|
|
|
 |
|
 DEVOTIONAL
| |
|
Praying for the Lost
Before Jesus gave up His spirit as He hung on the cross, He
took time to pray for those who were murdering Him. He
prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they
are doing” (Luke 23:34Luke 23:34). God began to answer His prayer on
the Day of Pentecost as some three thousand people repented
and were baptized that day.
Do you have a heart to pray for the lost like Jesus did?
Do you have the passion that inspired John Knox to plead,
“Give me Scotland or I die”? Is your attitude that of George
Whitefield, who prayed, “O Lord, give me souls or take my
soul”? Do you, like Henry Martyn, mourn when you see
others trapped in false religion and cry out, “I cannot endure
existence if Jesus is to be so dishonoured”?
God used those faithful men as powerful tools to bring
salvation to dying people. Each of them had a clear and vivid
understanding of what is at stake in the gospel — it’s an issue
of life or death, an eternity in heaven or hell. Do you realize
that your unbelieving family members, your co-workers, and
your neighbours will spend forever suffering in torment away
from the presence of God if they don’t embrace Christ? That
realization should drive us to our knees to plead, not only
with them to believe the gospel, but with God to save their
souls.
It is one thing to pray for family and friends, those for
whom you have natural affections. But God wants you to
pray for all people. Paul writes, “First of all, then, I urge that
entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made
on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority”
(1 Timothy 2:1-21 Timothy 2:1-2). Kings and people in authority in Paul’s
day weren&rssquo;t bound by civil rights and were often unjust, selfserving,
and cruel. Do I pray for the salvation of people like
that — those who disagree with me politically, those who
advocate ungodly agendas, those who openly embrace sin
and reject the Scripture?
The Bible has several examples of radical evangelistic prayer,
and for the worst of sinners. Here are a few examples:
Moses interceded for Israel after catching them in orgiastic
idolatry at the foot of Mount Sinai. After he confronted and
dealt with their sin, he turned to the Lord and prayed, “Alas,
this people have committed a great sin, and they have made a
god of gold for themselves. But now, if You will, forgive their sin
— and if not, please blot me out from Your book which You have
written!” Moses was willing to forfeit his life for his people,
even though they were guilty of wicked rebellion!
While being stoned to death, Stephen followed the Lord’s
example by praying for the salvation of his executioners: ”And
they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and
said, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!&rsquuo; And falling on his knees, he
cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against
them!’ And having said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:59-60Acts 7:59-60).
Standing among those who killed Stephen was a young
man named Saul of Tarsus. His salvation was an answer to
Stephen’s prayer. Years later, the apostle Paul communicated
the depth of his concern for his people Israel (see
Romans 9Romans 9).
Paul’s brethren according to the flesh, fellow Jews, were
the very ones who persecuted him so severely, disrupting his
work, stirring up mobs, even plotting his assassination. And
yet he loved them and prayed that God would show them
mercy.
God honoured those men’s prayers for the souls of the
lost; He’ll honour yours too. Whether friend or foe; whether
moral or immoral; whether you know them or not — pray for
the lost. Warn them of God’s judgement for their personal
offences against His holiness, but then tell them the good
news. There is salvation in Jesus Christ from God’s eternal
wrath, if they will only repent and believe. Once you’ve told
them the truth, keep praying for them and trust God for
the results. You will rejoice as you see God use you to bring
people to Christ and as He forgives their sins and grants them
new life in His Son.
|
Address: PO Box 978, Cloverdale WA 6985,
Phone (08) 9453 3311 or Fax (08) 9453 3006
Email: info@challengenews.org
|
POINTS TO PONDER
 PRAISE POINTS
 |
For the opportunities that were given for people to
share the hope of the gospel.
|
|
|
For the stretching of our faith and the faithfulness of
the Lord and for His provisions for us.
|
|
|
Thank the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness and
for His perfect timing and provision for us.
|
|
|
We thank the Lord also for those who partner with us
both prayerfully and financially.
|
|
|
Praise the Lord for the seed that is sown through the
paper and that eternity will show the true worth of the
work that has been done.
|
|
 PRAYER POINTS
|
|
For those who have heard the gospel message that it
will take hold of them.
|
|
|
Pray also for the people in South Africa. who will be
following up and discipling those who have heard the
gospel message.
|
|
|
For ongoing funding for the running of the Perth
office, for personal support, for the supply of the
Challenge paper globally and for the project funding
in these countries.
|
|
|
|
IMPACT AFRICA TRIP
A COUNTRY FOCUS
The Impact Africa Mission Trip
is now in its eighth year and it
has had a great effect on people in
South Africa, in squatter’s camps, in
prisons and those on the street. There have been many who have
given their lives to Christ. The greatest impact though seems to
be on the people who have gone on the trip. It has had an impact
on their prayer life, their study and knowledge of God&rsquos word,
belief in the promises of God and on their personal evangelism.
In July a team will again be making the trip to South Africa to be
involved in several different areas of mission work. This includes
the Challenge paper distribution which occurs in Johannesburg’s
central railway station, on the streets and taxi ranks, in Hospitals
and prisons, in squatter camps, and will include the Mesina
truck stop (border of Zimbabwe).
Some may be involved in evangelism not only with the paper
distribution but also speaking one on one with people in hospitals,
prisons and on the streets as the Lord presents opportunities.
Vacational Bible School (for kids) has also been a very successful
ministry over the years and many children have not only heard
the good news of the gospel but accepted Jesus Christ as their
personal Lord and Saviour.
Some other areas of ministry include: Strategy 1:12, Christian
Leaders Institute, preaching in Churches, working in squatter
camps which includes handing out clothing and food.
see <www.challengenews.org/impact> for up to date information
 | | |
|
Some prison occupants with their bibles |
|
| |
|
|
 | | |
|
Children heading to the Vacation Bible School |
|
| |
|
|
 | | |
|
Children enjoying the teaching at the Vacation Bible School |
|
| |
|
|
 | | |
|
Some of the occupants of squatter camps that are common in South Africa |
|
| |
|
|
 | | |
|
Children receiving food after the Vacation Bible School |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Challenge Literature Fellowship Bank Account direct deposit details
BSB: 066162 / Account: 00900455
|
|
|
My Response
Post to: Challenge Literature Fellowship, PO Box 978, Cloverdale WA 6985; or Fax to: (08) 9453 3006
Name: __________________________________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________ Post Code: ______
Email: _________________________________________________ Phone: ________________
With God’s help I would like to be a partner in supporting the ministry at Challenge in the
following way(s):
__ Prayer: Please send me updated prayer information.
__ Financial: Please receive my: __ Monthly __ Quarterly __ Yearly __ One time contribution of:
__ $50 __ $75 __ $100 __ $200 __ Other (Please specify): $ _________
Credit Card: __ VisaCard __ MasterCard
Credit Card #: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Expiry Date: __/__
Name on card: _______________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________
|
|
Back
