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The Preacher’s Notebook The Paper and Electronic Pulpit of the First Baptist Church of Mineral Springs, NC (Delivered by E-mail and Us Postage Through Subscription as an Extension of the Pulpit Ministry of this Church)

Dr. Terry W . Preslar – PO Box 388 – M ineral Springs, NC 28108 (704)843-3858 – E-Mail: [email protected] Copyright (C) 2007. Terry W. Preslar All rights reserved.

Vol. II

January, 2008

Issue 1

There is Something About

Eyes

There is no doubt in the mind of this preacher that the eyes of the LORD and MASTER of the souls of men do not look anything like the picture above. These sad eyes are rather the eyes HE may see with a hopeless expression and an emptiness that tells the tale of our state. The race is in a fallen state that only the eye of a HOLY GOD can change. The eye is said to be the “window” of the heart - At any rate, the only view we have into each other. Looking into human eyes one can see the case of the soul of mankind and it is true that the eyes often tell the secrets of the heart. If one could control the eye he could speak clearer messages with fewer words. If one could only control the eye - But the eye controls most of the human family under the bondage of “lust, sin, death.” (James 1:14-15 “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” compare 1 John 2:16 “...the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life...”) As can be understood from this, the eye is in high priority. If pictures could be taken of only the eyes of subjects at random there would be an essay of human condition powerful enough to convince the honest mind. We would find Dim Eyes - of sight (the Gospel hidden form view and blinded), Darkened Eyes - of sin (marked with hopelessness), Discouraged Eyes - of sadness (no relief from the plight of depravity), Despondent Eyes - of sorrow (empty and drained under the fall), Dreadful Eyes - of seriousness (no horror like this in any other part of creation), Down Eyes - of suffering (never to rise to the light again). This view seems to be the end, but turn the camera of imagination toward more eyes and find Desperate Eyes - of seeking (and finding a seeking Saviour), Deep Eyes - of sincerity (under the move of conviction, conversion and regeneration), Determined Eyes - of service (guided by the eyes of GOD in leading the hopeless to help in the light of Grace).This essay of sight would revile Lax Eyes, Lingering Eyes, Looking Eyes, Longing Eyes, but, Thank GOD, Lifted Eyes. (Psa 3:3 “But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.”)

Looking into the Eyes of the Master... (The Sight of the Holy Eyes...) These Sad eyes of ours cannot deny GOD the moment of focus that HE requires. HE is looking even now into the reading of this booklet. His eyes have guided the author’s hand in the work and His Holy Spirit is now seeing to it that you grow a little uncomfortable in the knowledge that He sees the response of the reader. The Scriptures that teach the truth about the eyes of GOD are few but the conclusion is clear. (Prov 15:3 “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”) There can, therefore, be -1-

no escape - we must look into HIS “all seeing” eyes. When the finite eyes of mankind see the glories of His continence, all respond in the same manner. The Scripture tells of some who fainted, some who fell backward, some were smote to the ground, some feared, some were broken to tears, some fled and some were encouraged upon their knees, but none could ever look away without being changed. These eyes are mentioned throughout the Old and New Testament. In all the places where the phrase “the eyes of the Lord” is found we find the message of this mighty expression: 1-There is Grace in HIS eyes (Gen. 6:8) 2-HIS eyes are on the land of promise (Deut. 11:12) 3-There is an action that is right in HIS eyes (Deut 13:18; 1 Kings 15:5, 15:11, 22:43; 2 Chron. 14:2) 4-HIS eyes are a life determining factor (1 Sam. 26:24) 5-There is faviour in HIS eyes (2 Sam. 15:25) 6-Many do evil in HIS eyes (1 Kings 16:25; 2 Chron.21:6; 29:6; Jer.52:2) 7-There is strength in HIS eyes (2 Chron. 16:9) 8-HIS eyes see the righteous and hear their cry (Psa. 34:15; 1 Peter 3:12) 9-The ways of man are in the eyes of GOD (Prov. 5:21) 10-The eyes of the LORD are the vital element in knowledge (Prov. 22:12) 11-The testimony of the people of GOD are glorious in HIS eyes (Isa. 49:5) 12-HIS eyes see the sinner in his path (Amos 9:8) 13-HIS eyes are the power behind the Right ruler (Zec. 4:10) 14-But it is true that HIS eyes are in every place (Prov. 15:3) These eyes need not be escaped; for the goodness of these eyes is found nowhere else. In the eyes of the Master we find the need of the fallen race. Look full into these eyes of Spiritual power and see the need of the broken, human heart.

