If you have heard that witnessing to family and friends is hard, they are not lying!! I will have to give you some details so please hang with me. My sister Rhonda and her boy friend John came for a visit just before Thanksgiving. Rhonda is moving to Illinois to live with John. Rhonda has been living in Houston. We (my husband and I) have shared the Gospel many of times with Rhonda in the past. She has listened to Hell’s Best Kept Secret and True and False Conversion. Although this was our first time meeting John.
Since Rhonda called to tell me that she was moving to Illinois and they would be stopping by for a visit. I felt like we needed to share the Gospel by opening our mouths and speaking the TRUTH. (even though Richie was the one who did most of the talking) I started praying A LOT!! It is hard to share with family and friends. But I knew this is the most loving and compassionate thing we could say or do for them.
As we sat down to have dessert I asked John, what kind of religious back ground does he have? He shared that he went to church some as a child but not much. The influence he has had with church has made him out to feel dumb and stupid, because he didn’t know much about the bible. He also shared that he saw a lot of pretenders in the church.
Richie presented the law and gospel in a testimonial way. Richie told John how he looked at the 10 commandments and explained how it’s a mirror. The law does not save us but merely shows us how sinful we are. Richie told John he was going to share with him a true biblical gospel message. Richie explained the Cross, repentance and putting your faith and trust in God. John was very receptive, although my sister seemed to be a little put out. She never said anything, but her body language spoke volumes. I think she was concerned we would address their sin of living together.
We explained that we love them so much, that is why we share this with them. Richie and I cried buckets for what God did that night. Don’t know about you but talking to a stranger is fear filling, but talking to a family member is that much more fear filling. I have been learning to overcome the fear of man, in all areas of my life not just in evangelism.
Let this encourage you to speak the truth to your loved ones this Christmas season. Please pray for John and Rhonda's salvation. Thank you!!!
Looking to our Great King,
Renee
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
The Gospel According to Islam
This is an article by John MacArthur which I thought relevant to our evangelism endeavor. We must be sensitive to Muslims and learn more about them, their culture, and religion so that we might be effective witnesses for the Gospel. See the picture and my notes below.
Ever since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the already ecumenical climate in America has reached new heights. In an effort to distinguish between the extremist Muslim terrorists and the mainstream Muslim population, the media has called for an even higher level of tolerance and acceptance of the religion of Islam than usual.
In a 2002 issue of Newsweek, for instance, religion editor Kenneth Woodward asserts that “mere tolerance of other religions is not enough” and that “even the acceptance of other religions as valid paths to God is insufficient” (“How Should We Think About Islam?” Newsweek, December 31, 2001 / January 7, 2002, p. 104). According to Woodward, “the most important theological agenda of the new millennium” is for committed Christians, Jews, and Muslims to “find within their own traditions sound theological reasons for valuing other faiths without compromising their own” (ibid., pp. 104-05).
Sadly, the influence of this sentiment can be seen even in the church. In fact, in a relatively recent Christianity Today article, Wheaton College professor James Lewis recommends that Christians “seek Muslim prayer partners and together beseech the true, one and only God to have mercy on us” (“Does God Hear Muslims’ Prayers?” Christianity Today, February 4, 2002, p. 31).
When evangelicals capitulate and attempt to soften the offense of the gospel in this way, they blur the lines between the god of Islam and the God of the Bible. But now is not the time for blurring lines. Now is the time to draw lines—lines between truth and error, and between the one path to heaven and the many paths to hell.
Islam rejects the Trinity and the God of the Bible, insisting instead that Allah alone is the one true deity. It denies that Jesus is God, that He died on the cross, and that He was raised from the dead. Instead, say Muslims, Jesus was but one of thousands of prophets sent by Allah, the greatest of them being Mohammed. In other words, Jesus was merely a man.
Islam rejects the salvation of forgiveness through Christ, teaching that only Muslims can be saved. According to the Koran, if a person follows Islam and does enough good deeds to outweigh the bad, Allah may allow him to enter paradise, but even then he can’t be certain. The only sure pathway to heaven is killing and being killed in jihad, a holy war.
Islam gives lip service to the Bible as a holy book, but it undermines and denies every fundamental doctrine about sin and salvation taught in the Bible. In fact, Islam today is the most powerful system on earth for the destruction of biblical truth and Christianity—thousands of Christians are dying under Islamic persecution, especially in the Middle East, Africa, Indonesia, and other parts of Asia.
Clearly, Islam and Christianity are mutually exclusive. Both claim to be the only true way to God, but both cannot be right. There is no atonement in Islam, no forgiveness, no savior, and no assurance of eternal life. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of hope; Islam is a religion of hopelessness.
Making these kinds of distinctions may not be politically correct, but it is critical if the purity of the gospel is to be protected. Put simply, there is no salvation outside of Christ. When this truth is compromised, the gospel is abandoned—and so is the only hope that we can offer to those who are not our enemies, but rather our mission field.
I was having a great time talking with this Muslim family until my wife took a picture; no fault of Renee's. It was dusk and the flash went off, as soon as the flash went off the young man in the picture next to me went from willing to listen to very defense and no longer want me around. I apologized for offending them and politely bowed out of this witnessing encounter. Up until the picture I was engaged with these people; a word to the wise if you are witnessing to Muslims don't take pictures unless you can be sure they will be unawares.
