True religion is like the smallpox

Proverbs 24:10-12

“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.  Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.  If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?  Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?”

A modern day Christian living in the USA, in 2019, does not expect hardship but King Solomon tells us it is a sure thing, and Jesus gave us this insight; “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  In Isaiah 41:10, God is speaking through the prophet who also gave this encouragement; “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

I’ve always been encouraged by men who live out their faith, like C.T. Studd, who said the following; “ True religion is like the smallpox.  If you get it, you give it to others, and it spreads.” I did not tell you, but C.T. Studd was a famous Cricketer, ”I do not say, don't play games or cricket and so forth. By all means play and enjoy them, giving thanks to Jesus for them. Only take care that games do not become an idol to you as they did to me. What good will it do for anybody in the next world to have been the best player that ever has been? And then think of the difference between that and winning souls for Jesus.”   This quote from Mr. Studd has never left me; "Some wish to live within the sound of Church or Chapel bell; I want to run a Rescue Shop within a yard of hell."

I’ve often wondered why are we so timid when it comes to sharing the good news of what Christ has done for us?  Why do I not tell everybody that Jesus Christ is Lord, am I more concerned about the opinion of men than of bringing someone from darkness into the light?  

These are questions that weigh on my heart, how about you, how are you doing in the area of running a rescue shop within a yard of hell?

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice