10/31/10 Anna and Ben, both 30 or so
Our churches "Harvest Party" is a way in which we offer a positive alternative to Halloween and a way to capture the energy of the parents and kids who pass by our church doors and use it to help share the gospel. Like much evangelism in the church today this could be called "event evangelism", in which Christians invite unbelievers to a church service, special event, gospel concert, or the like. There it is hoped that they will hear the gospel from the pastor up front or whoever else is running the program. However its easy to try to replace the "go" of the Great Commission - a command meant for all Christians, with "come" to our meeting, putting much of the burden for evangelism on "professionals". I wish more pastors would encourage and set an example of street witnessing, because if they did they would have a good number of church members actively sharing their faith with newcomers who attend such events. I met Anna and Ben (not real names) at the Harvest Party and found out that, despite some church involvement, they really didn't understand that faith in Jesus alone is the basis for salvation. I'm glad my experience in witnessing in the world has helped prepare me for witnessing in the church.
Gospel conversations from the streets and marketplace....
10/30/10 Jose, about 40
As Jesus used the law to show a rich young man his sin and need for salvation, he "looked at him and loved him" (Mark 10:21). Jesus was about to show this proud young man how far he was from God, but he did it with love. Only in the Spirit can we find the right balance of "speaking the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15) Without the Spirit, we will be tossed back and forth by every wind of teaching, (Eph. 4:14) sometimes speaking truth without love, and sometimes trying to speak lovingly without truth. As I spoke with Jose, who was out for a bike ride at the park today, I found that my limited Spanish put me in danger of being misunderstood and not being able to find that delicate balance of love and truth, of either sounding condemning and judgmental like a Pharisee or treating God's law and justice in a trite and flippant manner that fails to communicate God's authority and power. Since I felt in danger of being severely misunderstood, I switched over to testimony mode, telling how I personally have broken God's law and deserve the punishment of hell, but that Jesus had died in my place on the cross but rose from the dead to conquer death. I do this so as not to be misunderstood, or sometimes when I am running short on time and feeling the need to summarize the gospel. Jose protested when I told him this saying "But you are such a good person!" Though it may not have as much of a personal impact as the 'good person test", it still helps to bring home the point that "no one is good, but God alone" (Mark 10:18), and showing our need for Jesus.
As Jesus used the law to show a rich young man his sin and need for salvation, he "looked at him and loved him" (Mark 10:21). Jesus was about to show this proud young man how far he was from God, but he did it with love. Only in the Spirit can we find the right balance of "speaking the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15) Without the Spirit, we will be tossed back and forth by every wind of teaching, (Eph. 4:14) sometimes speaking truth without love, and sometimes trying to speak lovingly without truth. As I spoke with Jose, who was out for a bike ride at the park today, I found that my limited Spanish put me in danger of being misunderstood and not being able to find that delicate balance of love and truth, of either sounding condemning and judgmental like a Pharisee or treating God's law and justice in a trite and flippant manner that fails to communicate God's authority and power. Since I felt in danger of being severely misunderstood, I switched over to testimony mode, telling how I personally have broken God's law and deserve the punishment of hell, but that Jesus had died in my place on the cross but rose from the dead to conquer death. I do this so as not to be misunderstood, or sometimes when I am running short on time and feeling the need to summarize the gospel. Jose protested when I told him this saying "But you are such a good person!" Though it may not have as much of a personal impact as the 'good person test", it still helps to bring home the point that "no one is good, but God alone" (Mark 10:18), and showing our need for Jesus.
10/29/10 Armando, 32
I struck up a conversation at the park with a jogger named Armando who was warming up before a run. He is learning Engllish and I am learning Spanish and our conversation was a strange mix of both. He seemed more confident of understanding my English. However, when I would ask questions for feedback to make sure he understood it was at times comical what he thought I was talking about. This was also partly because he is new to the gospel, even though he had grown up Catholic. When we started to talk he didn't think he believed in God at all but he really warmed up to the idea. He quickly fell into the idea of being "good enough" for heaven, then worried that his weekend drinking habit would disqualify him, which began a whole other conversation. I'm so glad for the chance to have a "conversation" rather than just doing a "presentation".as it allows me to make sure people are tracking with me and the gospel. Having a goal of one conversation per day - rather than many all at once - gives me the time to be patient enough to listen and make sure people understand what they are hearing.
I struck up a conversation at the park with a jogger named Armando who was warming up before a run. He is learning Engllish and I am learning Spanish and our conversation was a strange mix of both. He seemed more confident of understanding my English. However, when I would ask questions for feedback to make sure he understood it was at times comical what he thought I was talking about. This was also partly because he is new to the gospel, even though he had grown up Catholic. When we started to talk he didn't think he believed in God at all but he really warmed up to the idea. He quickly fell into the idea of being "good enough" for heaven, then worried that his weekend drinking habit would disqualify him, which began a whole other conversation. I'm so glad for the chance to have a "conversation" rather than just doing a "presentation".as it allows me to make sure people are tracking with me and the gospel. Having a goal of one conversation per day - rather than many all at once - gives me the time to be patient enough to listen and make sure people understand what they are hearing.
10/28/10 Kevin and Dantrell, both 16
At a Starbucks I asked two African American teens if they had a minute to answer a few questions and they agreed, so we went over to the lounge area for a chat. Dantrell seemed to have a sound faith in Christ alone for salvation, and serves as a "junior deacon" at his Baptist church. His friend Kevin had attended his aunt's Pentecostal church and, because he hadn't "caught the Holy Ghost" isn't sure he is a Christian. Since then the church split because of personality conflicts. Dantrell has tried to share his faith by asking Kevin to his church, but they ended up getting distracted by different legalistic opinions on clothing and musical styles. Nonetheless, Kevin believes he will go to heaven "because my good deeds will pay for my bad ones". I shared the good person questions with Kevin, and afterward he was concerned about the guilty verdict he will face one day. "Would you like to know what God has done so you don't have to face the consequences of your sin on judgment day? He did. "Well I'm going to let Dantrell tell you about it" - which Dantrell was more than happy to do. He told Kevin about forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ - the "what" of the Gospel, and I added a little more as to "why". What a privilege to be able to help these two friends share what is most important in life - faith in Jesus unto salvation.
At a Starbucks I asked two African American teens if they had a minute to answer a few questions and they agreed, so we went over to the lounge area for a chat. Dantrell seemed to have a sound faith in Christ alone for salvation, and serves as a "junior deacon" at his Baptist church. His friend Kevin had attended his aunt's Pentecostal church and, because he hadn't "caught the Holy Ghost" isn't sure he is a Christian. Since then the church split because of personality conflicts. Dantrell has tried to share his faith by asking Kevin to his church, but they ended up getting distracted by different legalistic opinions on clothing and musical styles. Nonetheless, Kevin believes he will go to heaven "because my good deeds will pay for my bad ones". I shared the good person questions with Kevin, and afterward he was concerned about the guilty verdict he will face one day. "Would you like to know what God has done so you don't have to face the consequences of your sin on judgment day? He did. "Well I'm going to let Dantrell tell you about it" - which Dantrell was more than happy to do. He told Kevin about forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ - the "what" of the Gospel, and I added a little more as to "why". What a privilege to be able to help these two friends share what is most important in life - faith in Jesus unto salvation.
10/27/10 Sherri, about 50
Today I went out to witness with John, who recently started attending my church. I enjoyed getting to know him better between short conversations with people at the IIT campus near his house. One person we talked to was Sherri, who had gone outside for a break from her job for a smoke. Sherri considered herself to be a good person and worthy of heaven because she is "not a druggie, and I've raised three great kids". She confidently took my "good person test" based on the Ten Commandments and was, in fact, "good" - at least compared to many people, but I challenged her to realize that God's standard doesn't compare us to other people but to his own perfect law, "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." (James 2:10) She wondered about this, so I used a glass of water as an analogy - "It could be 99% pure but if someone spit in it we sure wouldn't drink it, and in the same we can't expect God to allow us to heaven just because we think we are good enough" I went on to answer some other questions she had, planting some seeds of truth to remind her not to trust in her own goodness but in the forgiveness that only comes through faith in Jesus.
