It’s The Truth -- By: John Ballentine

Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 06:4 (Winter 1963)
Article: It’s The Truth
Author: John Ballentine


It’s The Truth

John Ballentine

Editor’s Note: Pastor John Ballentine has carried on a ministry through the local newspaper in St. James, Minnesota, and in Tyler, Minnesota, samples of which he; has provided for QUARTERLY readers. We trust this will challenge others concerning the possibility of such ministry.

Based upon his experiences, Rev. Ballentine has; provided the following reasons for using the public press: (1) The Bible says that we are to “publish glad tidings.” (2.) The principle is Biblical: “It is written.” Spoken words often die, or are forgotten. (3) You reach the multitudes! People discard tracts when they see a Scripture quotation but will often read what they pay for. (4) It is inexpensive compared to other types of evangelism. (5) Most people of other denominations would “not be caught dead” in the Baptist church, but the newspaper goes into all of their homes. (6) Non-Baptists find out what Baptists “really” believe, not what their church teaches or some rumor explains. It is PUBLIC information. (7) Items of current public interest are talked about by most people in small towns over the coffee cup. You can capitalize on this by making spiritual applications to these subjects, “gossipping the Gospel.” (8) You will be known by everyone (use a picture). People will talk and come to you because they feel they know you through your writing. (9) Does it pay off? God only knows. Noah “published” for some 120 years and only convinced a handful. Why not try it for three or four years? We have evidence of souls saved through our efforts.

Your Sword First

A French officer whose ship had been captured by Nelson, was brought on board the latter’s flag-ship. He walked up to the great admiral and offered him his hand. “No,” said Nelson, “your sword first, if you please.”

There are people today who would take Christ’s hand, They say, “Jesus is such a noble character; we are enamoured

of Him; we will walk with Him.” Nay, nay; not so fast. Your sword first; give up your rebellious will; admit your guilt, then Christ will take your hand with a grip that He will never relinquish.

You must know Him first as Saviour before you may hope to know Him as Friend. Jesus Christ is Lord.

As it is written. There is none righteous, no not one. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no not one (Rom. 3:10, 12).

The Bible teaches that man is an enemy of God until he surrenders himself for salvation by “the blood of the cross”. P...

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