7/31/10 Gia, 25
At the park I walked by a large group of young ladies from a conservative church, judging from the fact that they all wore long dresses and had some sort of literature in their hands. I overheard some of them warning the others about a young man (Gia) who was following them and had been harassing them, so I went to talk to him. I'm not sure what he had said to them but he seemed friendly enough. Gia is Asian/Latino, and said that he believes in much of what his Baptist mother taught him. He still lives at home at age 25, so I challenged him as to whether he has "taken ownership" of his faith, or is simply riding on his mother's coattails. He admitted he is still "searching", and as I asked more questions about his beliefs it seemed obvious he hasn't searched very hard. He really didn't know why Jesus was so important, other than being an inspirational leader. I spent some time explaining the gospel, from the bad news about sin and judgment to the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus. At the end Gia said "You've given me a lot to think about, stuff I never knew before. I feel like my head is spinning" I told Gia that it's good to ask questions and count the cost of being a Christian, but that following Jesus will always involve a leap of faith, and I encouraged him to make that leap today.
Gospel conversations from the streets and marketplace....
7/30/10 Luis, about 40
A middle aged man (Luis) was walking laps around the park for exercise today when I offered him a MDB gospel tract and asked about his beliefs. He is Catholic but hasn't given his faith much thought. By using some of the Commandments as a standard for comparison, I tried to help Luis see how God would view him on judgment day if he trusts in his own goodness for salvation as so many people do. People don't trust in the Savior unless they know they need saving, so I tried to help him understand that he needs to be saved from the eternal consequences of his sin. Then I told him how God gave his only Son as our Savior. Luis listened and understood on an intellectual level; I hope it reaches his heart.
A middle aged man (Luis) was walking laps around the park for exercise today when I offered him a MDB gospel tract and asked about his beliefs. He is Catholic but hasn't given his faith much thought. By using some of the Commandments as a standard for comparison, I tried to help Luis see how God would view him on judgment day if he trusts in his own goodness for salvation as so many people do. People don't trust in the Savior unless they know they need saving, so I tried to help him understand that he needs to be saved from the eternal consequences of his sin. Then I told him how God gave his only Son as our Savior. Luis listened and understood on an intellectual level; I hope it reaches his heart.
7/29/10 Marvin about 40
"I believe in God and go to church and all that, but I'm not all serious about it like some people." Hannah (my daughter) and I heard this from Marvin, whom we met in the park today. This is a popular thing to say in our culture where to be tolerant no longer means that one respects people with strong views in opposition to their own. Our popular culture looks down on people with strong beliefs. Instead, tolerance now means that one has no strong views or personal opinions at all. Why? It has a lot to do with the trend in our culture to deny such a thing as absolute truth and, behind it, to deny God's absolute authority. What does this have to do with Marvin? He came across as a "good ole boy" who doesn't take God or religion seriously, but at the bottom of all this is a refusal to acknowledge God's supreme authority in his life. I asked Marvin if he knew the Ten Commandments. He did not. Why? Not because he is an easy-going person who doesn't get too worked up about religion. At the bottom of his ignorance of the Ten Commandments is that he has no intention of obeying them. After this conversation Hannah and I observed that Marvin had talked in circles. He was like the "lukewarm" believer in Jesus' parable, difficult for God to work with because he is nether cold nor hot. Rev.3:15-16
"I believe in God and go to church and all that, but I'm not all serious about it like some people." Hannah (my daughter) and I heard this from Marvin, whom we met in the park today. This is a popular thing to say in our culture where to be tolerant no longer means that one respects people with strong views in opposition to their own. Our popular culture looks down on people with strong beliefs. Instead, tolerance now means that one has no strong views or personal opinions at all. Why? It has a lot to do with the trend in our culture to deny such a thing as absolute truth and, behind it, to deny God's absolute authority. What does this have to do with Marvin? He came across as a "good ole boy" who doesn't take God or religion seriously, but at the bottom of all this is a refusal to acknowledge God's supreme authority in his life. I asked Marvin if he knew the Ten Commandments. He did not. Why? Not because he is an easy-going person who doesn't get too worked up about religion. At the bottom of his ignorance of the Ten Commandments is that he has no intention of obeying them. After this conversation Hannah and I observed that Marvin had talked in circles. He was like the "lukewarm" believer in Jesus' parable, difficult for God to work with because he is nether cold nor hot. Rev.3:15-16
7/28/10 Lee, about 40
I stopped a confident looking business type (Lee) on a sidewalk, using a million dollar gospel tract to start a conversation. I asked Lee if he had any spiritual beliefs and he said he is very spiritual but has given up on church because he feels condemned for being gay. I responded by asking "outside of the controversy of being gay, would you say you are a good person?" Oh I'm a very good person, and I don't think anyone has a right to judge me otherwise". I asked what standard he uses to decide what is good. "I just feel it in my heart". "Do you believe it is wrong to lie, for example?" I asked. "I think it depends on the situation, and if I lie it's always for a good reason" We talked further and the "god" Lee had told me he believes in turned out to be an energy source that we are all a part of. "After all, I think we are all a part of God, and we bring heaven or hell upon ourselves." Though he grew up Catholic, Lee has been exploring eastern religions and yoga, which is why he had described himself as "very spiritual". I warned him about breaking the 2nd commandment, which people commonly do by forming an image of God - real or imaginary - that they are more comfortable with. "This is why we need an outside authority that reveals God to us, rather than defining Him for ourselves" I asked Lee if he had ever heard what Christians believe or if he had read the Bible. He said he hadn't in a long time, and although he had to get to a business meetings at the condominiums he owns, said he would read the additional info I offered him.
I stopped a confident looking business type (Lee) on a sidewalk, using a million dollar gospel tract to start a conversation. I asked Lee if he had any spiritual beliefs and he said he is very spiritual but has given up on church because he feels condemned for being gay. I responded by asking "outside of the controversy of being gay, would you say you are a good person?" Oh I'm a very good person, and I don't think anyone has a right to judge me otherwise". I asked what standard he uses to decide what is good. "I just feel it in my heart". "Do you believe it is wrong to lie, for example?" I asked. "I think it depends on the situation, and if I lie it's always for a good reason" We talked further and the "god" Lee had told me he believes in turned out to be an energy source that we are all a part of. "After all, I think we are all a part of God, and we bring heaven or hell upon ourselves." Though he grew up Catholic, Lee has been exploring eastern religions and yoga, which is why he had described himself as "very spiritual". I warned him about breaking the 2nd commandment, which people commonly do by forming an image of God - real or imaginary - that they are more comfortable with. "This is why we need an outside authority that reveals God to us, rather than defining Him for ourselves" I asked Lee if he had ever heard what Christians believe or if he had read the Bible. He said he hadn't in a long time, and although he had to get to a business meetings at the condominiums he owns, said he would read the additional info I offered him.
7/27/10 Stacy and Donna, 30 and 50
I stopped at a park bench where an African-American grandmother (Donna) sat with her daughter (Stacy) and 2 year old granddaughter. "Did you get one of these?" I asked as I gave them "million dollar bill" gospel tracts. They laughed in surprise as I explained that these are gospel tracts with the million dollar question - "will you go to heaven" and has "good person questions." based on the Ten Commandments, which I myself have failed to follow. Just then my cell phone rang. I had forgotten to turn on the silent alarm before my witnessing conversations today. Stacy and Donna continued to read while I talked on the phone, so afterward I asked how they had done. "Better than you" Stacy said, a little defensively. They both believe they are good people. They are churchgoers who know about Jesus so I asked, "Did Jesus die for bad people or good people?" They didn't know, so I said "If you could go to heaven by being a good enough person, why would Jesus die on the cross for you? I just want to give you a friendly reminder that none of us are good enough - we need to put our faith in Jesus alone for salvation." This made sense to both of them, and they said they would read the tract again as I left, a little less defensively this time I believe.
I stopped at a park bench where an African-American grandmother (Donna) sat with her daughter (Stacy) and 2 year old granddaughter. "Did you get one of these?" I asked as I gave them "million dollar bill" gospel tracts. They laughed in surprise as I explained that these are gospel tracts with the million dollar question - "will you go to heaven" and has "good person questions." based on the Ten Commandments, which I myself have failed to follow. Just then my cell phone rang. I had forgotten to turn on the silent alarm before my witnessing conversations today. Stacy and Donna continued to read while I talked on the phone, so afterward I asked how they had done. "Better than you" Stacy said, a little defensively. They both believe they are good people. They are churchgoers who know about Jesus so I asked, "Did Jesus die for bad people or good people?" They didn't know, so I said "If you could go to heaven by being a good enough person, why would Jesus die on the cross for you? I just want to give you a friendly reminder that none of us are good enough - we need to put our faith in Jesus alone for salvation." This made sense to both of them, and they said they would read the tract again as I left, a little less defensively this time I believe.
7/27/10 Efrain about 40
I met Efrain at the park and discovered he could only speak Spanish, so I struggled through sharing the gospel with him in his native language. I think he appreciated my efforts, but I missed being able to truly connect and understand where he was coming from. He nodded and affirmed me a lot, but I didn't really know if he was agreeing with things he already knew, telling me he understood and agreed with what I had to say about God, or simply letting me know he understood my speech despite my clumsy efforts at Spanish. God knows, the gospel was shared, and Jesus was proclaimed and glorified. That's good enough for me.
I met Efrain at the park and discovered he could only speak Spanish, so I struggled through sharing the gospel with him in his native language. I think he appreciated my efforts, but I missed being able to truly connect and understand where he was coming from. He nodded and affirmed me a lot, but I didn't really know if he was agreeing with things he already knew, telling me he understood and agreed with what I had to say about God, or simply letting me know he understood my speech despite my clumsy efforts at Spanish. God knows, the gospel was shared, and Jesus was proclaimed and glorified. That's good enough for me.
7/25/10 Angel about 20
Whose responsibility is it to initiate a gospel conversation? Should Christians wait until people approach us or should we take the inititiative in reaching out to the lost? Today a biker approached me on the path, full speed, sunglasses on, earbuds in. Not a good candidate for a conversation it would seem. I told him loudly "The path is flooded up ahead" (it was) and as he slowed down said "Hey, I have a question for you" He stopped and took off the earbuds. "What's up?" I asked "If you could know the answer for sure, what would be the most important question to you?" He probably thought I was doing some sort of survey - "I really don't know, it really depends on what's important to me I guess" he said. Angel is focused on succeeding in business. He sells nutrition products, having turned his life around from gangbanging and dropping out of high school, losing 50 pounds, moving to California for two years to escape the gang, getting his high school diploma finally and now completing his first year in college. I told Angel, "It sounds like you are thinking of your future, and that's good, but what about your eternal future? Angel had given up on his family church and wondered if God even exists, but was open to the idea. I shared the whole counsel of God, both law and grace, and I believe Angel understood it, but just on an intellectual level. Near the end of our conversation Angel promoted the nutrition products he sells. I don't believe a sinner newly convinced he needs salvation would do that, but I do believe God is working in Angel's life.
Whose responsibility is it to initiate a gospel conversation? Should Christians wait until people approach us or should we take the inititiative in reaching out to the lost? Today a biker approached me on the path, full speed, sunglasses on, earbuds in. Not a good candidate for a conversation it would seem. I told him loudly "The path is flooded up ahead" (it was) and as he slowed down said "Hey, I have a question for you" He stopped and took off the earbuds. "What's up?" I asked "If you could know the answer for sure, what would be the most important question to you?" He probably thought I was doing some sort of survey - "I really don't know, it really depends on what's important to me I guess" he said. Angel is focused on succeeding in business. He sells nutrition products, having turned his life around from gangbanging and dropping out of high school, losing 50 pounds, moving to California for two years to escape the gang, getting his high school diploma finally and now completing his first year in college. I told Angel, "It sounds like you are thinking of your future, and that's good, but what about your eternal future? Angel had given up on his family church and wondered if God even exists, but was open to the idea. I shared the whole counsel of God, both law and grace, and I believe Angel understood it, but just on an intellectual level. Near the end of our conversation Angel promoted the nutrition products he sells. I don't believe a sinner newly convinced he needs salvation would do that, but I do believe God is working in Angel's life.
7/24/10 Arturo #3 about 40
Today I met yet another man named Arturo, also with a soft heart and ready to hear the Gospel. Arturo didn't want to be counted among the many church people who act like angels at church and like demons the rest of the week, and he knows his own life doesn't measure up. It was helpful to explain the distinction that "good people don't go to heaven, forgiven people do", and Arturo was glad to hear how he too could be forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ. Much of our conversation after that focused on what that kind of faith looks like, that it involves a repentant heart. Arturo knows that he can't stop sinning whether he wants to or not. I believe he said this because he has given it an honest try and I told him that he's right - he can't stop sinning, and even with God's help it will be involve daily repentance and a long process, but God will gradually remove his appetite for sin. Arturo is counting the cost, and although I didn't want to push him into a premature (and false) faith, I challenged him to put his faith in Jesus and repent of his sins today, for tomorrow isn't guaranteed. He gladly took more info, asked a lot about my church, thanked me profusely for what I am doing, and said he would indeed pray to God about this today.
