HOW TO WITNESS IN THESE LAST DAYS

HOW TO WITNESS IN THESE LAST DAYS

Let’s begin with a strong statement from Jesus, “He who denies Me before man in this sinful and adulterous generation in no way will I acknowledge him before the Father and His holy angels.” If this doesn’t get your attention, stop reading for this will be of no use to you.

When someone tells me their relationship with God is personal I know they aren‘t born again….yet! We must be bold and courteous in our evangelism. If you practice your smile before you go, doors will open automatically to hear what you have to say. I believe Jesus smiled all the time except when being attacked by the Pharisees. These men were pretenders and refused to recognize Him and the message Jesus was delivering from the Father. Let’s decide now we will never be like them.

Unless we are willing to spend time with the Lord early in the morning before going out we won’t be fresh. Jesus is the Light of the world and when you spend time with Him your face will shine as Moses did. Let’s also remember Moses was not a good speaker but he was a man like David, a man after the heart of God.

If you are like David and Moses many will come to know Jesus by your testimony for the Holy Spirit will make a way for it. John 3:16 is a great verse in the Word of God but it can not win souls alone. If you want to see what I mean, walk up to someone and quote it smiling. Then wait and see if the person there before you accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I believe you will stand there a very long time. However if you say afterwards, “May I tell you what this verse did for me?” there is a better than 50% chance they will allow you to share. Then you must make your story short and sweet unless they ask for more.

Another very effective way to witness requires a bit more courage. After a short greeting ask this question with your best smile, “Why do you love Jesus?” Make it in a soft child like way and you are apt to get an answer. Some may stumble around trying to come up with an answer that they think will please you. If you have spent time with Jesus His Spirit is upon you so don’t panic if they can’t respond or act hostile towards you. Following is why I would rather have someone reject me than try to please me.

One morning while driving to Destin from Alabama God told me, “Provoke them to anger, provoke them to thoughtfulness and provoke them to exuberant praise.” This means we can be bold for we hold the keys to the Kingdom of God for the lost.

Our testimony with the Gospel defeats Satan and actually disarms him as a liar, thief, murderer, and accuser of the brethren. He is your opponent. We who have Jesus have His Spirit within us and He is greater than Satan who is in the world. Satan hates God and wants to do all he can to deprive Him of souls. Are you willing to let him have the souls where you live?

I’m not willing to give them up that easily and have witnessed for over 30 years to anyone standing still and to some who were walking away. Some have become martyrs doing this but after many hundreds of thousands I haven’t even been spit upon. Perhaps one day witnessing may cost me my earthly life, but it sure can’t cost me my eternal life nor can it yours. If you are born again your name is enrolled in the small Book of Life. If you are only a religious person you are already in real danger. If I were you, I would go to my knees now and ask the Holy Spirit to take me to the cross.

Then while looking up at Jesus, drink in the level of brutality He suffered for you. Let it continue to sink in until you love Him more than anyone you know. Now tell Him how you feel about your sinful past. He already knows it but admitting it will set you free.

Now ask Him to forgive you and His response will always be YES! Then humbly ask Him to come into your heart as your Lord. Now inbreathe His Spirit by faith. As you do you become a brand new creature, no longer deserving death as a sinner but now a saint of God living in a mortal body. God has adopted you and you are now a member of His family too. Ask the Lord to lead you to a pastor who can baptize you. He will also watch over you as you grow in Jesus. Glory Hallelujah! God is so Good!

If you want more help, write to me real soon for time is short now.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


Captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

GOD AND THE FATHER LODE

GOD AND THE FATHER LODE

Every prospector who risked his life in the wild and dangerous areas of the world had a single goal, to find gold, silver or other precious metals and become rich. History tells us only a few ever did but they all held to a confidence they were only a shovel or pick axe away from the “mother lode”. They reasoned that when they found it, they would be fixed for life and would never have to spend another day seeking riches. The sad thing is many who found their “pot of gold” ended up wasting it on women and strong drink. Some lost everything to card sharks and con artists.

The message here is for those who are seeking riches beyond their wildest dreams, and it exists. God has prepared a city for us where the very streets are paved with pure gold. We don’t have to labor to have our place within it for Jesus took our sins to Calvary where He hung on a rugged cross dying for us in order to make us rich. His Blood spilling from His wounds were the full payment for the sins of the whole world. Your sins and mine were heaped upon Him as He became sin for us. How we respond to this Truth determines where we will go at our death.

