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(A Feedback to a Write-up
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This is a feedback to a
write-up "Utter three words for Jesus, At least?* appeared in one of the editions of Light of Life magazine published
from Mumbai, India. In its July 2009 edition the writer Mr. Duke Jayraj wrote
This article.
That was really a
thought provoking read. Yes how well it would have been if every Christian
believer followed this formula of three little words, "Come and See",
No doubt there would have been a tremendous growth in number of Christ's
followers. Unfortunately this is not happening even among ten percentages of
the believers.
Albert McMackin
Billy Graham incident is an apt illustration in the write-up. The author
presented the theme in an orderly way. But unfortunately at the concluding
paragraph the writer said, "Jesus took 3 nails on his body to die for
you." This is surprise information to me. Where in the Bible it's
mentioned that Christ is crucified on 3 nails, nowhere in the Bible I could
find this 3 nails story. I doubt if it is there in the writer's new found
version-NLT- (read his article on NLT version in one of the previous issue of Light
of Life). I firmly believe no version gives the number of nails in which Christ
is crucified.
It is a common
belief that Christ is crucified on three nails. Even some believers while
preaching and praying use this 3 nails phrase! Some Christian song writers too
have composed their songs with this 3 nails theory. This is a common mistake
happened and is still prevailing in many Christian groups. Of course the number
of nails is not a criterion here. In Christ's time there were different forms
of crosses were used for crucifixion so we cannot come to a conclusion that
what type of cross was used for Christ's crucifixion. So, when we preach, pray
and write using this phrase will create a kind of confusion.
Of course His Coming
on this earth, Crucifixion, Resurrection and the Second Coming is more important
than anything else to a real believer. The situation forced me to note this
point for the further correction of my fellow Christian believers.
Like Andrew-Philip
and Albert, let us introduce our Savior to others not with an eloquent speech
or a juicy writing but with few little words. Above all our action speaks
louder. Let us, note that the people
around us are keenly watching us, and let us behave properly and through our
activities let others know about the Truth and the Real Light of this world.
Let us be an apt instrument in His hand.
Let us together work for His Kingdom's extension. “…the end of all thing is at hand; therefore
be serious and watchful in your prayers.”1 Peter 4:7 (NKJV)
My sincere
thanks to Mr. Duke Jeyraj for this thought provoking piece.
Here is Mr. Duke's
Write-up: *
Utter three words
for Jesus, Atleast?
“Andrew, can you
preach so that 300 people are saved and baptized after a single sermon like
your brother Peter?" "No way!" "What can you do then?"
"I introduce people to Jesus.. I introduced my brother Peter to Jesus. It
was I who told him, 'Bhaiya, (brother) I've found the Messiah!" Don't
forget... I was the one who introduced the little lad with five loaves and two
fishes to Jesus. Arranging an appointment with Jesus for some Greek
Philosophers... that was my job" (Jn. 1:40-42; 6:68;12:23-25).
"Philip, how
about a sermon dripping with eloquence?" "Sorry, But I can utter
words...just three words: "Come and See'!" The result? Nathaniel came
to Christ! (Jn. 1:46 NLT). Well, these witness operations don't require a
silver tongue. But all they need is a tongue that is willing to be used for
Jesus' service. It may mean handing out a tract saying, "This write-up talks
about Jesus.. a person who change my life!" it may involve teaching some
small kids Bible stories. It may mean guiding a person to a place where he can
hear an unclouded presentation of the Gospel... a church or fellowship or a
Gospel meeting. Going tongue-in-cheek wondering if this operation would impact
anybody at all in this age? Hang on and listen to the story.
Albert McMacking
had a thick pal in high school. When a Bible thumping evangelist name Mordecai
Ham was in town, he kept pestering this friend of his to go with him and hear
Mordecai Ham preach. When this particular friend of Albert's could no longer
take this bugging he consented to go to the meetings. Miracle of miracles-he
turned over his life to Christ in one of the meetings! Want to guess who
'friend' was? Hold your breath and take his thunderbolt-He was a chap called
Billy Graham (event narrated as per information from Billy Graham's
autobiography, Just As I Am!). Yes, it was Billy Graham, the man who went onto
become the preacher who'd announce the Gospel to the most number of people in
the planet in all of history!
Don't waste any
time and try out Operation Andrew-Philip: A Billy Graham might be waiting for
your "Come and See!" Jesus took 3 nails on His body to
die for you. Can't you at least say these words- Come and See-to witness for
Him?
Source: