Do You Love to Tell the Story? :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: March 8, 2020 by RR7

I love singing hymns. The worship music of today is full of praise and the love of God, but there’s just something about the old hymns that’s special. Quite often the message contained in these songs is missed. Song leaders skip verses in order to rush through a service, or we’re so familiar with the song, we say the words but don’t think about the message. One of my favorite hymns is “I Love to Tell the Story” written by Arabella K. Hankey in 1866. The words to this song cause me to ask myself if I really love to tell the story of Jesus. I like to tell amusing stories about things of my past that I think might be of interest to a friend, or I’ll tell a joke to get a laugh, but what about the most important story of all? What about the story of Jesus and His love? I’m sorry to say that I don’t tell that story enough.

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,

Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story, because I know ‘tis true;

It satisfies my longings, as nothing else could do.

How many people do you know who haven’t placed their faith in Jesus? We cross paths with them each day but are more apt to talk about the weather or other trivial subjects than about eternal life. There are many people who may have heard about Jesus, but have rejected the truth. That doesn’t mean they don’t need to hear it again. Many people won’t believe what they cannot see. The truth is, they just need to open their hearts to Jesus in order to see the wonders of His love. That’s faith.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Nobody living today has ever had the privilege of walking and talking with Jesus Christ in the same way that the disciples did. They saw Him in the flesh with their eyes and heard Him with their ears. They didn’t need quite the faith that we need. Thomas was one of the disciples, but after the resurrection he needed to see with his own eyes that Christ arose from the grave. Thomas was given that chance, and he fell down before the risen Christ in awe.

“Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

Today, we walk in faith. The story of His life, His death, and His resurrection is true. Does it satisfy your longings? I long to be with Him in Paradise. The more I ponder the truth of the Gospel, the more peace I find. I need to share His truth with more people.

I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems

Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.

I love to tell the story, it did so much for me;

And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

Most of us have hopes and dreams, but they all center around things in this life. It’s not wrong to want things, but none of these hopes and dreams are eternal. They cannot compare to the hope we have in Jesus. Sharing the Gospel is something we need to do.

When I was a child, my mother made sure I knew about Jesus. The simple songs, like “Jesus Loves Me” still ring in my ears, and my childlike faith grew and matured. I moved from believing because my mother said it was true, to a solid faith that is unshakable. I realized how important faith in Jesus is when my mother died. I was young, but I had the peace of knowing that she wasn’t truly dead but had only passed from this life to eternity with Jesus because of her faith in Him. That’s when I realized how important it is to believe in Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross.

It’s important for you to understand what He did, and it’s important to share that truth with others. What if my mother hadn’t cared enough to tell me about Jesus?

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14).

How indeed. It’s up to every Christian to tell the story of salvation through Jesus Christ. If you’re a Christian, then you need to recognize that you’re a minister, a preacher, and an evangelist. How can anyone believe unless they hear the truth from us?

I love to tell the story; ‘tis pleasant to repeat

What seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.

I love to tell the story, for some have never heard

The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.

We all have some pleasant memories. Maybe it’s a special outing you took with your family when you were a child, or an award you won for a spelling bee. We like to tell those stories, and they always bring back pleasant feelings. It’s the same with the Gospel. The more you think about what Jesus did for you, the more thankful and humble you become.

The joy of our salvation is beyond compare. It wasn’t the nails that held Jesus on the cross; it was His love for you and for me. Oh, what wonderous love that is!

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

The free gift of salvation has to be accepted. Many people have never heard of this love or understood its eternal importance. If you love Him, then tell His story to all who will listen.

The Gospel is simple. All of us are born sinners. Even that precious baby who is so innocent was born with a sin nature. A time will come when that baby will have matured to the point where he has to admit he’s a sinner, and the only way to find forgiveness is through faith in Jesus. Be sure that baby, that child, that teenager, and that adult who has crossed your path hears the message of salvation. Tell them about Jesus, and what He has done for you. Tell them that they need to place their faith in Jesus.

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best

Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.

