3/31/10 Jeff, 26
Jeff was sitting at a picnic table near a fishing pier in North Carolina, and gave me permission to ask a few questions. He told me all about a past growing up attending a Christian High School, with atrocious stories of the hypocrisy he experienced, yet he was very impressed with the deep joy he saw in a Christian youth leader and his family, and wanted that same joy for himself. Jeff said he had a salvation experience and felt like he walked in that same joy for about two years until he moved away and lost touch with God in his life. He has since heard of more stories of hypocrisy in churches where he now lives. I told him that a big reason people become Christians is because of Christians, but a big reason people turn from God can also be because of Christians, or at least those who claim to be believers. Jeff told me about his ungodly lifestyle and said he goes weeks at a time without even thinking about God, yet he believes he will go to heaven because he had heard that once a person is saved they will always be saved, and he asked me how I felt about that. I told him I believe that God keeps His promises to people but that some people who think they are saved may never have been Christians to begin with. We talked about the meaning of repentance and Jeff's understanding had more to do with being sorry than it did with truly turning from sin. We covered a lot of ground in our half-hour conversation, and before I had to leave I prayed with Jeff, that God would bring him to repentance and a daily walk with Jesus. I am becoming increasingly convinced that we as Christians shouldn't take our salvation for granted, but instead should "examine yourselves to see if you are of the faith" as Paul advises in 2 Corinthians 13:5
Gospel conversations from the streets and marketplace....
3/29/10 Shelly, about 40
At a mall in North Carolina I happened upon a Christian bookstore run by a community church that meets there in the mall. A church member (Shelly) volunteering in the store began talking to me, so I asked what she liked about going to church there. "Oh, I just love the friendly atmosphere, and the music is awesome". She told me she grew up always going to church but this is the first church where she liked attending rather than out of obligation, and her 16 year old daughter can't get enough of it. We talked quite a while and when I asked how she knew she would go to heaven she again told me how happy it made her to go to church and how she has become a better person since she started attending church once again. In my mind I thought either 1.) she has saving faith in Jesus and sees the changes in her life as evidence of that faith, or 2.) her real faith is in her own goodness - that she simply believes she is good enough for heaven. Salvation is too important of an issue to leave to assumptions, so I put it another way. "You know Jesus says we are to be 'Fishers of Men' right?" "Oh definitely!" "Well if I came in from the mall and asked how I can go to heaven, what would you tell me?" She answered, "I would say you should accept Jesus in your heart". As we talked further it seemed to me that Shelly has a sincere faith in Christ, but is rather unsure about how to share it.
At a mall in North Carolina I happened upon a Christian bookstore run by a community church that meets there in the mall. A church member (Shelly) volunteering in the store began talking to me, so I asked what she liked about going to church there. "Oh, I just love the friendly atmosphere, and the music is awesome". She told me she grew up always going to church but this is the first church where she liked attending rather than out of obligation, and her 16 year old daughter can't get enough of it. We talked quite a while and when I asked how she knew she would go to heaven she again told me how happy it made her to go to church and how she has become a better person since she started attending church once again. In my mind I thought either 1.) she has saving faith in Jesus and sees the changes in her life as evidence of that faith, or 2.) her real faith is in her own goodness - that she simply believes she is good enough for heaven. Salvation is too important of an issue to leave to assumptions, so I put it another way. "You know Jesus says we are to be 'Fishers of Men' right?" "Oh definitely!" "Well if I came in from the mall and asked how I can go to heaven, what would you tell me?" She answered, "I would say you should accept Jesus in your heart". As we talked further it seemed to me that Shelly has a sincere faith in Christ, but is rather unsure about how to share it.
3/27/10 Eli, Deanna, Derrick late teens
On the first day of our family vacation to Nana's house in North Carolina, I went for a walk on the beach with my family. The beach was empty except for 3 teenagers out having a few beers and walking their dog. Just before leaving the beach I told my wife I would try to engage them in conversation; if I did then I would call her by cell phone when I was done to join up with the family again, so they went on their way and I went to talk to the teenagers. I gave them MDB tracts which brought some laughs, and asked if they knew the million dollar question, "Will you go to heaven?" They all said they would. "How can you be sure?" They didn't know. Deanna, who is Catholic, said "it all depends on what kind of person you are in this life" Derrick, who had simply said he was a Christian, had no idea. Eli, a Baptist, said "You have to accept Jesus as your personal savior". I asked, "Why is it so important to accept Jesus?" Eli said he really didn't know. I went on to explain our condemnation before God by personalizing the Ten Commandments. (This is so important because of the way people trivialize their sin) and the punishment of hell we deserve and the mercy we hope for. At the mention of the word "hell" Derrick said "I just try not to think about it. I'll deal with it when my day comes" I told him, "You know, I hate that word too. Hell is a horrible thing to imagine, and I'd rather not even say the word, but it wasn't meant to make us feel good" I asked if he had seen a recent movie about drinking beer in hell. Derrick, who had a beer in hand, said he had and I told him "Hell is no joke. It's not a place for bad people to party, but it was made as a place of punishment for Satan and all who turn away from God." We can't avoid it by forgetting about it or calling it anything less than it is. I went on to share God's love and mercy in Christ. These kids knew I cared enough to tell them some hard truths, and sincerely thanked me for stopping to talk as I left to catch up with my family.
On the first day of our family vacation to Nana's house in North Carolina, I went for a walk on the beach with my family. The beach was empty except for 3 teenagers out having a few beers and walking their dog. Just before leaving the beach I told my wife I would try to engage them in conversation; if I did then I would call her by cell phone when I was done to join up with the family again, so they went on their way and I went to talk to the teenagers. I gave them MDB tracts which brought some laughs, and asked if they knew the million dollar question, "Will you go to heaven?" They all said they would. "How can you be sure?" They didn't know. Deanna, who is Catholic, said "it all depends on what kind of person you are in this life" Derrick, who had simply said he was a Christian, had no idea. Eli, a Baptist, said "You have to accept Jesus as your personal savior". I asked, "Why is it so important to accept Jesus?" Eli said he really didn't know. I went on to explain our condemnation before God by personalizing the Ten Commandments. (This is so important because of the way people trivialize their sin) and the punishment of hell we deserve and the mercy we hope for. At the mention of the word "hell" Derrick said "I just try not to think about it. I'll deal with it when my day comes" I told him, "You know, I hate that word too. Hell is a horrible thing to imagine, and I'd rather not even say the word, but it wasn't meant to make us feel good" I asked if he had seen a recent movie about drinking beer in hell. Derrick, who had a beer in hand, said he had and I told him "Hell is no joke. It's not a place for bad people to party, but it was made as a place of punishment for Satan and all who turn away from God." We can't avoid it by forgetting about it or calling it anything less than it is. I went on to share God's love and mercy in Christ. These kids knew I cared enough to tell them some hard truths, and sincerely thanked me for stopping to talk as I left to catch up with my family.
