Tossed bread.

Ecc. 11:1 Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days.

What an odd thing to think about, to cast bread on the water, what happens if we do that? Will it come back later or will fish and birds consume it, or perhaps just sink to the bottom and decay? It is hard to expect a loaf or even pieces of bread to float back to us once it has been tossed out, rather it will dissolve and not be found again at all, so more likely it we might say our bread is gone and lost.

Or is it? Fishermen know that bread might be used for bait to catch fish. Others know that birds will come and eat crumbs until nothing is left. If anything remains of bread it nourishes the ever lower forms of life, so that nothing is lost or wasted, whether on the ground or in the water. Maybe our bread cast out does return as we find a bounty in what is fed by it.

Ecc 11:2 Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.

We become focused on one goal and at times we build in the path of ruin. We speak only to those who understand as we do, to those who we desire and approve of, seeking our will portrayed as hope. It isn't our choice on where to place our efforts but rather to the tasks that present themselves. Not by our own agendas can anything be built, nor by our dreams realised. It isn't by our will but by God's. The further we spread out what we do increases the influence our efforts make, we do not know with certainty the results, we know only a call to diligence in labour.

Ecc 11:3-5 If the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap. Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.

As much as we want to determine the future and to get what we want, to fulfill our own agendas and wishes, all things are by His will alone and for His purposes. Even when we act in wisdom and watch the signs we are limited to hoping for the results. What we do is in obedience not expecting reward but relying only on merciful grace. What reverence is there is saying "this we will do" and not follow it with "Lord willing"? With so many schemes and contrivances we go forward saying what will result when there is no guarantee at all.

Ecc. 11:6 Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good.

How easy it is to do work and think the results are certain and that no more needs being done when complete. At times our work is done and no more is needed yet at others times there is only hope it will produce what we expected. Slackness and laziness will diminish a harvest. It is just as easy to neglect a sermon preached in the evening and place hope on only one preached in a morning. Is it a sermon preached in the morning or in the evening that reveals to the heart it's sinfulness and the need of Christ? It might be slothfulness and excuse for avoiding an opportunity then since we do not know the will of God and when His timing brings about an abundance. In diligence much is done, and in faithfulness much is produced, but in all things it is by God's own providence an increase is realised.

When we evangelise, and when a sermon is preached, are we casting our bread out on the waters or only tossing it where we want to find it? Maybe we aren't looking at God's will or providence but at our own agendas and prejudice. Is it our choice to say where a seed is planted or what we will reap from it? Often we want to save those we like, to ignore those we reject or believe worthless, to proclaim where we find satisfaction rather than go where the abundance is. Maybe we place confidence in ourselves and our intellect, supposing that those destined to be saved by God will be and already are saved so no effort is really needed to evangelise. Such is often the accusation against those that speak of election and predestination.

If we do believe in Election and Predestination of sinners to salvation, that God has chosen who He will redeem, then we must go forth to proclaim that Gospel and leave the choice to God alone. We can not choose who those are, when we pretend to do so then we only manipulate God, and those that seek to manipulate God are idolaters. Therefore, cast that Bread of Life out to every unworthy sinner having a broken and contrite heart, for it is effectual to each one who unconditionally belongs to Christ.

Luke 10:2 And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.


All Scripture texts quoted from NASB(1995)

The Old Gray Dog Ponders . . . Effective Evangelism

Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, "What do you seek?" They said to Him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), "where are You staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.

John 1: 35-42

The really important thing is that in those early days the pagans saw in Christianity and in the Church a power that could cope with and mend the human situation. They saw in Christianity a power which they did possess -- and they wanted it. It will always be true that the outsider will have no use for an alleged faith which is demonstrably ineffective. Long ago, Nietzsche, the atheist philosopher, issued the challenge: 'Show me that you are redeemed and then I will believe in your Redeemer.' The greatest converting influence of all is a life which clearly and obviously is possessed of a power which can cope with the human situation in all its problems, in all its tragedy, and in all its pain."
William Barclay, Turning to God

AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives; then you'll be afraid to cough. You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem. Daily Thought: Some people are like slinkies; not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs. There are a lot of ways to solve the problems which confront us, some more effective than others. Which brings us to the question: How effective is your church's evangelism ministry?

Some Thoughts on Biblical Evangelism

I. Create an atmosphere of expectation

And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!"

For centuries Jews had been taught to look for the Messiah. They had a sense of expectation.

When Jesus appeared, John identified Him as the Messiah and his disciples followed after Jesus.

II. Know what you are talking about and with whom you are speaking

Noise Complaint at Luke Air Force Base, AZ

Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were. A certain Lieutenant Colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back.

Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.

When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must have stung quite a bit.

The complaint:

Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A. M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special? Any response would be appreciated.

The response:

Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' on 15 June 2008, precisely 09:12, a perfectly-timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques.

Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on 30 May 2008, Memorial Day.

At 0900, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend.

Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the rifle salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the president of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured.

A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom.

We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously; on 15 June what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their respects.

The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show?' The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and we will thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.

Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you.....Jesus Christ and the American soldier. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom.

Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.

USAF

Do you think the complainer would have posted his grievance if he knew the circumstances?

Evangelism won't be effective if we don't know to whom we are speaking and what that person's circumstances are.

