Salesmen And Soldiers 
by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam
It is true indeed that salvation is bestowed by grace and received through faith — entirely apart from works, religious or otherwise. But it is equally true that it costs to embrace the truth and costs even more to stand for it, rather than selling out. This is why Proverbs 23:23 exhorts us to “buy the truth and sell it not”. In this sense we are not to sell the truth. Yet in another sense we are salesmen of the truth, urging men to buy it.
As we do this we find that there are those who would actually seek to hinder men from buying the truth. Yet it is not primarily they who oppose our efforts, but Satan and his hosts.
“FOR WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD [age], AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS [wicked spirits] IN HIGH PLACES” (Eph. 6:12).
This is why God’s salesmen must also be “good soldiers of Jesus Christ” (II Tim.2:3). We must make the glorious message known despite the opposition. We must “put on the whole armour of God” and meet our adversaries with “the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God”( Eph. 6:11,17). When they would shut our mouths we must pray for ourselves and each other:
“…that utterance may be given unto me, THAT I MAY OPEN MY MOUTH BOLDLY, to make known the mystery of the [Paul's] gospel.
“…THAT THEREIN I MAY SPEAK BOLDLY, AS I OUGHT TO SPEAK” (Eph.6:19,20; Rom.16:25, 26).
This, by the grace of God, is our prayer and our resolve.
To the Reader:
Some of our Two Minutes articles were written many years ago by Pastor C. R. Stam for publication in newspapers. When many of these articles were later compiled in book form, Pastor Stam wrote this word of explanation in the Preface:
Some of our Two Minutes articles were written many years ago by Pastor C. R. Stam for publication in newspapers. When many of these articles were later compiled in book form, Pastor Stam wrote this word of explanation in the Preface:
"It should be borne in mind that the newspaper column, Two Minutes With the Bible, has now been published for many years, so that local, national and international events are discussed as if they occurred only recently. Rather than rewrite or date such articles, we have left them just as they were when first published. This, we felt, would add to the interest, especially since our readers understand that they first appeared as newspaper articles."
To this we would add that the same is true for the articles written by others that we continue to add, on a regular basis, to the Two Minutes library. We hope that you'll agree that while some of the references in these articles are dated, the spiritual truths taught therein are timeless.
Thank You for this post----We must warn our nation what is coming.
ReplyDeleteVery wise words. God bless you both this Sunday.
ReplyDeleteWell said. Blessings
ReplyDeleteVery good. Years ago Bob and I had some friends we were witnessing to, helping them to get the Word and understand about their salvation. During that time, we both were under such a horrible attack from the enemy, it was awful. But we didn't give up, because we knew why it was all happening. The same is true of that person who is so close to accepting Jesus. The enemy will throw all kinds of problems at them, trying to discourage them and tell them it's all lies.
ReplyDeleteGood post. You have a great week, my fiend.
@Carol B. ~ We've had instances like that too. One that really stands out is when we had been witnessing to others about the Grace Message in St. Joe's Beach area of Florida. We where driving down the little two-lane road and as the words where coming out of my mouth, a pickup truck almost killed us! It swung way over into our lane and because of my husband's expert driving skills and God's mercy we survived. It really brought home how important it is to keep spreading the truth.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for your lovely comments. Have a blessed week.
Good post my friend. We must always been aware and be on guard against the Devil. When we are down, he thinks he is winning, but we have to claim and cling to our God and He will see us through.
ReplyDeleteGad, these are SUCH good short sermons; I love them! Thanks for posting them, Sparky.
ReplyDeletePLEASE come see my response to you; you'll like it! :=) YOU WON!!
And I WON for reading this sermon...fabulous sentiment; truth. I'd never heard that Proverb...got to look into it. Thanks.
It's hard to remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. I have been publicly harassed this weekend and disowned by my family. My parents would be so upset. They worked so hard to keep us together, but things change when they are gone. I can feel the absence of their prayers. Yes, Satan wants to steal, kill and destroy. I don't want to give him any credit because greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteOur enemy is strong, crafty, and devious---it's the sneaky attacks which I find most dangerous. When we overtly see the attack--we understand and know where to go for help. It's when he sneaks up silently---without I warning that feel most vulnerable. I always remember WHO is stronger--and has my back---and WINS at the end of the story!
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