3/27/10 Devon and Perry, about 20
I hadn't been out much all day so I went specifically to look for a witnessing opportunity. First I went to a McDonalds, but instead of praying or getting out of the car right away I sat and shrank back in fear as I saw all the people sitting at their tables. The same thing happened at Starbucks, where after I bought my coffee I was too intimidated to talk to anyone and just sat alone at a table feeling foolish. It reminded me of times I've been in a mosquito-infested woods where I was all right as long as I kept moving but once I sat still I was under attack, only in this instance it was my own doubts or fears or maybe even demonic forces that attacked me as I sat still rather than go boldly forward. I left Starbucks and within a minute or so began a conversation with Devon and Perry, two African-American college students who asked me for change for bus fare. This led to a long and animated conversation with Devon while Perry listened. Devon grew up Baptist, but no longer attends church because he feels that "I don't need to go to church to worship God." He believes he will go to heaven because he does more good than bad in life, but when I asked how he has kept some of the Ten Commandments, personalizing them by asking about them individually, he realized he had even broken a few there on the sidewalk just before he asked me for money. After exposure to God's law in this way, Devon was ready for God's grace. He wanted to know about the Savior because he knew he needed to be saved from the punishment he justly deserves. After sharing the good news of Jesus, both Devon and Perry agreed that they need to get right with God. I challenged them to do so today and prayed with them that God would help them in this. I probably should have given them more direction at this point. I still wrestle with discerning the difference between true repentance and belief and mere mental assent to the Gospel.
I hadn't been out much all day so I went specifically to look for a witnessing opportunity. First I went to a McDonalds, but instead of praying or getting out of the car right away I sat and shrank back in fear as I saw all the people sitting at their tables. The same thing happened at Starbucks, where after I bought my coffee I was too intimidated to talk to anyone and just sat alone at a table feeling foolish. It reminded me of times I've been in a mosquito-infested woods where I was all right as long as I kept moving but once I sat still I was under attack, only in this instance it was my own doubts or fears or maybe even demonic forces that attacked me as I sat still rather than go boldly forward. I left Starbucks and within a minute or so began a conversation with Devon and Perry, two African-American college students who asked me for change for bus fare. This led to a long and animated conversation with Devon while Perry listened. Devon grew up Baptist, but no longer attends church because he feels that "I don't need to go to church to worship God." He believes he will go to heaven because he does more good than bad in life, but when I asked how he has kept some of the Ten Commandments, personalizing them by asking about them individually, he realized he had even broken a few there on the sidewalk just before he asked me for money. After exposure to God's law in this way, Devon was ready for God's grace. He wanted to know about the Savior because he knew he needed to be saved from the punishment he justly deserves. After sharing the good news of Jesus, both Devon and Perry agreed that they need to get right with God. I challenged them to do so today and prayed with them that God would help them in this. I probably should have given them more direction at this point. I still wrestle with discerning the difference between true repentance and belief and mere mental assent to the Gospel.
3/26/10 Travis about 30
It was a bright and sunny but cold on the sidewalk as I came across a man (Travis) walking his dog and greeted him warmly. "Say, I have an interesting question for you if you have a minute." "Sure, what's it about?" "Well, I'm kind of religious and I wonder if you have any spiritual beliefs." "Well, yeah I just got married in a religious ceremony, and was confirmed in a Methodist Church." I asked if he believed in God, heaven and hell, and eternal life. "Well, I sure hope so." We talked for a while about God's existence, and Travis wondered how I felt about conflicts between science and the Bible. I told him I felt that the mere fact of creation shows that there is a creator, because matter and energy can't create themselves, and that the Bible wasn't intended to be a science book. But I do think God could have created the earth already in process, with, for example, the light from stars billions of light years away already streaming toward us when they were created. Travis had to get his dog in before some children walked by, so I gave him a well-written booklet on Christianity to read, and he asked about my church before he left, saying he was looking for a church in the neighborhood.
It was a bright and sunny but cold on the sidewalk as I came across a man (Travis) walking his dog and greeted him warmly. "Say, I have an interesting question for you if you have a minute." "Sure, what's it about?" "Well, I'm kind of religious and I wonder if you have any spiritual beliefs." "Well, yeah I just got married in a religious ceremony, and was confirmed in a Methodist Church." I asked if he believed in God, heaven and hell, and eternal life. "Well, I sure hope so." We talked for a while about God's existence, and Travis wondered how I felt about conflicts between science and the Bible. I told him I felt that the mere fact of creation shows that there is a creator, because matter and energy can't create themselves, and that the Bible wasn't intended to be a science book. But I do think God could have created the earth already in process, with, for example, the light from stars billions of light years away already streaming toward us when they were created. Travis had to get his dog in before some children walked by, so I gave him a well-written booklet on Christianity to read, and he asked about my church before he left, saying he was looking for a church in the neighborhood.
3/25/10 Larry, 56
Late night at the grocery store a man was browsing at the magazine rack. This is often a good place to talk to people who aren't in a real big hurry, so I used a MDB tract as a conversation starter. I asked if Larry if he had a religious background and he told me he is a lifelong Catholic. When I asked if he thought he would go to heaven, he said he wasn't so sure, he thinks there is probably more to being good than attending church on Sundays, but can't do much because lately he has been working a lot and taking care of his sick mother. I gently reminded him that Jesus came to give his life for sinners like us, not for perfect people. He thanked me and said he works the night shift and needed to get to work. I didn't use the 10 commandments because I felt that he was already humble and needed to hear about God's grace.
Late night at the grocery store a man was browsing at the magazine rack. This is often a good place to talk to people who aren't in a real big hurry, so I used a MDB tract as a conversation starter. I asked if Larry if he had a religious background and he told me he is a lifelong Catholic. When I asked if he thought he would go to heaven, he said he wasn't so sure, he thinks there is probably more to being good than attending church on Sundays, but can't do much because lately he has been working a lot and taking care of his sick mother. I gently reminded him that Jesus came to give his life for sinners like us, not for perfect people. He thanked me and said he works the night shift and needed to get to work. I didn't use the 10 commandments because I felt that he was already humble and needed to hear about God's grace.
3/24/10 Mark, about 20
Walking down the sidewalk I came across a very flamboyantly dressed and decorated young man and his partner waiting outside a store. I can't remember how I started the conversation but I noticed that he had shaved off his eyebrows and replaced them with very bold and flowery tattoos. Since I couldn't ignore them I made them a topic of conversation, asking about them with interest but neutral in my tone. I went on to ask if he had any sort of spiritual beliefs and Mark confidently said he was "saved, baptized, repented and believes in Jesus". However, I soon could see that he had learned a lot of evangelical rhetoric but believes none of it. He grew up attending a Baptist church with a busing ministry "where I was baptized 13 times" as he put it. He was confident he could pass my "good person test' but soon realized he failed miserably. When I asked about adultery he said "Well, I'm gay and I can't get married so I think God gives me a pass on that one". I felt no need to start an argument about homosexuality; I just asked if he had ever lusted after anyone and he agreed he had broken that commandment too. Will he be guilty or innocent on judgment day? "I guess I'd be guilty but I don't think God really cares about all that. I believe God just wants me to be a good person and, besides, I don't believe in the Bible anyway. How do I know what you say about God is true?" I explained how picking and choosing beliefs about God that we are more comfortable with is the same as worshipping false images, breaking the Second Commandment, and that we need an outside authority to base our beliefs on, which I believe to be the Bible. We parted on good terms, and I was thankful for the opportunity to speak some truth into this young man's life and his partner who had been listening with interest.
