Tag: Encourage

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Why Not…Admonish One Another? Part 3

As this series is coming to a close, my prayer is that you have come to appreciate and understand the importance of admonishing the lost. Encouragement is such a vital part of the Christian’s life that we must never take it for granted or abuse it’s potential. May our work be always towards the building up of one another…the day will be here before we know it.

As the third verse of this song admonishes the hearer, we reflect on a term from yester-year. The Old English word “aught” has been lost to our everyday vocabulary. But when we understand its meaning we can sing with the mind (I Cor. 14:15)…“In this world you’ve failed to find aught of (any form of) peace for (a) troubled mind.” We must urge all who will hear, that this world will disappoint. Hurricanes will ravage our coast taking property and lives. Those who anxiously search this world for peace will be left suffering with a ‘troubled mind.’ Therefore we must continue this research and examine the closing verse; “Come to Christ, confession make, come to Christ and pardon take. Trust in Him from day to day, He will keep you all the way.” Two issues arise from this final plea that keeps the lost…lost. First, we aren’t in the habit of confessing our sins, our mistakes, to anyone. Remember, “I’m OK, You’re OK!” If you know about my faults, my sins, then there is an indication that I am weak. And a sign of weakness is a sign of failure. Our society wants everyone to be a winner. No weaknesses, no failures, everyone gets a trophy! We are all winners, and as long as we hold on to that mind set, we won’t see a need to trust in anyone. And therein lays one more issue with this verse. Why should I ‘trust in Him from day to day,’ when I really only need to trust…in me? Never stop sharing Christ, and never forget to admonish (warn and/or encourage) those who are lost and struggling. One day, it may very well be you who is in need of admonition.

The chorus of this great, old spiritual song is a simple repeat of 6 short words. “Why not now…come to Jesus” In its entirety we sing, “Why not now? Why not now? Why not come to Jesus now?” The call is certain and the encouragement is clear; we all have a ‘deep need,’ we have all wandered from Christ, and we all need peace in this troubling world. The admonition and encouragement from this old invitation song echoes the Hebrew writer’s continued thoughts from chapter 10, verse 25 “…but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Why not come to Jesus now, the day is drawing near.

Thanks to those who have followed this series for the past three months. As God’s children we have a beautiful opportunity to share the joy of Christian living. There are SO MANY who don’t know that ‘salvation belongs to our God,’ and we have an obligation to share that good news. Would that we daily admonish, encourage and build up the body of Christ. And ask the question to those who know Him but have yet to accept Him, “Why not…why not come to Jesus now?”

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Why Not…Admonish One Another? Pt. 2

As we continue in this three part series, let’s work our way through the verses of this old invitation song. Remember, if we are to build one another up to good deeds, we need to consider how effective will we be at admonishing…

Many will remember this song of invitation and the plea that follows, ‘as we stand and as we sing.’ But what admonition (warning or encouragement) do we receive from this spiritual song written in the late 1800’s? “While we pray, and while we plead, while you see your soul’s deep need. While your Father calls you home, will you not, my brother come?” Do we prayer for the lost? Do we personally plead for them (urge them) to examine their life and turn to Christ? Unfortunately, too many think they are, ‘doing just fine, thank you very much.’ There is no ‘deep need’ because the world tells me that if I just love Jesus, I’m OK. Do not settle for “I’m OK! You’re OK!” Paul was very clear as he penned Romans chapter 3 expressing that, “…apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” He further admonished (warned) the church in Thessalonica, “If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him so that he will be put to shame. YET, do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (II Thess. 3:14, 15) In this latter passage the message is clear; don’t be pulled away into a false teaching. At the same time, we must be careful that we don’t hate the one who has. Rather, warn him, urge him and admonish him as a brother. This spiritual song is a call for the wandering one to come to Christ.

As we continue with verse two we aren’t singing, ‘IF you have wandered far away…’, rather, this is a declarative statement, “YOU HAVE wandered far away, do not risk another day.” No stronger urge can be made than to declare the obvious. The absolute truth is clear, either you are or you are not following God! And we know who has wandered far away because Christ provides the insight. “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-18) Many will turn their face away from God and run the risk of eternal condemnation. Why not accept His grace? The answer to this (for some) is simply a stubborn pride. Regardless of the age, many across our globe have bought into the belief that…“I’m OK.”

Next month we’ll conclude this series and bring to close the message behind this song of admonishment and encouragement. Not that we will ever get to the end of our responsibility to seek and save the lost, but Lord willing, that we will be better suited to encourage…