Letter to Christians

By L. E. Ketcherside

[Page 12]

     Dear brethren: The weather has temporarily stopped construction of the new basement at Bismarck. I am sorry some misunderstood my motive when I remarked that we thought it best not to appeal for financial assistance in that work. Do not feel that these brethren would not appreciate your cooperation. We felt that so many worthy appeals are being made, we would do well not to burden the brotherhood. Brethren at Bismarck are worthy of any assistance and have the intelligence to make the best use of your offerings. Address any aid to William Jordan, Bismarck, Missouri.

      Have you ever heard brethren say, "If I had a million dollars I would spend every cent of it in gospel preaching?" I think they are day-dreaming, for they are not using the abundant talents and assets they possess. Inherent in the term "Christian" are astounding assets to be used by every genuine Christian, limited only by the ability to cultivate and employ them in making Christ real to others. Take your English dictionary and define each word I use to describe these assets you possess. Next, take your Cruden's Concordance and examine each word to determine how it was used by God's servants.

1. Love. Examine thoroughly its meaning and use. If you really develop that word, can you avoid preaching Christ to your neighbor?
2. Influence. It is impossible to manifest Christian influence (light) without preaching Christ.
3. Compassion. This asset can only be developed by a genuine Christian. It will lead you into fields you never explored and swell your heart with such joy as you never experienced. It will also fill your heart with sorrow and your eyes with tears as it did "the Lord of compassion." But, thus can we preach Him.
4. Hearts made pure. An asset which can only cause you to live an ascending life and lead others to set their affection on things above -- Christ at the beginning and at the end -- Christ always!
5. Kindness. Can you fully evaluate it? An aged couple enquired of a stranger, "Why are you so kind to us, seeing we are not Christians and can never be expected to attend your services nor return the kindness you show to us?" The reply was,

   [Page 13]

   "Jesus gave his life for me when I was far more helpless than you are. My service to you is but an extension of his love to me." A golden opportunity to preach Christ!
6. Fellowship. Follow that word through the New Testament and it will take you over new roads. Can you fathom the depth of "fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ?" Fellowship gives strength to every fiber of the Christian being and embraces all good with which we can bless others.
7. Fruits of the Spirit. To what extent do we possess them? Are we sharing with those for whom Christ died? Are these fruits visible in our lives?

        These are but a few assets that are inherent in the term "Christian." They are given for our use to present Christ to the world. We must use them to the glory of God or be lost for neglecting them. If you do not have dollars to invest in the efforts of others to preach the gospel, just draw on the valuable assets you do possess. Depending on a meetinghouse, a pulpit and a preacher, could mean the loss of your soul and the souls of countless others. You can preach the gospel!