The following dramatic true story, “The Fear of Man Bringeth a Snare”, first appeared in the devotional booklet, Our Daily Bread, one of the most widely read Christian devotionals in circulation today.
The pioneer evangelist Peter Cartwright (1785-1872) spent 70 years in the work of the Lord and always preached the Word of God without fear or favor.
One Sunday he was asked to speak at a church in the southern part of the United States. Just before the message, the pastor whispered to Cartwright that Andrew Jackson had just entered the sanctuary. He cautioned Cartwright to be very careful of what he said lest he offend their famous guest.
The evangelist, however, knowing that “the fear of man bringeth a snare” (Proverbs 29:25), was determined not to compromise the truth. He also knew that great leaders need the Lord as much as anyone, so he boldly proclaimed the gospel. In fact, halfway through his sermon he said, “I understand that Andrew Jackson is present in the congregation today. If he does not repent of his sins and accept Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, he will be just as lost as anyone else who has never asked God for His forgiveness.”
Instead of becoming angry, Jackson admired the preacher for his courage. He listened with keen interest to message and felt such deep conviction that, after the service, Cartwright was able to lead him to the Lord. From that moment on, the two became the best of friends.
The fear of man should never keep us from speaking out for Christ. The gospel is a powerful message, and the indwelling Holy Spirit will impart power to our words. Holy boldness is needed and, if we trust Christ, holy boldness will be given.
Peter Cartwright was a faithful minister, a bold declarer of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Can the same be said of each one of us? When the time comes to share the Good News, are we quick to do it? Or reluctant to do it? May we all be faithful ministers for Christ!
In his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul declared (2:10), “You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.” Regarding Paul’s claim to be “blameless”, well-known Bible commentator Albert Barnes (1798-1870) explained it this way: “This seems to refer to his duties both to God and man. In reference to all those duties no one could bring a charge against him. Every duty was faithfully performed. This is not a claim to absolute perfection, but it is a claim to consistency of character, and to faithfulness in duty, which every Christian should be enabled to make. Every man professing religion should so live as to be able to appeal to all who have had an opportunity of knowing him, as witnesses that he was consistent and faithful, and that there was nothing which could be laid to his charge.”
Are you “consistent in character”? Are you “faithful” to Christ and your Christian duty? I pray this will always be true of me and of you. May we honor the Lord by everything we say and do. Let us not just profess Christianity. Let us Live it! Let us not be Christians in name only, but also in deed and truth (cf, 1 John 3:18). We definitely need the empowering work of the Holy Spirit to make that happen; thankfully, He is very faithful!
This Sunday and next, September 15 and 22, Pastor Ron Peer has graciously consented to be our special speaker. Please do not miss these two Sundays. Ray Bisnar from Waipahu Bethel Assembly will lead in worship this Sunday the 15th and our own Edwin Beltran will lead in worship on the 22nd. On Sunday, September 29, we will continue our new study series through 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, entitled “Live READY!” with Paul’s description of his time in Thessalonica, entitled “A Faithful Minister” (1 Thessalonians 2:1-16). Please invite someone to join you at 10:35am in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday at 10:35am to both locations and would love to have you join us.
Aloha ke Akua!
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