Monday, September 8, 2008

This is why we do what we do...

On Saturday's, a team of people from my church go out and evangelize. For the past few weeks a young man named "JB" (19 yrs old) has had the Gospel preached to him.

I personally shared with him, and so did Emilio. His face is etched in my memory.

The last time we spoke with JB, out at Southlake, was late last month and we urged him to repent and trust in the Savior. I can remember as if it was yesterday, pleading with him, "JB, tonight could be the night that you die...you're not too young to die...please consider what we're saying...you must repent (turn from your sins) and put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!"

This past Saturday night, JB's friends came out to Southlake searching for our evangelism group to tell us the news...the unthinkable news...that JB crashed his red truck last Thursday night and died. I was shocked...my heart sunk when I heard the news.

JB heard the Gospel numerous times--only God knows if he repented before he died. But this is why we do what we do. This is why we share the Gospel and why we're compelled with urgency to do so. One day, you will die. One day, I will die. The ultimate statistic is that 51 out of 51 people die. Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day to repent and believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ. You might not have tomorrow...you might not have tonight. We aren't guaranteed our next breath.

If you're not a Christian...if you've never looked at yourself according to the God's Holy Law The 10 Commandments, don't put it off another minute. Here's what to do evaluate yourself by the 10 Commandments to see how you measure up to God's standards.

Have you ever lied (even once--fibs, white lies, etc.)? Have you ever stolen (the value is irrelevant)? Jesus said, "Whoever looks upon a woman to lust after her, has committed adultery already with her in his heart." Have you ever looked with lust? If you have said "Yes" to these three questions (by your own admission), you are a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart; and we've only looked at three of the Ten Commandments.

Have you put God first in your life, or have you created a false god to suit yourself; a god you feel comfortable with? If God judges you by that standard will you be innocent or guilty on the Day of Judgment? You know that you will be guilty, and therefore end up in Hell. But WAIT! LISTEN. There's Good News! God Himself made a way for sinners to be forgiven. Jesus suffered and died on the cross to satisfy the Moral Law — You broke the Law, Jesus paid the fine!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Then He rose from the dead, defeating death. That means that God can forgive you and grant you the gift of everlasting life. Today, here's what to do, confess your sins to God, repent (turn) from your sins, put your trust in Jesus to save you from eternal damnation, and you will pass from death to life.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's unfortunate that such a great message has to ride on the back of an 'untimely' and tragic death. God wills when we live and when we die; we have no control.

Today is indeed the day of salvation. I really hope that JB had repented and is now with the Lord.

All for Christ said...

What a tragedy, and at such a young age. This is why we as believers need to get out of our comfort zones and do the great commission. I praise God for raising up Trish and giving her the boldness to share the gospel to a lost and dying world! May the Lord stir us all up that we may bring glory to His name in proclaiming the good news!

Fish With Trish said...

This email came into Fish with Trish earlier today, thought I'd post it for those of you that pray:

"My best friend Mandy just called to tell me that our other best friend Jennifer’s husband killed himself last night. They live in Bakersfield where I’m from. They have three young children; the youngest is less than one year old. He apparently parked his car on some rail road tracks and let a train hit him on the driver’s side.

Please pray for Jennifer. She is a stay at home mom and hasn’t worked in years. Jennifer is a Christian and I hope that she will hold firm in her faith and allow God to work through this tragedy. Matt (her husband) was a youth minister at their church. I can’t say for sure if he was actually saved. I don’t understand how someone who is truly saved could take their own life if he was saved.

I’m devastated and heartbroken for my friend, Jennifer. She has been my friend for 17 years.

Feel free to send this email out to other SJCC members so that they too can pray. Heidi"

Fish With Trish said...

http://www.bakersfield.com/1439/story/547630.html

Fish With Trish said...

Dennis our evangelism team leader when to JB's funeral and this is what he writes:

"It was nice as funerals go. Lots of people. Standing room only. Ashley (JB's friend) asked if we would still be out at South Lake and I said yes we would (except for possibly this Saturday due to Hurricane Ike). She said they would also, "although it would be hard."

The preacher mentioned that we all need to be ready to meet God (but did not explain why or how to prepare). He also said "life is like a vapor". Anyway, there is good ways to continue the conversation with JB's friends."

1611 said...

Trish,
You can post this if you think it's appropriate, or if not then delete it. I googled JB and Azle and his myspace page is active --if someone wants to see the face of this young man. It's sobering to look into the eyes of a young man who's stepped into eternity. How sovereign is God!! To get the clear gospel to that man one last time!

Fish With Trish said...

If you'd like to read how the funeral went, visit http://dtcain.blogspot.com/2008/09/why-and-how.html

Dennis (Sovereign Joy Community Church's evangelism leader) when to JB's funeral.