Daily Bread

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

A "Blessed Hope" to Be Cherished

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

The Bible tells of "last things" that simple-minded people around the world can understand (Lincoln said that God must love common people, He made so many of them):

"The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God" (1 Thess. 4:16; that's the second coming of Christ that He promised in John 14:1-3--personal, visible, literal).

There will be a mortal people living on earth who will welcome Him: "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air" (vs. 17).

Then and only then will this "mortality" be exchanged for "immortality," because "we shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed, in a moment in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet ... This mortal must put on immortality" (1 Cor. 15: 51-53). Clear, simple!

Those who at that day are "alive and remain" will be "the harvest of the earth." Jesus Christ, as an eager Bridegroom longing to come to claim His Bride will be straining at the leash for the command that lets Him come but He must wait until "another angel [who comes] out of the temple ... [cries] with a loud voice, 'Thrust in Your sickle and reap: for the time is come for You to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe'" (Rev. 14:14, 15). Jesus must follow directions! The timing of the permission depends on His people on earth.

The context tells what "ripe" means: a group in mystic number "144,000" have "overcome even as [Christ] overcame and sat down with [His] Father on His throne" "without fault ... in whose mouth there is no guile" (3:21; 14:5). Impossible? No! It's true.

Being "ripe" means they have outgrown their former status of mere flower-girl at the "marriage of the Lamb," now grown up to share with Him executive authority in bringing to a belated end the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Due to His people overcoming, He now can be acclaimed "King of kings and Lord of lords."

Nobody dares be arrogant and say who will be in that mystic "144,000." The Bible says there will be such a people who like Christ have "condemned sin" while living in the same "sinful flesh" He "took" in which He "condemned sin" and rendered it forever defeated (Rom. 8:3, 4; Heb. 2:14-17). The idea is a "blessed hope" to be cherished by all who have begun to appreciate the grace of God (Titus 2:11-13).

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: May 23, 2007.

Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please forward these messages to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. The "Dial Daily Bread" Web site resides at: http://1888message.org/dailybread/
To subscribe send an e-mail message with "subscribe" in the body of the message to: dailybread@1888message.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.

Monday, July 09, 2012

An Expensive Object Lesson

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Jesus said something very strange that has puzzled many people since the day He said it: "Whosoever shall fall on this Stone [Himself, His history as Saviour of the world] shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder" (Matt. 21:44).

The leaders of the nation were planning to kill Him; Caiaphas, the high priest, hated Him; Pilate the Roman governor would deliver Him to death, knowing He was innocent; and King Herod would agree to His death. The greatest judicial travesty in all history! Jesus had just reminded them of the well-known story of building Solomon's temple. One large stone had baffled the workmen--they couldn't figure out where to put it and they abandoned it in the weeds, to the heat of summer and the storms and frost of winter. Finally they discovered that it was the "head stone of the corner," where it proved to be an exact fit. So, said Jesus, He is the "head stone which the builders rejected" (vs. 42).

So far, it is clear. But why the idea of anyone "falling on the Stone and being broken"? Well, Peter was an example of such a person. Arrogant and proud, he was sure he would never give in to pressure and deny his Lord, but before the rooster crowed in the morning he had denied Jesus three times. Peter wept bitterly when he realized the sinfulness of his own heart. His repentance was deep. He "fell upon the Stone and was broken." The love of self was broken up; his heart was broken. It was reported in early times that ever afterward there was a tear glistening in his eyes. On the other hand, look at Caiaphas, Pilate, Herod: all they have is the final judgment. Christ will not grind them to powder--what will do it is their own history. He will not say a word to condemn them in that final judgment; they will do it themselves. They will salvage nothing for eternity.

A wise writer has used this text about the "Stone" in appealing to church members to let the Holy Spirit melt their proud hearts, and to teachers in Christian schools whose self-centered pride hides Jesus from the view of their students, and to ministers and church leaders who repeat Peter's denial of Christ. It's an "either/or" judgment we all face: self must be humbled eventually. Either by our own voluntary choice to take up the cross on which self is crucified, or to go on making self the center of our heart's devotion.

The former calls for tears of melted-heart repentance now; the latter points to "powder" being blown away like dust in a windstorm, an eternal record of nothingness. Herod, Caiaphas, and Pilate have given us an expensive object lesson.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: February 5, 2000.

Saturday, July 07, 2012

Psalm 139--A Direct Conversation With God

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

It's easy to say, "Oh yes, I believe John 3:16, that 'God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, etc.,' but my problem is I can't believe He notices me out of the six or seven billion people He has to love! Divide that love into a fraction of one-seventh billion--how much am I getting?"

And so many people go through life to their bitter end with human hearts bereft of that spine-tingling divine love. And if their human loves have failed them, they are all the more forlorn. If you would like to realize the close connection you have missed, take a good look at Psalm 139, word by word. It's something good to read while you are on your knees. It's a direct conversation with God, hand touching Hand. A few highlights:

(1) Fly to Timbuktu to get away from His love, but it follows you there (vss. 5-10).

(2) He took the time to create YOU bone by bone, sinew by sinew, nerve by nerve; yes, even every one of your brain cells designed to appreciate His concern for YOU. No scientist working with his electronic microscope could be more fastidious (vss. 13-16).

(3) All your foolish wanderings, your sins, your blindness, He has noted and forgiven in advance because He persists in loving you (vss. 14-16).

(4) There's a "secret" between you and Him that no other human on earth can penetrate (vs. 15). He treasures that individual secret touch. When at last you look into the eyes of the Son of God you will recognize that although He knows all your guilty secrets He still loves and respects YOU.

(5) God never sends you a printed birthday card--He thinks specifically of YOU personally, and has a billion private good-will thoughts toward you as an individual (vss. 17, 18).

(6) Such love enlists you as a co-worker with Him in the great controversy raging between Christ and Satan. You cease being an empty cipher in this conflict, and share with Him the battle and the victory (vss. 19-22).

(7) Now you welcome His searching investigative-judgment of your inner heart (vss. 23, 24).

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: November 16, 2000.

Friday, July 06, 2012

King Solomon's Thinking--Old Covenant or New?

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

We all know that King Solomon was the wisest man in the world, and probably the richest; but was his thinking dominated by the Old Covenant, or the New? There were many good, faithful Israelites who did many good works, under the Old. In ancient times, it was better than paganism (Old Covenant "Christian" living is better today than being in "Babylon"; we can be proud that we've "come out").

Solomon's Ecclesiastes is certainly not gospel-oriented, although by much searching we can find a little good news hope therein; but Solomon's enormous ego dominates. God gave him the wisdom that he requested when a youth, but he later came to see it as his acquirement. His message in Ecclesiastes is basically egocentric: do what's right and you'll reap a great reward. "Wisdom"!

(The "good news" is that after his descending to the level of paganism and even offering a child as a burnt offering, and tragically mis-feeding his people with theological poison that eventually ruined the kingdom, God forgave the foolish old king and restored him personally, drooping with contrition, to salvation-favor--giving hope to any sinner today who has gone the length in rebellion against the Lord.)

But was it really Solomon's fault totally that he fell? Reality is that he inherited Old Covenant thinking all the way from Mt. Sinai. Jeremiah later saw it clearly--the New Covenant in that day remained the one that the Lord "will make [future tense] with the house of Israel; after those days, says the LORD" (31:33, emphasis supplied). Revival after revival under "good kings" was only temporary in nature (the Northern Kingdom never had even one!), until the Old Covenant finally drove Israel into captivity in Babylon, and then in the end to crucify their Messiah.

Moral: it's time for us to grow up out of the Old into the New!

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: October 12, 2006.

Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please forward these messages to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. The "Dial Daily Bread" Web site resides at: http://1888message.org/dailybread/
To subscribe send an e-mail message with "subscribe" in the body of the message to: dailybread@1888message.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.

