Jesus Christ: The Great Evangelist, Part 1 :: By Dr. Donald Whitchard

 

Summary: In the fourth chapter of John’s Gospel, the Lord Jesus is presented as the Great Evangelist. From the time He won Nathaniel (John 1:48-51) to the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43), He was busy bringing sinners to Himself.

In Chapter 4 of his Gospel, John has us turn our attention to the Lord Jesus as the Master Soul-Winner and our example for sharing the good news of salvation to everyone regardless of background, culture, nationality, or any circumstance. No one is exempt from hearing and receiving the message that they can be forgiven and redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ if they will but turn to Him for true rest, peace, and the assurance of life everlasting in His presence someday (Matthew 11:28-30; John 10:28-30). No matter the inconvenience or trouble, we are to follow the example He set in seeing that everyone should have the opportunity to hear the message of the Gospel.

As we read of the encounter between the Lord Jesus and the woman from Samaria, we see that Jesus exemplified what He expects of His followers. His teaching is based on “Do as I say and do as I do.” With Him, there is no double standard.

Look at your own life in light of what Jesus is presenting to the woman at the well. Do you know Him personally? Is He truly the LORD of your life? Do you understand the meaning of the Gospel? Do you know from what it is that you’re saved? If not, please know that from the outlet that Jesus cares for you (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Can you identify with King David as he wrote “No man cared for my soul” (Psalm 142:4)? You might feel that way as you read this message. In today’s world, concern and kindness towards others are all but extinct (2 Timothy 3:1-7). It may be true that no one cares for your soul, but the Lord Jesus Christ, God Incarnate, cares for you more than you know. He cared so much that He willingly left the glory of heaven and proved His care and love for you by dying for your sins upon the cross (Romans 5:8).

As you read of the soul-winning encounter between the Lord Jesus and a woman who was at her last strand of hope, allow Him to speak to you, and then come to Him for the peace and salvation He freely offers to everyone (John 3:16).

We have, first, the Confrontation with A Sinful Woman (4:1-8): In these opening verses, Jesus is shown in His compassion and humanity. Even though He was God, as a Man He was acquainted with the trials and problems we all face in this life, demonstrating His care for His lost sheep. Although He had access to the unlimited riches and splendor of heaven, He lived like the common people and walked everywhere He went. What earthly monarch then and now would stoop to such a level of humility and poverty (Hebrews 4:15)?

He also went out of His way to reach out to a woman who was seen in the society of that time as a second-class citizen, whose words were not even allowed as testimony in a court of law and were denounced in ancient Jewish prayers where the rabbis actually thanked God for not being Gentiles, dogs, or women. This woman was also seen as an enemy of the Jews by being of Samaritan descent, a mix of Jewish and pagan intermarriage generations before, and had built their own temple that was later destroyed by order of past Jewish rulers. The animosity was so deep that Jewish citizens bypassed Samaria on their way to Jerusalem and other regions, going miles out of their way so as to not stain themselves with what they viewed as inferior soil of an inferior people.

History has not changed the views of nations or individuals in the matter of prejudice and animosity towards one another, whether it be for real or imagined grievances. Hatreds and vendettas have stained the world’s soil with blood and treasure, often for something that, in the end, was not worth all the trouble. Hatred and its vile offspring prejudice have either deprived or brought about misery and distrust to cultures and nations, making the spread of the Gospel a challenge and a danger for those who go into such areas to bring the Good News, be it a neighborhood with a violent disposition or an entire nation that has shut out all attempts for the message of Christ to enter its boundaries.

Jesus had no such prejudices and took the risk to reach out to this poor woman who was not only a foreigner but an outcast from her own people, as we will see in the encounter. Weary from the work of the day and the journey He and His disciples had taken, Jesus sat at the well, resting, waiting for this poor soul to come His way in order that He may give her the wonderful gift of peace and redemption she was not even expecting.

The woman enters the picture (v.7) at what John refers to as “the sixth hour,” or in the Jewish calendar, around noon. For her to be drawing water at such an unusual time was out of character, for the other women would tend to gather in the early hours of the morning, when it was coolest, to draw the water from the well, catch up with the village gossip, visit, and be on their way. This woman is alone, symptomatic of an outcast where the other women would have nothing to do with her. Alone, she would not be subject to verbal insults, nor be the convenient target of their deliberate silence and the ostracization by the entire village (4:16-18).

We are no different today. We now tend to ostracize, insult, ridicule, and demean each other, not in public but in the privacy of a bedroom, office, or basement where, on the internet, we tend to do the dirty work of “canceling” the speech of others or bullying poor souls to the point where they feel that suicide is the only option. Those whose acidic tongues initiated this tragedy merely laugh it off or choose to envelop an indifference towards such situations that chill the blood of anyone with an ounce of conscience and empathy.

I have no doubt that some of you who have taken the time to have read thus far fall into that category. You know it, and deep down, it gnaws at your soul and will not go away with a drink, drug, or anything else. Whoever you are, and whatever wickedness you have done in your life, the Lord Jesus waits for you at the well and offers you the gift of living water and salvation He offered this poor woman who had no friends, no love, no peace, and no life, at least not until Jesus began talking to her.

Stay tuned.

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www.realitycityreverend.com

My YouTube broadcasts titled “The Reality City Review” will be posted on Facebook, GETTR, Parler, and on my website when completed. My main area of discussion will be on the basics of the Christian faith but will also deal with prophetic issues and other topics as the Lord impresses upon me to handle.