Walking down the sidewalk I came across a very flamboyantly dressed and decorated young man and his partner waiting outside a store. I can't remember how I started the conversation but I noticed that he had shaved off his eyebrows and replaced them with very bold and flowery tattoos. Since I couldn't ignore them I made them a topic of conversation, asking about them with interest but neutral in my tone. I went on to ask if he had any sort of spiritual beliefs and Mark confidently said he was "saved, baptized, repented and believes in Jesus". However, I soon could see that he had learned a lot of evangelical rhetoric but believes none of it. He grew up attending a Baptist church with a busing ministry "where I was baptized 13 times" as he put it. He was confident he could pass my "good person test' but soon realized he failed miserably. When I asked about adultery he said "Well, I'm gay and I can't get married so I think God gives me a pass on that one". I felt no need to start an argument about homosexuality; I just asked if he had ever lusted after anyone and he agreed he had broken that commandment too. Will he be guilty or innocent on judgment day? "I guess I'd be guilty but I don't think God really cares about all that. I believe God just wants me to be a good person and, besides, I don't believe in the Bible anyway. How do I know what you say about God is true?" I explained how picking and choosing beliefs about God that we are more comfortable with is the same as worshipping false images, breaking the Second Commandment, and that we need an outside authority to base our beliefs on, which I believe to be the Bible. We parted on good terms, and I was thankful for the opportunity to speak some truth into this young man's life and his partner who had been listening with interest.
3/23/10 Ed, Matt, early 20's
Walking down the sidewalk, I arrived at an intersection along with two guys just as the light turned red. I had about a minute to engage them in conversation, so I said "Hey, I have an interesting question for you" "What about?" "What do you think happens after this life? What's on the other side?" They basically said they didn't know or care, that in a million years it wouldn't matter. I asked "Is it possible that we might continue to exist? And if it is, no matter how long we live our life will be very brief compared to eternity so it would be wise to think about it now right?" This got them thinking, and when the light changed to green, they stayed to talk further. I talked mainly with Ed, and our conversation lasted through many more stoplight cycles as we discussed some of his wild theories about God (an energy source) the Bible (a government conspiracy to control people) and salvation (believes the Bible says one must have 100 percent faith or they will be sent to hell) I was able to provide logical responses to these claims before their friends called and they had to move on. Before they left they asked about my church, just a few blocks away. Maybe someday they'll darken our doorway.
Walking down the sidewalk, I arrived at an intersection along with two guys just as the light turned red. I had about a minute to engage them in conversation, so I said "Hey, I have an interesting question for you" "What about?" "What do you think happens after this life? What's on the other side?" They basically said they didn't know or care, that in a million years it wouldn't matter. I asked "Is it possible that we might continue to exist? And if it is, no matter how long we live our life will be very brief compared to eternity so it would be wise to think about it now right?" This got them thinking, and when the light changed to green, they stayed to talk further. I talked mainly with Ed, and our conversation lasted through many more stoplight cycles as we discussed some of his wild theories about God (an energy source) the Bible (a government conspiracy to control people) and salvation (believes the Bible says one must have 100 percent faith or they will be sent to hell) I was able to provide logical responses to these claims before their friends called and they had to move on. Before they left they asked about my church, just a few blocks away. Maybe someday they'll darken our doorway.
3/22/10 Luis 20
Late evening at the grocery store, I used MDB tracts to try to begin conversations. I talked briefly with about 6 people before being able to start a longer conversation. Half were unwilling to talk about religion, and the other half were simply too busy but at least I was able to give them all something to read later along with a curious challenge to "take the good person test - I failed it, its harder than it seems." They all said they'd read it later. Finally, I met Luis who is a Catholic who very clearly trusts that he will be good enough for heaven. As we talked it became very obvious that he hasn't bothered to think much about the things of God. He has felt no need to, a least before today, because he feels he is religious enough for God. I shared about God's law and grace, and Luis just kept agreeing with everything I said without asking any questions. He seemed to appreciate all I said, yet was overwhelmed by it all at the same time. I left feeling like I may have been the first person to clearly explain the Gospel to him, and I hope I'm not the last.
Late evening at the grocery store, I used MDB tracts to try to begin conversations. I talked briefly with about 6 people before being able to start a longer conversation. Half were unwilling to talk about religion, and the other half were simply too busy but at least I was able to give them all something to read later along with a curious challenge to "take the good person test - I failed it, its harder than it seems." They all said they'd read it later. Finally, I met Luis who is a Catholic who very clearly trusts that he will be good enough for heaven. As we talked it became very obvious that he hasn't bothered to think much about the things of God. He has felt no need to, a least before today, because he feels he is religious enough for God. I shared about God's law and grace, and Luis just kept agreeing with everything I said without asking any questions. He seemed to appreciate all I said, yet was overwhelmed by it all at the same time. I left feeling like I may have been the first person to clearly explain the Gospel to him, and I hope I'm not the last.
3/21//10 Alex, Thomas, both about 30
At a Starbucks I began a conversation with a man from France named Alex by asking if he had time for a few questions. He said he didn't, that his wife was on her way to pick him up, and when he found out I am from a nearby church he told me he was an atheist and didn't see how a conversation would be beneficial. Yet we continued to talk and in five minutes I think I might have shared enough about Christianity to catch his interest in reading the additional materials I gave him. Nearby, a well-dressed African-American man had a Quran and a Bible on his table, so I asked if he would tell me about his beliefs. He did, and I heard an array of far-fetched teachings about the beginnings of the Nation of Islam, most of which were very contrary to documented accounts of this Chicago based Muslim sect. Thomas was very opinionated and I could see it would be useless to argue his claims that Jesus is only a prophet and not God's Son, or that the Bible has been corrupted. Instead I focused on God's infinite worth and holiness, which he could not deny. Thomas admitted his own sinfulness but talked as if sins against God are trivial. He thought that an apology and the recitation of a few prayers would satisfy God's demand for justice, so after much discussion I left him with this question - "If justice is to be served, then what sort of punishment do we deserve for offending an infinitely holy God?" Like all people, Muslims need the "felt need" of deliverance from God's righteous anger at their sin before they will begin to look for the Savior.
