by Mitchell Skelton

Yesterday a member of our congregation underwent open-heart surgery. Open-heart surgery is a very delicate procedure. While this Christian lady is still in very serious condition, many people have the surgery today and in many cases, it has almost become routine. No matter the habitual nature of this type of surgery, you still want the most accomplished surgeons, the most up-to-date equipment, and the very best of care. Open-heart surgery is a step of faith and hope. Hope because you know you have heart problems that can be corrected and faith because you place yourself entirely under the care of another.

In the book of Acts, we find the first "open-heart" surgery recorded in the New Testament. "On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home" (Acts 16:13-15a NIV). Of course, the physical heart and the heart that Lydia had opened are entirely different. Paul preached the word to Lydia, the Lord opened her heart, and she responded.

The Power of the Word of God

Paul would be the first to reject any claim that it was by his power of persuasion that Lydia became a Christian. Moreover, he would be the first to assert that it was the power of the Gospel. "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:17). The power to save is in the word of God acting upon the heart of man. The heart of man longs to be filled. People spend countless hours and dollars in search of the true meaning of life only to come away empty. Make no mistake about it; man's heart will be filled. The only question is who will be the one to fill it? Will it be Christ or Satan? Satan can fill a person's heart, as in the case of Ananias (Acts 5:3). However, Christ can and wants to dwell in man's heart. "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith" (Eph. 3:16,17a NIV).

The spiritual heart is like the physical heart in that it can become sick. Our spiritual heart can be stubborn. "But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed" (Rom. 2:5). It can be hardened. "They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts" (Eph. 4:18). While our hearts can reject God, they also can be cut. "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37 NIV).

Open Heart Surgery - God's Way

Lydia heeded the gospel message, and God opened her heart. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Heb. 4:12). The psalmist, David, realized that only God was able to cure his heart disease when he proclaimed, "Create in me a pure heart O, God" (Psalm 51:10 NIV).

The word of God is powerful, both convicting man of sin and leading us to salvation. However, it is still our choice whether or not to believe the gospel. God never forces anyone to obey Him. Lydia believed the good news about Jesus and was baptized (Acts 16:15).

Just as the physical heart can become diseased, so too, the spiritual heart can be sick. Physical open-heart surgery requires hope and faith. Spiritual open-heart surgery also requires hope and faith, hope that your problems can be corrected and faith in the one who can heal you, Jesus Christ the Great Physician.

Do not harden your hearts and reject the Lord. Hear the word, and let it have a good effect in your heart. Be captivated by it and respond to it.

by Mitchell Skelton

The parents of a ten-year-old public school boy who was failing fifth grade math decided to enroll their son in a private Christian school after exhausting all methods. The young boy stormed home the first day of school, walked right past his parents, charged straight to his room, and locked the door. Two hours later, he surfaced for a quick meal, announced that he was studying, and went straight back to his studies until bedtime. This pattern continued until the end of the first quarter. After school, the boy walked home with his report card, dropped the envelope on the family dinner table, and went straight to his room. His parents cautiously opened the letter, saw a bright red "A" under the subject, MATH, and rushed excitedly into their son's room! "Was it the teachers?" the father asked. The boy only shook his head and said, "No." "Was it the one-on-one tutoring? Peer-mentoring?" asked the mother. Again, the boy shrugged, "No." "The textbooks? The curriculum?" asked the father. "No, no, no." the son finally spoke. "From the very first day of school, I knew that these folks were serious about math. When I walked into the lobby, and I saw a guy nailed to the PLUS sign, I knew they meant business!"

The cross of Christ is "the" sign to the world that God meant business! And His business was that of salvation and forgiveness of sin. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:16,17).

A popular Christian writer said concerning the cross, "It rests on the time line of history like a compelling diamond. . . History has idolized and despised it, gold plated and burned it, worn it and trashed it. History has done everything but ignore it." Christian, Atheist, Moslem, Buddhist, Agnostic, or Jew no matter what you believe the power of the cross lies in the fact that you must decide what you will do with it.

How important is the cross? The cross has a very special meaning to those who are in Christ. To us, the cross is neither a source of shame nor an offensive symbol. It is a symbol of grace, mercy and forgiveness. The cross is the promise of eternal life!