Let me assure you, no church or religion can give it to you. This may sound strange but the Truth is, only Jesus is Life. He is eternal Life. He is the Father Lode we must discover and to cling. There’s an interesting verse that always helps me to stay on course and it will help you too. “I Am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me, even if he die, yet shall he live. Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.”

When Jesus spoke these words he was standing just outside the tomb where Lazarus had been buried four days earlier. When He told them to remove the stone blocking the entrance Martha objected, But Lord, he stinks now. Jesus knew better, and when it was removed, He said “Lazarus, come forth.” When he did, there was a gasp from the onlookers as he walked out still wrapped in the burial linens. Jesus said, Remove the cloth and free him.

Lazarus wasn’t the only one to be raised by Jesus. He raised up the daughter of Jarus, the leader of the synagogue. What’s interesting, the “professional” mourners were laughing at Jesus until this “dead” girl came walking out of the room. Then there is the raising of the widow’s only son, as he was being carried to the cemetery. It is my favorites because the Bible says, Jesus was moved by compassion. When he stopped the procession and gave back this mom’s son He gave her the only “old age security” she had.

How about you, are you compassionate? If you are, I suspect you know Him or you are very close to knowing Him. This is the Eureka discovery of all riches, coming to know Jesus. For nearly 33 years I knew about Him but had never surrendered my life completely to Him. This kept me on the trail but I wasn’t in fellowship. By amazing grace I found Him on May 23rd in 1971 and it became my second birthday. Thank you Lord!

Do you want the Father Lode? Please don’t say you have it until you can give a testimony of being born again. Many don’t like this term for they don’t understand it. You can’t have Him inside you until you are dead inside to your own will. No one can live two lives. Consider this, Judas lived very close to Jesus for about 3 years eating what He ate, sleeping where he slept, listening to the teachings and never came to know Jesus. His lack of trust and obedience in the end caused him to betray Jesus.

Did you know that in the end times many will deny Jesus? Jesus warned us and said, “He who denies me before man, in this sinful and adulterous generation, in no way will I acknowledge him before the Father and His holy angels.” Do you believe Him? Are you witnessing as to why you love Jesus? Do you recall the two great commandments? We are to love the Lord our God with all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength. And equal to it, to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Folks, the love He demands is material. Please read Matthew 25 today and you can see it.

God has shown me His love is a verb or action word. When we truly understand this, we’ve struck the Father Lode. He said, “Give and it shall be given to you packed down even spilling out of your cup into your lap.” God loves through us and no one else. Are you His child? Are you a giver? If you are, prepare to dance upon the streets of gold in the New Jerusalem. Angels will move out of our way as we celebrate Jesus forever and ever with shouts of joy and praise. I can’t wait! Maranatha! [Come quickly Lord Jesus.]

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

　

POLISHING THE YACHT

POLISHING THE YACHT

When Joan and I had Emmanuel constructed in Ft. Meyers in 1990 we’d started a project that would take us through many ups and downs. An all fiberglass Catamaran was new to our business. All the other vessels had been carefully made from wood. Fiberglass offers many advantages over wood, and if you look about you’ll see nearly all new craft are made from it.

This project placed us “over a barrel”. It was very expensive and the bank was going to make sure they were covered when they gave us a loan. Our home which was paid for, bless the Lord, was the first thing we had to place in jeopardy. Then we had to make some serious promises based upon some business criteria projections. The builder was not really into building a vessel I wanted but one he knew would be more “cost effective”. In other words, he wanted to make himself more profit from the deal. This created a constant pressure on me and I made 18 trips from Destin to keep an eye on our new fishing vessel. This amounted to 18,000 miles just back and forth.

Before it was over we had spent our savings too. We were totally at the Lord’s mercy which I didn’t mind since He had given me the name on the way down on the fifth trip. Emmanuel means God with us! Allow me to say He is and always will be for He’s very faithful. If you are in the midst of a project submit it to Him and as He says in Proverbs, “Commit your way unto the Lord and it shall be established.“ I know He’s saying this to all born again Christians for at our new birth we became His child. Please make sure you’ve experienced the new birth today, if you haven’t already.

When we were nearing completion the project manager had a worker polish the fiberglass for days on end. His labor sealed the glass as well as bringing it to a shiny brightness, one he wanted when we sailed away to Destin.

Jesus used parables while teaching and while at the gym this morning I believe He gave me this one for the fisher folk. Consider yourself as a yacht ordered by a very wealthy man. He’s making you unique in every way. The very best equipment is going to be installed along with brand new engines. Nothing will be left out, and when done, you’ll be His prized possession. When He placed the order He had great plans for you. He’s planning to spend some quiet time where the two of you could enjoy each other.

