HERE IS A BRIGHT JEWEL IN GOD'S WORD THAT WARNS OF A TERRIBLE BURNING, AND SPEAKS OF SALVATION

1. Jude is full of powerful wrath against apostates, but also precious love for their souls
2. v.22,23 -tells us how to handle the Apostates-if we get a chance before judgement falls
3. The phrase used, "Pluck them out of the Fire", reaches back 500 years to Minor Prophets-

And as God snatched some out and saved them as Jerusalem burned- so He saves some today

1.- SNATCHED AS A BRAND FROM THE BURNING!

We have all had some experience with fire-that could have destroyed us! Physical, Moral, ?fire

A. AMOS 4:11 TELLS OF A PEOPLE SAVED FROM BURNING AS A BRAND PLUCKED FROM A FIRE, YET FAITHLESS

1. Because of Sin- God had delivered Israel to the destroyers- yet he saved a remnant for Himself
2. But the very brands (souls) he saved did not appreciate what God had done for them-no repentance
3. It is of God's mercies that we also have not been destroyed by our own folly - appreciate it!

B.- ZECH 3:1-7 TELLS AGAIN OF A BRAND PLUCKED FROM THE BURNING, AND GARMENTS FILTHY WITH USE

1. God saved the Priest- in a time of crisis- to use him as a witness and a testimony
2. The filthy garment-(human flesh) pictures the sins of the priest, yet God gives new robe
3. We are told to hate the garment-spotted as one on a cadaver who died with loathsome plague

C.- THESE VERSES ARE INSCRIBED BY PERSONAL ORDER OF JOHN WESLEY UNDER ONE OF HIS PORTRATTS!

1. When he was 6-(1702) a fire came in his home- he was saved by a human ladder to 2nd story
2. He gave his life- 200 books, 40,000 sermons, 300,000 miles- 541 ministers-135,000 souls
3. what if some men had not braved the fire to save this little lad- 1 of 19 children? & what if he had not been scared?

We need a little burning to teach us to fear Flame-(my Salvation)

II. HOW TO HANDLE HOT APOSTATES (sinners)

The real miracle shown here- mercy and grace shown to Apostates- as well as severity!

A.- THERE IS A CHRISTIAN WAY TO HANDLE THOSE WHO ARE EVIL, EVEN THOUGH THEY OPPOSE THE GOSPEL

1. Some are honest Doubters- use patience, compassion,-instruct them, persuade them of Truth These are not a hopeless group but are just waiting for someone with experience to tell them
2. Some are Scoffers- need great earnestness- admonition- use Sword of Spirit- reprove, rebuke These need to know God's judgement-their consciences are not pricked by gentleness-
3. The Sensualists- approach with fear and caution-they preached sodomy & horrible sins- Though the garment must be hated-, they can sometimes be saved- need spiritually mature

B.- THERE ARE VICTORIES IN DEALING WITH ALL KINDS OF MEN, FOR THE LORD WILL SAVE SOME OF THEM

1. In Clifton-I wrestled with one called Communist.-Cleared the Church-& today his son is a minister
2. I have dealt with alcoholics, dope addicts, girls in trouble, homosexuals,-some in Cults, etc.-
3. Some have been saved-& with some I had to get tough! Flock must be protected

C.- TO BE A MINISTER OF GOD, TO COUNSEL SOULS, RESCUE THEM FROM BURNING, INVOLVES TWO EMOTIONS

1. You MUST Hate the sin- You'll be accused of judging,-but any plague must be stopped!-
2. You must love the sinner-even if you have to shoot one, sincere heartfelt love for soul!

III.- WOULD YOU HELP SAVE A CHILD FROM FIRE?

The real purpose for this sermon- the need for soulwinning! How to save a child- John Wesley!

A.- THERE ARE SOULS TODAY THAT NEED TO BE SNATCHED FROM FLAMING BONFIRES OF SIN AND DEBAUCHERY

1. Our age anything goes-, every unclean beast takes out his wickedness on children-
2. But the doors are open to witness too- VBS trying to reach young souls- any age
3. But some don't care have never seen a burned child! -physically, morally, spiritually- agony

B.- WE HAVE SOME OF THE BIGGEST FIREBUGS TODAY -- SOME BUILD FIRES WHILE OTHERS TRY TO SAVE SOULS

1. Prov 6:27-Fire to bosom? Some carelessly inflame passions- some do it deliberately! Dress!
2. Others show some compassion- and carry & clothe themselves as to cool hot passions- Thanks
3. In counselling- real danger, you know their temptation-be careful that you aren't tempted too

C. THERE ARE BRANDS TODAY THAT NEED TO BE SNATCHED FROM BURNING BEFORE IT IS ETERNALLY TOO LATE

1. Just because you are in church is no sign you are not hell bound- had enough to get saved?
2. Do you know someone who have been singed a little? now would be good time to witness to them
3. Be in Sunday School - & study Bible  - you might even have to form a human ladder to reach a soul!

A parade in NYC-several cars loaded, all kinds- & proud firemen marching behind-all saved

WHERE ARE THE PEOPLE WITH ENOUGH COMPASSION TO BE THE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR SOULS ?

1. Do you have enough compassion on yourself- or do you want to burn a little more yet?
2. Do you have enough compassion for a loved one to rush in & try to save?
3. Do you have enough compassion to try to save a stranger from a horrible flaming death?