If you are a Christ follower – what are you doing with your time? Let us use the time given to us by the Lord is a wise manner. The most beneficial use of our time is what?

“And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” ” (Luke 12:15–21, ESV)

Jesus said our life does not consist in the “abundance of our possessions” and He tells this parable for us to realize that if we are not “rich in God” we are a “fool” and don’t belong to Him and will spend eternity in the lake of fire.

Instead lest us redeem the time we have to become “rich in God” so that when our time is up we will be found “good servants” and will be with Christ forever. I like what Augustine says about this verse:

Augustine on Ephesians 5:16

But as concerning these days which we are passing now, the Apostle says, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”3 Are not these days indeed evil which we spend in this corruptible flesh, in or under so heavy a load of the corruptible body, amid so great temptations, amid so great difficulties, where there is but false pleasure, no security of joy, a tormenting fear, a greedy covetousness, a withering sadness? Lo, what evil days! yet no one is willing to end these same evil days, and hence men earnestly pray God that they may live long. Yet what is it to live long, but to be long tormented? What is it to live long, but to add evil days to evil l days? When boys are growing up, it is as if days are being added to them; whereas they do not know that they are being diminished; and their very reckoning is false. For as we grow in up, the number of our days rather diminishes than increases. Appoint for any man at his birth, for instance, eighty years; every day he lives, he diminishes somewhat of that sum. Yet silly men rejoice at the oft-recurring birthdays, both of themselves and their children. O sensible man! If the wine in thy bottle is diminished, thou art sad; days art thou losing, and art thou glad? These days then are evil; and so much the more evil, in that they are loved. This world is so alluring, that no one is willing to finish a life of sorrow. For the true, the blessed life is this, when we shall rise again, and reign with Christ. For the ungodly too shall rise again but to go into the fire. Life then is thereagain, but that which is blessed. And blessed life there can be none but that which is eternal, where are “good days;” and those not many days, but one day. They are called “days” after the custom of this life. That day knows no rising, it knows no setting. To that day there succeeds no to-morrow; because no yesterday precedes it. This day, or these days, and this life, this true life, have we in promise. It is then the reward of a certain work. So if we love the reward, let us not fail in the work; and so shall we reign with Christ for ever.*

*Schaff, P. (1997). The Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers Vol. VI (366). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems.

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Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.

Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,
Risen Son of God!

Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!

One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God

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Ronnie Floyd is the chairman of the committee and is the spokesman in the video

Written Report http://www.pray4gcr.com/downloads/GCRTF_Progress_Report.pdf

New numbers in the report indicate:

World:

5,845 People Groups Have No Access to the Gospel! (How can the end come when God has not called a people out from these groups? Answer: He will call a people out for Himself by sending a preacher – not by visions, dreams or any other satanic invention – Rom 10:14)

4,000,000,000 People have little to no access to the Gospel!

1,500,000,000 Have Never Even Heard the Name of Jesus!

North America

Out of 306,000,000 (306 Million) people living in the United States – 254,600,000 are estimated to be lost

Out of the seven states or conventions that cover Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Washington, Oregon, and Canada, there is a population of 92 million plus people with at least 82% of them being lost – There are only 3,983 churches and congregations in this entire region and 2,276 of them are in the state of California

In the nine northeastern states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont, there is a population of 54,924,000 plus people with an estimated percentile of lostness of 83%, and we have only 1,068 churches and congregations.

Lots to pray about – Pray for GCR – it is fixing to rock the SBC (for good I think J)

Look for the old guard to try and keep their jobs and start the denominational grind tomorrow…

Love In Christ
Jeff

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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, ” (Ephesians 1:3, ESV)

1. Our blessings are in the heavenly places.

2. Modern day understanding of blessings is opposite from the Biblical understanding.

“There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” ” (Luke 13:1–5, ESV)

3. The Apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor.

“and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. ” (Acts 5:40–42, ESV)

5. Jesus told Ananias that He was going to show Paul how much he must suffer for the name of Jesus.
“But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” ” (Acts 9:15–16, ESV)

6. In order for us to be glorified with Him we must first suffer with Him.

“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ” (Romans 8:16–18, ESV)

7. Suffering for Christ and His kingdom is part of our sanctification process.
“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. ” (Romans 5:3–5, ESV)

8. As we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, through Christ we also share in His comfort as well.

“For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. ” (2 Corinthians 1:5–7, ESV)

9. Part of God’s electing or choosing us is suffering.
“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, ”
(Philippians 1:29, ESV)

10. We should always be prepared and willing to suffer the loss of all things in order to gain Christ and His kingdom.

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ” (Philippians 3:7–10, ESV)

“This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— ” (2 Thessalonians 1:5, ESV)

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. ” (2 Timothy 2:3–7, ESV)

11. Do not be ashamed but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, ” (2 Timothy 1:8–9, ESV)

13. Jesus set the example for us.
“For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. ” (1 Peter 2:19–21, ESV)

14. You are not alone, this suffering is happening around the world by our brothers and sisters this very morning.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ” (1 Peter 5:8–9, ESV)

15. Jesus has complete dominion to finish what He started.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. ” (1 Peter 5:10–11, ESV)

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Enjoy worshiping as family.

Love in Christ
Jeff

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~ J.C. Ryle

Faithfulness and Holiness: The Witness of J.C. Ryle,

“The Fight”, 158.

Found here http://jcrylequotes.com/2010/01/12/the-behavior-of-a-soldier/ and reposted for the building up of the Saints.

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“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, ” (Ephesians 1:3, ESV)

1. Our blessings are in the heavenly places.

2. Modern day understanding of blessings is opposite from the Biblical understanding.

“There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” ” (Luke 13:1–5, ESV)

3. The Apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor.

“and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. ” (Acts 5:40–42, ESV)

5. Jesus told Ananias that He was going to show Paul how much he must suffer for the name of Jesus.

“But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” ” (Acts 9:15–16, ESV)

6. In order for us to be glorified with Him we must first suffer with Him.
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ” (Romans 8:16–18, ESV)

7. Suffering for Christ and His kingdom is part of our sanctification process.

“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. ” (Romans 5:3–5, ESV)

8. As we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, through Christ we also share in His comfort as well.

“For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. ” (2 Corinthians 1:5–7, ESV)

9. Part of God’s electing or choosing us is suffering.

“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, ”
(Philippians 1:29, ESV)

10. We should always be prepared and willing to suffer the loss of all things in order to gain Christ and His kingdom.

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ” (Philippians 3:7–10, ESV)

“This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— ” (2 Thessalonians 1:5, ESV)

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. ” (2 Timothy 2:3–7, ESV)

11. Do not be ashamed but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, ” (2 Timothy 1:8–9, ESV)

13. Jesus set the example for us.

“For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. ” (1 Peter 2:19–21, ESV)

14. You are not alone, this suffering is happening around the world by our brothers and sisters this very  morning.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ” (1 Peter 5:8–9, ESV)
15. Jesus has complete dominion to finish what He started.

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. ” (1 Peter 5:10–11, ESV)

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