He’s contacted the builder and learned you were nearing completion and by weekend all should be done except for the “sea trials”. He tells the builder He wants to be aboard during the trials. So the plan is for the owner to come in on Wednesday to take possession. The work on the boat was finished on Friday afternoon after many months of careful labor. What do you think the workers will do from Monday to Wednesday? If you say polishing and cleaning every speck of the vessel you’re right on.

Now lets apply this to you. God chose you “to be built”. You didn’t choose Him. He spent the most valuable Thing to purchase you, the Blood of Jesus. He is by His Holy Spirit constructing you for His service and fellowship. His great plans for you are coming to pass. The moment you were “born again” you were built. Now, like the workers who spent a great deal of time polishing and cleaning before the Owner arrives, you’re being dealt with to make you “shine”. When you shine the Lord can reflect His love from your countenance. Have you met Christians that glow? I met a young woman serving in the military yesterday who had His shine, what a blessing!

If God is polishing you, my advice is to never complain for you’re no longer your own but the Lord’s. The Bible tells us we’ve been purchased and are immortals who’ll spend eternity with God in Heaven. Our polishing must occur for we still have some worldly attitudes that hinder the reflection God requires. If you want to get it over with, and we all should, go to your Heavenly Father and ask Him to finish you. Ask Him to give you the desire to complete His labors as revealed in Ephesians 2:10. Change your prayers as much as possible into words of praise, no longer begging God but blessing Him for His faithfulness. Finally, become a witness He can use to bring the lost to the Master yacht builder, the Holy Spirit.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com

ALMOST A CHRISTIAN

ALMOST A CHRISTIAN

When I ask folks if they are a Christian many are confused as to what they should reply. Some say, “Yes” but I don’t go to church as if that going could make them legitimate. Or others say, “I’m a Baptist or Catholic” or some other denomination. This message should help folks to see the Truth. Our job once saved, is to go into all the world making disciples.

I would like to offer a few thoughts here as to what I believe God says about Christians. The scriptures tell us that the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. It shouldn’t be lost on us that these were folks who disciplined themselves to follow the teachings of Jesus. This begs the question, are we disciples like them? If we aren’t, why are we accepting their label on ourselves? I believe it’s because we have grown fond of being comfortable within our fellowships where very little is demanded from us.

How in the world we reached the place where we don’t care a rip for the lost is beyond me. Again, please allow me to ask, do you awaken with the desire, I want to tell someone today why I love Jesus? I hope, with all my heart, you do but if you don’t, are you really doing God’s will? I don’t think so, for witnessing for the Lord is a privilege given to us. Few Christians whom I’ve met seem to understand what a privilege it is to say His Name.

The bottom line with God is are we born again. In many congregations they never hear that term. Jesus told Nicodemus we MUST be born again to see the Kingdom of God. Do we believe Him? I sure hope so for hell will last as long as Heaven and no one should want to go there. When we humble ourselves before God and repent [turn from our sins with remorse] God will forgive us instantly when we ask. But there’s more, He washes our hearts with the Blood of Jesus so we are as clean as new snow. When we invite Jesus into our hearts [lives] He now has a clean place to reside. God does one more thing. All of our sins, which have been recorded to be used against us on Judgment Day, He orders erased and then throws the erasure away as far as east is from the west. Then He says, “I will remember them no more.”

Most folks haven’t experienced this “new birth” or they could tell you when it happened and where they were, even when it happened many years ago. Can you do that too? If you can’t, get with it for we are running out of time.

God is no respecter of persons and we are sinners until we do. He says the wages of sin is death and He isn’t kidding. Jesus said there would only be a few in Heaven with Him for the road to death was wide and many would go that way.

If you’re a disciple, Heaven is your home and nothing can keep you from God through out eternity. He said, “Eye has not seen nor has ear heard all that God has prepared for them that love Him.” Do you love Him, really love Him? I tell folks I don’t love Jesus anymore for I’ve fallen in love with Him, a huge difference. At first I loved Him on my terms but after seeing Him crucified in a vision I’m in love with Jesus. All I want to do now is please Him. He’s blessed me more than I can say and far more than I could ever deserve.

True Christians are generous people for they’ve become stewards of their possessions. Sharing them is natural and exciting. Now we’re in a difficult time in America and our gifts are even more meaningful to those who receive them. One thing I’ve noticed, the more I give the more I have to give. It’s a great feeling to be used by God in this way. Are you generous? I’m not speaking of huge gifts but is your heart thankful and open to God’s commands to give. If it is I’d bet you are a disciple.

A final question: If you were to die right now are you positive you would go to Heaven? Some say yes but then try and qualify why by adding good works or something. I hope you can say, “I am because I’m born again of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. I’ve placed all my faith and trust in Him to save me when I stand in Judgment.” Where He will say, “Father, this one is Mine.“

Then He will say enter now into the Joy of Your Master. Why, for we obeyed Him in doing the “works” given to us by the Father. We fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked, invited in the stranger as He has led us. Please read Matthew 25 prayerfully and you’ll see it.

You won’t be “almost a Christian” but an adopted servant and child of God. Now submit to the Holy Spirit for instructions as to what He wants you to do. I use Ephesians 2:10 for my commitment. I’ll see you in Heaven.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler

captben61@gmail.com captben61.blogspot

DESTINATION HEAVEN

DESTINATION HEAVEN
In Matthew 25 we see Jesus calling the virgins waiting on Him one of two names, prudent and foolish. The difference was their relationship with Him. Those who had become born again [filled with His Spirit] were allowed into the Wedding Feast. Those who had refused, and were comfortable without a relationship, were called “foolish“. Why in the world would anyone be so foolish? Simple, they loved the world and what it offered more than Him.

There will be anguish on the day God separates the sheep from the goats. The Bible tells us there will be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.

This message is to help you to not be one of them in such despair. If you are willing to accept what it’s going to teach you’ll be as safe as the people and animals in Noah’s ark. Do you remember the story of how God destroyed the earth with a flood? Please read the account in Genesis. There are several very important things to notice. First, the world had become very wicked [like it is now]. Two, God had a plan of redemption but it required a faithful man [Noah] to obey Him [like we must now]. Three, God closed the door to the ark before the rain began [Jesus closes the door to the foolish]. It won’t be opened again either until the storm is over.

God has warned us that He will not strive with man forever. If you’re refusing to surrender your life to Jesus, He’ll bar the door to you. If you accept His Lordship, He will say, “Well done My good and faithful servant, enter now into the Joy of Your Master.”

He calls us servants for our hearts were changed at our new birth and became those who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked, and showed hospitality to the lost and homeless. We obeyed without being prodded for the Spirit of Jesus was inside us. His Love was flowing like a spring of living water to those who would drink from it.

Are you willing? Tell Him, and you’ll find more JOY than you can handle. But remember, it’s only a taste of what’s yours throughout eternity in Heaven. Want to know more? Captben61.blogspot.com

In His service,

Capt Ben Marler

ABOUNDING IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE

ABOUNDING IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE
While praying this morning I asked for abounding faith to come to some for whom I was praying. I was surprised later while reading the second chapter of Colossians to see Saint Paul praying in a more profound way. I was so struck by what the Lord was saying through him I copied it for you.

If you aren’t familiar with the Amplified Bible perhaps these few verses will encourage you to obtain one. I call it “Miracle Grow” for your faith will grow super fast since it teaches as you read.

2[For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One).

3In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden.

4I say this in order that no one may mislead and delude you by plausible and persuasive and attractive arguments and beguiling speech.

5For though I am away from you in body, yet I am with you in spirit, delighted at the sight of your [standing shoulder to shoulder in such] orderly array and the firmness and the solid front and steadfastness of your faith in Christ [that leaning of the entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].

6As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him.

7Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.

8See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men's ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah).

9For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature].

10And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power].

11In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, but in a [spiritual] circumcision [performed by] Christ by stripping off the body of the flesh (the whole corrupt, carnal nature with its passions and lusts).

12[Thus you were circumcised when] you were buried with Him in [your] baptism, in which you were also raised with Him [to a new life] through [your] faith in the working of God [as displayed] when He raised Him up from the dead.

13And you who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), [God] brought to life together with [Christ], having [freely] forgiven us all our transgressions,

14Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross.

15[God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross].

Please read Matthew 25 and the Book of First John today for God is preparing the Bride for Jesus. If you’re a Christian these passages will help you to be ready. Remember, we must be without spot or blemish “not sinners saved by grace“. In 1st John chapter 3 you can see what God has to say about sin. Please remember, the wages of sin is death!

You might understand if you see sin as a highly infectious disease. God isn’t going to allow disease in Heaven. We must be as pure as He is, and we are, when Jesus lives in us by our being born again of His Spirit. Paul says, “The mystery hidden from the ages, Christ within you the hope of glory.” Please pray with me for the Bride.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


captben61@gmail.com
captben61.blogspot.com