Today I went out to witness with John, who recently started attending my church. I enjoyed getting to know him better between short conversations with people at the IIT campus near his house. One person we talked to was Sherri, who had gone outside for a break from her job for a smoke. Sherri considered herself to be a good person and worthy of heaven because she is "not a druggie, and I've raised three great kids". She confidently took my "good person test" based on the Ten Commandments and was, in fact, "good" - at least compared to many people, but I challenged her to realize that God's standard doesn't compare us to other people but to his own perfect law, "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." (James 2:10) She wondered about this, so I used a glass of water as an analogy - "It could be 99% pure but if someone spit in it we sure wouldn't drink it, and in the same we can't expect God to allow us to heaven just because we think we are good enough" I went on to answer some other questions she had, planting some seeds of truth to remind her not to trust in her own goodness but in the forgiveness that only comes through faith in Jesus.
10/26/10 Mike, early 20's
On the IIT campus I stopped a young Asian man by asking if I could ask a few questions. I expected him to be an international student but Mike grew up in a Baptist family here in the U.S. He calls himself an agnostic, not sure what God is like, having been discouraged by the omissions of scientific evidence in the Christian apologetics he was taught. I spent some time - too much time I thought later - talking about reasons for belief in God's existence and why we can believe God's account of creation rather than man's. I stated my position that God created a mature world - Adam was fully grown, for example - and therefore even though it may look older than it really is, we need to trust God and take him at his word. It's not that God is being deceptive - rather, he has told us exactly how he made it. Mike said he is a graduate physics student - hoping to work at a career of direct research, trusting in scientific discoveries to help make the world a better place. With his church background, I thought later, serving humanity in this way sounds to me like a "good person" backup plan just in case God does exist. I later wished I hadn't been sidetracked with all the talk about God's existence and creation. Instead I should have jumped into a more spiritual conversation, about Mike's eternal soul and how he can be in a right relationship with the God who does exist.
On the IIT campus I stopped a young Asian man by asking if I could ask a few questions. I expected him to be an international student but Mike grew up in a Baptist family here in the U.S. He calls himself an agnostic, not sure what God is like, having been discouraged by the omissions of scientific evidence in the Christian apologetics he was taught. I spent some time - too much time I thought later - talking about reasons for belief in God's existence and why we can believe God's account of creation rather than man's. I stated my position that God created a mature world - Adam was fully grown, for example - and therefore even though it may look older than it really is, we need to trust God and take him at his word. It's not that God is being deceptive - rather, he has told us exactly how he made it. Mike said he is a graduate physics student - hoping to work at a career of direct research, trusting in scientific discoveries to help make the world a better place. With his church background, I thought later, serving humanity in this way sounds to me like a "good person" backup plan just in case God does exist. I later wished I hadn't been sidetracked with all the talk about God's existence and creation. Instead I should have jumped into a more spiritual conversation, about Mike's eternal soul and how he can be in a right relationship with the God who does exist.
10/25/10 Alex, about 30
Every so often in the course of a conversation I stumble upon new ways to share gospel truths, some better than others. Today I talked to a young man named Alex who I met on the sidewalk on his way home from the grocery store. He calls himself a Christian but trusts in his own goodness, with no idea what Jesus came for. After using the law to help him see his sin, I explained that God's standard is perfection. Many people have said that God's perfect standard is unfair because it is impossible to reach, but when I explained to Alex that the main purpose of God's law is not to frustrate us by requiring us to do the impossible but to show us how much we need Jesus, it seemed like a light came on as this made sense to him. I based this on Gal. 3:24, which says that "the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith." I wonder though - is this a good biblical truth to share when witnessing, or will unbelievers simply use this as another excuse to continue in their sin?
Every so often in the course of a conversation I stumble upon new ways to share gospel truths, some better than others. Today I talked to a young man named Alex who I met on the sidewalk on his way home from the grocery store. He calls himself a Christian but trusts in his own goodness, with no idea what Jesus came for. After using the law to help him see his sin, I explained that God's standard is perfection. Many people have said that God's perfect standard is unfair because it is impossible to reach, but when I explained to Alex that the main purpose of God's law is not to frustrate us by requiring us to do the impossible but to show us how much we need Jesus, it seemed like a light came on as this made sense to him. I based this on Gal. 3:24, which says that "the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith." I wonder though - is this a good biblical truth to share when witnessing, or will unbelievers simply use this as another excuse to continue in their sin?
10/24/10 Ricardo and Dena, about 18
I went around the park during today's sunny afternoon, using MDB gospel tracts to help start conversations, which usually tend to be shorter than when I begin by asking people questions about their beliefs. I wanted to have shorter conversations with more people, not necessarily sharing the whole gospel but hoping to be led by the Spirit to say just what each person needed to hear. I can only trust that this is what happened. One short conversation was with a bi-racial couple, Dena and Ricardo(?) who were out for a walk together. They said they believe in God and heaven/hell but neither had any sort of religious background. I felt that I should make this one point - that there is a day of judgment and we need to prepare for it ahead of time. We need to "settle outside of court" - getting in a right relationship with God now, because even atheists will believe on judgment day but then it will be too late. Ricardo and Dena already had the gospel tracts in their hands, and I think I left them with enough interest to read them.
I went around the park during today's sunny afternoon, using MDB gospel tracts to help start conversations, which usually tend to be shorter than when I begin by asking people questions about their beliefs. I wanted to have shorter conversations with more people, not necessarily sharing the whole gospel but hoping to be led by the Spirit to say just what each person needed to hear. I can only trust that this is what happened. One short conversation was with a bi-racial couple, Dena and Ricardo(?) who were out for a walk together. They said they believe in God and heaven/hell but neither had any sort of religious background. I felt that I should make this one point - that there is a day of judgment and we need to prepare for it ahead of time. We need to "settle outside of court" - getting in a right relationship with God now, because even atheists will believe on judgment day but then it will be too late. Ricardo and Dena already had the gospel tracts in their hands, and I think I left them with enough interest to read them.
10/23/10 Anthony, Justin 21, 26
When striking up witnessing conversations with strangers there's always the possibility that they might be going through some problem that I can't ignore if I want to be a credible witness for Christ. This has happened very rarely but today it did. I was out jogging when I happened upon two guys wearing backpacks. (Anthony and Justin) I stopped to ask about their beliefs and found out they are stranded in Chicago with no money, having come here from Texas looking for work. Anthony's wallet, with their nest egg of $300, had either been lost or stolen and they now just wanted to get back home. I've learned from experience to check people's stories out carefully, having met many scam artists over the years, but these guys were telling the truth. I was able to spend some quality time sharing the Gospel with them while helping them get safely on their way in the process. They've both been baptized and were involved in Baptist churches when younger, but have fallen away from church and into the trap of trusting in their own idea of goodness for salvation. I shared the gospel clearly and they received it appreciatively, though they were distracted by the predicament they found themselves in. I hope my helpful actions have helped them take my words more seriously.
When striking up witnessing conversations with strangers there's always the possibility that they might be going through some problem that I can't ignore if I want to be a credible witness for Christ. This has happened very rarely but today it did. I was out jogging when I happened upon two guys wearing backpacks. (Anthony and Justin) I stopped to ask about their beliefs and found out they are stranded in Chicago with no money, having come here from Texas looking for work. Anthony's wallet, with their nest egg of $300, had either been lost or stolen and they now just wanted to get back home. I've learned from experience to check people's stories out carefully, having met many scam artists over the years, but these guys were telling the truth. I was able to spend some quality time sharing the Gospel with them while helping them get safely on their way in the process. They've both been baptized and were involved in Baptist churches when younger, but have fallen away from church and into the trap of trusting in their own idea of goodness for salvation. I shared the gospel clearly and they received it appreciatively, though they were distracted by the predicament they found themselves in. I hope my helpful actions have helped them take my words more seriously.
10/22/10 Louis, about 18
I ran into a young man named Louis at a busy street corner this Friday evening. He said he does not believe in God or eternal life, that when we die there will be nothing more. He did seem a little concerned about the year 2012 and the end of the world, but has had no religious upbringing and doesn't own a Bible nor has he read one. I talked about how eternity and how it will be much longer than our short time here on earth no matter how long we live. He started showing interest, saying "I never thought about it like that before", but he quickly became distracted by all the street activity around us. I gave him Mark Cahill's book - "One Second After You......Die" which answers a lot of questions about God's existence, science and evolution, the accuracy of the Bible and what happens after we die. Louis seemed interested in reading it; I hope he does.
I ran into a young man named Louis at a busy street corner this Friday evening. He said he does not believe in God or eternal life, that when we die there will be nothing more. He did seem a little concerned about the year 2012 and the end of the world, but has had no religious upbringing and doesn't own a Bible nor has he read one. I talked about how eternity and how it will be much longer than our short time here on earth no matter how long we live. He started showing interest, saying "I never thought about it like that before", but he quickly became distracted by all the street activity around us. I gave him Mark Cahill's book - "One Second After You......Die" which answers a lot of questions about God's existence, science and evolution, the accuracy of the Bible and what happens after we die. Louis seemed interested in reading it; I hope he does.
10/21/10 John, 18
I stopped by a Burger King on my way home from work and found a young man (John) finishing his dinner. He agreed to answer my questions and I soon found out he has grown up a Jehovah Witness and is very active in witnessing door to door. We had a good conversation, though he tended to refer to Bible verses without explaining how they related to his point. I could tell his beliefs were distinctly different from biblical Christianity, though they were hidden in Christian jargon. The problem was that he had different definitions for the same words, so although it all sounded biblical, it really wasn't. If I hadn't learned some things about the Jehovah's Witnesses ahead of time I wouldn't have known what to look for and what questions to ask. I can see how so many people can get caught up in this cult. I tried to make a few solid points in our 30 minute conversation. John agreed that when we commit a sin, such as lying or stealing, we do not just sin against other people but against God. He agreed that a just punishment would be eternal, because of God's infinite holiness and worth. Yet the punishment he spoke of at first was only temporary. Then I asked what God's justice would require were someone to take our punishment for us. If Jesus were merely a created being as John asserted to me, he would not have infinite worth and wouldn't be a worthy substitute for the punishment we deserve. We talked a while about the Christian belief that Jesus is part of the Trinity - having always existed with the Father and not just a created being like ourselves. I asked if he knew that the Jehovah's Witness translation of the Bible - The New World translation - has changed key passages that refer to Jesus' divinity. He seemed surprised by this and as we left said "I'll take what you said into consideration".
I stopped by a Burger King on my way home from work and found a young man (John) finishing his dinner. He agreed to answer my questions and I soon found out he has grown up a Jehovah Witness and is very active in witnessing door to door. We had a good conversation, though he tended to refer to Bible verses without explaining how they related to his point. I could tell his beliefs were distinctly different from biblical Christianity, though they were hidden in Christian jargon. The problem was that he had different definitions for the same words, so although it all sounded biblical, it really wasn't. If I hadn't learned some things about the Jehovah's Witnesses ahead of time I wouldn't have known what to look for and what questions to ask. I can see how so many people can get caught up in this cult. I tried to make a few solid points in our 30 minute conversation. John agreed that when we commit a sin, such as lying or stealing, we do not just sin against other people but against God. He agreed that a just punishment would be eternal, because of God's infinite holiness and worth. Yet the punishment he spoke of at first was only temporary. Then I asked what God's justice would require were someone to take our punishment for us. If Jesus were merely a created being as John asserted to me, he would not have infinite worth and wouldn't be a worthy substitute for the punishment we deserve. We talked a while about the Christian belief that Jesus is part of the Trinity - having always existed with the Father and not just a created being like ourselves. I asked if he knew that the Jehovah's Witness translation of the Bible - The New World translation - has changed key passages that refer to Jesus' divinity. He seemed surprised by this and as we left said "I'll take what you said into consideration".
10/20/10 Nester, 18
I stopped a young man at the park (Nester), asking his views on eternity. Though he does not believe in God he was very open to talking. He doesn't think a person can think scientifically and also have faith. I asked if he knew of the laws of conservation of matter and energy and explained that according to scientific laws neither matter nor energy could have created themselves. Something outside the laws of science must have created them. If there was a "big bang" at the beginning then who lit the fuse? The creation must have had a Creator. I don't think I had to convince Nester of God's existence beyond doubt - after all - on their worst days strong believers have doubts and on their better days atheists doubt their non-belief. I just wanted Nester to know that there are good answers to his questions. After this he agreed to consider the implications if God DOES exist. I used the law to show him where he would stand if there is a judgment day. As he thought about his guilt and accountability before God, he was no longer questioning God's existence but wondered how he could be forgiven. The gospel was starting to make sense to him. Granted, Nester was caught up in the conversation, and afterward I reminded him he had said he didn't even believe in God but since he had agreed to the possibility that He exists, it would be wise to assume He does. Isn't that where most of us start, wondering if anyone actually hears our prayers?
I stopped a young man at the park (Nester), asking his views on eternity. Though he does not believe in God he was very open to talking. He doesn't think a person can think scientifically and also have faith. I asked if he knew of the laws of conservation of matter and energy and explained that according to scientific laws neither matter nor energy could have created themselves. Something outside the laws of science must have created them. If there was a "big bang" at the beginning then who lit the fuse? The creation must have had a Creator. I don't think I had to convince Nester of God's existence beyond doubt - after all - on their worst days strong believers have doubts and on their better days atheists doubt their non-belief. I just wanted Nester to know that there are good answers to his questions. After this he agreed to consider the implications if God DOES exist. I used the law to show him where he would stand if there is a judgment day. As he thought about his guilt and accountability before God, he was no longer questioning God's existence but wondered how he could be forgiven. The gospel was starting to make sense to him. Granted, Nester was caught up in the conversation, and afterward I reminded him he had said he didn't even believe in God but since he had agreed to the possibility that He exists, it would be wise to assume He does. Isn't that where most of us start, wondering if anyone actually hears our prayers?
10/19/10 Victor, about 40
While out riding bike I stopped by a basketball court and pulled up to a middle aged man shooting hoops. "I have an interesting question for you" I said. No response. "Excuse me" I asked again. He finally saw me out of the corner of his eye and took off his earbuds which I hadn't noticed. He was glad to talk, but only spoke Spanish, so I struggled along. Victor believes in God but not in heaven or hell. He didn't think it is possible that we go on to another existence. I asked how he felt he might be judged by God if what the Bible says is true. He thought he might be found to be just slightly more good than bad. He asked why I was asking all this and I told him that I believe the Bible and that I want to see him in heaven one day. He seemed genuinely touched when I told him this. After asking about how well he has kept some of the 10 commandments I told him about God's perfect standard, then began to telll him about Jesus. At this he suddenly began to tell me he didn't talk about religion. I gave him a gospel tract and my contact info in case he had any questions.