Thursday, July 05, 2012

That Invitation on the Last Page of God's Book

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Can you know for sure that God has chosen YOU to be saved? Many sincere Christians believe that He has chosen some to be saved and left others to be lost. What does He say to us in the Bible?

On its very last page, He makes it clear that no one has been left out of God's gift of eternal life, so He says once more as His parting word, just to be doubly sure: "The Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Rev. 22:17). And then immediately the Holy Spirit warns us not to "add" to what He has just said, nor lessen in any degree that "whosoever will" invitation (vss. 18, 19).

If we have even an ounce of common sense, we must get the message: "God [is] our Saviour; [and] will have all men to be saved" (1 Tim. 2:3, 4). The only ones therefore who can possibly be lost will be those who "will" not to be saved; they have chosen not to be "athirst"; they have resisted everyone who has ever said to them, "Come," maybe, yes probably, thousands of times. Each new morning that the sun arose gave them a new opportunity to say "Yes," and "come." They have made a deliberate choice to reject that invitation written on the last page of God's Book, and furthermore, because the Holy Spirit is so persistent in pressing the invitation upon us each new sunrise, they have reiterated that fateful choice, all the way from childhood to the last bitter days in the nursing home. They have chosen "darkness rather than light" so often that at last they have grown to "love" it (John 3:19).

Jesus explains the entire phenomenon with one simple, single word: UNBELIEF, which is disbelief, a perverse refusal to appreciate the truth of God's love (agape) (vs. 18). Does God tell them at last, "I don't like you; I don't want you in heaven; I'm locking the gate against you"? A wise writer has said, "They are shut out from heaven not because of any arbitrary decree on the part of God, but by their own unfitness for its companionship." They'd be miserable there, so God in love gives them what they have always wanted--darkness forever. Because "let him that heareth say, Come," Dial Daily Bread is a tiny voice that says, "Believe." Please "hear," and therefore tell someone else to "come."

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: October 27, 1999.

Wednesday, July 04, 2012

Can the Dream Be Recovered?

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

With the end of the papal Dark Ages in 1798, the world entered into a new and hopefully glorious era. Little Mary Jones walked her weary trek to London to buy her fabulous prize of a Holy Bible; and lo, the British and Foreign Bible Society was formed, soon followed by the American.

Inventions began pouring out of fertile minds. The horror of slavery began to be abolished; the little nation of ex-British colonies began to prosper in the New World; Christian people awakened as from a long sleep--the second coming of Christ was near. The world had embarked on what the Bible describes as "the time of the end." A preparation for the return of Jesus Christ became to intelligent people a reasonable "blessed hope." Through unmistakably divine leading, the message began to go worldwide.

Hearts responded and capable people did things. Clearly blessed by the Holy Spirit, a message joining together the gospel of Jesus with the ideals of healthful living worked wonders in tired, sickly people; the world's finest health institution (for then) was established in Battle Creek, Michigan, where even European royalty crossed the Atlantic to come. There the "West's" finest Christian publishing house was established. What the apostles after Pentecost longed for seemed to be on the verge. A solemn but joyous sense that the world had entered into the cosmic Day of Atonement gripped hearts worldwide. The "blessed hope" of the imminent return of Christ made life here below a taste of heaven.

Then it was discovered that Christ's message to the seventh church of history had become applicable: the church was "Laodicea," the one whose worldly lukewarmness made the Lord so nauseous that He felt like throwing up (Rev. 3:14-21). Now a battle rages in people's minds and hearts: is that last organization into a "body of Christ" doomed to eventual failure? Or is a corporate repentance possible (and sure)? Can the dream be recovered?

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: June 29, 2006.

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Listen and Learn--From an Open Bible

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

The Bible story is magnificent:

The Son of God gave up His position in heaven as co-Ruler of the universe, became a human being as we are, born as a Baby in Bethlehem, suffered as we suffer, endured death--our death; gave up everything forever, entered the Dark Tunnel that had no light at the end, which is to say He died "the second death” which is "the wages of sin,” our sin, totally emptied Himself (Phil. 2:5-8).