Today I met yet another man named Arturo, also with a soft heart and ready to hear the Gospel. Arturo didn't want to be counted among the many church people who act like angels at church and like demons the rest of the week, and he knows his own life doesn't measure up. It was helpful to explain the distinction that "good people don't go to heaven, forgiven people do", and Arturo was glad to hear how he too could be forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ. Much of our conversation after that focused on what that kind of faith looks like, that it involves a repentant heart. Arturo knows that he can't stop sinning whether he wants to or not. I believe he said this because he has given it an honest try and I told him that he's right - he can't stop sinning, and even with God's help it will be involve daily repentance and a long process, but God will gradually remove his appetite for sin. Arturo is counting the cost, and although I didn't want to push him into a premature (and false) faith, I challenged him to put his faith in Jesus and repent of his sins today, for tomorrow isn't guaranteed. He gladly took more info, asked a lot about my church, thanked me profusely for what I am doing, and said he would indeed pray to God about this today.
7/23/10 Arturo about 40
An important rule of thumb in evangelism is "law to the proud, grace to the humble". My experience has been that most people I talk to have been filled with pride, so its refreshing to find someone who is truly humble. Arturo, a truckdriver, had stopped near the park and gone to the concession stand, and I asked him about his beliefs. Although he doesn't attend church because he believes "going to church doesn't get you to heaven, and there are too many people there who think it does", he also believes God would judge him to be too sinful for heaven also. He didn't think it was possible to be sure of heaven, and had given up trying, saying he would just have to take his chances. He looked genuinely surprised and hopeful when I told him the Bible says there is a way for a sinner like him to go to heaven, and he listened with interest as I explained the way of salvation. Toward the end he asked a lot about where I go to church and what it was like. I explained that I go to a Bible church, with a focus on the God's word rather than manmade traditions. Looking back at the conversation, our discussion about the importance of church at the end distracted me from clearly calling Arturo to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
An important rule of thumb in evangelism is "law to the proud, grace to the humble". My experience has been that most people I talk to have been filled with pride, so its refreshing to find someone who is truly humble. Arturo, a truckdriver, had stopped near the park and gone to the concession stand, and I asked him about his beliefs. Although he doesn't attend church because he believes "going to church doesn't get you to heaven, and there are too many people there who think it does", he also believes God would judge him to be too sinful for heaven also. He didn't think it was possible to be sure of heaven, and had given up trying, saying he would just have to take his chances. He looked genuinely surprised and hopeful when I told him the Bible says there is a way for a sinner like him to go to heaven, and he listened with interest as I explained the way of salvation. Toward the end he asked a lot about where I go to church and what it was like. I explained that I go to a Bible church, with a focus on the God's word rather than manmade traditions. Looking back at the conversation, our discussion about the importance of church at the end distracted me from clearly calling Arturo to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
7/22/10 Saul about 25
Out after dark I walked past a man (Saul) waiting in his car with the window down so I gave him a "money" tract and told him about the questions on the back. It was too dark for him to read them so I asked "What do you think the most important question in the world would be?" He had no idea but when I suggested "What comes after this life?" he easily agreed. Saul grew up in a Jehovah Witness (JW) family but at age 15 his family left the JW's and he wasn't really sure why. He said they attended JW meetings every day and he did door to door witnessing for a year; but he really didn't know what it was all about - he just let the older people do all the talking. Now he seemed very confused about religion, yet very open to talking. In fact, when I was done with five "good person" questions on the Ten Commandments, his girlfriend pulled up behind us in her car and he said "She can wait - this is interesting... So how about the other five commandments?" So I went through the rest of the Ten Commandments and Saul could see his guilt. When I explained that God in his mercy allows a substitute to take the punishment we deserve, I emphasized this must be a perfect and infinitely worthy substitute, because no mere human could be a worthy substitute for the sins of the world. I emphasized this because to the JW's Jesus is not THE Son of God but simply just "a" son of God - on the same level as the rest of us. I wanted Saul to see that because Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, there is nothing we can do to add worth to His sacrifice in our place. As Jesus said on the cross, "It is finished". Saul gladly took more info and was very thankful for the conversation.
Out after dark I walked past a man (Saul) waiting in his car with the window down so I gave him a "money" tract and told him about the questions on the back. It was too dark for him to read them so I asked "What do you think the most important question in the world would be?" He had no idea but when I suggested "What comes after this life?" he easily agreed. Saul grew up in a Jehovah Witness (JW) family but at age 15 his family left the JW's and he wasn't really sure why. He said they attended JW meetings every day and he did door to door witnessing for a year; but he really didn't know what it was all about - he just let the older people do all the talking. Now he seemed very confused about religion, yet very open to talking. In fact, when I was done with five "good person" questions on the Ten Commandments, his girlfriend pulled up behind us in her car and he said "She can wait - this is interesting... So how about the other five commandments?" So I went through the rest of the Ten Commandments and Saul could see his guilt. When I explained that God in his mercy allows a substitute to take the punishment we deserve, I emphasized this must be a perfect and infinitely worthy substitute, because no mere human could be a worthy substitute for the sins of the world. I emphasized this because to the JW's Jesus is not THE Son of God but simply just "a" son of God - on the same level as the rest of us. I wanted Saul to see that because Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, there is nothing we can do to add worth to His sacrifice in our place. As Jesus said on the cross, "It is finished". Saul gladly took more info and was very thankful for the conversation.
7/21/10 Rico, about 45
While at the park today I met Rico, a middle aged man from Puerto Rico. He was hard to talk with because he was very emotional and opinionated. He would try to answer my questions about his beliefs, but but easily lost focus and rambled to different subjects. He seemed to have some church background and was familiar with the Bible, but had a lot of anger toward society in general and the police in particular. I found out what I think is a major source of his anger and frustration - his teenage son is in prison for five years and Rico believes he is an innocent victim. Talking about his son brought him to tears, but talking about his own goodness and desire to do good brought him to tears also. All three examples he told me of why he believes God would say he is "98% good" had to do with helping people in wheelchairs - one from over 15 years ago. I tried to get him to see that much of the "good" we do is only that which God rightfully expects us to do in the first place, but Rico didn't want to hear that and seems to want to be in the role of the good and innocent victim who is being mistreated by an unjust society. I wanted to be of some sort of spiritual help so I offered to pray for him and his son and family. Rico appreciated my concern and prayer and I was glad to be a blessing to him in this way.
While at the park today I met Rico, a middle aged man from Puerto Rico. He was hard to talk with because he was very emotional and opinionated. He would try to answer my questions about his beliefs, but but easily lost focus and rambled to different subjects. He seemed to have some church background and was familiar with the Bible, but had a lot of anger toward society in general and the police in particular. I found out what I think is a major source of his anger and frustration - his teenage son is in prison for five years and Rico believes he is an innocent victim. Talking about his son brought him to tears, but talking about his own goodness and desire to do good brought him to tears also. All three examples he told me of why he believes God would say he is "98% good" had to do with helping people in wheelchairs - one from over 15 years ago. I tried to get him to see that much of the "good" we do is only that which God rightfully expects us to do in the first place, but Rico didn't want to hear that and seems to want to be in the role of the good and innocent victim who is being mistreated by an unjust society. I wanted to be of some sort of spiritual help so I offered to pray for him and his son and family. Rico appreciated my concern and prayer and I was glad to be a blessing to him in this way.
7/20/10 Al, 44
I stopped to talk to an Asian man (Al, his American name) who was watching soccer practice at the park. After some natural talk about soccer, etc. I switched to a spiritual conversation by asking what he thought happens after this life here on earth. Al is from Laos and grew up in a Buddhist family. He has given up on any spiritual beliefs because he believes in science and has seen no evidence of God. "What would it take for you to believe in God's existence?" I asked Al. He said he would need to see a miracle that can't be explained by science. "How about you?" he asked. "Have you ever seen a miracle?" I told him of one example of a miracle I've witnessed, but emphasized that this happened after I became a believer. I had become a Christian by the miracle of faith, not because of some miracle I had seen. Then I explained how creation itself, which by its mere existence is a miracle that defies scientific explanation, is evidence that there is a creator. Why at some point in nothingness the Creator decided to create anything is evidence that he has a personality and makes choices. Al was very interested in hearing all about Christianity - he had only a vague idea from certain movies he had seen around Easter - so I presented the Gospel in logical fashion, not asking if he agreed with each point, but whether he understood each part along the way. At the end I said "We Americans are obsessed with choices, from 1000 ways to get your coffee at Starbucks to multitudes of products at the grocery store. We want to believe many paths lead to heaven, but one choice is al we need - our one choice for salvation - Jesus Christ. This was a lot of ground to cover for someone like Al coming from a Buddhist/atheist worldview, and outside of miraculous intervention by the Holy Spirit, I believe Al now knows that Christianity makes sense - that if it is true then a commitment to follow Jesus is the only reasonable response.
I stopped to talk to an Asian man (Al, his American name) who was watching soccer practice at the park. After some natural talk about soccer, etc. I switched to a spiritual conversation by asking what he thought happens after this life here on earth. Al is from Laos and grew up in a Buddhist family. He has given up on any spiritual beliefs because he believes in science and has seen no evidence of God. "What would it take for you to believe in God's existence?" I asked Al. He said he would need to see a miracle that can't be explained by science. "How about you?" he asked. "Have you ever seen a miracle?" I told him of one example of a miracle I've witnessed, but emphasized that this happened after I became a believer. I had become a Christian by the miracle of faith, not because of some miracle I had seen. Then I explained how creation itself, which by its mere existence is a miracle that defies scientific explanation, is evidence that there is a creator. Why at some point in nothingness the Creator decided to create anything is evidence that he has a personality and makes choices. Al was very interested in hearing all about Christianity - he had only a vague idea from certain movies he had seen around Easter - so I presented the Gospel in logical fashion, not asking if he agreed with each point, but whether he understood each part along the way. At the end I said "We Americans are obsessed with choices, from 1000 ways to get your coffee at Starbucks to multitudes of products at the grocery store. We want to believe many paths lead to heaven, but one choice is al we need - our one choice for salvation - Jesus Christ. This was a lot of ground to cover for someone like Al coming from a Buddhist/atheist worldview, and outside of miraculous intervention by the Holy Spirit, I believe Al now knows that Christianity makes sense - that if it is true then a commitment to follow Jesus is the only reasonable response.
7/19/10 Juan and Augustine, both about 20
At the park today I began a conversation with a young man in a wheelchair (Juan). His friend (Augustine), from a non-practicing Pentecostal family, listened quietly while his friend Juan did most of the talking, yet I could tell from occasional comments and sideways glances that his presence there was keeping Juan honest. Juan viewed himself as a very religious person, and although he critized priests for thinking they are "holier than thou" he had no problem appealing to his own religious record of service when asked if he thought he was a good person. This happened after the "good person" questions, when Juan saw his own guilt clearly in the light of the Ten Commandments, and he was willing to grasp at anything to justify himself. He even believed himself to be a good person simply because he gives part of his social security check to take care of his mother. He listened as I explained how Jesus provides our only way of forgiveness - that it isn't "good" people who go the heaven but forgiven people - but his initial reaction was to cling even more tightly to his own claims of goodness.
At the park today I began a conversation with a young man in a wheelchair (Juan). His friend (Augustine), from a non-practicing Pentecostal family, listened quietly while his friend Juan did most of the talking, yet I could tell from occasional comments and sideways glances that his presence there was keeping Juan honest. Juan viewed himself as a very religious person, and although he critized priests for thinking they are "holier than thou" he had no problem appealing to his own religious record of service when asked if he thought he was a good person. This happened after the "good person" questions, when Juan saw his own guilt clearly in the light of the Ten Commandments, and he was willing to grasp at anything to justify himself. He even believed himself to be a good person simply because he gives part of his social security check to take care of his mother. He listened as I explained how Jesus provides our only way of forgiveness - that it isn't "good" people who go the heaven but forgiven people - but his initial reaction was to cling even more tightly to his own claims of goodness.
7/18/10 Arturo, about 55
It's after dark, I'm tired and dusty from a church softball double header in the 90 degree heat, and I'm on my way home but haven't yet had a gospel conversation today. How can I expect God to help me with my witnessing goal if I don't do my part? So I stopped at a park and prayed for someone to talk to, and there was an older Mexican-American man (Arturo) sitting on a bench, enjoying the evening breeze. Though he came across as rather stoic, he didn't mind if I ran a few questions by him so I found out he had very religious parents who taught him to believe in God. He believes they are in heaven but didn't have much of an opinion about his own fate, other than that he doesn't fear death. For some reason I felt it would be a better appraoch with Arturo to share my own testimony, which I did. I told him how I've broken the Ten Commandments - "Los Mandamientos" - he said, and I told him that I have lied which makes me "un mentiroso" - a liar, and I have stolen which makes me "un ladron" - a thief. Using some of his native language words and pronouncing them correctly really seemed to catch his attention, and he began to relate to my testimony, identifying himself as a sinner undeserving of heaven. He listened closely as I explained what Christ had done on the cross, and at the end kind of came across like he felt he had this faith in Christ all along. Whether or not he has faith in Jesus, he now has a much clearer understanding of the way of salvation.
It's after dark, I'm tired and dusty from a church softball double header in the 90 degree heat, and I'm on my way home but haven't yet had a gospel conversation today. How can I expect God to help me with my witnessing goal if I don't do my part? So I stopped at a park and prayed for someone to talk to, and there was an older Mexican-American man (Arturo) sitting on a bench, enjoying the evening breeze. Though he came across as rather stoic, he didn't mind if I ran a few questions by him so I found out he had very religious parents who taught him to believe in God. He believes they are in heaven but didn't have much of an opinion about his own fate, other than that he doesn't fear death. For some reason I felt it would be a better appraoch with Arturo to share my own testimony, which I did. I told him how I've broken the Ten Commandments - "Los Mandamientos" - he said, and I told him that I have lied which makes me "un mentiroso" - a liar, and I have stolen which makes me "un ladron" - a thief. Using some of his native language words and pronouncing them correctly really seemed to catch his attention, and he began to relate to my testimony, identifying himself as a sinner undeserving of heaven. He listened closely as I explained what Christ had done on the cross, and at the end kind of came across like he felt he had this faith in Christ all along. Whether or not he has faith in Jesus, he now has a much clearer understanding of the way of salvation.
7/17/10 Billy about 50
I struck up a conversation with an older African-American man as he was fishing at a park lagoon. After about 5 minutes of small talk about fishing, strained somewhat because Billy seemed guarded, I swung our conversation in a spiritual direction, first by telling him that I am from a local church and that I'd really like to find out his opinions on spiritual things, and then I asked if he has any spiritual beliefs. He said he believes in God but doesn't believe in church or in being religious. He's had some bad experiences at church, with people acting hypocritical and always asking for money, so I told him if it were me I'd leave my wallet at home but that I've visited many churches that weren't like that at all. Then I asked about his thoughts about heaven and how he might do on judgment day. Billy turned out to be one of the few people I've met that thinks he would go to hell - though his lack of outward concern about it told me that he has either given up hope or talked himself out of believing there is such a place. I told him how nobody deserves heaven - we all are guilty of breaking God's law - but that God in his mercy has made a way for even the most guilty of sinners to be forgiven. As I explained about how God has allowed someone else to take the punishment we deserve and has given his own Son to take that punishment, I could see a few "light bulbs" going off in Billy as he began to understand different points. Just the same, without the help of the Holy Spirit, I think he will only remember a few major points - that there is a day of judgment, that he will be found guilty and held accountable, but that there is hope found in Jesus. On the surface, Billy seemed reserved but then again, he had been reserved talking about his favorite pastime - fishing. I trust that more went on during our conversation than I will ever know about in this life.
I struck up a conversation with an older African-American man as he was fishing at a park lagoon. After about 5 minutes of small talk about fishing, strained somewhat because Billy seemed guarded, I swung our conversation in a spiritual direction, first by telling him that I am from a local church and that I'd really like to find out his opinions on spiritual things, and then I asked if he has any spiritual beliefs. He said he believes in God but doesn't believe in church or in being religious. He's had some bad experiences at church, with people acting hypocritical and always asking for money, so I told him if it were me I'd leave my wallet at home but that I've visited many churches that weren't like that at all. Then I asked about his thoughts about heaven and how he might do on judgment day. Billy turned out to be one of the few people I've met that thinks he would go to hell - though his lack of outward concern about it told me that he has either given up hope or talked himself out of believing there is such a place. I told him how nobody deserves heaven - we all are guilty of breaking God's law - but that God in his mercy has made a way for even the most guilty of sinners to be forgiven. As I explained about how God has allowed someone else to take the punishment we deserve and has given his own Son to take that punishment, I could see a few "light bulbs" going off in Billy as he began to understand different points. Just the same, without the help of the Holy Spirit, I think he will only remember a few major points - that there is a day of judgment, that he will be found guilty and held accountable, but that there is hope found in Jesus. On the surface, Billy seemed reserved but then again, he had been reserved talking about his favorite pastime - fishing. I trust that more went on during our conversation than I will ever know about in this life.
7/16/10 Alberto, about 18
At the park I gave a Spanish million dollar bill tract to a young man (Alberto) sitting on a bench and soon found out he didn't know any English whatsoever. I used the little Spanish I've learned to ask him if he believes in God, which he does, and if he thinks he will go to heaven. He wasn't sure so I told him that the questions on the back of the tract would help him. I encouraged him to read it, said "buenas tardes" and turned to walk away but he suddenly said, in Spanish, that he didn't know much about Christianity and wanted to know more. I don't know if I've ever seen such a sincere look on anyone's face. I went back and struggled with my poor Spanish to explain more. He was very patient with me and good natured about it. Finally I gave him a Spanish Bible and another Spanish tract that explained things better. About half an hour later, after talking with others, I came back by and there he was, reading his Bible. He had read both tracts and was now really enjoying his new Bible. I again struggled to explain a few more things, encouraging him to put his faith in Jesus alone and to read his Bible every day. I left him there again, still reading his Bible. I wish I had prayed with him before I left. Even a simple prayer for him in his own language would have been an encouragement, but I didn't think about it at the time.
At the park I gave a Spanish million dollar bill tract to a young man (Alberto) sitting on a bench and soon found out he didn't know any English whatsoever. I used the little Spanish I've learned to ask him if he believes in God, which he does, and if he thinks he will go to heaven. He wasn't sure so I told him that the questions on the back of the tract would help him. I encouraged him to read it, said "buenas tardes" and turned to walk away but he suddenly said, in Spanish, that he didn't know much about Christianity and wanted to know more. I don't know if I've ever seen such a sincere look on anyone's face. I went back and struggled with my poor Spanish to explain more. He was very patient with me and good natured about it. Finally I gave him a Spanish Bible and another Spanish tract that explained things better. About half an hour later, after talking with others, I came back by and there he was, reading his Bible. He had read both tracts and was now really enjoying his new Bible. I again struggled to explain a few more things, encouraging him to put his faith in Jesus alone and to read his Bible every day. I left him there again, still reading his Bible. I wish I had prayed with him before I left. Even a simple prayer for him in his own language would have been an encouragement, but I didn't think about it at the time.