While out riding bike I stopped by a basketball court and pulled up to a middle aged man shooting hoops. "I have an interesting question for you" I said. No response. "Excuse me" I asked again. He finally saw me out of the corner of his eye and took off his earbuds which I hadn't noticed. He was glad to talk, but only spoke Spanish, so I struggled along. Victor believes in God but not in heaven or hell. He didn't think it is possible that we go on to another existence. I asked how he felt he might be judged by God if what the Bible says is true. He thought he might be found to be just slightly more good than bad. He asked why I was asking all this and I told him that I believe the Bible and that I want to see him in heaven one day. He seemed genuinely touched when I told him this. After asking about how well he has kept some of the 10 commandments I told him about God's perfect standard, then began to telll him about Jesus. At this he suddenly began to tell me he didn't talk about religion. I gave him a gospel tract and my contact info in case he had any questions.
10/18/10 Alex, Melissa, Leonel about 20, 20, and 40
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." (2 Cor. 13:5) We are warned in the Bible not to take our faith for granted, so what would cause churchgoing people to do so? Alex, Melissa and Leon, whom I met at the prk today, all felt assured of salvation, and that's what I believe has caused them to continue in great ignorance of the faith they profess. Each claimed to believe in God, the Bible, Jesus, and their own guilt in breaking the Ten Commandments. Yet they also believed they are "good enough" for heaven. They are immunized against the gospel and floating through life with a false sense of security about their eternal destiny. As a result, they are also are in various stages of falling away from church and the things of God. They have learned to compare themselves to man's standard rather than God's, and they feel like they are better than most people. So as I talked to them today I knew that I needed to show them as they really are - through the mirror of God's word (James 1:23) Just as John the Baptist came ahead of Jesus' arrival, so the law must come before the gospel.
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves." (2 Cor. 13:5) We are warned in the Bible not to take our faith for granted, so what would cause churchgoing people to do so? Alex, Melissa and Leon, whom I met at the prk today, all felt assured of salvation, and that's what I believe has caused them to continue in great ignorance of the faith they profess. Each claimed to believe in God, the Bible, Jesus, and their own guilt in breaking the Ten Commandments. Yet they also believed they are "good enough" for heaven. They are immunized against the gospel and floating through life with a false sense of security about their eternal destiny. As a result, they are also are in various stages of falling away from church and the things of God. They have learned to compare themselves to man's standard rather than God's, and they feel like they are better than most people. So as I talked to them today I knew that I needed to show them as they really are - through the mirror of God's word (James 1:23) Just as John the Baptist came ahead of Jesus' arrival, so the law must come before the gospel.
10/17/10 Adriana, about 45
I used a million dollar bill gospel tract as a conversation starter with Adriana, who was standing outside the "Dawg -N-Burger" place where she works. She is Catholic and believes in heaven but thinks the life we are now living is hell, though her cheerful disposition told me she didn't really mean that or hadn't thought it through much. She does believe she has seen various ghosts, apparitions, and felt premonitions throughout her life, and gave several examples of these experiences. I wasn't quite sure what to say about all this - its hard to argue with a person's experiences - but I did go on to tell her about my own experiences of forgiveness through faith in Christ, and this helped her spiritual focus come back to Jesus. She didn't have a Bible, so I gave her a New Testament, encouraging her to put her faith in Jesus and to read and follow God's word.
I used a million dollar bill gospel tract as a conversation starter with Adriana, who was standing outside the "Dawg -N-Burger" place where she works. She is Catholic and believes in heaven but thinks the life we are now living is hell, though her cheerful disposition told me she didn't really mean that or hadn't thought it through much. She does believe she has seen various ghosts, apparitions, and felt premonitions throughout her life, and gave several examples of these experiences. I wasn't quite sure what to say about all this - its hard to argue with a person's experiences - but I did go on to tell her about my own experiences of forgiveness through faith in Christ, and this helped her spiritual focus come back to Jesus. She didn't have a Bible, so I gave her a New Testament, encouraging her to put her faith in Jesus and to read and follow God's word.
10/16/10 Al, about 55
After an early morning run with Marty (church elder) along Lake Michigan, we were talking by his car when a man (Al) walked by, headed for the shoreline. We struck up a friendly conversation and found out he had been the land surveyor for the newly renovated park we were in, and he was very gratified to see the results of his work. After a while I told Al that we are both from a nearby church and had just been talking about what a blessing it is to be sure of the faith of our loved ones, and I asked if he had any sort of spiritual beliefs. I just started out in general - "Do you believe in any sort of higher power?" Having grown up Catholic, he does - and it was very natural to go on from there. Al had an interesting belief that everyone has at least one moment in life where they rise to the occasion and prove themselves to God. For him it was his military service in Vietnam, and an incident where he saved a friend from a drug overdose. I wondered how to "break the bad news" of his guilt and God's judgment to a man who focuses on his more shining moments in life, but I let God's word do it for me. I told him of the verse in James that says "Anyone then who knows the good they ought to do and do not do it, sins" (James 4:12) I didn't focus sin from this verse, but on that word "ought". Al had only done what he "ought" to have done with the good things God had given him in life and as a man who believes in honor and duty, he agreed with me. This cleared away his fixation on his "shining moments" and allowed me to help him see his sin and the judgment to come. In the end he appealed to Jesus whom he had already heard had died for our sins, and I encouraged him to read the Bible and focus on Jesus, not his own self-righteousness.
After an early morning run with Marty (church elder) along Lake Michigan, we were talking by his car when a man (Al) walked by, headed for the shoreline. We struck up a friendly conversation and found out he had been the land surveyor for the newly renovated park we were in, and he was very gratified to see the results of his work. After a while I told Al that we are both from a nearby church and had just been talking about what a blessing it is to be sure of the faith of our loved ones, and I asked if he had any sort of spiritual beliefs. I just started out in general - "Do you believe in any sort of higher power?" Having grown up Catholic, he does - and it was very natural to go on from there. Al had an interesting belief that everyone has at least one moment in life where they rise to the occasion and prove themselves to God. For him it was his military service in Vietnam, and an incident where he saved a friend from a drug overdose. I wondered how to "break the bad news" of his guilt and God's judgment to a man who focuses on his more shining moments in life, but I let God's word do it for me. I told him of the verse in James that says "Anyone then who knows the good they ought to do and do not do it, sins" (James 4:12) I didn't focus sin from this verse, but on that word "ought". Al had only done what he "ought" to have done with the good things God had given him in life and as a man who believes in honor and duty, he agreed with me. This cleared away his fixation on his "shining moments" and allowed me to help him see his sin and the judgment to come. In the end he appealed to Jesus whom he had already heard had died for our sins, and I encouraged him to read the Bible and focus on Jesus, not his own self-righteousness.
10/15/10 Todd , 15
While out "fishing" with my church brother Paul I accidently started a witnessing conversation with a young man (Todd) as he walked toward us on the sidewalk. I say "accidently" because Todd is rather large for his age and at first glance appeared to be much older than 15. I confess I generally avoid trying to share the gospel with mid to younger teens because while I am looking for a two-way "conversation", I often end up doing a one-way "presentation". I am so used to conversations with adults who have opinions, make statements, and ask questions, but with teens (and some adults like Oscar from yesterday) I sometimes feel like I am answering questions that they aren't asking. To put it bluntly, while talking to Todd today I felt like I was talking to a frightened deer caught in headlights, yet when I asked he said he understood what I was saying and that it made sense. It may be that he just wasn't able to verbalize his thoughts very well. I need to trust more in the ability of young people to understand - and the power of the Holy Spirit to help them.
