One Soul For Fifty Dollars

One Soul For Fifty Dollars

- September 21, 2017

"He will ask for a discount", came the Lord's impression clearly as I stood inside the train on my way to work, where I was to meet a buyer for an item I was trying to sell online for some months now. I replied, "If he does Lord, I will exchange his price for a tract instead." That was that. I arrived at the studio thirty minutes later and settled in. A few minutes more I received a message that my buyer was already downstairs at the gate waiting. I hurried down but forgot to bring a tract so I ran back up to get one, apprehensive as usual, doubts racing through my mind: "It's embarrassing. He'll think you're weird. You heard wrong in the train anyway. Don't do it." I put it in my pocket and headed downstairs.

I shook his hand. A very pleasant man to talk to. We had a little talk about the item, his health, my wife's health, how similar their condition was, and a bit about his bike. Then just as the Lord said, he asked if he can get the item at a lower price. So I asked him what his budget was, then he said if I'd be willing to let it go for just $120. (I honestly thought he'd ask a discount just around the $10 range, as I was selling the item for $170 but I agreed last night to give it to him for just $140).

Having had a preamble from the Lord about what would happen, I just told him I am willing to let it go for his price if only he'd be kind enough to take a tract in exchange, and a promise that he'd read it. He was more than happy and accepted my gift, a while later conceding to give me the full amount, but I declined. We already had an agreement, and his reading a tract in exchange for a $50 discount is more than a good deal. It was a great deal! I told him that his soul is worth far more than $50.

We exchanged more pleasantries as he got in his car, thanking me. I was thanking the Lord. Is it a loss for me? It may seem so, but then again, it may not be. I am smiling inside thinking this may have very well been my most expensive tract :) Anyway, $50 will go just like that when I spend it, but for one precious soul to read about the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, the very power of God unto salvation, that is just priceless. God knows my need, and it's not money: it is HIM.

May he be pleased to see this planted seed grow in praise for his glory.

Comments

Kletos Covenantal Ministries is a small house gathering of Christians inside Brgy. Batia, Bocaue, Bulacan standing solely on the absolute authority, sufficiency, and inerrancy of God's Holy Word by the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God, the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are Presbyterian in church polity. We adhere strongly to the Westminster Confession of Faith (Larger and Smaller), the Athanasian and Nicene Creeds, and the Heidelberg Catechism. Our emphasis is on prayer, experimental/experiential preaching, the active proclamation of God's word in public, catechism, and daily intentional Family Worship in the homes.

Who I Am

I am a husband, and a father.

I am a mere recipient of my Father's mercy by the gracious merit of my Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ of God.
An unprofitable servant.

Raised as a Roman Catholic, lived like a demon for 24 years in that religion, became a "Christian" and joined a rich church twice, while living as a hypocrite for 19 more years, 14 of those in adultery. Finally found by Christ out of his own good mercy, convicted of my severe offenses, I realized I was helplessly lost. Regenerated and renewed according to the will of God through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Granted the gift of repentance and faith. Was saved. Washed in the blood of the Lamb. Passed from death unto life. Justified. Dying daily in sanctification. Soon to be glorified.

I pray in God's mercy that I may endure to the end carrying His name, proclaiming His kingdom, and preaching the good news of Christ's salvation, the good work of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, and the victorious power of the Resurrection unto sanctification which is in Christ Jesus, to all who will believe and behave the gospel.

I do not believe Christ saved me to merely hide inside a church building to be a good member, but He enlisted me to be a warring soldier for His kingdom to come; nor do I believe the Holy Spirit indwells in a believer and lets him live as the same old person prior to being saved. If, despite my service, the most Sovereign Lord assigns me to hell at the end, then I have no merit of my own to present to him for myself, other than that which is found in Christ. Though I deserve His justice, I can only plead His mercy. Regardless, God is still truly worthy of all service, worship, and praise.

I am in no way superior, more good, or better than the person I meet on the street. The only difference is I fully realize that I am a guilty criminal before God and that I rightly deserve to die under his justice, yet by His mercy and grace He forgave me - and so I am eternally grateful for this act of kindness that no good act in my entire life can ever truly repay. The common "churchian" knows this, yet has no evidence for it. I am of no such company.

Out of gratitude, I willingly set out to fulfill the Great Commission of proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ where all the fishes are - out on the street. Faithfully declaring the clear Gospel of repentance unto salvation, which is able to save to the uttermost, the newness of life in Christ, the persecution that comes with such profession, and the terrifying wrath & judgment of God to come upon the sons of disobedience.

If I lift Him up therefore, He will in turn draw His elect to Himself, thus glorifying the Father, who deserves the reverence He demands from all people and creation. May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward for his suffering.

Grace alone.
Faith Alone.
Christ alone.
Scripture alone.
For the glory of God alone.