And when in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song,

‘Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

Sometimes our fellow Christians need to hear those comforting words again. There are many troubles in this life and much fear. When the doctor says “You have cancer,” or your child is walking in the ways of the world, our faith is tested. That’s when we need to speak up and remind that brother or sister of the truth of God.

Jesus said “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Sometimes we need to be reminded of that fact. No matter what happens in this life, the troubles aren’t eternal. The only choice that is eternal is whether you’ve accepted Christ for salvation, or rejected Him. Jesus Christ paid the price of our sin. He offers forgiveness and salvation. When we pass from the troubles in this life, when we take our last breath, if we have placed our faith in the finished work of Jesus, then we will step into Paradise. We will live with Him forever.

Scripture gives us a small look into the throne room of God, and the descriptions are breathtaking. Our human minds cannot possibly grasp what it truly is like being in the presence of perfect love. The only way we will ever see that place is by accepting the Gospel of Christ. The Good News. People have to hear…they have to be told. So, boldly tell the story of Jesus and His love.

What is the Gospel? God loved us enough to step into His creation and pay the redemption price for our salvation. He gave His life so we can live with Him forever.

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

That’s the Gospel in a few short words. The longer version begins in Genesis and runs through Revelation. Sin entered God’s creation when Adam disobeyed God. Even before that sin occurred, God knew it would happen, and the plan to redeem us was ready to be put into action. God the Son, Jesus Christ, would offer Himself as the once-for-all sacrifice to take sin away. You have to accept that sacrifice for yourself. You need to confess to God that you’re a sinner and believe that His blood takes your sin away.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).

Nobody can believe for you or make that confession of faith in your place.

I love to tell the story; ‘twill be my theme in glory

To tell the old, old story, of Jesus and His love.

When it’s time for you to pass from this life, you’ll have eternity to sing His praises. Tell the story of Jesus and His love today and forever.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Ron and Nathele Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

All original scripture is “theopneustos” – God breathed.

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It’s Up To You :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: March 1, 2020 by RR7

Do you know if you’re saved? How do you know? Most people think they’re good, so when they die, they will “go to a better place.” Well, that’s not the way things work.

There will be a lot of “good” people in Hell because only faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will allow you to spend eternity in that better place. That decision is up to you, and you alone. When you make that decision, it means you’ve understood that you’re a sinner and that sin separates you from God. Then, you’ve repented. Repent means you’ve changed your mind about sin and know that only the shed blood of Jesus can take your sin away.

On the night of Jesus’ arrest, He had gone to the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed. He knew what He would face, and prayed for another way to bring salvation to this fallen world. He would be tortured and then crucified, but He also would take the sin of the world upon Himself. God the Father could not look at Him.

“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39).

There was no other way. Only His pure, sinless blood could be the permanent sacrifice to take sin away. He loved us enough to willingly make that sacrifice.

Sin has been around for a long time. Paul explains where sin and death began. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12).

It’s important to understand where this separation from God began. Adam brought sin and death upon the entire creation when he chose to eat the forbidden fruit. Every person born from Adam to the present day has been born into sin. There is no righteousness by our own works.

“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Romans 5:19).

Righteousness only comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Unless you accept that gift, you cannot be forgiven. Nobody can make the decision for you.

If you ever watch Bible-based movies, many times an actor will say words that proclaim Jesus as their Lord. Does the actor mean those words? The words might be right, but if they only follow a script and don’t believe in their heart what they’ve said with their mouth, then there is no salvation. What about you? Did you merely mouth words that meant nothing to you, or do you believe in your heart that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has saved you from eternity in the burning lake of fire? If you have any question as to whether or not you meant the words, you need to make a heartfelt confession of faith in Jesus right away. Everyone is just one heartbeat away from death, and there’s no second chance.

There are many false teachings that lead people straight to Hell. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction” (2 Peter 2:1).

Infant baptism is one of those falsehoods. First of all, baptism does not save anyone. It’s an act of obedience which follows a profession of faith. Secondly, a baby is unable to understand that he’s a sinner and needs to repent, so it isn’t a choice that the baby made. Nobody can make the decision for another person. The only thing that will save that baby is for that little one to grow and become aware of their own sin, repent, and ask Jesus for forgiveness. If the parents are Christians, then that baby should grow up knowing Jesus; and when he or she understands about sin and the need for forgiveness through Jesus, then that child will have to make a confession of faith by their own choice.