While out "fishing" with my church brother Paul I accidently started a witnessing conversation with a young man (Todd) as he walked toward us on the sidewalk. I say "accidently" because Todd is rather large for his age and at first glance appeared to be much older than 15. I confess I generally avoid trying to share the gospel with mid to younger teens because while I am looking for a two-way "conversation", I often end up doing a one-way "presentation". I am so used to conversations with adults who have opinions, make statements, and ask questions, but with teens (and some adults like Oscar from yesterday) I sometimes feel like I am answering questions that they aren't asking. To put it bluntly, while talking to Todd today I felt like I was talking to a frightened deer caught in headlights, yet when I asked he said he understood what I was saying and that it made sense. It may be that he just wasn't able to verbalize his thoughts very well. I need to trust more in the ability of young people to understand - and the power of the Holy Spirit to help them.
10/14/10 Oscar, about 25
Tonight I went out to witness with Monica and Kat, two faithful sisters from church, along with Kat's young son Silas. We met a jogger at the park (Oscar) and I asked if he would answer some questions, which he graciously did. Oscar told us he had no religious background, no ideas about eternity, and wasn't sure either way about God's existence, not did he seem to care. Yet he stayed while I talked, so I struggled with trying to decide how far to take my line of questions with his noncommittal answers. Of course people need to hear God's truth, but at some point we can "wear out our welcome" to the point that our listener stops hearing what we are saying and is only trying to figure out how to get out of the conversation. Oscar did agree that it is easy to get caught up in our day to day concerns and that eternity is something worth thinking about. I gave him a gospel tract and a New Testament. I hope I gave him enough truth for today.
Tonight I went out to witness with Monica and Kat, two faithful sisters from church, along with Kat's young son Silas. We met a jogger at the park (Oscar) and I asked if he would answer some questions, which he graciously did. Oscar told us he had no religious background, no ideas about eternity, and wasn't sure either way about God's existence, not did he seem to care. Yet he stayed while I talked, so I struggled with trying to decide how far to take my line of questions with his noncommittal answers. Of course people need to hear God's truth, but at some point we can "wear out our welcome" to the point that our listener stops hearing what we are saying and is only trying to figure out how to get out of the conversation. Oscar did agree that it is easy to get caught up in our day to day concerns and that eternity is something worth thinking about. I gave him a gospel tract and a New Testament. I hope I gave him enough truth for today.
10/13/10 Javier, about 35
At the park today, a middle aged man (Javier) was walking around looking for his friend when I stopped him to ask some questions about his beliefs. He was willing to talk but needed to keep looking so we agreed to talk while we walked. Javier told me he doesn't believe God exists, or in any sort of life after death. We talked about this for a while, and I could tell he took pride in being open-minded, so I asked if he was willing to consider the possibility that God does, indeed, exist. I was surprised when he said he could not. The main reason he gave was that he couldn't believe in a God who would allow sin and suffering. He also said his sense of logic and reason simply wouldn't let him believe. I asked what it would take for him to believe - would some sort of miracle or sign be enough? No, he said, he thought everything can be explained through reason. He was friendly enough, but seemed to be extremely closed minded even to the possibility of God's existence. I gave him a friendly warning, that if God does exist he can't just get rid of Him by simply refusing to believe. I also gave him Mark Cahill's book "One Second After You....Die" which answers a lot of the questions that skeptics like Javier have and is available in mass quantities at a low price at Cahill's website... By the way, it is written from an Armenian point of view, which angers a lot of Calvinists, but whether through free will, God's sovereign election, or as I believe, maybe it's just not for us to know (John 3:3-8) - people who are lost don't really care about the details, they just need Jesus.
At the park today, a middle aged man (Javier) was walking around looking for his friend when I stopped him to ask some questions about his beliefs. He was willing to talk but needed to keep looking so we agreed to talk while we walked. Javier told me he doesn't believe God exists, or in any sort of life after death. We talked about this for a while, and I could tell he took pride in being open-minded, so I asked if he was willing to consider the possibility that God does, indeed, exist. I was surprised when he said he could not. The main reason he gave was that he couldn't believe in a God who would allow sin and suffering. He also said his sense of logic and reason simply wouldn't let him believe. I asked what it would take for him to believe - would some sort of miracle or sign be enough? No, he said, he thought everything can be explained through reason. He was friendly enough, but seemed to be extremely closed minded even to the possibility of God's existence. I gave him a friendly warning, that if God does exist he can't just get rid of Him by simply refusing to believe. I also gave him Mark Cahill's book "One Second After You....Die" which answers a lot of the questions that skeptics like Javier have and is available in mass quantities at a low price at Cahill's website... By the way, it is written from an Armenian point of view, which angers a lot of Calvinists, but whether through free will, God's sovereign election, or as I believe, maybe it's just not for us to know (John 3:3-8) - people who are lost don't really care about the details, they just need Jesus.
10/12/10 Cortez age 23
Late night on the sidewalk outside a Starbucks, I used a million dollar gospel tract to start a conversation with Cortez, a young African-American dressed hip-hop style. He remembered that I had given him one several months before, but couldn't remember what it said on the back. He was very open to talking about his faith because he just recently decided to give God a try, reading the Bible every day, going to church and attending Bible studies. But he clearly viewed all of these as things that would earn God's favor, allowing him to put his sinful past behind him. Though he knew he has been personally guilty of breaking many of the commandments I talked about, he felt that his recent church activities have been enough to convince God that he has turned around and is now a good person. He was pretty insistent about this, so I started to tell him that I really couldn't tell him much more because he isn't ready to listen. I got ready to leave, but he quietly said "I'm listening". I stayed to explain how his guilt could be removed through faith in Christ and encouraged him to keep up his church activities, but to pay special attention to who Jesus is as the only one who can bring us into a right relationship with God.
Late night on the sidewalk outside a Starbucks, I used a million dollar gospel tract to start a conversation with Cortez, a young African-American dressed hip-hop style. He remembered that I had given him one several months before, but couldn't remember what it said on the back. He was very open to talking about his faith because he just recently decided to give God a try, reading the Bible every day, going to church and attending Bible studies. But he clearly viewed all of these as things that would earn God's favor, allowing him to put his sinful past behind him. Though he knew he has been personally guilty of breaking many of the commandments I talked about, he felt that his recent church activities have been enough to convince God that he has turned around and is now a good person. He was pretty insistent about this, so I started to tell him that I really couldn't tell him much more because he isn't ready to listen. I got ready to leave, but he quietly said "I'm listening". I stayed to explain how his guilt could be removed through faith in Christ and encouraged him to keep up his church activities, but to pay special attention to who Jesus is as the only one who can bring us into a right relationship with God.
10/11/10 Julio 41
After agreeing to answer my questions, Julio, who I met at a park today, told me he believes the world has been "brainwashed" by religious people to believe in God. He claimed the injustice and suffering of others convinces him that there is no God because if He exists, surely he would do something about it. :"Why then does it happen?" I asked. He blamed it on people who are selfish and don't care about others, while other people (like himself) try to leave the world a better place. He admits to "making mistakes" but believes he learns from them. He felt like he is already going through hell on earth, and as I asked It turned out that Julio was recently released from a federal prison for tying up a fellow employee in the vault and stealing almost $200,000 from a bank. He's been looking for work ever since but no one will hire him. As I explained God's law in leading up to the good news of Jesus, Julio especially related to courtroom analogies that help explain God's justice. For example, God, like a good judge, not only wouldn't take a bribe but would be offended that we would offer one, even our "bribe" of good works in payment for our sin. We can't determine the terms of the punishment we deserve, and I helped Julio to understand that, even though he said he won't believe in a God who is unjust and would allow suffering in this world, a God who is totally just would put him in even deeper trouble. Julio agreed he would need mercy, not the justice he deserves, on judgment day. He had to leave, but stayed to hear the good news, that Jesus is the sacrifice that satisfies God's justice.
