THE MAN CHRIST JESUS - Louis Gervais

THE MAN CHRIST JESUS

Hello and greetings in the Name of “The Man Christ Jesus!”

“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” –1 Timothy 2:5-6

Consider the depths of these verses: “Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” –Hebrews 2:14-15

“Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” –Hebrews 2:17-18 . “For we do not have a high priest Who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One Who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” –Hebrews 4:15

God came into this world as a man, Jesus Christ. He was tempted like we are tempted but He never fell for temptation. But He, having a physical body, experienced the same temptations we do. And He is available to help us in every good way. He wants to help us. We need His help. Whether or not we accept His help reveals a lot about us. “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” –Hebrews 4:16

“Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.” –Hebrews 4:7

Heinrich and I were in Hennenman for about 11 days. We had the children’s weekend camp, and then we shared the Gospel at the primary school, a preschool, a grocery store, the jail, the police station, the retirement home, at a service held in a small church building Wednesday night, and on the streets by handing out Christian literature. We also—opportunistic for Christ’s sake—visited the two schools in Ventersburg and Heinrich passed out tracts there too. In answer to prayer, the Lord opened the way for Nadia to help us with the youth camp weekend (she drove over 2 ½ hours one-way). Thanks for praying for us: the Word of the Lord was preached to the 21 young souls He provided. Not all that came left born-again, but they definitely heard the truth in love and compassionate urgency. Some from the camp are likely still in the valley of decision; we can pray that they surrender to ‘The Hound of Heaven.’

But Thursday morning was different. As I wrote: “I preached at a small town high school for about 3 minutes. I told them of how Jesus said, ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,’ ‘how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!’ (Matt. 23:37) I cry very, very rarely, but as I explained to the ±200 teenage boys and girls that God cares about their heartache and pain and problems and He wants to take them in His arms and heal them, if they would only be willing, my eyes began to tear… and I told them that I cannot make that decision for them; they have to decide, but I can go on my knees—and I knelt on the stage—and plead with them not to reject Jesus Christ! My voice fluctuated and the tears rolled down my cheeks as I begged them not to tell Christ ‘No’… It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. And the atmosphere was… it was holy. The Lord blessed us today. And for that I’m very grateful.”

Heinrich and I arrived back in Bloemfontein at 10 o’clock Sunday night and took the two hour trip to the next town Monday afternoon where I shared shortly from Hebrews 11:13 & 16. We would greatly appreciate your prayers because—unlike Hennenman—this is the first time we tackle this tiny town for a full week. We want to tackle it forcefully, efficiently, and in a manner that we will not be ashamed of when we have to give an account thereof (Romans 14:12). May the genuine will of the Only True God be done in our lives at this exact moment in history. Amen!

–Louis Gervais

“Sacrifice and offering You have not desired, But a body You have prepared for Me,” –Hebrews 10:5b . “By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” –Hebrews 10:10