At a Starbucks I began a conversation with a man from France named Alex by asking if he had time for a few questions. He said he didn't, that his wife was on her way to pick him up, and when he found out I am from a nearby church he told me he was an atheist and didn't see how a conversation would be beneficial. Yet we continued to talk and in five minutes I think I might have shared enough about Christianity to catch his interest in reading the additional materials I gave him. Nearby, a well-dressed African-American man had a Quran and a Bible on his table, so I asked if he would tell me about his beliefs. He did, and I heard an array of far-fetched teachings about the beginnings of the Nation of Islam, most of which were very contrary to documented accounts of this Chicago based Muslim sect. Thomas was very opinionated and I could see it would be useless to argue his claims that Jesus is only a prophet and not God's Son, or that the Bible has been corrupted. Instead I focused on God's infinite worth and holiness, which he could not deny. Thomas admitted his own sinfulness but talked as if sins against God are trivial. He thought that an apology and the recitation of a few prayers would satisfy God's demand for justice, so after much discussion I left him with this question - "If justice is to be served, then what sort of punishment do we deserve for offending an infinitely holy God?" Like all people, Muslims need the "felt need" of deliverance from God's righteous anger at their sin before they will begin to look for the Savior.
3/20/10 I attended our church men's retreat the last two days, and can't detail any conversations out of respect for confidentiality. As a group leader I was thankful for my experiences in law/grace evangelism, which have prepared me to look past the smokescreens and rationalizations that churchgoers often use in regards to sin and salvation.
Thursday
I didn't witness to anyone new yesterday. I simply didn't have time. I'm glad that everyday evangelism is a goal I have set in which I ask God for help in meeting, rather than a promise I've made that I can't possibly keep on my own. Rather than trying to do something "for" God, it is something I can ask God to do through me by His grace. This goal has truly been a blessing to me because without it I know I would fall back into my lazy and complacent comfort zone. How about you? Would an evangelism goal help you share your faith more often? It doesn't have to be every day - how about once a week? Every other day? Twice a day? Whatever goal you set I have no doubt God will help you meet it because glorifying His Son by redeeming the souls He died for is the Father's passion. May it be our passion too.
I didn't witness to anyone new yesterday. I simply didn't have time. I'm glad that everyday evangelism is a goal I have set in which I ask God for help in meeting, rather than a promise I've made that I can't possibly keep on my own. Rather than trying to do something "for" God, it is something I can ask God to do through me by His grace. This goal has truly been a blessing to me because without it I know I would fall back into my lazy and complacent comfort zone. How about you? Would an evangelism goal help you share your faith more often? It doesn't have to be every day - how about once a week? Every other day? Twice a day? Whatever goal you set I have no doubt God will help you meet it because glorifying His Son by redeeming the souls He died for is the Father's passion. May it be our passion too.
3/17/10 DeAnthony, 20
Marty and I went again to a south-loop deli, where we spoke with DeAnthony, who was enjoying a snack on his break from work. DeAnthony grew up attending a well-known African-American church with a strong social justice agenda. He stopped church involvement several years ago when his family no longer forced him to go. He doesn't see his need for church, yet believes he is a good person deserving of heaven. He changed his mind, however, after a few minutes of thinking about the Ten Commandments and how he really stands before God's standard rather than the world's. "You think you are good because you've been comparing yourself to the world, but it only makes sense that God would have a higher standard than the world, right?" I went on to explain that God not only loves people, but He also loves justice and will see to it that all sin is punished, from murderers on down to liars and thieves. It seemed like DeAnthony had never heard these hard truths before. Was it that he hadn't been listening all those years in church, or was it that the church hadn't been preaching it? More and more, as churches become oriented toward a man-centered, "felt-needs" approach to ministry, I'm afraid it's the church that is not doing its job.
Marty and I went again to a south-loop deli, where we spoke with DeAnthony, who was enjoying a snack on his break from work. DeAnthony grew up attending a well-known African-American church with a strong social justice agenda. He stopped church involvement several years ago when his family no longer forced him to go. He doesn't see his need for church, yet believes he is a good person deserving of heaven. He changed his mind, however, after a few minutes of thinking about the Ten Commandments and how he really stands before God's standard rather than the world's. "You think you are good because you've been comparing yourself to the world, but it only makes sense that God would have a higher standard than the world, right?" I went on to explain that God not only loves people, but He also loves justice and will see to it that all sin is punished, from murderers on down to liars and thieves. It seemed like DeAnthony had never heard these hard truths before. Was it that he hadn't been listening all those years in church, or was it that the church hadn't been preaching it? More and more, as churches become oriented toward a man-centered, "felt-needs" approach to ministry, I'm afraid it's the church that is not doing its job.
3/16/10 Dominique, about 20
I stopped at a Burger King on my way home from work and asked a man finishing his meal at a table if he had a few minutes to answer some opinion questions. "What about?" "I'm from a church nearby and would like to ask about your spiritual beliefs." He shook his head "Absolutely not". I still tried to start a conversation, "Have you had some bad experiences talking about religion?" - but he just kept shaking his head. I can take a hint, so I moved on to another table. The next man couldn't speak English, and a third man's answer was much like the first. A year ago, I might have taken this personally or felt like a fool and maybe even given up at this point, but I am learning to base my self-image not on what other people may think of me but more and more simply on being obedient to Jesus. I went on to talk to Dominique, who believes that her good deeds will outweigh her sins, and that God forgives anyone (no matter what religion) if they ask Him for forgiveness. She was on break from a nearby job and I had about fifteen minutes, so I shared both the law of sin and death, and the good news of grace in Christ. She received it well, and had much to think about as she went back to work.
I stopped at a Burger King on my way home from work and asked a man finishing his meal at a table if he had a few minutes to answer some opinion questions. "What about?" "I'm from a church nearby and would like to ask about your spiritual beliefs." He shook his head "Absolutely not". I still tried to start a conversation, "Have you had some bad experiences talking about religion?" - but he just kept shaking his head. I can take a hint, so I moved on to another table. The next man couldn't speak English, and a third man's answer was much like the first. A year ago, I might have taken this personally or felt like a fool and maybe even given up at this point, but I am learning to base my self-image not on what other people may think of me but more and more simply on being obedient to Jesus. I went on to talk to Dominique, who believes that her good deeds will outweigh her sins, and that God forgives anyone (no matter what religion) if they ask Him for forgiveness. She was on break from a nearby job and I had about fifteen minutes, so I shared both the law of sin and death, and the good news of grace in Christ. She received it well, and had much to think about as she went back to work.
3/15/10 "Zach", 29
At the grocery store I used a MDB tract to start a conversation with a young man. I asked if he had any kind of spiritual beliefs, and he immediately brightened up and said "You know, I was just talking to my friend about that. I mean, how could all that we see possibly exist if there wasn't a maker behind it.?" Zach (name changed) had attended a Baptist church in the suburbs as a kid, but stopped going to church when his parents divorced and he moved to the south side of Chicago at age 17. He has worked as a cable man and told how he was "saved' 3 years ago after a conversation at a customers house while there to fix the cable lines. Zaron's understanding of being saved, however, didn't include repentance as he freely admitted to continually getting high, frequenting a strip club, and sex with his girlfriend. He was filled with excuses and rationalizations for all this, especially feeling that "it doesn't hurt anyone". He claims he regrets doing it, but isn't willing to stop, doesn't want to make any promises to God that he can't keep, and doesn't want to ask for help because he fears what God will do to make him stop. In addition to misunderstanding repentance, Zach also misunderstood belief, not knowing at all what he had put his belief in when he got "saved". We talked for nearly an hour there in the baking aisle, and Zach sincerely appreciated the time I took to talk with him and explain everything to him. He especially appreciated it when I prayed for him right then and there, and when I invited him to visit our church he asked all about it. He left counting the cost, and I pray that he will choose to love God -and his own eternal soul - more than he loves his sin.