After agreeing to answer my questions, Julio, who I met at a park today, told me he believes the world has been "brainwashed" by religious people to believe in God. He claimed the injustice and suffering of others convinces him that there is no God because if He exists, surely he would do something about it. :"Why then does it happen?" I asked. He blamed it on people who are selfish and don't care about others, while other people (like himself) try to leave the world a better place. He admits to "making mistakes" but believes he learns from them. He felt like he is already going through hell on earth, and as I asked It turned out that Julio was recently released from a federal prison for tying up a fellow employee in the vault and stealing almost $200,000 from a bank. He's been looking for work ever since but no one will hire him. As I explained God's law in leading up to the good news of Jesus, Julio especially related to courtroom analogies that help explain God's justice. For example, God, like a good judge, not only wouldn't take a bribe but would be offended that we would offer one, even our "bribe" of good works in payment for our sin. We can't determine the terms of the punishment we deserve, and I helped Julio to understand that, even though he said he won't believe in a God who is unjust and would allow suffering in this world, a God who is totally just would put him in even deeper trouble. Julio agreed he would need mercy, not the justice he deserves, on judgment day. He had to leave, but stayed to hear the good news, that Jesus is the sacrifice that satisfies God's justice.
10/10/10 Juan about 35
If God's law is to be used in evangelism to bring people to Christ, (Gal. 3:24) what happens when people won't admit to any sin? Well in my experience, out of hundreds of people I've talked to, I haven't met anyone who doesn't know they've sinned, yet most think are "good enough' for heaven through some combination of excuses that trivialize their sin or choosing to believe in a God who is less than holy. Other than one deranged lady who was trying to sell me some stolen watches, I haven't talked to anyone who thought they were perfect - until today. I talked to Juan while he was sitting at the park. He couldn't speak any English so I tried to talk with him in Spanish. As far as I could tell, he believes he would be judged by God to be a good person and innocent of breaking any of the Ten Commandments as I talked about many of them one by one. What to do? I went to "Plan B" - a plan that all Christians can go to no matter what their level of training and experience in witnessing. I shared my personal testimony of how I came to faith in Christ and what I have experienced as a sinner who has been forgiven. God has used many believers in this way, including the Samaritan woman at the well and the man possessed by a legion of demons, and he can use you and I in this way too.
If God's law is to be used in evangelism to bring people to Christ, (Gal. 3:24) what happens when people won't admit to any sin? Well in my experience, out of hundreds of people I've talked to, I haven't met anyone who doesn't know they've sinned, yet most think are "good enough' for heaven through some combination of excuses that trivialize their sin or choosing to believe in a God who is less than holy. Other than one deranged lady who was trying to sell me some stolen watches, I haven't talked to anyone who thought they were perfect - until today. I talked to Juan while he was sitting at the park. He couldn't speak any English so I tried to talk with him in Spanish. As far as I could tell, he believes he would be judged by God to be a good person and innocent of breaking any of the Ten Commandments as I talked about many of them one by one. What to do? I went to "Plan B" - a plan that all Christians can go to no matter what their level of training and experience in witnessing. I shared my personal testimony of how I came to faith in Christ and what I have experienced as a sinner who has been forgiven. God has used many believers in this way, including the Samaritan woman at the well and the man possessed by a legion of demons, and he can use you and I in this way too.
10/9/10 Arturo 32
I've found that I can usually flag down an oncoming bicyclist on the sidewalk with a smile, confident eye contact, and a loud "Excuse me, I have a question". Today Arturo stopped and, in answer to my questions about eternity, told me he believes he will go to heaven "because I believe in Jesus and I'm a good person". I asked more about this and he said "Well, I don't think I could just say I believe in Jesus and go to heaven if I was a murderer or a rapist, but I'm a pretty good person." I explained that he really doesn't trust in Jesus alone if he is required to add his own goodness, and told him about the complete trust one of the criminals on the cross next to Jesus had in Him, who believed and Jesus assured him "today you will be with me in paradise" We went on to a good conversation in which I was able to help Arturo personalize his sin and better understand his complete need for Jesus. He asked about the Catholic practice of confession and I explained it by comparing it to marriage: "Just because a man is legally married doesn't mean he has a close trusting relationship with his wife. He has to work at it and part of that means confessing your faults often. Confession helps maintain a daily relationship with God, but only if that relationship is made legally right in the first place through faith in Jesus" This all made a lot of sense to Arturo, and after we talked some more he was glad to get more info to read later.
I've found that I can usually flag down an oncoming bicyclist on the sidewalk with a smile, confident eye contact, and a loud "Excuse me, I have a question". Today Arturo stopped and, in answer to my questions about eternity, told me he believes he will go to heaven "because I believe in Jesus and I'm a good person". I asked more about this and he said "Well, I don't think I could just say I believe in Jesus and go to heaven if I was a murderer or a rapist, but I'm a pretty good person." I explained that he really doesn't trust in Jesus alone if he is required to add his own goodness, and told him about the complete trust one of the criminals on the cross next to Jesus had in Him, who believed and Jesus assured him "today you will be with me in paradise" We went on to a good conversation in which I was able to help Arturo personalize his sin and better understand his complete need for Jesus. He asked about the Catholic practice of confession and I explained it by comparing it to marriage: "Just because a man is legally married doesn't mean he has a close trusting relationship with his wife. He has to work at it and part of that means confessing your faults often. Confession helps maintain a daily relationship with God, but only if that relationship is made legally right in the first place through faith in Jesus" This all made a lot of sense to Arturo, and after we talked some more he was glad to get more info to read later.
10/8/10 Juan 82
An older man (Juan) at the park refused to take the million dollar bill gospel tract I offered him and treated me with suspicion and indifference at first, so I put aside sharing my faith and just talked with him to practice speaking Spanish. I learned a lot about his past, having moved from Mexico fifty years ago to work on a ranch in Texas and ending up in Chicago. Eventually, he did begin to trust me so I began to ask about spiritual things. Juan drifted away from his Catholic background into alcohol and, having never married, wasn't ashamed to say he had used the services of prostitutes his whole life. He feels that paying them makes it okay. Fifteen years ago he had hit bottom with his alcohol use and became suicidal. He went to a Catholic church and was counseled by a priest there who blessed him and annointed him with oil. This was so meaningful to Juan that he was able to turn away from alcohol (not completely) and now says he believes in God (though he knew nothing of Jesus). He thinks God would judge him to be a good person compared to others and really had no further interest in spiritual things. I shared the gospel as best as I could, but he seemed to only hear what he wanted. Did the priest help him with hope right when he needed it, or hurt him with false assurance of salvation that has inoculated him against the Gospel?
An older man (Juan) at the park refused to take the million dollar bill gospel tract I offered him and treated me with suspicion and indifference at first, so I put aside sharing my faith and just talked with him to practice speaking Spanish. I learned a lot about his past, having moved from Mexico fifty years ago to work on a ranch in Texas and ending up in Chicago. Eventually, he did begin to trust me so I began to ask about spiritual things. Juan drifted away from his Catholic background into alcohol and, having never married, wasn't ashamed to say he had used the services of prostitutes his whole life. He feels that paying them makes it okay. Fifteen years ago he had hit bottom with his alcohol use and became suicidal. He went to a Catholic church and was counseled by a priest there who blessed him and annointed him with oil. This was so meaningful to Juan that he was able to turn away from alcohol (not completely) and now says he believes in God (though he knew nothing of Jesus). He thinks God would judge him to be a good person compared to others and really had no further interest in spiritual things. I shared the gospel as best as I could, but he seemed to only hear what he wanted. Did the priest help him with hope right when he needed it, or hurt him with false assurance of salvation that has inoculated him against the Gospel?