Ever since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the already ecumenical climate in America has reached new heights. In an effort to distinguish between the extremist Muslim terrorists and the mainstream Muslim population, the media has called for an even higher level of tolerance and acceptance of the religion of Islam than usual.
In a 2002 issue of Newsweek, for instance, religion editor Kenneth Woodward asserts that “mere tolerance of other religions is not enough” and that “even the acceptance of other religions as valid paths to God is insufficient” (“How Should We Think About Islam?” Newsweek, December 31, 2001 / January 7, 2002, p. 104). According to Woodward, “the most important theological agenda of the new millennium” is for committed Christians, Jews, and Muslims to “find within their own traditions sound theological reasons for valuing other faiths without compromising their own” (ibid., pp. 104-05).
Sadly, the influence of this sentiment can be seen even in the church. In fact, in a relatively recent Christianity Today article, Wheaton College professor James Lewis recommends that Christians “seek Muslim prayer partners and together beseech the true, one and only God to have mercy on us” (“Does God Hear Muslims’ Prayers?” Christianity Today, February 4, 2002, p. 31).
When evangelicals capitulate and attempt to soften the offense of the gospel in this way, they blur the lines between the god of Islam and the God of the Bible. But now is not the time for blurring lines. Now is the time to draw lines—lines between truth and error, and between the one path to heaven and the many paths to hell.
Islam rejects the Trinity and the God of the Bible, insisting instead that Allah alone is the one true deity. It denies that Jesus is God, that He died on the cross, and that He was raised from the dead. Instead, say Muslims, Jesus was but one of thousands of prophets sent by Allah, the greatest of them being Mohammed. In other words, Jesus was merely a man.
Islam rejects the salvation of forgiveness through Christ, teaching that only Muslims can be saved. According to the Koran, if a person follows Islam and does enough good deeds to outweigh the bad, Allah may allow him to enter paradise, but even then he can’t be certain. The only sure pathway to heaven is killing and being killed in jihad, a holy war.
Islam gives lip service to the Bible as a holy book, but it undermines and denies every fundamental doctrine about sin and salvation taught in the Bible. In fact, Islam today is the most powerful system on earth for the destruction of biblical truth and Christianity—thousands of Christians are dying under Islamic persecution, especially in the Middle East, Africa, Indonesia, and other parts of Asia.
Clearly, Islam and Christianity are mutually exclusive. Both claim to be the only true way to God, but both cannot be right. There is no atonement in Islam, no forgiveness, no savior, and no assurance of eternal life. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of hope; Islam is a religion of hopelessness.
Making these kinds of distinctions may not be politically correct, but it is critical if the purity of the gospel is to be protected. Put simply, there is no salvation outside of Christ. When this truth is compromised, the gospel is abandoned—and so is the only hope that we can offer to those who are not our enemies, but rather our mission field.
I was having a great time talking with this Muslim family until my wife took a picture; no fault of Renee's. It was dusk and the flash went off, as soon as the flash went off the young man in the picture next to me went from willing to listen to very defense and no longer want me around. I apologized for offending them and politely bowed out of this witnessing encounter. Up until the picture I was engaged with these people; a word to the wise if you are witnessing to Muslims don't take pictures unless you can be sure they will be unawares.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Like father like daughter
One Friday evening I went out "fishing" with Richie and Renee who I meet on www.adventuresinchristianity.com and a group from their church. I talked with a young lady who was standing alone. I asked if she was with someone. She said she was with her dad. So I began talking with her about her beliefs. She said she believes that all people go to heaven after they die. I said across the board, everyone, no matter what. She said "thats just what I believe" I explain to her why that is not possible by taking her through the law. While I was still in the courtroom with her, so to speak, her dad walked up. So I started talking to him about the same thing. I asked him what he believes happens after you die. He said word for word what his daughter said. All go to heaven, no matter what "thats just what I believe". It was like I was talking to the same person and having the same conversation over again.
Finally I got to tell him that only those who are forgivien by Jesus will go to heaven everyone else will go to hell. He was like yea Jesus that's what I meant. I explain to him that is not what he said at first. He stared getting upset with me. So I let them go about their business. Of course not with out a million dollar bill.
The moral of the story is what you believe does affect your children. She was just as lost as he was. She had the same twisted beliefs he did. It was the blind father leading his blind daughter. Not a good thing. Be sure of what you believe. If you are squishy in your belief know that your children will be as well. If you have a low view of God chances are so will your children.
Final word of encouragement to all the fisher men and women. When you witness to someone you are not only witnessing to that person you are also witnessing to thier children as well. And possibly their childrens children. So be encouraged get out there and make a difference for Christ. God can use you to change the direction of generations to come.
Finally I got to tell him that only those who are forgivien by Jesus will go to heaven everyone else will go to hell. He was like yea Jesus that's what I meant. I explain to him that is not what he said at first. He stared getting upset with me. So I let them go about their business. Of course not with out a million dollar bill.
The moral of the story is what you believe does affect your children. She was just as lost as he was. She had the same twisted beliefs he did. It was the blind father leading his blind daughter. Not a good thing. Be sure of what you believe. If you are squishy in your belief know that your children will be as well. If you have a low view of God chances are so will your children.
