Tag Archives: real change

Snatching Souls Out of the Fire

Posted on June 15, 2022 by expressyourself4him

A snatch and grab is a new phrase associated with the recent crime wave due to the elimination of cash bail. As more and more district attorneys stop prosecuting shop lifters, criminals are no longer afraid of getting caught. Yet, in the passage below, Jude calls Christians to snatch souls destined for eternal damnation in hell. When you care for and love sinners, there is hope for real change to occur.

[Strive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire; on others take pity [but] with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality. 24 Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]—Jude 1:23-24

Whenever I attend a funeral, most of the clergy approach the podium with confidence that the person who has just passed away is now in heaven. In the passage above, Jude refers to individuals who are teetering on the edge. Any soul on the verge of being destined for hell can be snatched out of these eternal flames. However, action must be quick and swift before it’s too late, Hebrews 10:26-27.

My] brethren, if anyone among you strays from the Truth and falls into error and another [person] brings him back [to God], 20 Let the [latter] one be sure that whoever turns a sinner from his evil course will save [that one’s] soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins [[a]procure the pardon of the many sins committed by the convert], James 5:19-20.

Meanwhile, Jesus’ earthly brother writes about the spiritual rewards for those individuals who steer anyone from the error of their ways. In the parable of the Lost Son (prodigal), Jesus highlights God’s love who waits patiently on their front porch for the wayward children to come back home. Therefore, as you wait for Jesus’ second coming, look for ways daily to help Christians make u-turns away from sin and turn back to Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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A Fellow Without a Ship

Posted on January 4, 2014 by expressyourself4him

While driving to this year’s New Year’s Eve party alone after work, my mind searched for an ideal atmosphere in 2014.  Ultimately, I am longing for a healthy balance between family and fellowship with friends.  Unfortunately, previous good intentions and new year resolution’s quickly faded early on, resulting in loneliness like a fellow without a ship.

Although I love spending time with others, my occupation, a spirit of perfectionism and a lack of energy has sucked a special ingredient from my soul.  Subsequently, I have drifted farther away from the people I need to make me whole again on the inside.  Like the Titanic, sinking into the sea, many of my close acquaintances have gone in multiple directions following the demise of Red Lion Christian Academy and Evangelical Free Church.  Fighting for spiritual life boats, in need of their own aid and healing, currents of blame, misunderstandings and theology have led me to run aground, stranded without a ship to call home.

In view of this state, I am praying for real change in 2014, not just words but the discipline to make this a reality, 2 Timothy 1:7.  As a result, my priorities must be reshuffled, adjusted to meet this goal.  Like anything that is good, this won’t happen overnight, requiring patience and perseverance.  However, by grace through faith, Ephesians 2:8, may God turn this fellow without a ship into a creature of habit starving for fellowship.

by Jay Mankus

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