7/15/10 Samuel, about 65
At the park today I found Florentino, a believer whom I had met and talked with a few days ago. We talked a while and then he prayed for me as I continued on to share the Gospel with others there. One of the people I met was Samuel, son of a Greek Orthodox priest. His father passed away four years ago at age 109, after serving in Greece as a priest for 75 years. Samuel faithfully attends a Greek Orthodox church here in Chicago, with its 3 hour-long standing-only services. As we talked and I learned about his church and his faith, I asked questions to find out what his faith is truly in, and as far as I can tell - praise the Lord - his faith is truly in Jesus. I'm always thankful to meet a fellow believer, and before I left I asked how I could pray for him. He wanted me to pray that he would be steadfast in following the Lord, so I prayed for God's blessing over him and his family.
At the park today I found Florentino, a believer whom I had met and talked with a few days ago. We talked a while and then he prayed for me as I continued on to share the Gospel with others there. One of the people I met was Samuel, son of a Greek Orthodox priest. His father passed away four years ago at age 109, after serving in Greece as a priest for 75 years. Samuel faithfully attends a Greek Orthodox church here in Chicago, with its 3 hour-long standing-only services. As we talked and I learned about his church and his faith, I asked questions to find out what his faith is truly in, and as far as I can tell - praise the Lord - his faith is truly in Jesus. I'm always thankful to meet a fellow believer, and before I left I asked how I could pray for him. He wanted me to pray that he would be steadfast in following the Lord, so I prayed for God's blessing over him and his family.
7/14/10 Temo, 26
I stopped a young man (Temo) out walking his dog at the park and gave him a million dollar bill gospel tract. I asked about his beliefs and he told me he believes in reincarnation. He seemed pretty confident about this at first so I asked a few questions about it. I soon found out he hadn't really thought through this belief because it was easy to find inconsistencies and contradictions, so he began to tell about other spiritual theories or experiences, such as several experiences of seeing a ghost. He had a post-modern view of religion - a lot of ideas but nothing he was committed to. I told him that eternity is important to think about. The Bible teaches that our souls will live forever which to me means that when all the stars in the sky have long since burned out and died our souls will continue to exist. I would want to know where I'll spend eternity. Temo wondered how a good God would send people to hell, so I spent some time explaining that God created hell precisely because He is good and loves justice and makes sure their are consequences to sin. He also loves people -so much that he gave his Son as a ransom so those of us who trust Him won't get the awful justice we deserve. Temo said this all made sense, though he could see this on more of an intellectual level. I pray it will reach his heart as well.
I stopped a young man (Temo) out walking his dog at the park and gave him a million dollar bill gospel tract. I asked about his beliefs and he told me he believes in reincarnation. He seemed pretty confident about this at first so I asked a few questions about it. I soon found out he hadn't really thought through this belief because it was easy to find inconsistencies and contradictions, so he began to tell about other spiritual theories or experiences, such as several experiences of seeing a ghost. He had a post-modern view of religion - a lot of ideas but nothing he was committed to. I told him that eternity is important to think about. The Bible teaches that our souls will live forever which to me means that when all the stars in the sky have long since burned out and died our souls will continue to exist. I would want to know where I'll spend eternity. Temo wondered how a good God would send people to hell, so I spent some time explaining that God created hell precisely because He is good and loves justice and makes sure their are consequences to sin. He also loves people -so much that he gave his Son as a ransom so those of us who trust Him won't get the awful justice we deserve. Temo said this all made sense, though he could see this on more of an intellectual level. I pray it will reach his heart as well.
7/13/10 Florentino, about 60 Valencio, about 40
I have learned enough Spanish to be able to pass out Spanish Gospel tracts and ask questions to get people interested in reading them, and I was doing just that at the park when I met Florentino, who can speak English fairly well. He was very happy to talk about the Lord and said he had been born again in 1985. He became very involved at his church, even filling in for the pastor and giving the sermon when needed. Now he has fallen away from church fellowship and although he reads his Bible, he doubts his salvation, saying he is too sinful and mentioning the lust of the eyes as a particular problem. I pointed him to Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." to remind him that it isn't "good" people who go to heaven, but forgiven people. We talked about another verse that meant a lot to him - James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." It rejuvenated his faith at one time in his life, and now it did again. By the end of our conversation Florentino was bubbling with joy, saying God had truly sent me to talk ti him today. His friend, Valentino, who didn't know any English, was there with us and is active in church so Florentino said he would start going back to church with him.
I have learned enough Spanish to be able to pass out Spanish Gospel tracts and ask questions to get people interested in reading them, and I was doing just that at the park when I met Florentino, who can speak English fairly well. He was very happy to talk about the Lord and said he had been born again in 1985. He became very involved at his church, even filling in for the pastor and giving the sermon when needed. Now he has fallen away from church fellowship and although he reads his Bible, he doubts his salvation, saying he is too sinful and mentioning the lust of the eyes as a particular problem. I pointed him to Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." to remind him that it isn't "good" people who go to heaven, but forgiven people. We talked about another verse that meant a lot to him - James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." It rejuvenated his faith at one time in his life, and now it did again. By the end of our conversation Florentino was bubbling with joy, saying God had truly sent me to talk ti him today. His friend, Valentino, who didn't know any English, was there with us and is active in church so Florentino said he would start going back to church with him.
7/12/10 Ken , about 30
I met a man (Ken) out walking his dog and asked if it would be okay to ask him an interesting question. He said "sure, no problem" so I asked what he thinks will happen after this life. At first he responded by saying he didn't believe there is any life after this one. He goes to church so I asked why he goes. "Don't they teach about eternal life there?" "No", he said, "they just teach us how to live a better life right now". He said he does believe in God so I asked "If what the Bible says is true, that we will all die and face God's judgment, how would He judge you?" Ken surprised me by saying "I'd be in trouble, because I'm a bad person. I'd probably go to hell." Now, I guess I could have tried to convince him otherwise, that he is a good person worthy of God's love and heaven, but I've never seen anyone who truly thought they will go to hell with such a smug, unconcerned attitude. In fact, of the hundreds of people I've talked to, I don't believe I've met anyone who honestly thought they are destined for hell. If Ken truly believed it he would be more than a little concerned, so I gave him some "good person" questions. He has broken 4 out of the 5 commandments I asked about, so I said "Your right! You aren't a good person! So what would God's judgment be?" Ken said "Oh I'd go to heaven." "Why's that?" "Because he knows my heart" he said. I told him "So you really do think your a good person" and he had to agree. I went on to share about Jesus but it was no use. Ken doesn't care about the Savior because he doesn't think he needs saving. In fact, he stated that "Jesus died for the really bad people, but not for me".
