September 3, 2007 by PastorBob.

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES, By Pastor Bob Salliby

I am certain that the great majority of Christians are aware that just as there are sins of commission there are also sins of omission. James 4:17 makes this point crystal clear: “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” And yet I wonder how many of us ever really think about this or even take it seriously.

2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” Is it possible that when we stand before Christ’s judgment seat He will reveal to us the multitudes of golden opportunities He provided for us that we let slip through our hands or possibly even ignored?

Of all the things Jesus told us to do, there is probably nothing that is as neglected as His command to reach the lost with the gospel. The help us accomplish this, the Holy Spirit provides all of us with countless golden opportunities to reach them. Are we taking advantage of those opportunities? What are we doing to actively and prayerfully reach people with the gospel? In fact when is the last time we spoke to anyone about Jesus? When is the last time we gave anyone a gospel tract, an Amazing Love CD or even a telephone ministry contact card? When is the last time we invited anyone to a Gospel Explosion service that is purposely designed to present the gospel to the lost? How many people did we invite to the last Friendship Sunday or the Alpha Course? How many of these golden opportunities have we neglected?

One of my favorite Bible passages is Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Surely, just as Paul, we all recognize that we have not attained all that Christ has for us. Isn’t it time for us to do the same thing Paul did? Isn’t it time to forget about the past, especially since there’s nothing we can do about it, and to determine to start now to push ahead to accomplish the goal God has for us? Let’s determine to agree with Pastor Mark who has said that he wants to live in such a way that the day he appears before Christ’s judgment seat will be the best day of this life.

I’ve got great news for you. There will be at least three golden opportunities for you to reach your world for Jesus Christ in September and early October. Keep your eyes and ears open for more information on the following opportunities and how you can take advantage of them.

September 12: Effective Personal Soul Winning class begins. This is your opportunity to learn how to introduce your family, friends and acquaintances to Christ. Most of the people who have taken this course will tell you that they were surprised how practical, easy to learn and effective it is.

September 30: Friendship Sunday. Last year’s Friendship Sunday was an overwhelming success. We are doing everything possible to make this year’s even better.

October 7: Alpha Course begins. Most of those who attended the first Alpha Course have either been saved or impacted in such a way that they want to come back again. Our only problem was that we could have ministered to far more people that those who came. We need your help to make this Alpha Course an overwhelming success. The Alpha promotional materials do a great job of “selling” this course for you. All you have to do is give the materials to as many people as you can.

Why not take just a few minutes to write these dates on your calendar and let God know that you will do everything you can, with His help, to take advantage of the golden opportunities He provides to reach the lost for Christ. I can assure you not only that lost souls will be saved, but also that the rewards you will receive will last throughout eternity.

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September 3, 2007 by admin.

L. A. B. I. (Leominster Assembly Bible Institute)

“YESTERDAY’S PARABLES FOR TODAY’S PEOPLE”

Begins Wednesday, September 12, 2007

The parables that Jesus used to teach God’s commands, principles, perspective and ways are just as valuable today as they were then. We know that the times change, but His parables are timeless! We invite you to join us as we “sit at the feet of Jesus” and hear the parables that can change our lives. Pastor Mark and Pastor Dave will lead this study.

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