It’s important to read Scripture for yourself. There are false teachers who preach false doctrine. It’s up to you to find the only path to salvation. Doctrines such as “all roads lead to heaven” are pure lies. Jesus explained it to His disciples: “Jesus sayeth unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

There is only one way to live eternally in Heaven, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ. You can’t work to earn it, but you have to decide to accept Christ’s free gift of salvation by your own confession of faith.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

You cannot follow Mormon lies or even Catholicism with its false teachings that aren’t found in Scripture and think you’re OK. In this day and age when many preachers like to tickle the ears of the congregation rather than preach the truth, sin and the need for repentance is not taught. You need to search Scripture for yourself and be sure that you aren’t being taught lies.

Another false teaching is that since Jesus died for the sins of the world, then everybody in the world is going to heaven whether they accept Him or not. Wrong. Salvation is a free gift from God, but like any gift, it has to be accepted.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).

You have to believe. God doesn’t want anyone to perish and has done everything He can to allow us to have eternal life with Him. Many people know this verse but miss the part about having to believe. They think that because God loves the world and Jesus died on the cross, nothing more is required. God loves the world, but not the ways of the world, which is the way of Satan. When you recognize you’re a sinner and repent of sin, if your profession of faith was real, then sin should be repugnant to you.

Salvation is a free gift. Jesus paid the full price, but it’s up to you to accept it or reject it. If you don’t accept it, then you’ve condemned yourself.

“He that believeth on him Is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).

You can only blame yourself if you fail to accept Christ’s gift of salvation.

Something that you need to consider when trying to decide whether or not to accept Christ for salvation is the fact that time is running out. We are in the very last days, and Christ will soon call all Christians Home in the Rapture. If you haven’t given your life to Jesus, then you’ll be left on earth to face God’s wrath and the judgments that are poured out upon the earth.

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12).

Does it seem unfair that God should send a delusion? It isn’t. If you’ve read this commentary, you know that God provided the only way of salvation through Jesus Christ and that you have to make your own decision to accept His gift. You cannot plead ignorance for not choosing to follow Christ. You have the facts. If you haven’t made that decision for yourself, choose now. Choose wisely and avoid condemning yourself.

It makes no difference where you live, what ethnic group you belong to, or what family you were born to. Salvation is offered to everyone.

Paul and Silas travelled on missionary trips to spread the Gospel. On more than one occasion, their faith landed them in prison. “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31).

These words were spoken to a jailer who had seen the integrity of Paul and Silas, who had been jailed for their faith. An earthquake opened the doors of the prison which would have allowed escape, but Paul and Silas chose not to run. They had sung and prayed all night, so the jailer knew of their faith. Even though he was told that faith would save him and his household, the jailer could only make the choice for himself. His household would have to make their own decision, but because the jailer believed, his household was given the opportunity to also believe.

“And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house” (Acts 16:32).

The result was all who heard did believe “…and was baptized, he and all his, straightway” (Acts 16:33b). They heard the Gospel, believed what they heard, and were saved. Then, they were baptized in obedience. The jailer couldn’t make the decision for his family and servants, but his belief allowed for them to also hear and believe. Each one made their own decision.

Can you be sure you’re saved? Yes. First, did you make the decision or did someone else make it for you? If it wasn’t your choice, then no decision was made. Make that all-important confession of faith now. If you did make the decision, then your life should be changed. At least your attitude toward your sin should change.

Don’t look for loopholes. Sin is sin, and God’s view of sin is the only one that matters. If you accept Jesus but keep struggling against sin, that doesn’t mean you aren’t saved. If you’re struggling, then you’re trying to overcome it. Be sure to ask God for help in your struggle.

If you say you believe but have no brokenness over your sin, then you need to consider whether or not your faith is real. If you have realized you’re a sinner and asked Jesus to be your Saviour, then start living for Him.

It’s up to you. If you’re unsure if you’ve truly believed in your heart, don’t delay. Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth today.