Final word of encouragement to all the fisher men and women. When you witness to someone you are not only witnessing to that person you are also witnessing to thier children as well. And possibly their childrens children. So be encouraged get out there and make a difference for Christ. God can use you to change the direction of generations to come.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Rescuing them from the flames
"The saving of souls, if a man has once gained love to perishing sinners, and love to his blessed Master, will be an all-absorbing passion to him. It will so carry him away, that he will almost forget himself in the saving of others. He will be like the stout, brave fireman, who careth not for the scorch or for the heat, so that he may rescue the poor creature on whom true humanity hath set his heart. He must, he will pluck such a one from the burning, at any cost and expense to himself."
- Charles Spurgeon -
Who was the firefighter that Charles Spurgeon saw to get his analogy? Probably a member of the London Fire Brigade, dressed in nothing more than thick wool pants with suspenders and a thick woolen shirt along with a helmet to protect his head; having nothing to protect his lungs from the searing black smoke. With little regard for his own life he went about the business of rescuing perishing souls from burning buildings; braving the heat, smoke, and other dangers of the fire. This man whom Spurgeon saw was not like the firefighter of the 21st century with his fancy protective clothing, SCBA(breathing apparatus), composite helmet and, steel toe fire boots.
Will you be like this firefighter that Spurgeon so eloquently describes and care not for the scorching heat, the thick black smoke, and the dangers that you’ll face but rather disregard your own wants, desire, and needs(die to yourself) and plunge yourself into the raging fire so that you might pluck from it those who are perishing.
Let us be about the Lord’s business, shaking off the fear that binds us, and pray that the Lord would give us a personal Pentecost each and every day; may the Lord Bless you as you go about His business of seeking and saving the lost. That the Lamb that was slain might receive the reward of His suffering.
Stop sitting in the fire truck gripped with FEAR, stop making excuses on why you can't do this, but rather get out of the rig and start rescuing those who are perishing!
WOTM "The Firefighter"
- Charles Spurgeon -
Who was the firefighter that Charles Spurgeon saw to get his analogy? Probably a member of the London Fire Brigade, dressed in nothing more than thick wool pants with suspenders and a thick woolen shirt along with a helmet to protect his head; having nothing to protect his lungs from the searing black smoke. With little regard for his own life he went about the business of rescuing perishing souls from burning buildings; braving the heat, smoke, and other dangers of the fire. This man whom Spurgeon saw was not like the firefighter of the 21st century with his fancy protective clothing, SCBA(breathing apparatus), composite helmet and, steel toe fire boots.
Will you be like this firefighter that Spurgeon so eloquently describes and care not for the scorching heat, the thick black smoke, and the dangers that you’ll face but rather disregard your own wants, desire, and needs(die to yourself) and plunge yourself into the raging fire so that you might pluck from it those who are perishing.
Let us be about the Lord’s business, shaking off the fear that binds us, and pray that the Lord would give us a personal Pentecost each and every day; may the Lord Bless you as you go about His business of seeking and saving the lost. That the Lamb that was slain might receive the reward of His suffering.
Stop sitting in the fire truck gripped with FEAR, stop making excuses on why you can't do this, but rather get out of the rig and start rescuing those who are perishing!
WOTM "The Firefighter"
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
The Barracks or The Battlefield
"Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier." 2 Timothy 2:3,4 (NASB)
"A barracks is meant to be a place where real soldiers were to be fed and equipped for war, not a place to settle down in or as a comfortable snuggery in which to enjoy ourselves. I hope that if ever they, our soldiers, do settle down God will burn their barracks over their heads!" Catherine Booth (wife of William Booth founder of the Salvation Army)
I was recently reflecting on my time in the United States Army and remembering what it was like. For those reading this post you may not know that I was a combat soldier; combat soldier? yes if I were still in the army and in Iraq right now I would be on the front lines engaging the enemy. I was fortunate though to have never seen combat. We would spend weeks at a time training as if we were at war; this meant we had to go the "field" and play war games. While we were in the field we would be given an opportunity to come back to the barracks to get a hot shower and maybe a little rest but it wouldn't be long before we would have to leave the barracks and go right back to the training; were it seemed like it was always a hardship. It was either hot and muggy during the summer time or cold and wet during the winter time.
How can this speak to us a Christians? We must get out of the comfy cozy barracks and get on to the battlefield. We must discipline and train ourselves to be soldiers of Christ Jesus. The primary tasks that we have been given by our LORD is to seek and save the lost, to go and make disciples (other soldiers who are disciplined), to preach the Gospel to every creature. If we remain in the barracks than we aren't obeying the voice of our commander. We must endure the hardships that are involved with being a soldier and be intentional about the LORD's work.
"A barracks is meant to be a place where real soldiers were to be fed and equipped for war, not a place to settle down in or as a comfortable snuggery in which to enjoy ourselves. I hope that if ever they, our soldiers, do settle down God will burn their barracks over their heads!" Catherine Booth (wife of William Booth founder of the Salvation Army)
I was recently reflecting on my time in the United States Army and remembering what it was like. For those reading this post you may not know that I was a combat soldier; combat soldier? yes if I were still in the army and in Iraq right now I would be on the front lines engaging the enemy. I was fortunate though to have never seen combat. We would spend weeks at a time training as if we were at war; this meant we had to go the "field" and play war games. While we were in the field we would be given an opportunity to come back to the barracks to get a hot shower and maybe a little rest but it wouldn't be long before we would have to leave the barracks and go right back to the training; were it seemed like it was always a hardship. It was either hot and muggy during the summer time or cold and wet during the winter time.