10/7/10 Ed about 50
A "fast walker" was on the sidewalk coming toward me, but gladly stopped when I smiled and asked if he would answer an interesting question. Ed cheerfully stated that he believes in reincarnation - and that he is sure he will learn from his mistakes and become a better person. He fell away from his Catholic upbringing after getting divorced and now enjoys "chasing broads" (as he put it it) with no remorse. In fact, he is totally convinced he is a wonderful person whom God would have no complaints about. He has come up with his own version of who God is and his own version of morality - and I warned him of this, that he has no source of authority on which to base his beliefs. I warned him of the biblical warnings of judgment and his coming accountability to God for his sins. Yet, he gave excuses for his behavior, blaming the hypocrisy of the church, blaming God, blaming society, all with a confident smile on his face. In hindsight, as I try to find the balance between being winsome and being painfully honest - and I think this is different for each person I talk to - I left this conversation feeling like my friendliness had "smoothed over" the difficult truths I was trying to get across and may have made it too easy for Ed to ignore what he really needs to hear.
A "fast walker" was on the sidewalk coming toward me, but gladly stopped when I smiled and asked if he would answer an interesting question. Ed cheerfully stated that he believes in reincarnation - and that he is sure he will learn from his mistakes and become a better person. He fell away from his Catholic upbringing after getting divorced and now enjoys "chasing broads" (as he put it it) with no remorse. In fact, he is totally convinced he is a wonderful person whom God would have no complaints about. He has come up with his own version of who God is and his own version of morality - and I warned him of this, that he has no source of authority on which to base his beliefs. I warned him of the biblical warnings of judgment and his coming accountability to God for his sins. Yet, he gave excuses for his behavior, blaming the hypocrisy of the church, blaming God, blaming society, all with a confident smile on his face. In hindsight, as I try to find the balance between being winsome and being painfully honest - and I think this is different for each person I talk to - I left this conversation feeling like my friendliness had "smoothed over" the difficult truths I was trying to get across and may have made it too easy for Ed to ignore what he really needs to hear.
10/6/10 Jesus' about 35
Today Eric (from my church) joined me as we went to reach out to someone on the IIT campus. We came across a well dressed man who had just arrived on his bike, going to his job as a waiter for a catering company. His name is Jesus' and he moved here from Spain several years ago. He grew up Catholic but left the church in his late teens along with most of his friends. I asked why he left and received possibly the most honest answer I've heard so far - "Sex" he said, "There were a lot of beautiful women around and I didn't like living with a guilty conscience". Eric and I wondered later if this isn't the same reason a lot of guys have, only to cloak it in intellectualism or some other excuse. The bottom line, I told Jesus', is that just like Adam and Eve, we want what we want, when we want it and we don't like God telling us what we can and cannot do. Now that he has been married a few years, Jesus' is seeking to find out more about God, though he doesn't consider himself a believer just yet. He showed a small orange Gideon Bible he has been reading, and was very interested to find out more about Christianity. He attended Jehovah's Witness meetings for a few months, but knew enough to realize they have an altered version of the Bible that denies that Jesus is the Son of God. I explained why that is so important, how His death on the cross is a substitute by God's mercy for the punishment we deserve. The Ten Commandments helped Jesus' personalize his guilt and see his need for the Savior. He was running late for work, but I gave him much to read and think about after work.
Today Eric (from my church) joined me as we went to reach out to someone on the IIT campus. We came across a well dressed man who had just arrived on his bike, going to his job as a waiter for a catering company. His name is Jesus' and he moved here from Spain several years ago. He grew up Catholic but left the church in his late teens along with most of his friends. I asked why he left and received possibly the most honest answer I've heard so far - "Sex" he said, "There were a lot of beautiful women around and I didn't like living with a guilty conscience". Eric and I wondered later if this isn't the same reason a lot of guys have, only to cloak it in intellectualism or some other excuse. The bottom line, I told Jesus', is that just like Adam and Eve, we want what we want, when we want it and we don't like God telling us what we can and cannot do. Now that he has been married a few years, Jesus' is seeking to find out more about God, though he doesn't consider himself a believer just yet. He showed a small orange Gideon Bible he has been reading, and was very interested to find out more about Christianity. He attended Jehovah's Witness meetings for a few months, but knew enough to realize they have an altered version of the Bible that denies that Jesus is the Son of God. I explained why that is so important, how His death on the cross is a substitute by God's mercy for the punishment we deserve. The Ten Commandments helped Jesus' personalize his guilt and see his need for the Savior. He was running late for work, but I gave him much to read and think about after work.
10/5/10 Dennis early 20's
Today I and Paul, one of our church elders, went out to share the gospel near the University of Illinois Chicago campus. We met Dennis, a business student. After agreeing to answer my questions he told us he grew up in a Buddhist home but doesn't hold to its beliefs or any religious beliefs for that matter.. He didn't believe in any higher power or an afterlife. "What would it take for you to at least believe God may exist?" I asked. He didn't know. I spent some time explaining how God's creation points to a creator and how the laws of nature point to a lawgiver. He finally agreed it may be at least possible, so I went on to explain about God's law and the condemnation we deserve. Dennis then changed his tune, saying that he preferred Buddhism, forgetting he had rejected it at the beginning. He said it really helps him to live ethically, so I asked how well he kept even his own standards of right and wrong. He had already admitted he didn't. I said "It's no wonder why many people choose not to believe in the Christian God who holds us accountable - they think if they ignore Him he'll go away!" Dennis had to agree and, at least intellectually, wanted to hear how the Bible says sinners like us can be made right with God, so I did. God has an entire world view to change in Dennis, and I think today He made a few steps in that direction.
Today I and Paul, one of our church elders, went out to share the gospel near the University of Illinois Chicago campus. We met Dennis, a business student. After agreeing to answer my questions he told us he grew up in a Buddhist home but doesn't hold to its beliefs or any religious beliefs for that matter.. He didn't believe in any higher power or an afterlife. "What would it take for you to at least believe God may exist?" I asked. He didn't know. I spent some time explaining how God's creation points to a creator and how the laws of nature point to a lawgiver. He finally agreed it may be at least possible, so I went on to explain about God's law and the condemnation we deserve. Dennis then changed his tune, saying that he preferred Buddhism, forgetting he had rejected it at the beginning. He said it really helps him to live ethically, so I asked how well he kept even his own standards of right and wrong. He had already admitted he didn't. I said "It's no wonder why many people choose not to believe in the Christian God who holds us accountable - they think if they ignore Him he'll go away!" Dennis had to agree and, at least intellectually, wanted to hear how the Bible says sinners like us can be made right with God, so I did. God has an entire world view to change in Dennis, and I think today He made a few steps in that direction.
10/4/10 Rob, about 25
After work I met up with Nolan, a longtime brother in Christ, and we headed for a nearby park where we found several African Ameriican men fishing at the park lagoon. I gave them "million dollar bill" gospel tracts which led to a conversation with one of them named Rob while Nolan spoke with his Uncle Sam (no pun intended!) Rob put a lot of faith in the fact that he attends his aunt and uncle's church and is descended from a grandfather who was a pastor. Even more recently, just last week he was approached by two Jehovah's Witnesses who talked with him and convinced him to pray with them for salvation. They posed with him for a picture and told him to remember that day as the day he was saved. Of course I am aware of the false teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses, with their works based salvation and distorted version of the Bible which blatantly hides the deity of Christ, but I wasn't sure if Rob saw a difference either way. I asked him what all this meant to him, and he really had no idea other than the idea that "Jesus died for my sins." I knew he could easily fail to remember much of what I said also, so I tried to keep it simple, encouraging him in his faith in Christ but warning him about the false teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses that say we must add our good works to faith in order to be saved. I suspect that one reason many Christians don't witness is because they don't want to be associated with false teachers like the Jehovah's Witnesses, but I believe just the opposite: - we know they are out there and we need to do something about it!