All very wonderful. But now coming down to the needs of our little lives:

How shall I live my new day? I know I should pray; I slept late, I don't dare go out into the world unless I kneel first at least for a few moments (it's like renewing a life insurance policy); so I begin the day with a few moments of prayer. But I gotta go, let's hope I'm "covered” for today.

My prayer is like hitting the right key on my keyboard. Now I can face the world; I've had my little tête-à-tête with the Master--in capsule form. (He knows how busy I am! He's so sweet, kind, lovable, forgiving, isn't He?)

Or have I really visited with Him? He has heard what I have to say, but have I heard Him, what He has to say? This humble little ministry might pass on to you a crumb of "bread” or a drop of "living water,” but you don't get your daily "more abundant life” that way.

To talk to God is great, but we must "listen” in order to have a conversation. GIVE HIM TIME to tell you something. Wait and wait (Psalm 40:1)--listen!

And if you overslept this morning, yes, He knows how busy you are; but if you "hunger and thirst after righteousness” (if you're "alive,” you do!), first chance you get you'll turn off your amusements and you'll "wait on the Lord” (cf. Psalm 27). You'll hunger tolisten and to learn from an open Bible.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: July 4, 2006.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

The Three-fold Message of Revelation Fourteen

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

The Book of Revelation tells what will be the last message that the God of heaven sends to this dark world. It's a three-fold message in Revelation 14 and then amplified further in chapter 18 when the message swells to a loud cry and the entire earth is to be lightened with its glory. Much as we all dislike controversy and tension, this three-fold message will arouse the most intense opposition of any in history, resulting in a polarization of humanity into two opposing groups: those who truly keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who will constitute a "Babylon" in rebellion against God by accepting and enforcing what is called "the mark of the beast."

This crisis will be brought about deliberately by the work of the Holy Spirit, and no one will be able to stop it from happening. And the three-fold message will not be a triumphalist call to legalism but a revelation of what Christ accomplished for humanity by His sacrifice. This is evident by the fact that some 25 times He is portrayed in Revelation as "the Lamb," and the final "harvest" will be a people "who follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth" (14:4). He is revealed in Revelation as "a Lamb as it had been slain ... from the foundation of the world" (5:6; 13:8).

The call to "worship Him" results in a vast throng who sing from the depths of their hearts, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, ... Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him who sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever" (5:12, 13). No one will ever sing such a song unless his/her heart has been humbled into the dust by a realization of what it cost that Lamb of God to save us, who "has redeemed us to God by [His] blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" (5:9; cf. 14:6, 7).

Clearly, the message that is to lighten the earth with glory will be about Christ and Him crucified, about "His blood." "When I survey the wondrous cross, ... I pour contempt on all my pride." That's the essence of the third angel's message.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: May 27, 2000.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Grab Every Ray of Light That Comes Your Way

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

If you are thoroughly human, no doubt you have at times wondered if God has elected you to be saved. You know you need a Saviour; and you know that lots of people are going to be lost. There are sincere Christians who actually believe that God elects some to be saved and others to be lost. A text that appears to support that idea is Acts 13:48. Paul has been preaching the gospel in Antioch. Then Luke says: "As many as were ordained to eternal life believed” (KJV). The NIV says the same: "All who were appointed for eternal life believed.” Sounds like discouraging Bad News for those who are not so "appointed” or "ordained.” Some dear people actually give up in discouragement; they tell themselves, "It's too hard; youth say, temptation is too strong; I am sure God has not ordained me to be saved; He hasn't 'appointed' me.” Calvinists actually use this text to support their doctrine of double predestination.