How can this speak to us a Christians? We must get out of the comfy cozy barracks and get on to the battlefield. We must discipline and train ourselves to be soldiers of Christ Jesus. The primary tasks that we have been given by our LORD is to seek and save the lost, to go and make disciples (other soldiers who are disciplined), to preach the Gospel to every creature. If we remain in the barracks than we aren't obeying the voice of our commander. We must endure the hardships that are involved with being a soldier and be intentional about the LORD's work.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Street fishing...Literally
I wonder if this is what goes through people mind when I tell them I am going street fishing.
Get Funny Pictures at pYzam.com
Get Funny Pictures at pYzam.com
My new high.
This Friday I spent my evening a lot different than I use to. My BC (before Christ) Fridays were spent partying, drinking, getting high and well you name it. This Friday I spent my time handing out tracts and talking to people about the gospel of Christ. Thank you Richie and his group for inviting me to go out with them to the Highlands in Arlington. It was a great time. I also loved meeting new brothers and sisters of the faith. It was such a better high than I use to get. I use to stay up all night getting high and the next day feeling like junk. This morning I felt great. Oh what a joy it is to serve our God. It is the least I can do for a God that pulled me out of a pit of filth that i put myself in. It saddens my heart to think of those people who are still enslaved to the worlds pleasures. Only 5 years ago if you came up to me on the streets I would have blown you off, because I believed I was a Christian all the while spending more money on dope than most people spend on food. Then like Paul said the Law showed me my sins and killed me. Thank God he loves the scum of the earth. I am proof that He does. I can't wait to go out again. What a high! To God be all the glory. I hate to think where I would be right now if He hadn't have saved me.
I was open air preaching and didn't even know it!
Wow! God is so GOOD! I am overwhelmed with what an awesome God we serve. He has done so many great and wonderful things I don’t know where to start. We had a team of 7 go out last night and share the gospel. It was a lot of fun, but before I start I want to back up a little. About 2 months ago our Pastor, Pastor Ken shared in church about a witnessing opportunity he had. He mentioned while sharing with the whole church how he wants to be motivated by love and compassion for the lost, rather than just a sense of duty or obligation. That really spoke to me. I had to examine myself, are my motives pure, loving, having genuine compassion and concern for the lost? I must confess there were times my heart was not right, I wanted the glory for the outcome. I would encourage you to ask yourself this question, what is your purpose in sharing your faith? My purpose (especially after examining my heart) in sharing my faith is to bring God glory! God can draw those He wants without our help. But He gives us the privilege to help Him. We are His instruments here on earth. That should motivate us! So as I share this adventure remember to God be the glory. It is Him working in me, that I am able to overcome the fear of man and share my faith.
We all met at Wal-Mart and then car pooled to Arlington. We started out tonight splitting up into groups at a large out door shopping center. There were a lot of people just mingling around. We handed out several tracts and spoke to a few people about the gospel. We headed back to Cedar Hill just before nine.
As we made our way back to Cedar Hill Wal-Mart we parked and were getting ready to leave. I saw a huge group of High School guys (Probably half of the football team from Cedar Hill). I was eager and wanted to give ALL of those boys a gospel tract. I caught them and started handing out Million Dollar tracts. When I first approach them there where about 10-15 of them. After I started talking to them another 10 guys showed up. So I had to RAISE my voice so that I could be heard. I didn’t even know it but I was OPEN AIR PREACHING!! I took them through the law, talked to them about judgment and shared the good news of the gospel. I wasn’t really nervous until Pastor Phil, Richie, Michelle and Gary came over to listen. But what did I expect I was surrounded by about 20-25 young teen boys. It was a very exciting night and I have to say this is an adventure I will NEVER forget. Before last night I never had a desire to Open Air and now I am thinking maybe I CAN do this. Trust me when I say this, if you had told me 2 years ago that I would be standing in a Wal-Mart parking lot sharing the gospel, almost SHOUTING I would have laughed. I want to make sure that our God receives ALL glory I am a fallible person serving an infallible God. My goal in sharing this with you is to encourage you. Let this challenge you and allow God to use you in ways you never knew possible.
At His Feet,
Renee
We all met at Wal-Mart and then car pooled to Arlington. We started out tonight splitting up into groups at a large out door shopping center. There were a lot of people just mingling around. We handed out several tracts and spoke to a few people about the gospel. We headed back to Cedar Hill just before nine.
As we made our way back to Cedar Hill Wal-Mart we parked and were getting ready to leave. I saw a huge group of High School guys (Probably half of the football team from Cedar Hill). I was eager and wanted to give ALL of those boys a gospel tract. I caught them and started handing out Million Dollar tracts. When I first approach them there where about 10-15 of them. After I started talking to them another 10 guys showed up. So I had to RAISE my voice so that I could be heard. I didn’t even know it but I was OPEN AIR PREACHING!! I took them through the law, talked to them about judgment and shared the good news of the gospel. I wasn’t really nervous until Pastor Phil, Richie, Michelle and Gary came over to listen. But what did I expect I was surrounded by about 20-25 young teen boys. It was a very exciting night and I have to say this is an adventure I will NEVER forget. Before last night I never had a desire to Open Air and now I am thinking maybe I CAN do this. Trust me when I say this, if you had told me 2 years ago that I would be standing in a Wal-Mart parking lot sharing the gospel, almost SHOUTING I would have laughed. I want to make sure that our God receives ALL glory I am a fallible person serving an infallible God. My goal in sharing this with you is to encourage you. Let this challenge you and allow God to use you in ways you never knew possible.