 

Somewhere In Your Silent Night :: By Dennis Huebshman

 

Luke 21:25-26; “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves; people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” (ESV all emphasis mine)

Prior to the above verses, Jesus tells His disciples of earthquakes, famines and pestilences, nations rising against nations, and great signs from heaven. We have always had these issues at different times and with varying degrees of intensity; however, He is referring to the end of this age, just prior to His return, to shut down the Tribulation period. All these signs will be present at once with increasing force, and they are all here today.

Before Jesus appears physically on this earth, and before the prince of darkness is allowed a seven-year period of mayhem as has never been seen here before, all true believers will be removed to be kept from this Wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, and Revelation 3:10).

Today, there is turmoil worldwide due to a so-called man-generated pandemic called COVID. Just over the past year, there have been different “strains” appearing, and numerous serums are being offered that are supposed to control the spread of these viruses. However, so far, they appear to be resistant to all efforts of control. Just when people are informed of a “vaccine” that will protect everyone, another variant appears, which needs another serum altogether. Then, for the shots, or “jabs” to work, regular “booster” shots are required; and it goes on and on.

Satanic activity is in the open as never before, and those who have Jesus as their Savior are being referred to as “haters.” In accordance with our Lord’s command to love everyone, we are to love them all for their immortal souls. However, just as Jesus had issues with the religious leaders of His day, we don’t have to like or accept anyone’s sinful ways. God has not changed His mind on what He calls “abominations,” no matter what false prophets and antichrists are declaring.

We are rapidly approaching the 2 Thessalonians 2 time when the “man of lawlessness” will appear. However, as verse 7 states, “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only He who now restrains it will do so until He is out of the way.” The “He” in this verse is obviously the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer.

We’re told in 2 Thessalonians 2:9, “The coming of the lawless one is by activity of Satan, with all false power, and false signs and wonders.” In verse 11, we read that God sends a “strong delusion” to those who refuse to love the Truth and to be saved. It’s very possible that the “delusion” has already started to some extent, as people are quick to believe all that they’re being told by the New World Order establishment. The preparations for the one-world leader to appear are rapidly increasing.

For all who are part of the Savior’s flock, this is not a time of fear and foreboding, as it indicates we are soon to be taken Home to be with our Blessed Shepherd forever. Our concern is for any loved ones who have not called out to be saved. We pray daily that something will cause them to know that God’s word is absolutely true. As time progresses, the evil here will only increase. No one will be forced to receive and accept Jesus; likewise, no one will be turned away who truly seeks Him (Romans 10:9-13).

It should be a time of excitement for believers; however, for all the chaos, hate and evil, sometimes it’s difficult. A song from 2017 by Casting Crowns called “Somewhere in Your Silent Night” offers hope and joy about our future. It is an appropriate song for Christmas but can apply to every day of the year.

1.) All is calm, and all is bright; everywhere but in your heart tonight. They’re singing carols of joy and peace; but you feel too far gone and too far out of reach.

Ref.) Somewhere in your silent night, Heaven hears the song your broken heart has cried. Hope is here, just lift your head; for Love has come to find you, somewhere in your silent night.

2.) From Heaven’s height to manger low, there is no distance the Prince of Peace won’t go. From manger low to Calvary’s hill, when your pain runs deep, His love runs deeper still. He has always loved you, child, and He always will. (ref)

3.) Lift your head, lift your heart; Emmanuel will meet you where you are. He knows your hurt, He knows your name, and you’re the very reason that He came. (ref)

Love will find you; Love will find you; Love will find you!

Jesus did not come to this earth to be “celebrated” only twice a year. He is a 24-7 Savior that is always there for us. He knows we’re weak and will sin while we are in these human bodies. Even so, He gave His life for us so that we will always have a pathway to forgiveness (1 John 1:8-10).

Our Savior could have demanded exotic ceremonies with many different “offerings” in order for us to even be considered worthy of Him. However, our Father loves us so much that He allowed a precious piece of Himself to be our perfect sin offering. His requirement is to admit we are sinners, believe Jesus is our only true Savior, and call out to be saved. He purposely did not complicate this process as He would like for all to repent and be saved (2 Peter 3:9).

Ephesians 2:8-9 plainly states we cannot earn or buy our Salvation, but we are saved through the grace of our Blessed Jesus.

Taking another look at all the signs that are telling us this age is about to end, now would be an excellent time to receive and accept the Savior’s very generous offer. Eternity in Heaven will be far better than eternity in the darkness of the Hell fires.

And for those who believe they will have time to call out when the Rapture takes place, 1 Corinthians 15:52 gives the term “twinkling of an eye.” No one has the ability to react in that time frame. For the steps of the Rapture, go to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-53.

As another song stated, “Jesus is coming soon; morning, night or noon.” For all who have received and accepted Jesus, it doesn’t matter when He calls, as we know that time is not very far off. Be ready; call on Him today. The only other option is eternity separated from Him, and you absolutely do not want that.

The pathway is clear, and the door is open for those who seek it. Satan would love for you to believe the things of this earth are more important than anything else. His lies have pulled souls away from the very beginning of this earth, and even some of the angels followed him. All who truly call on Jesus before leaving this earth will be saved. Those who don’t will be lost forever. It’s totally each person’s choice to make, and there are no other options available.

Come, Our Lord and Savior!

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