But the Greek verb doesn't say what the KJV and NIV say. It is tetagmenoi, which is a reflexive form of the verb for "appoint” which means that the translation should read, "As many as appointed themselves for eternal life believed.” In other words, they heard Paul preach the Good News; they said to themselves, "Hey, I want that! That's for me! I'm going to latch on to this preaching of Paul!” Once they made that decision, then immediately their hearts began to be melted, they learned to appreciate the cross of Christ that Paul was preaching, "they believed.”

This has to be the correct understanding according to the context. In verse 46 Paul addressed the Jews who chose not to believe: "Seeing you put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” What they did was the opposite of what the believers did. Same idea, only in reverse. Those who believed were not acting out a preprogrammed agenda determined for them before the foundation of the world (Calvinist "predestination"); they took the truth to themselves, grabbed it, "judged themselves” to be favored of God with the Gospel.

So, grab every ray of light that comes your way; don't wait a moment; "I made haste, and delayed not,” says David (Psalm 119:60). If you're smart, you'll always grab a bargain the moment you see it. The idea is not that God preaches the gospel indifferently, or only once in a while; the problem is that your own heart can become dull and dilatory and unresponsive.

Believe the Good News now; everything that God has promised is for YOU.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: November 17, 1999.

Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please forward these messages to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. The "Dial Daily Bread" Web site resides at: http://1888message.org/dailybread/

To subscribe send an e-mail message with "subscribe" in the body of the message to: dailybread@1888message.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.

Friday, June 22, 2012

The Most Precious Gift of Repentance

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

If you have made a mistake (which, God forbid!) … King David made one, in fact two--adultery and the sin of murder to cover it up; he feared that he had committed the unpardonable sin and heaven was closed to him forever, because he cried out in near despair, "Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me" (Psalm 51:11).

But if you have indeed made a mistake, your heavenly Father does not cast you off as worthless or hopeless. He is deeply wounded and sorry, but He redeems and re-builds broken, ruined souls.

How does He do it? He gives the most precious gift of repentance.

No one can repent on his own; you have to open your guilty heart to receive it from Him: "Him [Jesus of Nazareth] hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31).

The realization of God's forgiveness: it's the most exhilarating experience we humans can know. It's the nearest to the overwhelming joy that Jesus must have known when after His resurrection He declared in triumph, "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore!" And then that earth-and-heaven-shaking, "AMEN!" (Rev. 1:18).

You just want to shout for all the universe to hear you, "Behold! I am forgiven!" You've been carrying a burden that weighed a ton; now at last you are free. Such forgiveness is God's gift. It's not the empty, supercilious "pardon" that means nothing; it's a freeing from the burden of sin, the gift of a new hatred of sin, and the gift of a new love for righteousness.

You are born again. No more arrogance; you are like King Ahab, the murder-guilty king, when he was finally converted, we read that forever after he "walked softly" (1 Kings 21:27); he took a humble place from then on, and so will you. There will be no arrogant people strutting around in God's New Jerusalem.

No one can honor the Lord Jesus Christ and at the same time be proud of himself or herself.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: June 24, 2008.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

The Teacher Will Teach ...

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

The sine qua non of the faith of Jesus is His incarnation. He stepped down from heaven, relinquishing all the prerogatives of divinity (but not His divinity!), became a man, a descendant of the fallen Adam, came with a sinless nature but "took" upon His sinless nature our sinful nature, was "in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Heb. 4:15). He "condemned sin" "in the likeness of [our] sinful flesh" (Rom. 8:3). No "exemption" was granted Him from bearing the full weight of the conflict we have with sin; He never sinned in thought, word, or deed, yet was "made ... to be sin for us, who knew no sin" (2 Cor. 5:21), took upon Himself the guilt of all the sins of all the human race. So closely was He with us that He felt that He was the world's sin; from a broken heart He cried in anguish, "My God, why have You forsaken Me?"

The horror He endured was the death that God told Adam in the Garden he would suffer if he sinned, the second death, the one that ends all hope and life forever. Jesus "tasted death for every man" (Heb. 2:9) which means He died the second death of "every person" in the world. We can realize: the Son of God was incarnate but still the Son of God, and thus His death on His cross was an infinite sacrifice for us each, individually.