At His Feet,
Renee
Sowing on Sabbatical
Just because I'm on sabbatical doesn't mean I won't be out sowing seeds (talking to people about the reality of sin, death, judgment, and God's Grace). I don't consider that only a part of my job, but also a part of my personal life.
Last evening Michelle and I, along with Richie F., Renee F., Javier J., and Gary K. went to the new Highlands outdoor shopping mall in Arlington for a witnessing outing. As we drove together we prayed for boldness, clarity in our speech and for divine appointments. As always the LORD was faithful. We broke up into teams of two and after 75 minutes or so we met up to tell our stories. Each person was indeed bold in their witnessing and the LORD did provide appointments.
My divine appointment was with Cheryl. Cheryl and her (girl) friend were sitting at a table outside an ice cream store enjoying some ice cream in a cup. I approached them with Million Dollar Bill tracts. Then transitioned the conversation quickly to spiritual matters by asking them if they thought they were good enough to go to heaven. Cheryl responded that she thought she was. I then pulled out two Ten Commandment coins and aksed if I could ask them a few questions to see if they were indeed good enough. They agreed and off I went through the commandments.
After confessing to be lying, theiving, blaspheming, adulterers at heart, they agreed that they would be in trouble on jugment day if God didn't forgive them. Cheryl then said that she was glad that God was a forgiving God. I then began to talk about the necessity of repentance--that without repentance there is no pardon. After several stories and illustrations I asked them if they had repented of their sin and turned to God. Cheryl admitted that she had not done so. I then asked her what was keeping her from doing so. I urged her to repent of her sin and turn to God and place her trust in Jesus. I asked her to carefully consider all that I had said to her.
And as I parted company with them, I looked Cheryl in the eyes and said, "Make sure before you close your eyes tonight you tell God how sorry you are for you sins and that you are repenting and turning from them to him, and ask his forgiveness. If you do, He will forgive you and give you eternal life rght then." Then, I said that I wanted to see her again when we get to eternity. With a big smile on her face she thrust her hand out to shake mine and she thanked me for talking to them.
When you learn to speak to a person's conscience, rather than to their intellect, you can make an eternal difference in a stangers life in just 5 or 10 minutes!
Last evening Michelle and I, along with Richie F., Renee F., Javier J., and Gary K. went to the new Highlands outdoor shopping mall in Arlington for a witnessing outing. As we drove together we prayed for boldness, clarity in our speech and for divine appointments. As always the LORD was faithful. We broke up into teams of two and after 75 minutes or so we met up to tell our stories. Each person was indeed bold in their witnessing and the LORD did provide appointments.
My divine appointment was with Cheryl. Cheryl and her (girl) friend were sitting at a table outside an ice cream store enjoying some ice cream in a cup. I approached them with Million Dollar Bill tracts. Then transitioned the conversation quickly to spiritual matters by asking them if they thought they were good enough to go to heaven. Cheryl responded that she thought she was. I then pulled out two Ten Commandment coins and aksed if I could ask them a few questions to see if they were indeed good enough. They agreed and off I went through the commandments.
After confessing to be lying, theiving, blaspheming, adulterers at heart, they agreed that they would be in trouble on jugment day if God didn't forgive them. Cheryl then said that she was glad that God was a forgiving God. I then began to talk about the necessity of repentance--that without repentance there is no pardon. After several stories and illustrations I asked them if they had repented of their sin and turned to God. Cheryl admitted that she had not done so. I then asked her what was keeping her from doing so. I urged her to repent of her sin and turn to God and place her trust in Jesus. I asked her to carefully consider all that I had said to her.
And as I parted company with them, I looked Cheryl in the eyes and said, "Make sure before you close your eyes tonight you tell God how sorry you are for you sins and that you are repenting and turning from them to him, and ask his forgiveness. If you do, He will forgive you and give you eternal life rght then." Then, I said that I wanted to see her again when we get to eternity. With a big smile on her face she thrust her hand out to shake mine and she thanked me for talking to them.
When you learn to speak to a person's conscience, rather than to their intellect, you can make an eternal difference in a stangers life in just 5 or 10 minutes!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
WHO CARES?
Click on the link below to check out the article by Salvation Army founder General William Booth that inspired this painting.
http://www.lastdaysministries.org/articles/whocares.html
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Overcoming My Fears
When I first heard about Way of the Master a few years ago, it really intrigued me because I had always felt the need to share my faith, but I didn’t ever feel equipped. I worried about getting into intellectual battles that I couldn’t win and getting stumped with questions I wasn’t ready for. I needed some sort of outline or idea of what to say before I started a conversation about eternity. Tracts definitely help a lot because they give you a way into the conversation and act as an ice breaker if you don’t know how to start. I also enjoyed the survey technique we used today more than I had expected. I wasn’t too sure about it at first, but it seemed to work pretty well with the few people we got to share with. It was easier to talk with people when you had your questions written down right in front of you. I think this would be an easy ice breaker for witnessing just about anywhere, but I know it works well going door to door.
