Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Thursday November 10, 2011

For the bulk of my ministry I have fervently presented Christ as the only way of salvation. I still present Christ in the same manner. I base this adult lifelong ministry on His word in John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

To the consternation of my well thinking but blinded friends I preach to those who believe, that Christ is known to give His friends second chances as in Peter’s case and that of Mark in the rift between him and Paul.

In the Old Testament the record is replete with second chances in the matter of fellowship and service. Take this verse in Jonah 3:1 "And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying," (Underline mine). I share an excerpt from a sermon by C.M. Ward a radio preacher of an earlier time and I add one of the most gifted speakers I ever heard. C.M. writes:

His message to the rich and poor was "Repent ye, for" and "Now is the day of salvation." He made faith in Christ a living reality, and brought people to believe that the condition of the worst of us was the fault of the best of us. The nation was stirred. He aroused society to help widows, orphans, the illiterate and prisoners. Among his converts was Robert Raikes, who awakened to the need of abandoned children and formed the first Sunday School, which spread like wildfire throughout the country and abroad. His converts finally did bring the message of faith to America.CMW.

John had been to America with his brother earlier and for the most part failed to make much of an impact on the first trip. The whites did not take kindly to his preaching, especially his mannerisms and the Indians listened in their stoic manner and very few were converted.

I speak of John Wesley. When he and his brother Charles failed in America, they returned to London, sharpened their walk with Christ and plunged into sharing Christ with a city nearly totally given over to a society of degenerates. Every sixth house in London was a saloon, drunkenness, abandonment of children was the norm and crime prevailed. 160 crimes were punishable by hanging.

On occasion a man or woman of God may labor in what seems like the wrong place or time. Yet when that person continues to trust God and shine regardless of where they are planted God has and will present a second chance to sow, plant and reap a harvest.

I could say the Word of the Lord came to John Wesley a second time…

Why do you think He is not knocking on your door, a second time?

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2011 Use with credit.

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