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Post by Brother Ben on Aug 11, 2005 7:37:27 GMT -5
The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise Prov. 11:30
The other night, Darlene and I were talking about the fruit of our efforts. I was pondering in my heart whether efforts like this board really had fruit that would affect the Kingdom of God. It is my prayer that we would not just fill ourselves with knowledge and stuff we have read and said, but that we would remember the that our primary responsibility is to tell others of Christ. If we aren't winning souls (or at least delivering the message,) the wisdom we gain on "issues" on this board are just vanity. We shouldn't just "look" like nice, pleasant, plain, Christian brethren, but we should be filled with Jesus and He should overflow from our hearts so that we cannot keep from sharing Him with those we meet as we go about our business for the day. The wise writer of Proverbs said, "... and he that winneth souls [is] wise." Let's let the wisdom we have gathered as we discuss, pray, and ponder things here at HCB manifest it's fruit in making Christ, who is worthy known to a lost and perishing world.
Bro. Ben
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Post by theschwarz1 on Aug 16, 2005 11:51:18 GMT -5
you hit the deep desire of my heart there! These boards are great, but if we keep feeding and not exercising, the feeding is pointless! The church in China would consider us "American Christians" selfish with the Word.....
I need these thoughts probably more than anyone else hear....I really appreciate the encoursgement on this board....that is how it helps me reach out to others
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Post by debelynne on Aug 16, 2005 12:51:58 GMT -5
Dear Brothers and Sisters...I completely agree with what Bro. Ben has said....this is why I want to share this with you all...I am not sharing this to glorify myself, but only to let Bro. Ben and Sis Darlene know that this broad has encouraged me to be a doer of the Word and instead of a hearer only.....
My neighbors are into drugs and they have three children (which my heart goes out to)...my first instinct was to stay away, (which I did for awhile) but after praying and being encouraged through the "SCRIPTURES" and this "BROAD" I gathered up some clothes that was much needed by their children and took it over, the children were over joyed...this opened a door for the mother to come over and visit or most of the time borrow my phone, but I was able to respond to her needs and talk with her...on one such visit she broke down and cried saying she had nothing to feed her kids and that the food bank was closed...my first thought was of the flesh "well if you didn't do drugs you would have food for your kids" but I didn't want to say this because it would have closed any doors that the Lord was opening to witness to her...so I gave her half of everything I had in my kitchen which wasn't much, and then went and bought some grocerys for them ...she left in tears of joy that I cared...this lead me to be-able to share the gospel and give her some gospel tracts and I was able to tell her that I would pray for her...even if she does not respond to HIS WORD at least I did what the Lord required of me...I planted the seed and now the Spirit can water it if He wills...they are moving soon...but through this experience with them I was able to see more than a drug addict but a soul that the Lord loves and desperately wants to save...I want to stress again I did not share this to get a worldly praise, but wanted to stress how much this board has helped me to see God's word and to be a doer and instead of just a hearer...Keep up the faithful work and words of encouragement Bro. Ben and Sis Darlene and everyone else who so lovingly posts here...thank you ............Sister Debbie
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Post by benshelpmeet on Aug 16, 2005 14:47:46 GMT -5
Oh Debbie, Keep careing for lost sinners, Someone cared for mine and Brother Bens soul and we were just as bad as your neighbor. Lost and going to hell with no hope. Until Jesus sought us out and saved our retched soul. He can save anyone no matter how bad they seem. Plant the seeds sister. What a blessing and encouragement your testimony was. Have a great day!
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