Farewell 2013

This last day of 2013 was cold in Iowa, but us watchmen can handle a little cold weather, and I got out to the corner of Anson & Center Street this afternoon, to send off the old year with one more day of witnessing cross evangelism. Got a handful of Titanic gospel tracts out, three "God of Wonders" DVD's, and a Spanish "Are You A Good Person" tract. God has surely blessed this year with numerous opportunities to lift up Jesus Christ & share the gospel with friends, neighbors, co-workers, and many strangers, here in Iowa, and in the various places I've travelled this year: Florida, Michigan, Arkansas, and Minnesota. There really is no greater privilege we can experience than pointing people to Jesus Christ, and eternity will bear this out.

And today, I completed my Bible reading schedule for the year, which took me through the Old Testament once, and through Psalms and the New Testament twice. God graciously gave me one more year to read and meditate on His Holy Book. Wow!

This verse really struck me:
"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17)

Three times, the Holy Spirit is urging us to COME TO HIM.
Ever wonder who are the "called", who are the "chosen", who are the "elect?"
Well, it is the "whosoever will." I think Adrian Rogers once said this, and this verse just nails it.

Friend, are you thirsty?
Thirsty for forgiveness of all your countless, countless sins against a Holy God?
Thirsty for cleansing and a new life with Him that never ends?
Look at the moral law, the 10 Commandments. Listen to your conscience, and face the truth about your sin.
Almighty God knows your every thought, word, and deed: like me, you are guilty, guilty, guilty.
We deserve judgment, and the eternal penalty of our sins, the Lake of Fire.
Are you thirsty?

If so, I have good news for you.
God calls you to come and be made new and whole....

So, how does one come? John 6:35 tells us - by believing on Jesus Christ!
You must look to Jesus Christ, who for your sake was crucified, died, buried, and rose again.
He took the wrath of a Holy God that was meant for you, and if you will repent & believe on Jesus Christ, God will forgive you, cleanse you, make you his child, fill you with the Holy Spirit, and give you the gift of eternal life.

May we who know the Lord step up our love for one another, and our love for the lost, in 2014 and beyond.