I met a man (Ken) out walking his dog and asked if it would be okay to ask him an interesting question. He said "sure, no problem" so I asked what he thinks will happen after this life. At first he responded by saying he didn't believe there is any life after this one. He goes to church so I asked why he goes. "Don't they teach about eternal life there?" "No", he said, "they just teach us how to live a better life right now". He said he does believe in God so I asked "If what the Bible says is true, that we will all die and face God's judgment, how would He judge you?" Ken surprised me by saying "I'd be in trouble, because I'm a bad person. I'd probably go to hell." Now, I guess I could have tried to convince him otherwise, that he is a good person worthy of God's love and heaven, but I've never seen anyone who truly thought they will go to hell with such a smug, unconcerned attitude. In fact, of the hundreds of people I've talked to, I don't believe I've met anyone who honestly thought they are destined for hell. If Ken truly believed it he would be more than a little concerned, so I gave him some "good person" questions. He has broken 4 out of the 5 commandments I asked about, so I said "Your right! You aren't a good person! So what would God's judgment be?" Ken said "Oh I'd go to heaven." "Why's that?" "Because he knows my heart" he said. I told him "So you really do think your a good person" and he had to agree. I went on to share about Jesus but it was no use. Ken doesn't care about the Savior because he doesn't think he needs saving. In fact, he stated that "Jesus died for the really bad people, but not for me".
7/11/10 Will , 21
A brief gift of a "million dollar bill" gospel tract to a young man (Will) in aisle 2 at the grocery store turned into a 20 minute conversation and his agreement that he needs to "get right with God" today. Will had enough of a church background to believe that "God is supposed to forgive us" and that this forgiveness is easy and cheap. In this view, one is almost doing God a favor by "accepting" His forgiveness. Will thought that surely God won't punish good people who make "mistakes" like himself, so I talked about the proud and rebellious attitudes that lead people to believe their way is better than God's way as they choose to sin by doing what they know is wrong. Using a comparison of God's judgment day to a human courtroom, I helped Will to see that, just as a good human judge will punish lawbreakers, our perfect godly judge will punish sin - all sin- but that in His mercy he is willing to give His only Son as a sacrifice in our place. No, the price of forgiveness isn't cheap and I challenged Will to transfer his faith from his own goodness to One who took his punishment upon Himself.
A brief gift of a "million dollar bill" gospel tract to a young man (Will) in aisle 2 at the grocery store turned into a 20 minute conversation and his agreement that he needs to "get right with God" today. Will had enough of a church background to believe that "God is supposed to forgive us" and that this forgiveness is easy and cheap. In this view, one is almost doing God a favor by "accepting" His forgiveness. Will thought that surely God won't punish good people who make "mistakes" like himself, so I talked about the proud and rebellious attitudes that lead people to believe their way is better than God's way as they choose to sin by doing what they know is wrong. Using a comparison of God's judgment day to a human courtroom, I helped Will to see that, just as a good human judge will punish lawbreakers, our perfect godly judge will punish sin - all sin- but that in His mercy he is willing to give His only Son as a sacrifice in our place. No, the price of forgiveness isn't cheap and I challenged Will to transfer his faith from his own goodness to One who took his punishment upon Himself.
7/10/10 Steve about 30
After our church's "men's breakfast" and a message on the importance of sacrifice, I asked who would like to sacrifice a half hour of their Saturday to help me share the gospel with someone before heading home. Cory volunteered, so we headed to a nearby park and found a young man (Steve) walking his dog. Steve gave me the classic line "Of course I'm going to heaven, I'm a good person!" so I asked him "Well you know you're not perfect, right?" "Yeah, no one is" "So the real question is 'how good is good enough?" Steve laughed, "That IS a good question!" I asked "What kind of people would go to hell?" "Murderers, rapists, child molestors" he said. "Well do you mind if I give you a short 'good person' test?" Steve was curious so began to ask how well he had kept various commandments. He didn't like the way this was going and began to excuse himself from the conversation, so I switched to a less confrontational "personal testimony" approach, and was able to share more about God's gift of salvation in Jesus. Steve took more info to read, saying "You've given me a lot to think about".
After our church's "men's breakfast" and a message on the importance of sacrifice, I asked who would like to sacrifice a half hour of their Saturday to help me share the gospel with someone before heading home. Cory volunteered, so we headed to a nearby park and found a young man (Steve) walking his dog. Steve gave me the classic line "Of course I'm going to heaven, I'm a good person!" so I asked him "Well you know you're not perfect, right?" "Yeah, no one is" "So the real question is 'how good is good enough?" Steve laughed, "That IS a good question!" I asked "What kind of people would go to hell?" "Murderers, rapists, child molestors" he said. "Well do you mind if I give you a short 'good person' test?" Steve was curious so began to ask how well he had kept various commandments. He didn't like the way this was going and began to excuse himself from the conversation, so I switched to a less confrontational "personal testimony" approach, and was able to share more about God's gift of salvation in Jesus. Steve took more info to read, saying "You've given me a lot to think about".
7/9/10 Joe, about 50
I've been going to a park where I can practice speaking Spanish, but this conversation with Joe was in English. Joe told me he and his family left the Catholic church because of an abusive priest and joined the Church of Christ denomination where they enjoyed being part of the fellowship for many years. However, for years Joe didn't feel "good enough" to be a Christian. I asked what that meant to him and he said that although he feels he is a very good person (and gave me some different examples of good deeds he had done) he never felt capable of being "Christian" like the people at church who attended Bible studies and could quote scripture verses. Then in 2005 he had a spiritual experience that he said made him a new man. While at work he was overcome with a wave of peace that filled him with love, patience and kindness toward others. He told how other people, strangers on the street, could see God's presence in him and said "I finally came to a place where I could accept myself". After hearing about all this I asked "If someone in this park asked you how they could go to heaven, what would you tell them?" Joe really didn't know, saying "I don't even know if I'm going to heaven myself". From what I could tell, Joe came to a place of happiness that came with trusting in God on a day to day basis, but hadn't come to that place of joy that comes with righteousness - a right relationship with God for eternity based on faith in Jesus. Joe easily agreed as I described the "bad news" of our sin, judgment and the eternal punishment we deserve, and he was glad to hear the good news of Jesus' sacrifice for his sins. I encouraged him to trust in Christ today.
