Rescue The Perishing

I recall my 2nd suicide and following interviews.  A woman in her late 40’s who was dealing with relational problems.  Many of her neighbors knew she was having trouble, people she went to church with, even her Pastor.  She had medication throughout her house and the countertop looked like a pharmacy. She had a Bible in every room. Yet despite all of those who knew she was having trouble; all the cries for help she made: she felt that taking her own life was the only option.

I spoke with NO LESS than 10 people who had the ability to help, but all said the same thing: I had no time or it wasn’t my problem. Now you would think it odd for a Fireman to look at a burning home and not seek to Recue those inside. Right? Yet everyday Christians allow people to die without Christ when we had the ability to save them.

Colossians 4:6  Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

We Have The Answer

But; what is the question?

Acts 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

  • Before you can answer that question you must answer it for yourself…
  • If the answer is YES then ask — “ Am I qualified”
  • First look to yourself, if you are saved, you are qualified.
  • But it shouldn’t stop there. For a Public safety Officer it takes years of training and participation. He know when others lives are at stake that it’s no longer a hobby, but a very way of life!

How am I to give the answer?

Ecclesiastes 10:12  The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Remember the first part of our verse:

Let your speech be alway with grace.

Are you telling them about Jesus? Are trying to convince them?

Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ

Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Titus is listing the qualifications of a Pastor… There are some in whom God will use the Pastor to reach… But without your bringing them in, they may never get the chance!

A paramedic is a life saver; but, there are some injuries he can’t deal with… he has to bring them to the hospital so that one more qualified can help.

So How can I prepare to be a Rescuer?

1 Peter 3:15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

You get ready to answer by:

  • Fellowship
  • Reading your Bible
  • Coming to Church
  • Understanding what you believe

Even a trained responder has to take basic first aide every year..  It’s good to keep fresh on the Basics.     B.I.B.L.E.

Important to note: Testimony and Holiness are very important.

1 Corinthians 9:13  Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the alter are partakers with the alter?

14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

We must strive as Christians to be HOLY… otherwise…

What you speak are just words

What kind of testimony would it be for a policeman/fireman to walk by an emergency without helping?

Tonight we must become rescuers, not to see limitations but to see limitless possibilities.

The song Rescue the Perishing was written by Fanny Crosby. She was born on March 24, 1820 and shortly after she got an eye infection that led to her blindness. Not letting that become her limitation she is credited with writing upwards of 8,000 Gospel hymns/songs. Often under up to 200 different names because publishers didn’t want to have song books of “just” Fanny Crosby songs. She was a school teacher and had meetings with nearly every president that served during her lifetime.  Her desire was to share the gospel despite her handicap.

How many are we going to let die, without giving them “first aide”

 1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Sing – Rescue the Perishing

Tonight will you be a First responder and prepare to give life through Jesus Christ?