I Am Burdened For the Lost

Posted on May 18, 2012 by jgaustin

In today’s society it has become increasingly obvious that there are many, many men and women who have thrown off the training of their youth and are running as hard as possible towards the cliff of unbelief, selfishness and self-righteousness. And my heart grows heavy. I see men and women, who go by the label of Christianity, apparently unconcerned that the paths they have chosen are taking them away from the Lord’s plan. As the scriptures say: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are WITHOUT EXCUSE, because although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but become futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:20-21.

Several points from this passage shout out to me. One, on Judgment Day we will all be without excuse when we stand before our Creator. He knows all, sees all and will judge….all. Second, Paul says that though many “knew God, they did not glorify Him as God…” In other words, there are those who are speaking for the Church today who possibly knew God at one time, but are not glorifying Him; and there are consequences. Those people become “futile” in their thoughts. The Greek for futile is “mataioo” and means to make empty, vain, foolish, useless, confused. Voices that are shouting in the media today are not really speaking for the Lord or the true Church, because their thinking is empty, vain, foolish, confused. They no longer glorify God in their words, their lives or beliefs. Therefore their minds have become poluted by this World’s belief system and Satan. The sad part is that they are probably completely unaware of this – and would argue with you that they are perfectly in their right minds. But the scriptures, and their actions and words, speak something completely different.

So I feel a great burden today, friend. My heart is heavy because I am coming to realize that as we approach the end of days, and the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, there are many millions who believe they are part of the Kingdom of God, and they are not. In fact, John the Apostle tells us that “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1John 1:6-7). Many are deceived. Many think they are right with God for a number of reasons – they are faithful church attenders, they give tithes and offerings, they are part of church leadership. All this is well and good – but it ultimately has nothing to do with our relationshiop with the Heavenly Father. If our lives are full of sin, then we are walking in darkness. And if we are walking in darkness we are NOT walking in the Light of God’s Word and His Will.

So what do we do? What can we do? Each time I question the Lord He gives me two answers. They are simple. Too simple, it would seem, for many people. They are: (1) Remain in God’s Word so that His Word can remain in us; and (2) Spend time in Prayer. And yes, I know many are now saying: “I do not have time to do those things! My life is just too busy!” And thus we see the problem all of us must face. We are all given the same 24hrs a day, 7days a week, 52wks in a year. So where are our priorities? Do we treasure what the Lord wants first – then put the rest of our lives in the remaining hours? I think we should.

So I ask you as a fellow believer to take the challenge of putting the Kingdom of God first in your life (Matt 6:33); and spend time today in His Word, as He directs you. Then, commit to praying for the lost, and those who have rebelled against the Lord and walked away from the truth. Use 2Chronicles 7:14 as your pattern: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Can you do that? Will you do that? Will you come before the Father today, and ask Him to search your heart and show you if there is anything which hinders you from being burdened for the lost? When He shows you, and He will show you, recommit your heart to Him; and take time today to write out a list of friends, family, workmates and others who do not know the Lord to pray for them.

There are multitudes of excellent teachings on praying for the lost, but i would like to recommend the book “Intercessory Worship” by Dick Eastman, of Every Home For Christ. You can find the book at this link. https://www.ehc.org/inside.jsp?sectionid=3&pageid=94  

It will revolutinize how you view both worship and intercessory prayer.

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It Is Still About The Word

Posted on April 26, 2012 by jgaustin

Hello friends,

I have not been here to post anything in a very long time. But friends are continuing to write and requests our lessons on Kingdom Foundations and Kingdom Living; and I am very thankful for that. Thus, I have a post for “Thankful On Thursdays” category…lol

As I mentioned over a year ago, when I first stood up this website – our mission statement is: Equipping Believers To IMPACT Their World. And I am always a fan of using acronyms to assist in learning – so this website’s name – Equipping4IMPACT – has the acronym built it – IMPACT. We are: Influence-Driven; Missions-Minded; Prayer/Praise-Focuses; Actions-Oriented; Christ-Centered; Truth-Exalting. I pray that everything we have posted here over the last year has met one of those statements.