He is infinite; thus He knew you intimately when you were in your mother's womb, counted all the hairs on your head; knows all the secrets of your soul, why your personality is as it is. If you were abused as a child, He knows, and still He is your Savior, your Great Physician, the Healer of your wounded soul. Your job is to let Him heal you. "As though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God" (2 Cor. 5:19, NKJV).

So, don't abide in alienation from sunshine and joy, or embrace the hell the devil wants to cast you into, or mistakenly blame God for the ill that has befallen you. Don't join Satan's accusations against the Lover of your soul.

The great controversy between Christ and Satan is fought in our hearts. Meanwhile, that unbounded grace is teaching us to say "No!" to these allurements of Satan, and to "live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us" (Titus 2:11-14, NKJV; cf. NIV).

The Teacher will teach if we will let Him!

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: December 12, 2006.

Friday, June 15, 2012

The True Latter Rain and the Counterfeit

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Here are some questions that perplex many Christian people around the world: what is "the latter rain" of the Holy Spirit? Is that blessing falling today, like showers of rain on thirsty crops? What is the purpose of this blessing that the Bible says God will "pour out" on His people worldwide (Zech. 10:1)? Is it possible that Satan can counterfeit the blessing and send his substitute for the real thing? If so, how can we distinguish between God's true latter rain and the counterfeit?

There are some simple, clear facts that will at least begin to clear up our perplexity:

(1) The story of the "former rain" (see Joel 2:23) will help explain what is the "latter rain." It was at Pentecost that God's true people (those who believed in Christ) received the outpouring of God's true Holy Spirit. Now, after two millennia, we expect the gift of the Holy Spirit to be given again as the complement of the "former" blessing.

(2) The "former rain" was the light of truth that was given as a gift--it was the perception of the truth that God's professed people had rejected, murdered, and crucified the Lord of glory. That blessing was not a loud noise so much as it was bright light: Peter proclaimed that those people present there had crucified the Messiah, the Son of God. "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart" (Acts 2:36, 37).

(3) The latter rain will therefore be a gift of the Holy Spirit that will bring the true and ultimate conviction of sin that only He can bring to human hearts: the guilt of the crucifixion of Christ is OUR sin. But that is a truth that we don't comprehend clearly, as yet. According to Zechariah 12:10-13:1, when God's people do grasp that reality, there will come the greatest repentance of the ages. It will become the "final" experience of reconciliation with Christ, something known as "the final atonement."

(4) This will make possible a movement, a second "Pentecost," a message to be proclaimed worldwide that will "lighten the earth with glory," and prepare a people for Christ's return.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: February 22, 2002.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

The Final Movement of Evangelism

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

A rare historical note attributes the hymn "I Have A Friend So Precious, So Very Dear to Me" to one sung by the Waldenses in their Provencal language in the Dark Ages. The last stanza says, "He bids me tell His wondrous love, And why He came to die." Jesus tells us that if we can "lift [Him] up from the earth" on His cross, He "will draw all [people] to Himself" (John 12:32, 33).

What Jesus meant was that common people can win souls if they can simply tell "why He came to die." But of course they can't do that unless they themselves understand "why He came to die." Which means that we should let the Holy Spirit do what He wants--that is, teach us what happened on the cross. Which of course we won't agree to if we feel "rich and increased with goods, in need of nothing" (Rev. 3:17; He says He understands our root problem!).

This raises the question: is the final movement of evangelism prophesied in Revelation 18 to be what experts say on electronic communication via satellite TV? That's the easy way, we just sit and listen and push the right buttons. Or is it to be humble flesh-and-blood human beings like you and me opening their hearts to tell the message personally?

Of course, electronics and TV will have their part. Well, give science its rightful due, yes; but ordinary people like us must wake up and learn to understand what happened at Calvary so we personally can tell it. If we don't, He'll have to raise up children who will.