I am a pretty shy person and talking to strangers doesn’t always come easily for me. In the last year or two I have become more outgoing, but it still scares me to death every time I go out and share my faith. Each time I go out it gets a little bit easier. This morning I prayed for courage and boldness in speaking with the people that I met. I asked God to completely take away that fear because I knew it was not from him. And he did. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I was. I know that I will probably get nervous the next time I go, but it was encouraging to be able to get past that fear and share the truth with a few people. I can tell that God is using many different things in my life to help me get out of my comfort zone and allow myself to be used by him. I now realize that being shy or having a quiet personality is not an acceptable excuse not to share your faith. If I can do it, anyone can. :)
Amy
I am a pretty shy person and talking to strangers doesn’t always come easily for me. In the last year or two I have become more outgoing, but it still scares me to death every time I go out and share my faith. Each time I go out it gets a little bit easier. This morning I prayed for courage and boldness in speaking with the people that I met. I asked God to completely take away that fear because I knew it was not from him. And he did. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I was. I know that I will probably get nervous the next time I go, but it was encouraging to be able to get past that fear and share the truth with a few people. I can tell that God is using many different things in my life to help me get out of my comfort zone and allow myself to be used by him. I now realize that being shy or having a quiet personality is not an acceptable excuse not to share your faith. If I can do it, anyone can. :)
Amy
Door to Door: August 11, 2007
Today was a great day of evangelism; Renee, Amy O'Ferrall, and I went out for two hours knocking on doors. We went to the neighborhood directly behind the church and had a great time sharing the Gospel with those who God allowed us to talk with. It was an honor to be out today bringing glory to the Father as we were faithfully to sow the seed of Gospel.
We knocked on quite a few doors today; we got rejected, we knock on numerous doors with no one home, and we were fortunate to talk with about six people about eternity.
As I was walking from house to house and made several trips to go get the car I had lots of time to think. I thought about what the needs were going to be in the future as we continue to maintain this door to door evangelism ministry. I was doing some research on door to door evangelism before going out and one of the suggestions that are given is to offer the people in which you are talking with some free yard work, painting, or other handyman work around their house. The information that I read stated that most people won't take you up on the offer but before you offer any type of service/outreach you need to have a team ready and in place to do these things if the need arises. Needless to say we didn't offer any of these services but I thought in the future we should. I began to think about the army and some of the different types of units that comprise it. You have armor and infantry which are on the frontlines in the heat of the battle, you have artillery which provides fire support for the armor and infantry, you have the engineers who build things or clear the way for the frontline soldiers, and you have forward support which provide things like vehicle maintenance, food, fuel, bullets, etc.
With these thoughts in mind I began thinking about what we would need to make this evangelism ministry more effective. We certainly need to enlist more frontline soldiers; I am trusting God that He is raising up laborers; this is our infantry. If we are going to offer outreach types of services we need an outreach team(s), ready to go, to provide what ever it is these people may need or request; I equate these to engineers. We need people committed to pray for the evangelism team every time we go out; this is our artillery. We also need support so that we can have gospel tracts, Bibles, door hangers, water, babysitters who volunteer their time; those who help out in this area are our forward support. People can help by donating time, water, finances, etc.
This is not something I see coming together overnight but as we are faithful to God's calling we can create a fighting force that works together to reach out to the community around our church and the communities in which we live to see lives changed and transformed by the power of God for His glory as we work together to see the church and our communities break forth in revival.
We knocked on quite a few doors today; we got rejected, we knock on numerous doors with no one home, and we were fortunate to talk with about six people about eternity.
As I was walking from house to house and made several trips to go get the car I had lots of time to think. I thought about what the needs were going to be in the future as we continue to maintain this door to door evangelism ministry. I was doing some research on door to door evangelism before going out and one of the suggestions that are given is to offer the people in which you are talking with some free yard work, painting, or other handyman work around their house. The information that I read stated that most people won't take you up on the offer but before you offer any type of service/outreach you need to have a team ready and in place to do these things if the need arises. Needless to say we didn't offer any of these services but I thought in the future we should. I began to think about the army and some of the different types of units that comprise it. You have armor and infantry which are on the frontlines in the heat of the battle, you have artillery which provides fire support for the armor and infantry, you have the engineers who build things or clear the way for the frontline soldiers, and you have forward support which provide things like vehicle maintenance, food, fuel, bullets, etc.
With these thoughts in mind I began thinking about what we would need to make this evangelism ministry more effective. We certainly need to enlist more frontline soldiers; I am trusting God that He is raising up laborers; this is our infantry. If we are going to offer outreach types of services we need an outreach team(s), ready to go, to provide what ever it is these people may need or request; I equate these to engineers. We need people committed to pray for the evangelism team every time we go out; this is our artillery. We also need support so that we can have gospel tracts, Bibles, door hangers, water, babysitters who volunteer their time; those who help out in this area are our forward support. People can help by donating time, water, finances, etc.