At the grocery store I used a MDB tract to start a conversation with a young man. I asked if he had any kind of spiritual beliefs, and he immediately brightened up and said "You know, I was just talking to my friend about that. I mean, how could all that we see possibly exist if there wasn't a maker behind it.?" Zach (name changed) had attended a Baptist church in the suburbs as a kid, but stopped going to church when his parents divorced and he moved to the south side of Chicago at age 17. He has worked as a cable man and told how he was "saved' 3 years ago after a conversation at a customers house while there to fix the cable lines. Zaron's understanding of being saved, however, didn't include repentance as he freely admitted to continually getting high, frequenting a strip club, and sex with his girlfriend. He was filled with excuses and rationalizations for all this, especially feeling that "it doesn't hurt anyone". He claims he regrets doing it, but isn't willing to stop, doesn't want to make any promises to God that he can't keep, and doesn't want to ask for help because he fears what God will do to make him stop. In addition to misunderstanding repentance, Zach also misunderstood belief, not knowing at all what he had put his belief in when he got "saved". We talked for nearly an hour there in the baking aisle, and Zach sincerely appreciated the time I took to talk with him and explain everything to him. He especially appreciated it when I prayed for him right then and there, and when I invited him to visit our church he asked all about it. He left counting the cost, and I pray that he will choose to love God -and his own eternal soul - more than he loves his sin.
3/14/10 Steve, about 30
After church I stopped to get gas and used a MDB tract as a conversation starter with Steve, a gas truck driver who was filling up the gas station's underground tanks. I quickly got to the question "Will you go to heaven?" and Steve assured me that he would and is a member at a large, well known Baptist church in the area. I said "Well I really want to see you in heaven one day so I need to ask - how can you be sure?" Steve answered, "Well I think we're going through hell right here on earth." He told me he doesn't believe that there is an actual hell, but God will take all the good people away while He destroys the earth and all the bad people with it, and then He'll restore the earth and return the good people to it. "Do you read the Bible?" I asked "because that's really not what the Bible says". Steve replied "I've read parts of it, but I'm a little rusty on the details." Steve seemed pretty opinionated though and I didn't want to get in an argument about it so I decided to ask him the "good person" questions to try to help him see his need for forgiveness. I began by asking how many lies he has told, and he admitted to lying that he was busy when the church people on his block come by to talk to him and convince him to come to their church. He said they talk too much. I have to admit this really threw me off. I don't think he intentionally said this to get rid of me, but just the same I didn't want to be put in the same category as these "church people" so I summed up what I had to say rather quickly, left him with some additional info and went on my way. Looking back, I wish I hadn't so worried about his opinion of me and that I had been more concerned with his relationship with God.
After church I stopped to get gas and used a MDB tract as a conversation starter with Steve, a gas truck driver who was filling up the gas station's underground tanks. I quickly got to the question "Will you go to heaven?" and Steve assured me that he would and is a member at a large, well known Baptist church in the area. I said "Well I really want to see you in heaven one day so I need to ask - how can you be sure?" Steve answered, "Well I think we're going through hell right here on earth." He told me he doesn't believe that there is an actual hell, but God will take all the good people away while He destroys the earth and all the bad people with it, and then He'll restore the earth and return the good people to it. "Do you read the Bible?" I asked "because that's really not what the Bible says". Steve replied "I've read parts of it, but I'm a little rusty on the details." Steve seemed pretty opinionated though and I didn't want to get in an argument about it so I decided to ask him the "good person" questions to try to help him see his need for forgiveness. I began by asking how many lies he has told, and he admitted to lying that he was busy when the church people on his block come by to talk to him and convince him to come to their church. He said they talk too much. I have to admit this really threw me off. I don't think he intentionally said this to get rid of me, but just the same I didn't want to be put in the same category as these "church people" so I summed up what I had to say rather quickly, left him with some additional info and went on my way. Looking back, I wish I hadn't so worried about his opinion of me and that I had been more concerned with his relationship with God.
3/13/10 Joe, about 40
After our monthly Saturday morning men's breakfast at church I invited Jake, a younger believer, to go on an evangelism outing with me. Since it was raining we went to the grocery store where we talked to several people including Joe, who believed in God as the "higher power" of his A.A. background. He views himself as a good person in general, but not a good Catholic because of his poor church attendance. Joe also told us he has not kept the Ten Commandments well, and since he seemed to have a good understanding of his own failings, I skipped the task of talking about individual commandments and personalizing Joe's guilt in failing to keep them. In hindsight I wish I had taken the time to do this, because being aware of one's own sins and being truly alarmed that one has broken God's laws in rebellion against him are two different things. We went on to discuss God's justice in demanding punishment for sin, and God's love in sacrificing His own son to satisfy that justice. This was good, and I think it may help Joe realize there is much more to his relationship to God than church attendance or trying to be good, but without the alarm that one has when seeing their own sin compared to the standard of God's holy law, our conversation could only go so far.
After our monthly Saturday morning men's breakfast at church I invited Jake, a younger believer, to go on an evangelism outing with me. Since it was raining we went to the grocery store where we talked to several people including Joe, who believed in God as the "higher power" of his A.A. background. He views himself as a good person in general, but not a good Catholic because of his poor church attendance. Joe also told us he has not kept the Ten Commandments well, and since he seemed to have a good understanding of his own failings, I skipped the task of talking about individual commandments and personalizing Joe's guilt in failing to keep them. In hindsight I wish I had taken the time to do this, because being aware of one's own sins and being truly alarmed that one has broken God's laws in rebellion against him are two different things. We went on to discuss God's justice in demanding punishment for sin, and God's love in sacrificing His own son to satisfy that justice. This was good, and I think it may help Joe realize there is much more to his relationship to God than church attendance or trying to be good, but without the alarm that one has when seeing their own sin compared to the standard of God's holy law, our conversation could only go so far.
3/12/10 Gus, about 30
After work I noticed I had a low tire so I stopped at the nearest tire repair shop and began a good conversation with Gus as he worked on my tire and afterward. Gus is Catholic but admitted he is just going through the motions, doing what he believes to be the bare minimum in his obligations to God by attending church. He thinks if God were to judge him today he wouldn't measure up "because I need to do more things to be nice to people and get more involved with church". I put him through a good-person test based on the Ten Commandments to help him realize his personal relationship with sin. He had plenty of excuses, such as his view that telling his wife he was at his brothers house when he was really at the tavern "really doesn't hurt anyone" but he soon admitted his guilt as a liar, thief, murderer-at-heart, etc. He said that yes, he deserves the punishment of hell and wants to know how to avoid it. He was relieved to hear of God's mercy in allowing Jesus to take the punishment he deserves on the cross and I counseled him to put his faith in Jesus, giving him additional materials to read. However, like so many people, Gus seemed to understand intellectually but without heartfelt conviction. I wonder how best to counsel people at this point. I don't want to lead people prematurely to the Lord and give them a false assurance of salvation, yet I don't want them to delay such an important decision either. As I drove away, I found myself wishing I had at least prayed with Gus about this important decision before I left.
After work I noticed I had a low tire so I stopped at the nearest tire repair shop and began a good conversation with Gus as he worked on my tire and afterward. Gus is Catholic but admitted he is just going through the motions, doing what he believes to be the bare minimum in his obligations to God by attending church. He thinks if God were to judge him today he wouldn't measure up "because I need to do more things to be nice to people and get more involved with church". I put him through a good-person test based on the Ten Commandments to help him realize his personal relationship with sin. He had plenty of excuses, such as his view that telling his wife he was at his brothers house when he was really at the tavern "really doesn't hurt anyone" but he soon admitted his guilt as a liar, thief, murderer-at-heart, etc. He said that yes, he deserves the punishment of hell and wants to know how to avoid it. He was relieved to hear of God's mercy in allowing Jesus to take the punishment he deserves on the cross and I counseled him to put his faith in Jesus, giving him additional materials to read. However, like so many people, Gus seemed to understand intellectually but without heartfelt conviction. I wonder how best to counsel people at this point. I don't want to lead people prematurely to the Lord and give them a false assurance of salvation, yet I don't want them to delay such an important decision either. As I drove away, I found myself wishing I had at least prayed with Gus about this important decision before I left.
3/11/10 Anthony, about 50
I was finishing my grocery shopping late at night and began talking to a well-dressed, African American man in my usual way, using a million dollar bill gospel tract as a conversation starter. When he realized I am a Christian, he boasted "Oh you don't want to talk to me. I'll blow you out of the water with my arguments against Christianity. I'll talk circles around you and make your head spin." Anthony grew up in a Christian home, but when he was older became a Muslim, blaming his rejection of Christianity on the hypocrisy he saw in churches and individual Christians. He claims to be an orthodox Muslim, but is very enamored with the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, a black separatist and founder of the Nation of Islam. Anthony did indeed talk circles around me, not with logical arguments but by interrupting so that I could never explain a point and by hijacking the conversation with long run-on sentences and rabbit-trails that seemed to go nowhere. Anthony has been a Muslim for decades, and a disillusioned and bitter ex-churchgoer for even longer, so he has built up a whole arsenal of arguments and complaints against Christianity. I feel like most people I've talked to I've planted some sort of seed of truth, but I'm not so sure about Anthony.
I was finishing my grocery shopping late at night and began talking to a well-dressed, African American man in my usual way, using a million dollar bill gospel tract as a conversation starter. When he realized I am a Christian, he boasted "Oh you don't want to talk to me. I'll blow you out of the water with my arguments against Christianity. I'll talk circles around you and make your head spin." Anthony grew up in a Christian home, but when he was older became a Muslim, blaming his rejection of Christianity on the hypocrisy he saw in churches and individual Christians. He claims to be an orthodox Muslim, but is very enamored with the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, a black separatist and founder of the Nation of Islam. Anthony did indeed talk circles around me, not with logical arguments but by interrupting so that I could never explain a point and by hijacking the conversation with long run-on sentences and rabbit-trails that seemed to go nowhere. Anthony has been a Muslim for decades, and a disillusioned and bitter ex-churchgoer for even longer, so he has built up a whole arsenal of arguments and complaints against Christianity. I feel like most people I've talked to I've planted some sort of seed of truth, but I'm not so sure about Anthony.
3/10/10 Adam early 20's
On my lunch break I called up Tony, a church "fishing buddy". "Feel like going fishing when I get off work?" Tony knew what I meant - that we would be "fishers of men" like Jesus said so he said "of course!" and a few hours later we were walking around the park on one of the first warm and sunny afternoons in a long time. We got in a few spiritual conversations with people but the one that got our attention was Adam who was out walking his dog. He grew up Lutheran, but said he no longer attends church because he is so busy with his job and college classes, and what is really important is taking care of his 15-month old daughter. Adam said that if he were judged today he would not do well because of the way he's been living his life. What really seemed to resonate with him was when I told him that one day his daughter will be a teenager, and will look at him as a hypocrite when he tells her to be involved in church and follow God when he isn't doing so himself. "The most important thing in the world is your own soul, and the Bible says your soul will live forever, either in heaven or in hell. Now is the day to get things right with God, tomorrow isn't promised" To me it seemed like Adam was ready to leave our conversation any minute (though he never did), but Tony later told me I had his attention and he was really listening. Both Tony today and Marty yesterday encouraged me that I was doing well even though I had a lot of doubts about myself. Maybe this is why Jesus sent out his disciples by two's.
On my lunch break I called up Tony, a church "fishing buddy". "Feel like going fishing when I get off work?" Tony knew what I meant - that we would be "fishers of men" like Jesus said so he said "of course!" and a few hours later we were walking around the park on one of the first warm and sunny afternoons in a long time. We got in a few spiritual conversations with people but the one that got our attention was Adam who was out walking his dog. He grew up Lutheran, but said he no longer attends church because he is so busy with his job and college classes, and what is really important is taking care of his 15-month old daughter. Adam said that if he were judged today he would not do well because of the way he's been living his life. What really seemed to resonate with him was when I told him that one day his daughter will be a teenager, and will look at him as a hypocrite when he tells her to be involved in church and follow God when he isn't doing so himself. "The most important thing in the world is your own soul, and the Bible says your soul will live forever, either in heaven or in hell. Now is the day to get things right with God, tomorrow isn't promised" To me it seemed like Adam was ready to leave our conversation any minute (though he never did), but Tony later told me I had his attention and he was really listening. Both Tony today and Marty yesterday encouraged me that I was doing well even though I had a lot of doubts about myself. Maybe this is why Jesus sent out his disciples by two's.
3/9/10 Shechem, 32
I went with Marty (church elder) to strike up conversations at a south loop deli. We spoke first to a UPS driver named Tony, then split up to talk to people separately. I spoke with Shechem, (spelling?) a trial lawyer originally from Poland. He is an atheist, but not the type who mocks or criticizes believers. He simply doesn't think much about religion. We had a long, interesting conversation, at first simply about God's existence and ending with an explanation of basic biblical beliefs, which he had never heard before. As a trial lawyer, he appreciated my logical arguments for God's existence, as well as in explaining our legal standing with God as lawbreakers who deserve His justice but need His mercy. Shechem thinks that he doesn't need the threat of hell or the promise of heaven to be a good person. A few minutes later, he later said "No offense, but who the hell does God think he is? I mean, if he created us and gave us free will, how dare he judge us for what we decide to do with it?" I explained that this belief has its roots all the way back to the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve were enticed to "be like God" - but without God's help. This false pride is at the root of man's rebellion against God. I think Sheckem came out of our conversation with acceptance that God may indeed exist, and appreciation for the logic behind Christian beliefs.
I went with Marty (church elder) to strike up conversations at a south loop deli. We spoke first to a UPS driver named Tony, then split up to talk to people separately. I spoke with Shechem, (spelling?) a trial lawyer originally from Poland. He is an atheist, but not the type who mocks or criticizes believers. He simply doesn't think much about religion. We had a long, interesting conversation, at first simply about God's existence and ending with an explanation of basic biblical beliefs, which he had never heard before. As a trial lawyer, he appreciated my logical arguments for God's existence, as well as in explaining our legal standing with God as lawbreakers who deserve His justice but need His mercy. Shechem thinks that he doesn't need the threat of hell or the promise of heaven to be a good person. A few minutes later, he later said "No offense, but who the hell does God think he is? I mean, if he created us and gave us free will, how dare he judge us for what we decide to do with it?" I explained that this belief has its roots all the way back to the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve were enticed to "be like God" - but without God's help. This false pride is at the root of man's rebellion against God. I think Sheckem came out of our conversation with acceptance that God may indeed exist, and appreciation for the logic behind Christian beliefs.
3/08/10 Carlos, about 20
Do I work in cooperation with the Holy Spirit or does He do His work in spite of me? I think it's both, but most days I feel one way or the other. Today I felt that in spite of my awkward and possibly confusing Gospel presentation, a young man at the grocery store named Carlos wanted to hear it anyway. I began the conversation hurriedly, and once I realized I wasn't being very clear in what I was saying, I kept expecting Carlos to walk away any second and was surprised when he didn't. When I asked about how he stood with God he grew quiet and said, "not good". This also surprised me, because I've become so used to most people's confident, high opinion of themselves that I didn't expect Carlos' humble attitude. He didn't need the law; he was ready for grace. Despite my lame attempt at sharing it, I believe God will speak to Carlos because he is ready to listen.
Do I work in cooperation with the Holy Spirit or does He do His work in spite of me? I think it's both, but most days I feel one way or the other. Today I felt that in spite of my awkward and possibly confusing Gospel presentation, a young man at the grocery store named Carlos wanted to hear it anyway. I began the conversation hurriedly, and once I realized I wasn't being very clear in what I was saying, I kept expecting Carlos to walk away any second and was surprised when he didn't. When I asked about how he stood with God he grew quiet and said, "not good". This also surprised me, because I've become so used to most people's confident, high opinion of themselves that I didn't expect Carlos' humble attitude. He didn't need the law; he was ready for grace. Despite my lame attempt at sharing it, I believe God will speak to Carlos because he is ready to listen.
3/07/10 Marisol, about 30
I had some extra time before church this morning, so I went for a walk to see if could find someone to talk with about eternal things. Marisol and her husband were at the laundomat about a block from church. After I had passed out million dollar tracts to everyone there I stopped to talk to her husband, but he knew little English so I talked to Marisol. She was typical of several people I talked to who believe they are heaven bound because they somehow deserve it. I tried to just leave these people with friendly reminders that Jesus died for sinners and that their trust needs to be in Him alone, not in their good works.
I had some extra time before church this morning, so I went for a walk to see if could find someone to talk with about eternal things. Marisol and her husband were at the laundomat about a block from church. After I had passed out million dollar tracts to everyone there I stopped to talk to her husband, but he knew little English so I talked to Marisol. She was typical of several people I talked to who believe they are heaven bound because they somehow deserve it. I tried to just leave these people with friendly reminders that Jesus died for sinners and that their trust needs to be in Him alone, not in their good works.
3/06/10 Rev. Daniels, 52
I was out at a store and had a good amount of time in which to witness so I began a conversation with a fellow shopper. As it turned out, Rev. Daniels is a preacher at a very large church. I enjoyed our conversation - we even spent a good deal of time talking about witnessing - but before I knew it all my spare time had been used up. In hindsight, I wish I had cut this conversation short in order to stay on my mission to share Christ with the lost. Sometimes even fellowship must join the list of things we must forsake if we are to stay true to our great commission.
I was out at a store and had a good amount of time in which to witness so I began a conversation with a fellow shopper. As it turned out, Rev. Daniels is a preacher at a very large church. I enjoyed our conversation - we even spent a good deal of time talking about witnessing - but before I knew it all my spare time had been used up. In hindsight, I wish I had cut this conversation short in order to stay on my mission to share Christ with the lost. Sometimes even fellowship must join the list of things we must forsake if we are to stay true to our great commission.
3/05/10 Edwin, about my age (47)
I "happened upon" a businessman looking at the realty postings outside a real estate agency and struck up a conversation. We talked first about the neighborhood and real estate, and when I began to transition to a spiritual conversation Edwin said "You have something to tell me don't you? I can see it in your face. It is no coincidence that we are talking here today!" Edwin invited me to sit down to talk and bought me coffee at a nearby McDonalds. He told me how he has come from unbelief to faith in God's existence through a series of events over the last few years, both bad and good. I felt a lot like Peter when he was summoned by Cornelius to hear the message that he had from God (Acts 10:33), because it was obvious that Edwin believed God was about to give him a message in what I had to tell him. And God did, because although Edwin has come to faith in God's existence, it was obvious that the specifics of God's judgment and mercy through faith in Christ had never been clearly explained to him. Edwin received it with such a heartfelt concern and joy that I felt he already had faith before our conversation even though he had no knowledge of what he had faith in. We talked about 45 minutes, but I had to get going to pick up my daughter from school, so before I left I prayed for Edwin, encouraging him to read the Bible and follow God faithfully. Another man heard all this and began asking all about my church but before leaving Edwin told me "I am so glad you took the time out to explain all this to me. Thank you!"
I "happened upon" a businessman looking at the realty postings outside a real estate agency and struck up a conversation. We talked first about the neighborhood and real estate, and when I began to transition to a spiritual conversation Edwin said "You have something to tell me don't you? I can see it in your face. It is no coincidence that we are talking here today!" Edwin invited me to sit down to talk and bought me coffee at a nearby McDonalds. He told me how he has come from unbelief to faith in God's existence through a series of events over the last few years, both bad and good. I felt a lot like Peter when he was summoned by Cornelius to hear the message that he had from God (Acts 10:33), because it was obvious that Edwin believed God was about to give him a message in what I had to tell him. And God did, because although Edwin has come to faith in God's existence, it was obvious that the specifics of God's judgment and mercy through faith in Christ had never been clearly explained to him. Edwin received it with such a heartfelt concern and joy that I felt he already had faith before our conversation even though he had no knowledge of what he had faith in. We talked about 45 minutes, but I had to get going to pick up my daughter from school, so before I left I prayed for Edwin, encouraging him to read the Bible and follow God faithfully. Another man heard all this and began asking all about my church but before leaving Edwin told me "I am so glad you took the time out to explain all this to me. Thank you!"
3/04/10 Brian, about 25
I didn't have much free time today so I just went for a short walk and used a million dollar bill tract to strike up a conversation with Brian as he was about to get in his car. He believes he will go to heaven because he is basically a good person, prays regularly and is a churchgoer. I explained our accountability to God's standard - His commandments; our failure to follow them, God's judgment and justice, and God's gracious gift of salvation through faith in Jesus. This quick conversation lasted maybe 4 minutes because I had to get going, but as we shook hands before I left Brian said "Thanks for everything."
I didn't have much free time today so I just went for a short walk and used a million dollar bill tract to strike up a conversation with Brian as he was about to get in his car. He believes he will go to heaven because he is basically a good person, prays regularly and is a churchgoer. I explained our accountability to God's standard - His commandments; our failure to follow them, God's judgment and justice, and God's gracious gift of salvation through faith in Jesus. This quick conversation lasted maybe 4 minutes because I had to get going, but as we shook hands before I left Brian said "Thanks for everything."
3/03/10 London, LaWanda, both about 30
At Burger King after work I went to each table passing out million dollar tracts with short conversations at each to point out the questions on the back. I met Javier and his teenage daughter, Becky who are believers and active in a Christian music ministry. At the next table a man named London was very confident that he will go to heaven one day. For her part LaWanda has doubts about heaven, yet rattled off a long list of reasons why she is a good person. They both believe they are good people compared to others, but I told them that the Bible teaches we will be judged not in comparison to other people but according to God's perfect standard, the Ten Commandments. As I talked about some of the commandments London and LaWanda began to sober up from their lighthearted attitude toward God and our conversation became more serious. A right relationship with God must not be simply assumed or taken for granted. I explained how God's justice could only be satisfied through the perfect sacrifice - His own Son. They both received the Gospel on an intellectual level and told me they really thought our conversation was no accident; that God had sent me to talk to them. They had to leave, but were very grateful I had stopped to talk. After they left I went back to Javier and Becky, who had heard our conversation, and we prayed together for London and LaWanda.
At Burger King after work I went to each table passing out million dollar tracts with short conversations at each to point out the questions on the back. I met Javier and his teenage daughter, Becky who are believers and active in a Christian music ministry. At the next table a man named London was very confident that he will go to heaven one day. For her part LaWanda has doubts about heaven, yet rattled off a long list of reasons why she is a good person. They both believe they are good people compared to others, but I told them that the Bible teaches we will be judged not in comparison to other people but according to God's perfect standard, the Ten Commandments. As I talked about some of the commandments London and LaWanda began to sober up from their lighthearted attitude toward God and our conversation became more serious. A right relationship with God must not be simply assumed or taken for granted. I explained how God's justice could only be satisfied through the perfect sacrifice - His own Son. They both received the Gospel on an intellectual level and told me they really thought our conversation was no accident; that God had sent me to talk to them. They had to leave, but were very grateful I had stopped to talk. After they left I went back to Javier and Becky, who had heard our conversation, and we prayed together for London and LaWanda.
3/02/10 Lawrence, about 35, and jesus, about 24
I was very early to pick up my daughter after soccer practice, so I went to hang out at a Border's bookstore. A lot of people were sitting around near the coffee shop, reading or working on their laptops, so I asked one gentleman, reading a magazine, if we could talk. Lawrence said he is a Christian, yet he doesn't go to church or read the Bible. He talked too loud for the quiet atmosphere so I kept the conversation short, helping him see that just as he wouldn't want to golong without physical food, he shouldn't go long without the spiritual food of God's word. I could see that a young man sitting nearby was interested in the conversation so I moved on to talk to him. jesus (I'll use a small "j" to avoid confusion) has just graduated from college, looking to start a career, and searching for spiritual meaning in life. He has turned from Catholicism to eastern religions, favoring Buddhism and practicing yoga and meditation, but still searching and very open to hearing, for the first time, the "whole counsel" of God (Acts 20:27) By this I mean to say I didn't hold back on the bad news of sin, God's justice and the judgment to come, so that when I was able to share the good news of God's mercy in Christ, His grace was truly amazing. Without an understanding of sin and judgment, the message of the cross is simply foolishness (I Cor. 1:23), especially in our society where we are so trained to believe that God is such a "loving father" that he would never punish sin. Was jesus offended by this hard truth? No, he was extremely grateful for our conversation and for a clear understanding of the gospel. He received it on an intellectual level; I pray God will soften his heart with conviction and repentence that leads to saving faith.
I was very early to pick up my daughter after soccer practice, so I went to hang out at a Border's bookstore. A lot of people were sitting around near the coffee shop, reading or working on their laptops, so I asked one gentleman, reading a magazine, if we could talk. Lawrence said he is a Christian, yet he doesn't go to church or read the Bible. He talked too loud for the quiet atmosphere so I kept the conversation short, helping him see that just as he wouldn't want to golong without physical food, he shouldn't go long without the spiritual food of God's word. I could see that a young man sitting nearby was interested in the conversation so I moved on to talk to him. jesus (I'll use a small "j" to avoid confusion) has just graduated from college, looking to start a career, and searching for spiritual meaning in life. He has turned from Catholicism to eastern religions, favoring Buddhism and practicing yoga and meditation, but still searching and very open to hearing, for the first time, the "whole counsel" of God (Acts 20:27) By this I mean to say I didn't hold back on the bad news of sin, God's justice and the judgment to come, so that when I was able to share the good news of God's mercy in Christ, His grace was truly amazing. Without an understanding of sin and judgment, the message of the cross is simply foolishness (I Cor. 1:23), especially in our society where we are so trained to believe that God is such a "loving father" that he would never punish sin. Was jesus offended by this hard truth? No, he was extremely grateful for our conversation and for a clear understanding of the gospel. He received it on an intellectual level; I pray God will soften his heart with conviction and repentence that leads to saving faith.
3/1/10 Andrew, 24
For the second day in a row, I was again able to speak with a former participant at the neighborhood youth center I ran for many years. Andrew had just bought a hot chocolate at Starbucks in a grocery store as I walked in, and we sat down to talk. The last time I saw him was ten years ago, just before he had run away from his grandmother's house. Both his parents had died, and he was becoming heavily involved in a gang. He had come to a weekly Bible study I ran for several months, when he suddenly disappeared. Today, he looks pretty rough for being only 24, full of scarring from the removal of various tattoos. He has dropped out of the gang (Satan's Disciples, of all things) and although he isn't involved in a church he showed a surprising amount of spiritual maturity and insight. He said he had been mad at God for taking away his parents and then an older brother, but has since come back to faith in Jesus. He remembered lessons from our Bible studies like they were yesterday, and would like to check out my church. What an encouragement that conversation was for me.
For the second day in a row, I was again able to speak with a former participant at the neighborhood youth center I ran for many years. Andrew had just bought a hot chocolate at Starbucks in a grocery store as I walked in, and we sat down to talk. The last time I saw him was ten years ago, just before he had run away from his grandmother's house. Both his parents had died, and he was becoming heavily involved in a gang. He had come to a weekly Bible study I ran for several months, when he suddenly disappeared. Today, he looks pretty rough for being only 24, full of scarring from the removal of various tattoos. He has dropped out of the gang (Satan's Disciples, of all things) and although he isn't involved in a church he showed a surprising amount of spiritual maturity and insight. He said he had been mad at God for taking away his parents and then an older brother, but has since come back to faith in Jesus. He remembered lessons from our Bible studies like they were yesterday, and would like to check out my church. What an encouragement that conversation was for me.
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