We can't really "tell His wondrous love" unless we understand "why He came to die." May the dear Lord grant us to see something: why Paul could only "glory in the cross," why he could tell others only of "Christ and Him crucified" (Gal. 6:14; 1 Cor. 2:1-3).

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: January 26, 2004.

Copyright © 2012 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Please forward these messages to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. The "Dial Daily Bread" Web site resides at: http://1888message.org/dailybread/

To subscribe send an e-mail message with "subscribe" in the body of the message to: dailybread@1888message.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

What Is the Gospel?

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

In a great evangelistic campaign broadcast by satellite the speaker continually assured the worldwide audience that "Jesus wants to be your Best Friend.” Night after night this assurance was offered; but the implication was that He is not--not until you do something to make Him become your Best Friend, that is, you must first believe and obey.

There are sincere people who are alienated from God. They believe that He exists, but they have suffered so much pain in their lives, often from childhood beyond anything they did, good or bad, that they find it difficult to believe that He is already actually their Best Friend. They wish He were; but this idea has a resemblance to the carrot-on-a-stick allurement. Jesus will become your Best Friend IF, IF, you take the initiative in a change of your heart.

Is that the "evangel” that the Lord Jesus wants them to be told? Some say yes, or that wouldn't have been told night after night.

He has commanded us to "Go into all the world, and preach the gospel …” (Mark 16:15). But what is the gospel?

Scholars and theologians contend endlessly; the best answer is the simple words of Jesus: "God so loved the world that He gave ...” (John 3:16). That love came first; it was not dependent on any change of heart on the part of the sinner.

So much did He love that He gave His only Son; the deed already done. The giving on His part was for eternity; for each individual of the human race He "tasted death” (Heb. 2:9, Greek). In other words, He died everyone's "hell,” everyone's second death (Acts 2:27). Yours.

Do you want a better Best Friend than that?

Thank Him from the depths of your soul for what He already is; and let the revelation of His love lead you to consecrate yourself totally to Him.

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: August 26, 2006.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Does God Still Trust Us Humans?

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"

Does God trust us human beings? Really trust us?? My brethren wrestled with me for many years on this point: they maintained that in the end God will snatch from His people the task of lighting the earth with the glory of the gospel, and will have angels do the job.

To whom did Jesus give the command, "Go into all the world, and preach the gospel ..."? (Matt. 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15). To angels? Or to "us"?

Through the centuries, where do we find evidence that He has changed that plan? Oh yes, true, angels have helped in the work and blessed, but in reading history, they have done so when they found some human being who initially could be used. Still, the "burden" has rested upon God's people, His church.

Have God's people through the ages fulfilled this command of Jesus? Some say "Yes" in pride; others say "No." According to Revelation 3:14-21, it seems that Jesus regards "us" as being quite dilatory.

But does He still "trust" us humans? As we read that passage addressed "to the angel [the leadership] of the church of the Laodiceans," it would appear that yes, He still is forced to trust us. The Father trusted His only begotten Son to the care of humans when He was born in Bethlehem (the world crucified Him but there were some who cared for Him, thank God!). The honor and vindication of Christ in the great controversy between Himself and Satan require that God's people "repent" and fulfill His gospel commission.

Is it possible that "Laodicea" (or "the angel" thereof) shall repent? Is God's confidence in His people in vain? A wise writer has said that He has staked the honor of His throne on His confidence, that yes, in the end, His people will be honest, and will repent and believe! And so the question remains, Can God trust YOU?

--Robert J. Wieland

From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: December 14, 1998.

Copyright © 2012 by "Dial Daily Bread."

Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" againtomorrow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please forward these messages to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. The "Dial Daily Bread" Web site resides at:http://1888message.org/dailybread/
To subscribe send an e-mail message with "subscribe" in the body of the message to: dailybread@1888message.org

To un-subscribe click on this link: Unsubscribe me from this list
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.