This is not something I see coming together overnight but as we are faithful to God's calling we can create a fighting force that works together to reach out to the community around our church and the communities in which we live to see lives changed and transformed by the power of God for His glory as we work together to see the church and our communities break forth in revival.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Making Evangelism a Lifestyle
If you recall I mentioned to all who were present Friday night that we needed to make evangelism a lifestyle. I know that it is easier said than done but we need to be ready to share in season and out of season. You are right it is a whole lot easier when you have set aside the time and have a partner to go with you but we should not wait until the next time the fishing team is going out to witness. I would encourage you think about how you can make evangelism a part of your every day life. The more you get out there and find someone to witness to the more comfortable you will feel. When your knees begin to shake, your palms begin to sweat, and your spine feels like it is going to turn to jello that should be when you turn to the Lord in prayer and ask Him for courage and compassion. Courage is not the absence of fear but rather acting rightly despite your fear.
I have heard several people say to me well this is your thing and this comes easy to you. They assume that because I have an outgoing personality that I am automatically good at evangelism. They also assume that because I am so passionate about evangelism that it must come easy for me. I must admit there are times that I am gripped with fear and don't want to open my mouth but I know that I must and many times I have to force myself to break the ice. I have had to trained myself by watching videos, reading books, listening to audio messages, and getting out there and doing it.
You might be asking so how do I make evangelism a lifestyle: 1) don't leave the house without tracts, find a tract that you like and use it; whether it is the million dollar bill, the pink and blue optical illusion, or some other tract. 2) Don't just take the tracts out of the house but hand them out while you are out and about. 3) Work on witness more often then you are right now, if you are only witnessing once or twice a month make a point to witness more often. Have someone hold you accountable. 4) The more you witness the easy it becomes, work on memorizing scripture needed for evangelism. 5) Listen to Hells' Best Kept Secret and True and False Conversions, learn many of the analogies and parables that Ray uses and incorporate them into your encounters.
I hope this has helped, be on the lookout for the next issue of Making Evangelism a Lifestyle.
Most people find it easy to talk to God about men, but find it rather difficult to talk to men about God.
Get out there and find someone to share the Gospel with because people are dying and going to hell.
This life, in brief
Posted today on teampyro.blogspot.com
by Dan Phillips
Proverbic distillation:
For the Christian, all misery is temporary.
For the non-Christian, all pleasure is temporary.
More poetically:
The sorrows of the godly are fleeting,
As are the pleasures of the wicked.
Scriptures:
Line A:
Psalm 16:11; 23:6; 73:23-26; Isaiah 24:1-9; Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 6:20-23; Romans 8:18, 28-39; 16:20; 2 Corinthians 4:16 — 5:10; James 1:2-3, 12; 1 Peter 1:5-6; 5:10; 1 John 2:17; Revelation 21:4; 22
Line B:
Psalm 1:4-6; 17:14a; 37:10; 73:16-20; Proverbs 10:28; 11:7; Matthew 16:26; Luke 6:24-26; 12:16-21; 16:19-31; Romans 2:5, 9; Colossians 3:5-6; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Hebrews 11:25b; James 5:1-6; 1 John 2:17; Revelation 20:10, 15; 21:8
Conclusion: Take heart, or fear — as appropriate.
by Dan Phillips
Proverbic distillation:
For the Christian, all misery is temporary.
For the non-Christian, all pleasure is temporary.
More poetically:
The sorrows of the godly are fleeting,
As are the pleasures of the wicked.
Scriptures:
Line A:
Psalm 16:11; 23:6; 73:23-26; Isaiah 24:1-9; Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 6:20-23; Romans 8:18, 28-39; 16:20; 2 Corinthians 4:16 — 5:10; James 1:2-3, 12; 1 Peter 1:5-6; 5:10; 1 John 2:17; Revelation 21:4; 22
Line B:
Psalm 1:4-6; 17:14a; 37:10; 73:16-20; Proverbs 10:28; 11:7; Matthew 16:26; Luke 6:24-26; 12:16-21; 16:19-31; Romans 2:5, 9; Colossians 3:5-6; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Hebrews 11:25b; James 5:1-6; 1 John 2:17; Revelation 20:10, 15; 21:8
Conclusion: Take heart, or fear — as appropriate.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Meeting Manny
On Friday night I saw the Holy Spirit work in many people's hearts, but one particular guy sticks out in my mind. In front of the UA in Grand Prairie on the opening night of the Simpsons there was, needless to say, quite a crowd. I had been sharing with two young men who responded mostly with sarcasm and ridicule, and, while I was faithful to plant the seed of the gospel and warn them of their need for repentance and faith, I was still somewhat discouraged after the conversation. Neverthless, the Lord strengthened me with boldness to continue. I moved around for a minute and saw a teenage guy waiting for a ride. I knew the Lord wanted me to share with him, so I quickly offered him a million. He flatly refused and turned the other way. In my mind I thought, "Oh no! Another hard heart." I decided to try the pink and blues, so I said, "Can I just ask you one question? Which one looks bigger?"
The little optical illusion amused him enough that I was able to begin a conversation and was able to share the gospel with him. By the end of the conversation, I felt that he and I had built a connection and that he felt the love of Christ coming through me. He was very receptive to what I said and agreed to consider the gospel message. We shook hands and he sincerely thanked me for talking to him.
The Lord is very good.
The little optical illusion amused him enough that I was able to begin a conversation and was able to share the gospel with him. By the end of the conversation, I felt that he and I had built a connection and that he felt the love of Christ coming through me. He was very receptive to what I said and agreed to consider the gospel message. We shook hands and he sincerely thanked me for talking to him.
