stevecuringtonministries.com

"Do you believe, or do you believe, believe?!"

Our Quote for Today:

 "Often I find Christians believe in hell enough to save them, but not enough to save others!"
 
Today's quote in our Daily Planning Journal is more somber than most.  That's for sure!  We need to recognize a ploy of the enemy is to encourage us to become apathetic to our bareness in producing converts.  I pray the conviction I feel right now as I reviewed today's blog, be shared by many of you as well. May our shared conviction lead us to a more effective work and walk for the Lord.

Good Morning!  Sometimes I ask while preaching in churches, how many people brought a visitor to church that day?  Almost always, no one raises their hands. 
 
I will usually follow that question with a second question, which is this:  "How many of you believe in a literal hell the burns with fire?"  It's safe to say that every hand in every congregation that I have done this exercise has raised their hand in agreement--they believe!
 
I then point out that if they really believed in a hell that burned forever, they would be unable to sleep at night knowing their friends or loved one's are headed there.  Or, we would have to find some creative way to shut off the thoughts so that we could simply get some sleep! 
 
Rather, it is safe to say if we are not going to invite someone to join us in church; it's unlikely we will ever invite them to join us in heaven.  But why?  It's because many of us believe in hell enough to save ourselves and even our families, but not enough to save others.
 
Recently I had a man confess to me his intense conviction over his inability to lead anyone to Christ in the whole of 2007.  Though he had not tried as much as years gone by, he confessed some minimal effort.  But he admitted his overall lack of effort had diminished greatly.  He was expressing great remorse over the apathy he had allowed to settle into his heart.  I thought to myself "no converts for a whole year?!  How disappointing that must be!"
 
But then I realized how true that may be for many believers.  May I ask you, "how was your 2007?  Did your convert base increase?  Was it a bad year for you, too?  Ok, then, how about 2006?  Or, how's 2008 shaping up for you?"
 
Now, please don't count the fruit matured by others who happen to fall into your lap in Sunday school, though all souls count for the Lord.  But rather, I challenge you to look at your convert count and ask yourself, does it appear I fear the destiny of my unconverted friends and family?  How many friends did you win?  How many family members?
 
Maybe you would say "all my friends and family are saved!"  Praise the Lord.  But how about your co-workers?  Your neighbors?  God is not willing that any should perish, are you?  It's sad, but it seems that some of us are willing for a few to perish. 
 
We know the day will come when from the throne of God all names not found in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire.  At that point, the Bible indicates that God will turn to His precious children and wipe away all tears.  Can I ask a question?  What is everyone crying about?  It seems pretty obvious to me.  How about you?

Do we really believe in Hell?  If so, do you believe enough to save you and yours or do we believe enough to save they and theirs? 
 
Well, answer as we may.  But time will someday tell if some of ours will be hauled off to hell! 
    
 
A PRAYER FOR TODAY:  "Good Morning Lord! Please give me the boldness to share my faith with (enter name of lost acquaintances).  Lord provide at least one or more ample opportunities.  Give me the courage to embrace those opportunities.  Lord, soften their heart to the message of heaven by Christ Jesus.  Lord, please empower me by your Spirit of Wisdom to lower my lost loved ones count though active, vibrant and successful evangelism.  I pray these things in the blood stained name of your Son, Jesus!"

A QUESTION FOR TODAY'S MEDITATION:  "Do you have little sins that are becoming bigger sins?  If so, why?!"