After work I met up with Nolan, a longtime brother in Christ, and we headed for a nearby park where we found several African Ameriican men fishing at the park lagoon. I gave them "million dollar bill" gospel tracts which led to a conversation with one of them named Rob while Nolan spoke with his Uncle Sam (no pun intended!) Rob put a lot of faith in the fact that he attends his aunt and uncle's church and is descended from a grandfather who was a pastor. Even more recently, just last week he was approached by two Jehovah's Witnesses who talked with him and convinced him to pray with them for salvation. They posed with him for a picture and told him to remember that day as the day he was saved. Of course I am aware of the false teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses, with their works based salvation and distorted version of the Bible which blatantly hides the deity of Christ, but I wasn't sure if Rob saw a difference either way. I asked him what all this meant to him, and he really had no idea other than the idea that "Jesus died for my sins." I knew he could easily fail to remember much of what I said also, so I tried to keep it simple, encouraging him in his faith in Christ but warning him about the false teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses that say we must add our good works to faith in order to be saved. I suspect that one reason many Christians don't witness is because they don't want to be associated with false teachers like the Jehovah's Witnesses, but I believe just the opposite: - we know they are out there and we need to do something about it!
10/3/10 Al about 25
Before church this morning I met with Ralph, a long time believer but relatively new to our local church. I enjoyed our time of fellowship but also being "on mission" as we walked in the neighborhood, looking to initiate a gospel conversation. We ran into a young man named Al as he came down the sidewalk. He remembered me from my years in running a local youth center, and seemed to have a lot of respect for me from this, staying to talk despite shivering in the cold morning air with no jacket. Al didn't remember anything from the youth center about the gospel, though we shared it often in large group settings. What we didn't do very much back then was share it individually, preferring instead to focus on building relationships, setting an example as Christian adults, and waiting for youth to ask us about our faith. But it's not the job of unbelievers to take the initiative in the sharing of the gospel. We are commanded to "go", not "wait". Looking back, I wish I had stepped out of my comfort zone and taken the initiative much more often, for we had a lot of time and the trust of the youth available to us. Well, Al heard the gospel again today. I realize he may need to hear it many more times before God's truth sinks in. The local church would be a wonderful place for this to happen, and Al knows he's invited. Just the same, I'm thankful for the privilege of telling him about Jesus (and our need for Him) one more time.
Before church this morning I met with Ralph, a long time believer but relatively new to our local church. I enjoyed our time of fellowship but also being "on mission" as we walked in the neighborhood, looking to initiate a gospel conversation. We ran into a young man named Al as he came down the sidewalk. He remembered me from my years in running a local youth center, and seemed to have a lot of respect for me from this, staying to talk despite shivering in the cold morning air with no jacket. Al didn't remember anything from the youth center about the gospel, though we shared it often in large group settings. What we didn't do very much back then was share it individually, preferring instead to focus on building relationships, setting an example as Christian adults, and waiting for youth to ask us about our faith. But it's not the job of unbelievers to take the initiative in the sharing of the gospel. We are commanded to "go", not "wait". Looking back, I wish I had stepped out of my comfort zone and taken the initiative much more often, for we had a lot of time and the trust of the youth available to us. Well, Al heard the gospel again today. I realize he may need to hear it many more times before God's truth sinks in. The local church would be a wonderful place for this to happen, and Al knows he's invited. Just the same, I'm thankful for the privilege of telling him about Jesus (and our need for Him) one more time.
10/2/10 Fred, Josh both about 20
At a Burger King I found two younger African-American guys at a booth and they agreed to answer some of my questions. Fred has no church background and has left home at age 13, living with various friends but basically taking care of himself. He had some interesting theories about religion, believing in reincarnation and feeling like he had some spiritual authority due to a series of dreams he had from age 5 to 10. "Even my psychiatrist believed these dreams were coming from someone other than me, possibly from a past life" he said. After hearing about this for some time his friend Josh identified himself as a Christian and spoke to Fred, telling him he "you need to accept Jesus as your personal savior" in order to be saved. They had never talked about this before. What Josh said, while true, sounded like very shallow and untested religious clichés, so I put him to the test, asking him some tough questions that might help both of them think things through a bit. "Why did Jesus have to die on a cross?" "What about people that never hear about Jesus?" "Do you think hell is a reasonable punishment?" Josh had to go to work but Fred and I continued talking. At first Fred believed everyone will eventually go to heaven, but became convinced we will be held accountable for our sins and deserve God's righteous wrath. Only then could he also begin to understand God's magnificent act of love at the cross of Christ.
At a Burger King I found two younger African-American guys at a booth and they agreed to answer some of my questions. Fred has no church background and has left home at age 13, living with various friends but basically taking care of himself. He had some interesting theories about religion, believing in reincarnation and feeling like he had some spiritual authority due to a series of dreams he had from age 5 to 10. "Even my psychiatrist believed these dreams were coming from someone other than me, possibly from a past life" he said. After hearing about this for some time his friend Josh identified himself as a Christian and spoke to Fred, telling him he "you need to accept Jesus as your personal savior" in order to be saved. They had never talked about this before. What Josh said, while true, sounded like very shallow and untested religious clichés, so I put him to the test, asking him some tough questions that might help both of them think things through a bit. "Why did Jesus have to die on a cross?" "What about people that never hear about Jesus?" "Do you think hell is a reasonable punishment?" Josh had to go to work but Fred and I continued talking. At first Fred believed everyone will eventually go to heaven, but became convinced we will be held accountable for our sins and deserve God's righteous wrath. Only then could he also begin to understand God's magnificent act of love at the cross of Christ.
10/1/10 Bill, about 45
After he agreed to answer a few questions I asked Bill, a man I found sitting at McDonalds, if he believes in any sort of higher power. He said he believes in God and trusts in Jesus, reads the Bible often but no longer attends the Pentecostal church he had been heavily involved with for many years. I asked about his story and found out he was raised in a Catholic home but both parents died when he was about 13. He became angry at God and decided not to believe in Him and turned to drinking and drugs until meeting his wife and joining her Pentecostal church in his 20's. His description of speaking in tongues was the same as that of other Pentecostals I've spoken with. After 15 years his wife had an affair and they divorced, leaving him bitter and angry. He left the church, turned to alcohol again, and hasn't been back in ten years. He claims he now drinks "only once in a while" and that he reads his Bible but feels he doesn't need to go to church to be close to God. Bill believes he will go to heaven because he is righteous. Was this the righteousness we can have only through repentance and faith in Jesus, or the self-righteousness based on our so-called good works that will only condemn us in the end. I was well along in the process of trying to determine just that, but was sidetracked with talking about the importance of church, not just for his own sake but to encourage others. Suddenly Bill had to get going. Did he suddenly realize how late it was getting and that he had to be somewhere, or did it get "too hot in the kitchen"?.
After he agreed to answer a few questions I asked Bill, a man I found sitting at McDonalds, if he believes in any sort of higher power. He said he believes in God and trusts in Jesus, reads the Bible often but no longer attends the Pentecostal church he had been heavily involved with for many years. I asked about his story and found out he was raised in a Catholic home but both parents died when he was about 13. He became angry at God and decided not to believe in Him and turned to drinking and drugs until meeting his wife and joining her Pentecostal church in his 20's. His description of speaking in tongues was the same as that of other Pentecostals I've spoken with. After 15 years his wife had an affair and they divorced, leaving him bitter and angry. He left the church, turned to alcohol again, and hasn't been back in ten years. He claims he now drinks "only once in a while" and that he reads his Bible but feels he doesn't need to go to church to be close to God. Bill believes he will go to heaven because he is righteous. Was this the righteousness we can have only through repentance and faith in Jesus, or the self-righteousness based on our so-called good works that will only condemn us in the end. I was well along in the process of trying to determine just that, but was sidetracked with talking about the importance of church, not just for his own sake but to encourage others. Suddenly Bill had to get going. Did he suddenly realize how late it was getting and that he had to be somewhere, or did it get "too hot in the kitchen"?.
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