But in the end, as today’s title says, it is all about the Word of God. God’s Word is our ultimate measuring rod and foundation.

1. It is only by God’s Word, and the correct application of it, that Psalm 119:105 becomes true: “Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.”

2. It is through God’s Word that we are able to overcome sin in our lives: Psalm 119:11 – “Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”

3. God’s Word needs to written on our hearts to be successful: Joshua 1:8 – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

4. God’s Word keeps us pure: Psalm 119:9 – “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy Word.”

5.  God’s Word has power to influence us all; including the lost: Jeremiah 5:14 – “Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of Hosts, Because you have spoken this word, behold I am making My Words in your mouth fire and this people wood, and it will consume them.”

6. It is the power of God for salvation; and all the other blessings that are ours as sons and daughters of God: Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

7. And God’s Word is absolutely trustworthy. Man’s word can, and usually does, fail – but God’s Word NEVER fails us: Psalm 111:7 – “The words of His hands are Truth and Justice; all His precepts are true.”

And yet, today I feel sadness for the divisions within the Body of Christ because of the different interpretations of God’s Word, and the anger I have seen when two believers disagree. It is a discouraging things to hear. I am amazed at how strongly someone will cling to a teaching that really is not supported by Scripture. As I pray, and sometimes cry, over these divisions the Lord reminds that me that is His concern, not mine. And that I am to do what He has called me to do, not anyone else. And even though I struggle at times with my calling; I know that the Holy Spirit is within me – to sustain me through God’s Word – and to comfort and encourage me to continue on the path the Lord has put me on.

So today, friend, what have you done with God’s Word? Are you meditating on it regularly to put it in your heart? Are you taking the time to study it’s precepts and doctrines, so you can: “…sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” 1Peter 3:15

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New Beginnings…Old Battles

Posted on December 28, 2011 by jgaustin

It happens every year this time. We see that an old year is soon over; and we begin thinking about the upcoming year, and the possibilities of progress. Not only in our spiritual lives but in our physical and emotional lives as well. I always find it interesting to note the power of Hope. Although Hope is not Faith, nevertheless it is powerful in its own right. Paul tells us in 1Corinthians 13 – the famous chapter on Love – that there remains Faith, Hope and Love – but the greatest of these is Love. And yet Paul chose to include Hope as one of the three. The scriptures tell us that Hope is the anchor we have in believing in God’s promises:

Hebrews 6:18-20 – “18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

I find Hope to be a most valuable ally in this battle we fight daily in the spirit world. Hope in God’s promises – that in the end His Will and Word WILL prevail and we as believers will find ourselves in our heavenly home – to be a most comforting thought. Hope IS an anchor, because with Hope we are able to endure the daily failures and challenges we all face. It is with Hope that I can look into the eyes of my children and promise them that everything WILL be alright – because we have this promise in Romans:

Romans 8:28-30 – “28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”

Yes, as believers we can take confidence that in the midst of turmoil, political upheveal, wars and rumors of wars, that our God is with us. And though we may not be protected from trials and tribulations – because even Jesus told us there would be those things; the promise from our Heavenly Father AND the Lord Jesus – is that we are promised that They will never leave us or forsake us – and that gives me much Hope.

So today, friend, as you evaluate 2011 and look forward to 2012, remember that as Christians we, of all men and women, have everything to Hope for – and nothing to truly fear. We are in the hands of our Father; whose love for us was displayed 2000 years ago on a mount called Calvary. And our comfort is found in the ultimate promise made by the Angels who visited the disciples when Jesus left this earth – ”

“11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” – Acts 1:11

Even so, COME LORD JESUS!!