I- These EYES are Sovereign EYES A- In Every Place (Sovereignty in His Omnipresence) (Psa. 44:20-21 “If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.”) B- EYES full of Mercy (Sovereignty in His Mercy) (Rom. 9:15-18 “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy...Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.”) C- EYES full of Love (Sovereignty in His Love) (Rom.9:13 “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”)

II- These are EYES of Sanctification A- Fiery EYES to cleanse (Rev. 1:13-18 See Verse 14 “...and his eyes were as aflame of fire;”) B- Tender EYES to understand (Eph. 4:32 “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”) C- Teaching EYES to instruct (Psa. 32:8 “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”)

III- These Are EYES of Salvation A- EYES of Concern & Reconciliation (1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” With Heb.2:17 “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”) B- EYES of Conviction & Restoration (Job 33:27-30 “He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have -2-

sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.” With Joel 2:25 “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.”) C- EYES of Conversion & Regeneration (John 6:44 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him...” With Titus 3:5 “...according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”) These Eyes of God are a largely un-reckoned with factor. These Eyes move the sinner to his knees - and the saint to his feet. These Eyes make the strong weak - and the weak strong. These Eyes Manifest wrath to the wicked - and mercy to the repentant. Where do the Eyes of God find you as they see us all in this hour.

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3 ) The Blessing of a Single Eye (The State of the Human Eye...) “The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.” (Matt. 6:22-24; ** Luke 11:34) The Eye is a “gate” to the entire being. Someone said that “...the eye is the window to the soul...” A bold statement but these things are true of this most important external organ of the body. The valued since of sight is often abused by mis-use but the worst mis-use is to use sight to bring evil into the gate of the eye. (1) The eye is the physical organ of sight, “the lamp of the body” (Matt. 6:22), one of the chief channels of information for man. A cruel custom therefore sanctioned among heathen nations the putting out of the eyes of an enemy or a rival, because thus his power was most effectually shattered (Judges 16:21; 2 Kings 25:7; Jer. 39:7). Such blinding or putting out of the “right eye” was also considered a deep humiliation, as it robbed the victim of his beauty, and made him unfit to take his part in war (1 Sam. 11:2; Zec. 11:17).. The eye, to be useful, was to be “single,” i.e. not giving a double or uncertain vision (Matt. 6:22; Luke 11:34). Eyes may grow dim with sorrow and tears (Job 17:7), they may “waste away with griefs” (Psa. 6:7; 31:9; 88:9). They may “pour down” with tears (Lam. 3:49), “run down with water” (Lam. 1:16; 3:48). Eyes may “wink” in derision (Psa. 35:19; Prov. 6:13; 10:10; compare also Prov. 16:30; 30:17), and the harlot takes the lustling soul “with her eyelids” (Prov. 6:25). To ‘lift up the eyes’ (Gen. 13:10) means to look up or around for information and often for help; to ‘turn away the eye’ or ‘hide the eyes’ indicates carelessness and lack of sympathy (Prov. 28:27); to ‘cast about the eyes,’ so that they “are in the ends of the earth” (Prov. 17:24) is synonymous with the silly curiosity of a fool, and with the lack of attention of him who is everywhere but at his work. In the execution of justice the “eye shall not pity,” i.e. not be deflected from the dictates of the law by favorable or unfavorable impressions (Deut. 19:13), nor spare (Ezek. 5:11), and the OT demanded “life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Ex. 21:24; Deut. 19:21). (2) Figurative: The eye of the heart or mind, the organ of spiritual perception, which may be enlightened or opened (Psa. 119:18). This is done by the law of God (Psa. 19:8) or by the spirit of God (Eph. 1:18), or it may be “darkened” and “holden” (Luke 24:16; compare Matt. 13:13; 2 Cor. 4:4). (3) The eye as an index of the mind and disposition of man. The Bible speaks of the “good” margin, or -3-