Evangelism won't be effective if we don't genuinely care about the people. Starving people will "convert" to anything if that is the only way to get food. That isn't Christian evangelism. It's bribery or worse.

III. Glorify God by unconditionally serving others in Christ's name

For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.

Mk. 9: 41

Unconditionally serving others in the name of Christ is how we "win the right to be heard." This is how we get to know people and come to understand their circumstances.

"Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

Mt. 25: 37-40

We don't "save souls for Jesus." We serve Jesus by serving others who are in need. Until we get that, we will never be effective evangelists.

Conclusion

Evangelism won't be effective unless there is a sense of expectation. This is why standing on street corners yelling at passers-by so seldom results in people coming to Christ. Ditto for door-to-door calls, handing out tracks.

In 1972, I attended Explo 72 in Dallas. I left as one "fired up, evangelical" ready to "win souls for Jesus!" (This was in my pre-TULIP days.) One day, while making hospital visits, I asked a man if he had heard of The Four Spiritual Laws. He let me know in the rudest way possible that he was on the bed pan.

Until we know where someone is, our efforts will most likely be in vain.

When people come to your church, what do you think they expect to find? "Where are they?" Until we can answer that, our "evangelism" efforts are not likely to bear fruit.

This takes time. It can't be done by forming a committee or implementing a packaged program.

Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, "What do you seek?" They said to Him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), "where are You staying?"

When Jesus saw the disciples of John following Him, He checked their expectations. True to human nature, they were too embarrassed to tell Him the truth, so they lamely asked where He was staying. Jesus did not challenge this diversion; but invited them to "Come and see." These men didn't know Jesus; so Jesus offered them the opportunity to get to know Him.

When people come to your church, will they find an invitation to meet the Master, and saints who are genuinely interested enough to learn "where they are"? (This is not to say we should "dumb down" what the Church is by making it appear to be a community center with activities for everyone in the family, just to get 'em in the door.)

The second step in effective, Biblical evangelism is making people comfortable with Jesus.

"We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.

Biblical evangelism is not the result of a committee we form, or a program we implement. Biblical evangelism is the natural result of one person who has met Jesus telling another.

If you see a good movie, you tell others. If you read a good book, you tell others. If you have met the Person who has lifted the burden of sin from you and given you eternal life with Him in Heaven, you tell others. You don't form a committee. You don't implement a program.

Lay a Proper Foundation

Church members must understand --

*Humanity is totally depraved; that's why we need a Savior.

*God's love is unconditional; He can't be manipulated.

*Christ's atonement is completely sufficient, not an "open invitation" to all; He actually redeemed the elect.

*God is sovereign, so His grace must irresistible; human "free will" has nothing to do with our salvation.

*The gift of salvation can never be lost. It is a free gift.

Without this foundation, erroneous expectations will hinder the ability to see Jesus.

Having a pastor who is "on fire for the Lord" is not enough. He could get called to another parish. For evangelism to effective, the saints must be equipped with the sound doctrines of God's grace [TULIP]. This is not optional.

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

II Tim. 2: 2

To have saints who are equipped, a church needs Biblically-qualified leaders.

For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you— if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

Titus 1: 5-9

There won't be a Christ-centered church without Biblically qualified leaders. Saints seeking the Messiah, who accept your invitation to come and see, will be disappointed if all they get is a "feel good" sermon, a friendly welcome, and coffee and cookies.

This is hard. It is easier to form a committee or buy into a program. But effective, Biblical evangelism demands the discipline to build a church where people really do meet Jesus. There aren't any short-cuts. Effective evangelism is not easy, but it is as simple as 1,2, 3:

1. Preach and teach to build the expectation that one will see Jesus.

2. Enable people to become comfortable with Jesus.

3. Equip saints so they can accurately do what comes naturally: Share the Good News.

THE CAB RIDE

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living.

When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away.

But, I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself.

So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute," answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

"Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness.

"It's nothing," I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated."

"Oh, you're such a good boy," she said.

When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?"

"It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly.

"Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice". I looked in the rearview mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long."

I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route would you like me to take?" I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now." We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been
expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

"How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse.

"Nothing," I said.

"You have to make a living," she answered.

"There are other passengers," I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. "You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you."

I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life. I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk.

What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully
wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

There is no program, no gimmick, no speaker, no magic formula, that is more persuasive than a sincerely caring Christian. Effective evangelism will always be serving others in the name of Christ and leaving the results to Him.

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

I John 3: 16-18

Eternal God, who committest to us the solemn trust of Life:

Purify our lives. Help us each

day to know more of Thee,

and by the power of Thy Holy Spirit use us to show forth Thyself to others.

Make us humble, brave, and loving;

make us ready for whatever work Thou hast for us to do.

We do not ask that Thou wouldst keep us safe,

but that Thou wouldst keep us ever obedient to Thy holy will for us.

In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen

Blessed are the saints who are equipped with the sound doctrines of TULIP!

The Old Gray Dog
Jim Tuckett

PS If you'd like to know how effective your church's evangelism ministry is take the Old Gray Dog challenge: On 12/26, will your children (or grandchildren, or children who attend your church) be more prepared to answer "what did Christ bring you?" than "what did Santa bring you?" What do you need to do during the rest of this Advent to make sure they are?

The Westminster Fellowship
Clearly and Unequivocally Proclaiming What It Means To Be Reformed Christians http://www.westminsterfellowship.org