There is a long-time Christian teacher in our city, Russell. Jesus gives him a theme and he will work up a teaching series on that subject, find a location he can use, and let people know where and when to come. A great blessing to Jesus’ church here.
I was almost finished developing this "Who Am I?" tract and found Russell’s words very affirming; Jesus is tasking His church to address this problem. Many people in our world have difficulty knowing who they are. Some commentators call this an "epidemic". (If many nations are affected is it another "pandemic"?)
Psychologists and social commentators all around the world are working to alleviate what they call an "identity crisis". Jesus can help. Jesus is always the answer to every question!
My call to write this tract was sudden. I awoke one day knowing that I was to get started. Much of my research was already done; in 2019 I posted the article "Who Am I?" to PsalmsOfJohn.com, and a companion piece, "Why? Where From? Where To?" in which I discuss the Four Big Questions most people ask at some critical point in their life.
(I understand that Prince Phillip was a great help to Queen Elizabeth II when she had her "identity crisis" not long after her coronation. It was clear in her later years that our lovely Queen had a profound faith in Jesus, and a rich understanding of what her life, and all life, was about).
Writing
As I worked, I tried to keep in mind that many readers will be in pain, struggling in life. I sought to show that Jesus can be our "healer" (Matthew 9:35), and also the "founder and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews12:2). I share practical testimony from my own experience.
This tract is now available, with instructions, to be downloaded, printed, cut and folded, then given away. You may download PDF copies of from our website:
www.sd-alliance.church/tracts
The tract comprises six panels, can be read in a few minutes, and will fit in a shirt or jeans pocket. Be blessed in Jesus. Amen.
People are asking Who am I? Why am I here?
Happily
Jesus
Has answers |
Front panel – the invitation
Most people
ask these "Who" and "Why" questions, perhaps when they
feel hopeless. This is OK. Humans are
spirit, soul and body; every part of us needs to be nourished. The spiritual
world is real, and Jesus is head over that world. He can be found. He will
fill us with new life, purpose and hope. Jesus is the
God who created everything and then made humans in His image and likeness.
Our potential is boundless – even you, even me. This may seem impossible, but
it’s true. The beauty and
order of the world, the flowers, puppies, ice cream and sunsets show God's
loving design. Each of us was born with this same intention and purpose. God
wants us to know His desire and destiny for our life. 1 |
2nd panel – page 1
I moved around
a lot and lost touch with my old friends. Sure, I saw adventure and success,
then found life empty, shallow. I felt lost and without purpose. I asked
these "Who?" and "Why?" questions. Some excited
Christians befriended me, they showed me Jesus in their kindness and in their
lives. The Bible says Jesus is the God who reveals Himself (Bible: Amos 4:13;
John 14:17). Well, He did, and now I know Him. Jesus is a person, (the only
person ever who did no wrong), and we can be in relationship with Him, this
is His heart desire. I now have
great relationships and am at peace inside myself, I know joy and have hope
(Bible: Jeremiah 29:11). Thank you Jesus.
2 |
3rd panel – page 2
Every person
has free will, we choose to be kind or be mean, good or bad, fruitful or
wasteful. The bad stuff is called sin, and God cares about it. God's Son
Jesus came as a human to pay for all sin. He served all humanity. Everyone
knows hurt. Jesus heals the deepest hurt, He healed "all who came to
Him". Also, He taught, He comforted, He performed miracles. Then
Jesus was unjustly accused and killed; His blood paid for all our sins
(Bible: John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Through Jesus we can be free of guilt and
shame. Free to live a full life. Our worldview
represents our lifetime of learning and experience. It is our lens through
which we see the world; through it we reflect our-self to the world.
3 |
4th panel – page 3
Everybody has
a worldview, it is unique to us, our foundation for living. It shows what we
know to be "true" and "right" and "wrong". Is
your worldview clear? Consistent? How you want it to be?
Jesus shows
that every person is equal and precious, regardless of race, social
status or gender (Bible: Galatians 3:28). Jesus still teaches us how to live
and have hope, peace and joy (Bible books: Matthew, Mark, Luke & John). Also, our Father
God asks us to forgive those who have hurt or wronged us (Bible: Mark 11:25),
Can you do this? Or at least, try? Forgiving others helps set us free.
By John G © Southern Districts
Alliance Church, Western Australia. Quotes are
from World English Bible. You may download a PDF of this
tract from: www.SD-Alliance.church/tracts
to give away.
4 |
5th panel page 4
How Do We Become Christian?
Talk To God.
Many people
tell of how they found Jesus simply by asking. Our God is relational. Find a
quiet place, call out, talk to Jesus and Father God; this is called prayer.
You will be heard. Prayer works. Many have done this and agree. Soon you will
know that Jesus is responding. Draw near to Him by seeking truth. Look for
Christians you can relate to. Read and get to know Jesus' book, the Bible.
Continue to pray. Jesus says "my
peace I give to you" (Bible: John 14:27). We learn the truth of
this. Jesus becomes our "fortress", our "rock"
and our "salvation" (Bible: Psalm 18:2). If you have big problems
you are seeking big solutions. Seek Jesus, He will help. Bless you. God bless
us all. Amen. 5 |
6th and final panel – The "other" invitation: How to become a Christian.
Postscript: The Making Of A Tract
I have found that tract writing is not for the faint hearted; it is difficult but immensely satisfying. There are so many needs and constraints. Fortunately, friends are happy to help. And my friend Jesus is a kind and constant inspiration and contributor.
The specific "tract" needs I seek to meet are many - it needs to:
1 - be simple yet attractive - people decide to take one, or not, in an instant
2 - address a real felt need in people
3 - offer real hope
4 - be non threatening - not "churchy"
5 - reveal Jesus
6 – fully reflect Jesus’ New Covenant
7 - address salvation
8 - address sin in all of us
9 - address the reality of the spiritual world
10 - address trouble and also truth
11 - address worldview
12 - address the reality of the need of change in us
13 - contain meaningful Bible truths
14 - show how to become a Christian
15 - use clear language
16 - be physically small and quick to read
17 - be easily printed on regular sized paper anywhere in the world
18 - be free, no cost to the Christian giving them, or the person receiving.
Some of these needs were identified after I thought the job was done, so I went back and made room for that thought/concept/element to be included. In the finite 6-small-panel space, that meant deleting something or being more concise by using fewer or "better" words.
Because tracts are public documents, I felt it needed copyright. Our local church are happy to hold copyright and to host the tract. (www.PsalmsOfJohn.com is not set up for downloads).
The Bible verses needed attribution. I love the World English Bible; it comes free with free PC Bible software I have used for decades: e-Sword. (For a birthday I asked family members to pay for other translations too). WEB is a fine translation, and requires the simplest of attributions; space was at such a premium, my decision was easy (after careful research).
Because it is now a world standard, I use an A4 page, halved lengthwise, folded into three. This appears to be simple and clear to most people. This was frustrating, and fun, to get right.
The "chunks" of text had to be discrete "panel sized chunks". I would often play with a couple of sentences for an hour or more, changing words and phrases to get what-needed-to-be-said into the panel nicely.
Some tracts have a space where the Christian or local church can put their details. I chose not to do this, mainly because I believe that Holy Spirit will guide new believers to the local church of His choice. I have heard many testimonies of people who found a church and walked in, full of doubt and skepticism, only to be met by Jesus Himself, in His people there. Their testimony shows Jesus' love and readiness to welcome and grow His people.
This was a labour of love. I pray that our lovely Jesus will reveal Himself and draw lost and hurting people to Himself. Such blessing. Praise Jesus. Amen.
Favourite Bible Verses
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the Word of life" (1 John 1:1).
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Psalm 18:2).
"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins" (Mark 11:25 Jesus speaking).
Bless us all. "Come Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20). Amen.
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