The Lord is very good.
Talking With Eric About Eternity
On Friday night I had the privilege of talking with Eric; he was at the lake with his son doing some fishing. As I began to talk with Eric he was quick to point out that he attend such and such Church. This didn't stop me from continuing to talk with him.
I have learned just because someone tells me they are a Christian or that they go to such and such church I don't back down, I stick with it until I get some answers that assure me that this person understands repentance and faith. I'm not belligerent about this I just lovingly continue with my conversation and many times decide to witness to them using the testimonial style rather than a more direct approach. Often these people do prove by their speech that they are believers but my experience has been that I am able to encourage and build up those who I talk to when I have spent the time to witness them. At other times those who make a profession of faith have never truly been born again and need to hear the Gospel message.
Come to find out Eric had never been born again even though he attended .... church. I shared with Eric testimonial style and then put it back on him and then took him through the law. We talked about sin, righteousness, God's wrath, and our need to repent and trust the Savior. Eric was very pleased that we talked; I encouraged Eric not go to sleep without thinking about the fact that God's wrath was pointed right at him. I gave Eric a pocket testament and encouraged him to read it. I pray that the Holy Spirit would draw Eric to repentance.
I have learned just because someone tells me they are a Christian or that they go to such and such church I don't back down, I stick with it until I get some answers that assure me that this person understands repentance and faith. I'm not belligerent about this I just lovingly continue with my conversation and many times decide to witness to them using the testimonial style rather than a more direct approach. Often these people do prove by their speech that they are believers but my experience has been that I am able to encourage and build up those who I talk to when I have spent the time to witness them. At other times those who make a profession of faith have never truly been born again and need to hear the Gospel message.
Come to find out Eric had never been born again even though he attended .... church. I shared with Eric testimonial style and then put it back on him and then took him through the law. We talked about sin, righteousness, God's wrath, and our need to repent and trust the Savior. Eric was very pleased that we talked; I encouraged Eric not go to sleep without thinking about the fact that God's wrath was pointed right at him. I gave Eric a pocket testament and encouraged him to read it. I pray that the Holy Spirit would draw Eric to repentance.
Sowing Seed into Chavo's Life
I too was thrilled to see a good turnout Friday night at Lakeside Park. Right off the bat the Lord provided a divine appointment for me and Steve (my partner for the evening) with Chavo--a middle aged catholic man. He reluctantly received my Million Dollar Bill tract, then agreed to talk about the Million Dollar Question on the back. He was somewhat skeptical of us at first, even asking us what we were doing in the park. But, after we began talking about the reality of sin, death, judgment, hell, God's amazing grace in Jesus and our need to repent and trust Jesus, he began to warm up to us. He was glad we talked with him about such important matters. It turns out that he lived relatively close to our church building, so I gave him one of my cards and invited him to our Sunday Celebration. I praise God for this opportunity to sow the seed of the gosepl into Chavo's life and I pray and trust that the Holy Spirit will bring him to repentance and faith.
Pastor Phil
Pastor Phil
Great First Night!
I was thrilled to see all those who came out to participate on Friday night. We spent about an hour at Lakeside Park and then split up and went to some of the local cinemas. Wes, Kelly, Amy, and Jessica went to United Artist in Grand Prairie; Wes, Amy, and Jessica all said they had a great time witnessing one to one. Kelly have a few dollars so Wes used that opportunity to draw a crowd and preach open air; way to go Wes. The rest of us went to the Cinemark in Cedar Hill where Pastor Phil, Renee, Michelle, and I did some one to one. I pray that all of those who received a tract, had a one to one conversation with one of the fishers, or heard Wes preach would be drawn by the Holy Spirit unto repentance.
A Little About Me
I have been actively sharing my faith for a little over a year now after taking the Way of the Master basic training course in the spring of 2006. I remember after finishing the class having a overwhelming desire to witness but lacking the courage to actually get out there and do it. I immediately after finishing the class began to hand out tracts and leave some in places where people would find them.
A few months after the class I began sharing my faith by witnessing to others. Since then I have been working hard to learn more about Biblical Evangelism by spending time with Pastor Phil, listening to sermons, watching videos, and plodding my way through the School of Biblical Evangelism; a 101 lesson course that will equip you to share your faith.
In January I got promoted and moved to a position in the fire deparment that requires me to work five days a week. I have been taking the DART light rail to work so I use my time in the evening to witness to others. The LORD has truly used the past seven months to grow me in my faith and hone my skills. I give Him praise for this opportunity to serve Him.
A Little About Me
I have been actively sharing my faith for a little over a year now after taking the Way of the Master basic training course in the spring of 2006. I remember after finishing the class having a overwhelming desire to witness but lacking the courage to actually get out there and do it. I immediately after finishing the class began to hand out tracts and leave some in places where people would find them.
A few months after the class I began sharing my faith by witnessing to others. Since then I have been working hard to learn more about Biblical Evangelism by spending time with Pastor Phil, listening to sermons, watching videos, and plodding my way through the School of Biblical Evangelism; a 101 lesson course that will equip you to share your faith.
In January I got promoted and moved to a position in the fire deparment that requires me to work five days a week. I have been taking the DART light rail to work so I use my time in the evening to witness to others. The LORD has truly used the past seven months to grow me in my faith and hone my skills. I give Him praise for this opportunity to serve Him.
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