Salvation is based solely in the power of the cross. "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:18). The idea of God in human form dying a criminal's death in such a heinous manner is foolishness to the majority of the world, but one day all men everywhere will acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord!

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:5—11).

On the outskirts of London stands a prominent landmark in the form of a white cross. One day, in the heart of the city, a policeman heard a little boy crying. He found the little boy and asked him, "What's the matter? Can I help you?" The little boy replied, "I am lost." The officer said, "Well, don’t cry. We can fix that. Where do you live?" The little boy said, "If you will take me to the hill where the white cross stands, I can find my way home."

It’s as simple as that, THE WAY OF THE CROSS LEADS HOME!

by Mitchell Skelton

In the opening pages of Joshua, we find that Moses has died and God then comes to Joshua. God speaks to him saying, "Get ready to cross the Jordan into the land I am about to give to you." So Joshua and the Israelites get ready to cross over Jordan to receive their inheritance. They had been wandering in the desert for forty years waiting for God to allow them entrance into the Promised Land. Now the time was upon them and Joshua gives instructions as to how they were to cross. "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it." Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you" (Josh. 3:3,5).

Joshua's instructions were simple: Follow the Ark, Consecrate Yourself, and Prepare for Amazing Things. Could it be this easy? After all these years of wandering and waiting, they would simply cross the Jordan and everything would be theirs. But was it that easy? "So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest" (Josh. 3:14,15).

Can you imagine how the Israelites must have felt? As much grumbling as they had done while in the wilderness don't you think the thought had crossed at least one of their minds, "You would think that after 40 years God could have picked a better time for us to cross the Jordan other than when its flooding."

What about you, have you ever been at flood stage in your life? A time when it seemed that just when everything was finally going your way and things were going to work out, BOOM here comes the flood and there seems to be no way to get through it? There are spiritual obstacles as well, things that hinder us and stand in the way of our receiving God's inheritance for us. These obstacles stand between where we are in our walk with God and where we should be. We know we need to be doing more for God, but we find these obstacles in the way. Satan is the master at placing obstacles in our way. When things get tough in your life that is the time to look at what God did for Joshua and Israel.

Following God

In preparation for crossing a flooded Jordan River, Joshua told the Israelites to Follow the Ark, which is where God was. The ark represented the very presence of God. God was not asking them to go alone. He was going ahead of them to make a path through their obstacle. When times get tough in your life, it is not the time to quit on God. It is time to follow God! God is active and at work in the world today helping those who will follow Him. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28). Follow God and He will help you overcome your obstacle.

Consecrate Yourself

God cannot have evil in His presence. If we are going to follow God then we must do as the Israelites did and consecrate or purify ourselves. "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up" (Js. 4:8—10). The way we live should be an all out effort to please God.

Prepare for Amazing Things

The Lord promised to bring great things to the Israelites if they would follow him. God's presence would go out before them. God's presence is already going out before you into your obstacles. The only question is Will you follow Him?

Do you ever wonder why God waited for the Jordan to be at flood stage before he sent Israel across? Remember what Joshua 3:15 says, "Now the Jordan is at flood stage ALL DURING THE HARVEST." God was sending Israel in to take their inheritance at harvest time. God was providing food for them even though they had not planted any crops. God was preparing for them to receive their inheritance in abundance!

Is your life at flood stage? Don't give up! Follow God who has gone ahead of you into your obstacle. Consecrate yourself and prepare for amazing things. The flood in your life is just a sign of the great harvest that is on the other side!

"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it" (Heb. 12:7—11). Hold firmly to your faith in your afflictions. Follow God and cross over into an abundant harvest.

by Mitchell Skelton

There are perhaps as many different methods and manuals for personal evangelism as there are chain e-mails on the internet. The importance of spreading the gospel and our, sometimes, inadequate attempts at doing so is perhaps the reason there are so many methods and manuals in circulation. And since one more couldn't hurt. . .

Personal evangelism can be one of the most rewarding ministries in which you will ever be involved. Yes, there will be rejection and sometimes disappointment but with the proper attitude and preparation, you can overcome these minor "bumps" in the road. The following lists are just a few things I have learned from others and from experience in the field. Use them, adapt them and add to them as you enter into the harvest fields.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19,20a)

VITAL TOOLS

As you embark on your journey to spread the gospel to a lost and dying world, there are some tools you need to take along with you.