“bountiful” eye, i.e. the kindly, disposition (Prov. 22:9); of “proud,” haughty,” “lofty eyes” (Psa. 18:27; 131:1; Prov. 6:17); of the ‘lowly eyes’ of the humble (Job 22:29; compare also Luke 18:13); of “adulterous eyes,” “eyes which play the harlot” (Ezek. 6:9, in the sense of idolatrous inclinations; 2 Peter 2:14). Rage or anger is shown by the “sharpening” of the eyes (Job 16:9). (4) The eyes of God, as well as the “seven eyes” of the Lamb (Rev. 5:6) and the ‘many eyes’ of the four living creatures of the Apocalypse (Rev. 4:6; also Ezek. 1:18; 10:12) are figurative expressions for the omniscience of God (compare Heb. 4:13; Psa. 139:16) and of His watchfulness and loving care (Jer. 32:19). As the human eye may, with the slightest glance or motion, give an indication, a command, so God is able to “guide” or “counsel” His obedient child “with his eye” (Psa. 32:8). (5) Three Hebrew expressions are translated by “apple of the eye”: (a) ‘ishon (Strong’s #H380), literally, “the little man,” which probably means the “pupil of the eye,” it being the part of the eye in which the close onlooker may see his image reflected in miniature. Several oriental languages have very similar expressions (Deut. 32:10; Psa. 17:8; Prov. 7:2). (b) babhah (Strong’s #H892), literally, “the gate of the eye” (Zec. 2:8). (c) bath-‘ayin (Strong’s #H1323) , literally, “the daughter of the eye” (Lam. 2:18). All these three phrases seem to indicate the pupil rather than the “apple of the eye,” and designate the most sensitive part of the eye, which we protect with the greatest care. Thus the Scriptures declare, for our great comfort, that God will protect and care for those that are His own. To eye (`awan, “to watch closely,” “to look maliciously at”): “Saul eyed David from that day and forward” (1 Sam. 18:9). The proof text said: “...when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light...” What an unusual statement in the scripture? “A Single Eye” is valued to the LORD. The alternatives are alarming but the blessings of this “Single Eye” are encouraging. My mind is filled with the imagination of a dreamer when I think of this promise: “...when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light...” If it were thus the whole body would be luminous, and if our souls be full of light, of the light of Christ, then our light shall shine as that of a lamp. With the alarm of the condition of the eye comes the thoughts of blessings that are in store for any with the single eye. I- It will raise your thoughts above the earthly (“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on he earth.” Col. 3:1-2) A) Prayer (seeking HIS face) (“Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.” Psa. 105:3-4) B) Spiritual Life (seeking the kingdom) (“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt.6:33) C) Soul winning (seeking Sinners) (“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Prov. 11:30) II- It will set your heart to burning with Christ’s Love (“And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” Luke 24:32) A) For the Word of GOD (“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12) B) For the people of GOD (“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” Rom.12:10) C) For the souls for which CHRIST died (“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:6-8) -4-

III- It will purchase into your soul the delights and savor of Heaven (“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Tim. 4:8) (Savor = The quality which renders a thing valuable; the quality which renders other bodies agreeable to the taste.) A) The reward of service (“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Cor. 9:24-27) B) The redemption that is full (“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” Heb. 10:22-24) C) The rapture that can’t be forgotten (“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14)

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;...” (Heb. 12:2) There needs to be an “Eye Opening Experence.” Eyes Opened (Gen. 21:19; Num. 22:31; 2 Kings 6:17; Luke 24:31) “To set the eyes” on any one is to view him with favour (Gen. 44:21; Job 24:23; Jer. 39:12). This word is used figuratively in the expressions an “evil eye” (Matt. 20:15), a “bountiful eye” (Prov. 22:9), “haughty eyes” (Prov. 6:17), “wanton eyes” (Isa. 3:16), “eyes full of adultery” (2 Peter 2:14), “the lust of the eyes” (1 John 2:16). Christians are warned against “eye-service” (Eph. 6:6; Col. 3:22). It is openly stated that there is a segment of human society that have blinded eyes. (“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Cor. 4:4). In olden times men were sometimes punished by having their eyes put out (Nahash the Ammonite would have blinded all the men of Israel, 1 Sam. 11:2; Samson had his eyes put out in the temple of Dagon, Judges 16:21; the last thing Zedekiah saw was the killing of his sons before he was blinded and lead away, captive, 2 Kings 25:7). But, God has eyes for His people and our only hope is to find favor in His eyes. (Psa. 33:18-19; 34:15; 121:3-5). The Christ rejecter has no such hope, indeed, God’s eye is hard against them that turn from Him. (Isa. 1:15; 3:8; Amos 9:8; Hab. 1:13). To the believer, God offers many a divine facility: “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12). With His face, He contends and with His ear He communicates but all of this is for another time – It is with His eye He connects to the souls of men. Will you turn to Him now? The old hymn says: O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s a light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free! -5-

Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; Over us sin no more hath dominion – For more than conquerors we are! His Word shall not fail you – He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell! Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. The words and music for this hymn, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus,” were written by Helen Howarth Lemmel (1863-1961)

