April 15, 2009

• Prayer for the conference | Whitefield's challenge-"no place is amiss for preaching the Gospel"

  As I mentioned in my last post, Lord willing, next week I'll be at The Gospel Coalition 2009 Conference: Entrusted with the Gospel: Living the Vision of 2 Timothy. In that post, I asked for prayer for the conference and for myself. As I was reading "George Whitefield's Journals" earlier today I was challenged about my attitude toward the conference and how I ought to be praying for my time there. Whitefield's words reminded me that I shouldn't just be going to the conference to be fed, but I must be ready and prepared to feed others.

  Here's Whitefield (note: he was 24 years old here–that's less than half my age!):

  WINDSOR
  

  
  . . . Lord open an effectual door for preaching Thy gospel, whithersoever Thou shalt send me. Amen.
  
  I find much service might be done to religion on journeys, if we had but courage to show ourselves Christians in all places. Others sing songs in public houses, why should not sing psalms? And when we give the servants money, why may we not with that give them a little book, and some good advice? I know by experience it is very beneficial. God grant this may be always my practice.
  
  

  BASINGSTOKE

  
  Left Windsor about ten in the morning, dined at Bagshot, reached Basingstoke at five in the evening. Not meeting with our friends, who were to come from Dummer, I wrote to some Christian brethren I had left behind me, and afterwards was agreeably surprised by several who came uninvited to see me. After a little conversation, I perceived they were desirous to hear the Word of God, and being in a large dining room in the public house, I gave notice I would expound to as many as would come. In a short time, I had above a hundred very attentive hearers, to whom I expounded for above an hour, for which they were very thankful. Blessed be God for this opportunity! I hope I shall learn more and more every day, that no place is amiss for preaching the Gospel. God forbid, that the Word of God should be bound, because some out of a misguided zeal deny the use of their churches. [Note: many church leaders opposed Whitefield because he was preaching about the necessity of the new birth and regeneration.] Though they bid me no more speak to the people in this way, yet I cannot but speak the things that I have seen and felt in my own soul. The more I am bidden to hold my peace, the more earnestly will I lift my voice like a trumpet, and tell the people what must be done in them before they can be finally saved by Jesus Christ.

  from "George Whitefield's Journals," February 7 & 8, 1739

  Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:2-6.

  Lord open an effectual door for preaching Thy gospel,
  whithersoever Thou shalt send me.
  Amen.

  May this be our prayer everyday
  because no place is amiss for preaching the Gospel.

  Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit,
  help us be wise and make the most of every opportunity,
  empower us to speak Your Word with boldness,
  give us courage to show ourselves Christians in all places
  so we might proclaim the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ
  and many might be saved
  for the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe.
  Amen.

  Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit...Ephesians 5:15-18.
  
  

  • 9:28 PM
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