1. Prayer
2. A bible. (Make sure you and the person you are studying with use the same translation.)
3. A positive attitude.
4. A Partner. (Jesus sent his disciples out in two's and it is a good idea for us today.)

SOME DON’TS OF PERSONAL EVANGELISM

1. Don't overanalyze or psychoanalyze people or their motives.
2. Don't argue with people about religion.
3. Don't denounce or ridicule another person's church or religion (Matt. 10:16; 1 Peter 3:15) (Your goal is to keep the door open not slam it shut.)
4. Don't begin with criticism.
5. Don't act superior.
6. Don't be a "know it all."
7. Don't be afraid to admit that you don't know.
8. Don't feel the need to answer everything the other person says. (Stay on task, teach the gospel and avoid "chasing rabbits.")
9. Don't do all the talking (James 1:19)
10. Don't use too many passages of scripture. (You can overwhelm a person. Take your time; it took Jesus over three years.)
11. Don't get angry!
12. Don't talk negative about other members, the preacher, the elders or petty difficulties in the church.

SOME DO'S OF PERSONAL EVANGELISM

1. Do pray for your studies and for the person with whom you are studying.
2. Do put yourself in the other person's place. (Understand that they may often be nervous or confused.)
3. Do prepare yourself for study (2 Tim. 2:15)
4. Do speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15)
5. Do listen to the other person and write down questions they have.
6. Do spend the majority of your time in the scripture. (While you do not want to overwhelm them with scripture you don't want to leave the impression that what you are teaching is only your opinion.)
7. Do remain positive (but don't be "false—positive.")
8. Do build up the church.
9. Do set an appointment for another visit.
10. Do pray before you leave.

by Mitchell Skelton

One beautiful, sunny afternoon two baseball teams met to play a game. Although it was expected to be a good game, one team was assured of victory. The teams dressed in their respective uniforms, the White Sox in white and the Black Sox in black. Game time approached and the Black Sox were ready, all of the team was there and ready to play, not at all discouraged by the fact that the best player to ever play the game was on the opposing team. The White Sox, however, were having some problems. Chris, the greatest player to ever play the game was ready to play but some of the other players were not moved by his enthusiasm. The first basemen as well as the third baseman were missing in action. The catcher finally showed up, seconds before game time. All three outfielders attended, yet two of them had not bothered to show up for practice in a while. Chris took the mound, yet had to pitch to the outfielder. He and the catcher were forced to switch positions because of the catcher's tardiness. Finally, the game started and the Black Sox showed that they came to play. Chris lived up to his billing. He covered first and third bases as well at the pitching duties. Outfield play was a disappointment with the tardy catcher and the two who had not bothered to practice. They were rusty and not at all able to withstand the barrage of hits that came their way. Chris was able to muster two outs on his own while the catcher turned outfielder and second baseman combined for the third. It was going to be a long game.

The church is much like a ball team. Christians, as the body of Christ, function like a team. In order to achieve victory, all the players must be practiced and ready come game time. When members of the team fail to play their part then the entire team suffers. Christians who shirk their responsibilities toward the team find themselves in danger of "losing their position". Yes, our team is assured victory. Chris or Christ, the greatest to ever play the game, is on our side. Those who are part of the team at the end of the game will be granted eternal life. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes the church as the body of Christ and gives some factors we must consider.

We All Must Play Our Part

Just as the human body is made up of many parts that together make the whole, so too the body of Christ has many parts. "Now the body is not made up of one part but of many . . . in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body" (1 Cor. 12:14,18-20). Each member of the body of Christ must perform his God-given function. "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us" (Rom. 12:4—6a). Every member of the body must give their best effort in the area of service God has gifted to us. Just like our beloved White Sox, if the outfielder must play catcher then the team is not putting forth its best effort. Without each member doing their part, the body of Christ suffers.

We All Must Be in the Game

For the body of Christ to function effectively Christians must show up for practice. Personal and organized study prepares us for the game. "Be diligent (Study, KJV) to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:14—17).

As important as study is for the Christian, if we fail to show up for the game then we are merely performing an exercise in futility. The game is not worship, as some suppose, but standing against sin and standing up for the Lord daily. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand" (Eph. 6:10—13).

The most important key for victory is being on the team. Everyone is welcome to join the team (John 3:16,17). Those "in Christ" are on the team or part of the body. "Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection" (Romans 6:3—5).