A Short Message from the Preacher to the Reader on Evangelism “How To Lead Many to Christ...” [Taken from the editor’s booklet “With Grace After the Lost”] Many people question the Bible’s teaching of the security of the believer. How can I lead sinners to Christ? The question is rooted in a lack of knowledge concerning the plan of Salvation as taught in God’s Word. First, God is a holy and just Creator. God is infinite and sovereign; man is finite and dependent. Out of his good pleasure he creates and sustains. We are totally dependent upon him for our every need. Since he is the creator he sets the standards of right and wrong. We were created in God’s image, to bear his likeness and to reflect his glory. Our absolute loyalty is due unto him. We are to honor and respect him. (Psa. 100:3, Matt. 5:48, Ex. 15:1). Since God’s wonderful character, his rights as creator, his blessings and his warnings are all designed to remind us of his loving ownership of us, why don’t we love him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength? Secondly, man is a sinful creature. Man has willfully rebelled against God and his standards. We are self-sufficient, ignoring God, and wanting to decide for ourselves what is right and wrong. This rebellion is sin. This sin forms a barrier which separates us from God. In order to be right with God this barrier -6-

must be overcome. Since man is a sinner by nature, he cannot do anything that would make God want to overlook his sins. The result of sin is death. Since God is holy, he must react against sin. He cannot tolerate it. And, unless sin is dealt with, we must, one day, face his judgement and condemnation. (Rom. 3:23, Jer. 17:9, Heb. 9:27). If this is the case, that sinful man is helpless in regards to being reconciled to God. What, then, is the solution? Thirdly, this brings us to the fact that Christ is the merciful Redeemer. Jesus Christ reveals, by his words and life, the nature of God to us. He communicates to our conscience by his Word and Spirit. Jesus Christ, who was sinless and without guilt, became a substitute for sinful man. He became the sacrifice that would appease God’s wrath. His blood poured out on Calvary is able to cleanse us from our sin. Jesus Christ is also a King. He arose from the grave and ascended to the Father’s presence where he now reigns as Lord. As a King, he commands us to repent of our sins and trust in him for salvation. He gives his grace and mercy to whomever he wills. When we trust Christ as our Lord and Savior, God looks at us through Christ and declares us not guilty. (Isa. 53:5, Mark 10:45, John 14:6 9). If this is true, what must our response be? Fourthly, we are to be united to Christ by faith in him. We must agree that we are sinful and helpless. We must acknowledge that Christ is our only hope. We must repent of (turn away from) our sins and despise them. We must recognize Christ as the necessary payment for the sin penalty. We must acknowledge Christ as Lord and turn every area of our lives over to him. We are to confess him with our hearts and mouths as Lord and Savior. (Rom. 10:10, Acts 3:19, John 3:16-18). Finally, lay the Gospel bare, turn all confrontations into an invitation to trust His Free Grace, make no pretense of “works plus Gospel co-operation” (Salvation is all of God or it is not of God at all...). We have only one hope and Christ is that only hope. Lead the candidate to read Psalm 51:1-17, and then to ask God to create a clean heart within him; asking God for forgiveness and to save him and give everlasting life, in Christ’s name. Remember, Jesus said: “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37). There you have it. I am sure that you will agree that this short plan presents both God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. It is simple and straightforward. There are no gimmicks or sad stories. Plans such as this are not set in concrete. It is flexible. Having a plan in mind helps you keep a train of thought. It keeps you from being flustered and from being a poor representative of the King. With this system and the memorization of these verses the soul winner can be effective in the field with the prospective sinner and with a powerful, Spirit Filled pulpit ministry, public professions will be the fruit of the labor. There are many things to remember in the life of a soul winner. None so sweet as the “...well done, thou good and faithful servant...” that will be the words heard by the faithful soul winner at the end of the way. But, there are several verses to remember: The Soul Winner’s Commission – “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15). The Soul Winner’s Power – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). The Soul Winner’s Blessing – “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” (Dan .12:3). The Urgency of Soul Winning – “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, ! say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” (John 4:35). The Soul Winner’s Authority – “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matt. 28:18). The Soul Winner’s Rule – “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psa. 126:5-6).

The Soul Winner’s Work – “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” (Hosea 10:12). The Soul Winner’s Danger - “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” (Jer. 8:20).

Conclusion Grace!! What a glorious and humbling word. It is a word that encompasses all of the magnificent attributes of a Holy God. Many claim to be Grace preachers; and, yet teach somewhat otherwise. With these things stated, we are left with but one alternative. I shutter to think of how I would respond to these Truths without the help of Scriptural reference. With the Lord’s leadership and the counsel of students who have trod the path before us, I have been able to drink deeply of the Fresh Waters of Grace. It is hoped that the reader of this treatise will grow faithful to His Truth and able to tell it in the highways and hedges of our world today. This Periodical is printed by Gospel Publishing and Colportage, a ministry of the First Baptist

Church of Mineral Springs, NC, and is designed for education, evangelism, and edification. If we may assist you in knowing more about Christ and the Christian life, please write us without obligation: First Baptist Church of Mineral Springs PO Box 388, Mineral Springs, NC 28108 (704)843-3858

Psalms 107:2 S É S Romans 12:1-2

First Baptist Church PO Box 388 Mineral Springs, NC 28108