God is with us EVERYWHERE and ALL-THE-TIME! So let's be intentional to hear His voice through His Word, to be tuned into His Spirit, and to "pray without ceasing!" (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Checkout TrustworthyWord.com online, on Facebook, or on Twitter for some great daily truths, encouragement, and resources from the Bible!

Church Discipline

"Church discipline" is a process and phrase that often comes with many misunderstandings or misconceptions, yet God's Word is not unclear in speaking to its importance and process.

What is church discipline?  Church discipline is a process clearly described by Matthew 18:15-20 that describes a progression from personal/private confrontation/rebuke to a small group confrontation/rebuke to a level of church awareness of the unrepentant state of a church member.  The process ends either with repentance or the eventual expulsion of the unrepentant individual outside of the church.

What are the goals of church discipline? The goals of church discipline are: 

1) Restore the relationship between a Christian in sin and Christ (Galatians 6:1).

2) Restore the relationship between a Christian in sin with other believers and their church in a spirit of love 

(2 Corinthians 2:5-11).

3) Rebuke and expel an unrepentant church member for the sake of their salvation (1 Corinthians 5:3-5).

4) Rebuke and expel an unrepentant church member for the protection of the flock (1 Corinthians 5:2, Matthew 18:17, 1 Corinthians 5:6). 

5) Rebuke and expel an unrepentant church member as a warning for church members (1 Timothy 5:20).

Why is church discipline so important? Church discipline is so important because Satan is constantly attacking the love, forgiveness, and unity of the church (2 Corinthians 2:11).  Satan also uniquely attacks and seeks to divide and misdirect the church through false teachers (2 Peter 2, 3:17-18).  Public punishment and discipline is difficult, but necessary for obedience to the Lord in His plan for the shepherding of His children (2 Corinthians 2:6).  When repentance occurs, loving forgiveness and restoration is a beautiful picture of God's mercy and grace.  Churches are warned of the danger of not confronting sin and unrepentant believers within their churches (Revelation 2:20-25).

Check out more info on church discipline HERE.

Checkout TrustworthyWord.com online, on Facebook, or on Twitter for some great daily truths, encouragement, and resources from the Bible!