HAVE A BURDEN FOR THE LOST!
By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes) (2 parts)
*I DON’T WANT TO GET MY HANDS DIRTY! THAT’S NOT MY JOB! (Unknown)
There is told a story about 4 people. Their names were Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. The pastor asked for help. Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have helped the pastor, seems Nobody did it. Somebody got real angry because it was Everybody’s job to help the tired pastor. Everybody thought Anybody should do it. Seems Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It was very clear that Everybody wouldn’t do it. Then Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what the pastor needed. But know this: ANYBODY COULD HAVE DONE IT.
GOD NEEDS US! DO WE HEAR? DO WE SEE THE LOST DYING GOING TO HELL?
Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Romans 10:14 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? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Did you know a car can’t be driven without some kind of power source. A bird cannot fly without wings? A fish cannot swim without water? ONE CAN’T BREATHE WITHOUT OXYGEN? How can one be saved without the message of Christ Jesus?
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
I WILL MAKE YOU--- CONCERN FOR THE LOST…
Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
I read a statistic that said 90 % of the average pastor’s time is spent ministering “KEEPING CHURCH PEOPLE HAPPY AND TRYING TO KEEP THEM IN THE CHURCH.
DO WE KNOW WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW? LOVE!
There are thousands upon thousands of lost people. The one that shows mercy for the lost edifies his own soul. The unmerciful, angry and JUDGMENTAL are dooming their own case.
Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference…
We find that we need A PLAN to be growing and developing TO BE BURDENED FOR THE LOST AND HOPELESS. . AS THE BLOSSOM FORMS BEFORE THE FRUIT, SO MUST FAITH AND PERSISTENCE THRIVE? WHERE THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT THRIVES THERE IS EVIDENCE OF LOVE AND CONCERN FOR THE LOST. Live life to the fullness. . LOVE NEVER FAILS.
Proverbs 11:30 (NIV) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
WHAT DO WE LOVE?
2 Timothy 3:4 Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
The fruit of the spirit is a direct result of God’s presence and the Holy Spirit working on the external and internal forces within a person that is growing, developing and maturing believers.
1 Corinthians 13:4 (MSG) Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, 5 Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, 6 Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, 7 Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.
HELP? THE VALUE OF BELIEVING FRIENDS. THERE IS NO WAY! I CAN’T? REMEMBER LOVE BRINGS HOPELESS, HELPLESS PEOPLE TO JESUS AND THE THRONE ROOM.
We are introduced to this man that is so sick. He knew about Jesus but there is no way he can get there. I am trapped in my sickness. Never underestimate the value of friends. Someone gets the bright idea, WE CAN HELP… They secured a cot and carried the hopeless man. This probably made blisters and was painful for those carrying him. WHERE ARE YOU JESUS?
Mark 2:3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
EXPECT OBSTACLES AND PROBLEMS ONCE YOU MAKE UP YOUR MIND…
Mark 2:4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
This miracle happened because SOMEONE CARED. Will you carry others to Jesus?
Define LOVE: a strong emotion, GOD IS LOVE… WHAT KIND OF LOVE DO I PRACTICE? DO WE HAVE DEEP LOVE?
ENGLISH IS LACKING WHEN IT COMES TO DEFINING LOVE. I love my dog? I love my car? I love flowers? I love my children? I love my church? I love my wife? ALL THESE ARE ONE WORD: LOVE. Let’s be real: I LOVE MY DOG MEANS MUCH DIFFERENT THAN MY LOVE FOR MY WIFE?
THERE ARE 3 KINDS OF LOVE… REMEMBER JESUS ASKING PETER 3 TIMES: DO YOU LOVE ME?
*1. EROS LOVE: PUPPY LOVE, basic gratify, exotic, eye candy, fleshly attraction, friendship, desire, sexual.
*2. PHILEO LOVE: deeper, stronger, longer lasting than EROS. FRIENDSHIP, sibling love, BROTHERLY LOVE, fondness, to like, family love, friends,
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
*3. AGAPE LOVE: COMPLETE, the highest form of love, eternal love, growing love, not selfish, kind, unconditional, patient, to embrace the total person, sacrificial –giving, disciplined, no fear, no stress.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1 John is one of the most misquoted verses of the Bible. Many say the verse says: PERFECT LOVE CAST OUT ALL FEAR… You better look again… The Bible says the beginning wisdom is to FEAR THE LORD! So Love does not cast out all fear.
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Today many have lost their respect and fear of God and the Bema seat of God’s judgment. Love has to have a fear of God. (Not afraid, but fear to have love.)
LOVE NEVER FAILS…
1 Corinthians 13:8 LOVE NEVER FAILS…
We have a great assurance and promise, a guaranteed success rate if we operate in love.
LOVE THE LOST, SHARE THE BURDEN. LOVE GIVES: GOD ABSOLUTELY PROVED HIS LOVE TO US… HE GAVE US THE BEST.
John 3:16 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 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
HOW DO WE KNOW IF THE DIAMOND IS REAL? HOW IS A REAL CHRISTIAN GOING TO BE MEASURED?
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
THERE IS A DANGER OF ERO’S LOVE --- SURFACE LOVE THAT DIES WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH.
Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Matthew 5:46 (MSG) 46 If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that.
THE FRUIT OF LOVE WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY STORMS OR DROUGHTS. IT WILL GROW AND DEVELOP WHEN IT IS ROOTED AND GROUNDED. IF YOU CUT A DANDELION OFF IT WILL GROW AGAIN FROM THE ROOTS.
Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Ephesians 3:17 (MSG) that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love,
IS IT POSSIBLE TO LOVE WITH THE WRONG MOTIVES…? LOVE LONG PRAYERS TO BE HEARD BY MEN NOT BY GOD.
Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
BEWARE THERE IS A CANCER THAT WILL GROW AND KILL REAL LOVE.THE FRUIT OF LOVE IN THE SPIRIT NEEDS LIGHT. THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT DOES NOT SPEAK WITH A FORKED TONGUE. .. GOD’S FRUIT OF LOVE STARTS AT HOME
1 John 2:9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
THERE IS A DANGER THAT WE WILL LOVE BASED ON THE EXTERNALS. BEWARE LOVE MUST SEE BEYOND THE EXTERNALS.
James 2:2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
WHO WILL LOVE THE LOST? WHO WILL LOVE THE HOPELESS?
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
There was a famous pastor TOMMY BARNETT in Phoenix, Arizona. He pastored a small church and it started growing and people started getting saved. A rough looking crowd started coming and getting saved. It was amazing. Many tattooed, wild looking motorcycle people started attending. Many of the new crowd smoked cigarettes. Seemed they all parked on the same side of the church. They would come in the same door. Revival broke out. A committee of people asked to speak to Pastor Tommy. Seems they were embarrassed by all the cigarette butts around in the parking lot and they wanted that stopped immediately. Tommy told the committee he never smoked. They told him they knew he didn’t. They were ashamed of all the cigarette butts. Tommy saw the lost people going to hell. Tommy loved all the people. He cried to the Lord. He knew some of this new crowd would be offended if he mentioned this problem. Tommy asked the Lord what could he do? The answer was clear. Tommy always came early to church and prayed. He felt the Lord tell him, come at 4 am before the services and pick up the cigarette butts himself. Tommy developed a servant’s heart, no one could see they were the solution to the problem. So before anyone gathered at church Tommy was faithful to pick up the cigarette butts. Here this wonderful pastor that saw lost souls more than complaining about this trivial pursuit. Tommy submitted himself to the role of the ministry everyone else complained about.
VALUE THE LOST? LOVE THE LOST? ONE YOUNG GIRL CHANGED SOUTH KOREA,
DAVID YONGGI (YOUNG-GEE) CHO LIVED IN SOUTH KOREA. HE WAS A BUDDHIST.
CHO WAS DYING OF TUBERCULOSIS WITH NO HOPE. BUDDHA DID NOT ANSWER DAVID’S PRAYERS.
A YOUNG GIRL WOULD STOP AND SEE CHO AND VISIT THE DYING YOUNG MAN AS SHE WAS ON THE WAY HOME FROM SCHOOL.
He was resistant to listen to the GOSPEL MESSAGE. She gave CHO a New Testament. In the hours of coughing and dying CHO read the New Testament several times. He prayed God if this is real heal me. CHO WAS HEALED AND BECAME AN ASSEMBLIES OF GOD PASTOR. He started a tent church of 5 members. At his death he pastored the largest Christian church in the world of 830,000 members.
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
The largest Christian Church in the world is in South Korea. The largest mosque IN THE WORLD IS IN DEARBORN, MICHIGAN. Muslims pray facing Mecca from Michigan.
ONE YOUNG GIRL CHANGED THE NATION OF SOUTH KOREA BECAUSE SHE LOVED THE LOST.
Conclusion: I heard a young man say he wanted to go to hell. He stated that is where all his friends will be. My dear friend, there will be no friends in hell. Hatred will rule hell. The worse torment of HELL will be there is NO LOVE in HELL. Hell will be the total absence of God. Where there is NO GOD, THERE WILL BE NO LOVE.
“THINK WHEN YOU ENTER THAT BEAUTIFUL CITY AND THE SAVED AROUND YOU APPEAR. JUST THINK WHEN SOMEONE COMES UP TO YOU AND SAYS IT WAS YOUR LOVE THAT INVITED ME HERE! “
I often saw a pastor of a different denomination while visiting the hospitals, funeral homes and playing music in the rest homes. One day we were playing music and he stood at the door. He requested the song: ONE DAY AT A TIME. WE PLAYED THE MUSIC AND HE CRIED. After the service I asked him Brother, was there something I could pray about? He said: YOU ARE SUCH A GOOD MAN TO GO TO HELL? I said: WHAT? He said: YOU ARE NOT A MEMBER OF MY KIND OF CHURCH? HOW SAD? CAN WE FOCUS ON THE LOST?
Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
LET’S TURN MANY AWAY FROM SIN AND HELL.
Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
His servant, Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes)
Note: repetitive complaining will attract things that you complain about…
Repeated thankfulness and gratitude will attract things for you to be thankful about.