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Love, Liberate, Lead and Launch

Posted on November 3, 2011 by jgaustin

Today’s post is regarding four simple words which I saw today while browsing videos on GodTube. The four words were used in a video discussing the need for today’s Church to get back to real discipling and sending believers out into the world to bring the lost to Jesus, rather than just coming up with more creative ways to “woo” unbelievers into a church service. Of course, if you have read through my blogs here over the last year you know that my heart is in discipling believers to truly follow our Heavenly Father’s vision and will for each life – not just what earthly leaders are telling us to do. Because, believe it or not, sometimes earthly leaders will not lead you correctly due to their own agenda! It is important for all of us to be able to hear the Lord’s voice for ourselves. I am not ashamed to teach that truth wherever I go – although it does upset some. If you question the validity of that statement just go to 1 John 2:26-27 -”These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. 27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.”

Now, I am not advocating that we throw away the teachings of the great pastors and teachers of our day. I am, however, admonishing every believer to use the Word of God as your source of truth – and compare everything you hear with God’s Word.

So, back to today’s thoughts. The four words I read today that I believe pack a powerful punch for the believer are: Love, Liberate, Lead and Launch. The purpose of the Church and every para-church ministry should be to 1) Love the unbeliever into the Kingdom of God by sharing the TRUE Gospel of Jesus Christ – as evidenced by Evangelical Christianity; 2) Liberate the unbeliever and believer from demonic strongholds and worldly bondage by the power of the Word and God and the Anointing of the Holy Spirit. 3) Lead the believer into a full life of obedience in the Kingdom of God – training and discipling with the awesome Truths of God’s Word, and 4) Launch – after discipling believers send them out into the World to continue bringing the powerful message of the Gospel to the lost.

So, as I often do here and in my personal study – I would like to share scriptures which I looked up regarding these four words of power – so that you can take the time to see what God’s Word says and how you could appropriate them.

The Bible Is God's Love Letter

Love - Jesus’ Love - John 3:16; John 13:1; John 15:9; John 15:13; Romans 8:35; 2Cor 5:14; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:2; 1 John 3:16

Liberate - Psalm 107:14; Psalm 146:7; Isaiah 61:1; Luke 11:14; John 8:31-31, 36; 2Cor 3:17; Romans 6:18; Romans 7:24-25a; Romans 8:2; Galatians 2:4; 3:13; Galatians 5:1

Kingdom Living Brings Real Freedom

Lead -Deut 8:2; Psalm 23:2; 25:5,9; 27:11; 32:8; 48:14; 73:24; 77:20; 139:9-10; 143:10; Proverbs 20:24; Luke 1:79; John 10:4; 16:13; Acts 8:39; 10:19-20; 13:2; 16:6; Romans 8:14; Eph 4:11-14

Launch -66:19; Malachi 1:11; Matt 24:14; 28:18-20; Mark 13:10; 16:15-20; Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8; 15:7; Romans 10:13-17; Colossians 1:23; Revelation 14:6

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Missions Trip Report

Posted on August 31, 2011 by jgaustin

Check out two new pages on the E4I website under our “Missions” tab. We recently returned from a trip to South Africa and Kenya where we had the opportunity to train pastors with the discipleship materials available to you from here.

More importantly, we have been asked by our hosts while in Kenya, Bishop Zephaniah Orao, to help in providing bible to 250 of his pastors and members. We can purchase the bibles locally in Kisumu, Kenya for $10 a piece. There is a Bible Society of Kenya in Kisumu. Plus the bibles provided will be of the local dialect as well. Would you consider helping us raise the $2500 needed? If you want to help please go to my partner’s website – Thisisyourseason.org – and make a donation, which is tax deductible, using their PayPal application. When making the donation please note that it is for the purchase of bibles for Kenya.

Continue to pray for this ministry as we provide discipleship training materials for free to believers throughout the world, and bibles to those in need.

2Timothy 2:2 -”And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men (and women!) who will be able to teach others also.”

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