I've been going to a park where I can practice speaking Spanish, but this conversation with Joe was in English. Joe told me he and his family left the Catholic church because of an abusive priest and joined the Church of Christ denomination where they enjoyed being part of the fellowship for many years. However, for years Joe didn't feel "good enough" to be a Christian. I asked what that meant to him and he said that although he feels he is a very good person (and gave me some different examples of good deeds he had done) he never felt capable of being "Christian" like the people at church who attended Bible studies and could quote scripture verses. Then in 2005 he had a spiritual experience that he said made him a new man. While at work he was overcome with a wave of peace that filled him with love, patience and kindness toward others. He told how other people, strangers on the street, could see God's presence in him and said "I finally came to a place where I could accept myself". After hearing about all this I asked "If someone in this park asked you how they could go to heaven, what would you tell them?" Joe really didn't know, saying "I don't even know if I'm going to heaven myself". From what I could tell, Joe came to a place of happiness that came with trusting in God on a day to day basis, but hadn't come to that place of joy that comes with righteousness - a right relationship with God for eternity based on faith in Jesus. Joe easily agreed as I described the "bad news" of our sin, judgment and the eternal punishment we deserve, and he was glad to hear the good news of Jesus' sacrifice for his sins. I encouraged him to trust in Christ today.
7/8/10 James and Lena, about 50
While out on my bike I saw an older African-American man (James) standing outside a factory door, taking a break from work, so I stopped to talk to him. James attends a Pentecostal church and said he has been a believer for about 12 years. He prays for the Holy Ghost and the ability to speak in tongues. He said his wife does have the gift of tongues and is about to be ordained as a missionary evangelist. I asked how he knows he will go to heaven, and he said you have to follow the Ten Commandments and repent of your sins often. I asked "What happens if you die with unconfessed sin?" and he reassured me that "When your time comes, you will know, and you must repent then" It sounded to me like he bases his salvation on repentance and good works rather than faith in Jesus so I began to ask about this but just then his wife drove up. She looked at me suspiciously so I explained what I was doing and asked her the same questions. Her husband deferred to her as the religious expert, but she wasn't too sure herself and answered the same way as he did. She didn't seem to like being questioned in front of him, so I switched from my questions to sharing my testimony which is less confrontational. I told about the changes Jesus has brought to my life, especially emphasizing that neither good works nor repentance can "earn" salvation, but that faith in Jesus will lead to both. It's not for me to decide if these two have saving faith or not, but if Lena is to be an evangelist for her church I pray she will clearly share the faith she has.
While out on my bike I saw an older African-American man (James) standing outside a factory door, taking a break from work, so I stopped to talk to him. James attends a Pentecostal church and said he has been a believer for about 12 years. He prays for the Holy Ghost and the ability to speak in tongues. He said his wife does have the gift of tongues and is about to be ordained as a missionary evangelist. I asked how he knows he will go to heaven, and he said you have to follow the Ten Commandments and repent of your sins often. I asked "What happens if you die with unconfessed sin?" and he reassured me that "When your time comes, you will know, and you must repent then" It sounded to me like he bases his salvation on repentance and good works rather than faith in Jesus so I began to ask about this but just then his wife drove up. She looked at me suspiciously so I explained what I was doing and asked her the same questions. Her husband deferred to her as the religious expert, but she wasn't too sure herself and answered the same way as he did. She didn't seem to like being questioned in front of him, so I switched from my questions to sharing my testimony which is less confrontational. I told about the changes Jesus has brought to my life, especially emphasizing that neither good works nor repentance can "earn" salvation, but that faith in Jesus will lead to both. It's not for me to decide if these two have saving faith or not, but if Lena is to be an evangelist for her church I pray she will clearly share the faith she has.
7/7/10 Daniel, 21 George, 22
On the sidewalk at a park I handed two young men (Daniel and George) million dollar bill gospel tracts to start a gospel conversation, and Daniel immediately recognized them from the "Way of the Master" television program on TV. I have never seen the TV show myself but I believe they show one to one witnessing conversations like they have on their website. Daniel is not a believer but since he has seen the TV show he recognized many of the basic questions I asked him - "Will you go to heaven?" "Are you a good person?" How will you be judged according to God's standards?" etc. The show had obviously had an impact on him because Daniel had many insightful questions for me beyond what he saw on TV. He asked about the reliability of the Bible, evolution, free will, the nature of God, and whether or not it was fair of God "to give Adam and Eve a rule to follow that he knew they would break." All our talk boiled down to one recurring theme - does God have the right to give us rules and hold us accountable to them without explanation? Daniel not only thought it unfair, but thought he deserved the right to accept or reject God's explanation. But I told him "A God who is answerable to someone, who isn't able to do as He chooses without explanation, isn't really God." Though God has revealed much to me as I have followed Him, there will always be those unanswerable questions that He simply owes no explanation for, because He is God and I am not. Daniel was seeing that his attitude toward God is the same attitude of rebellion against God's authority that Adam had in the garden. His friend George, a churchgoer but not a believer, agreed with this line of thinking but let me do all the talking. They both have a much better idea of where they stand with God.
On the sidewalk at a park I handed two young men (Daniel and George) million dollar bill gospel tracts to start a gospel conversation, and Daniel immediately recognized them from the "Way of the Master" television program on TV. I have never seen the TV show myself but I believe they show one to one witnessing conversations like they have on their website. Daniel is not a believer but since he has seen the TV show he recognized many of the basic questions I asked him - "Will you go to heaven?" "Are you a good person?" How will you be judged according to God's standards?" etc. The show had obviously had an impact on him because Daniel had many insightful questions for me beyond what he saw on TV. He asked about the reliability of the Bible, evolution, free will, the nature of God, and whether or not it was fair of God "to give Adam and Eve a rule to follow that he knew they would break." All our talk boiled down to one recurring theme - does God have the right to give us rules and hold us accountable to them without explanation? Daniel not only thought it unfair, but thought he deserved the right to accept or reject God's explanation. But I told him "A God who is answerable to someone, who isn't able to do as He chooses without explanation, isn't really God." Though God has revealed much to me as I have followed Him, there will always be those unanswerable questions that He simply owes no explanation for, because He is God and I am not. Daniel was seeing that his attitude toward God is the same attitude of rebellion against God's authority that Adam had in the garden. His friend George, a churchgoer but not a believer, agreed with this line of thinking but let me do all the talking. They both have a much better idea of where they stand with God.
7/6/10 Manuel, about 35
At the park this afternoon a man (Manuel) was enjoying a siesta so I went to talk with him. He spoke very little English and I told him I'd like to practice Espanol and we spent some time getting to know each other in Spanish. Manuel moved to Chicago from Mexico three years ago, leaving behind his wife and two teenage kids. He couldn't find work in Mexico and Chicago isn't much better as he waits for day jobs at a Home Depot parking lot and gets work only once in a while. I went on to ask him about his religious background and beliefs. Like so many people he believes religious activity is what saves a person so I tried as best as I could to explain the Gospel in what little Spanish I know. As I talked it was hard to distinguish between his agreement with what I was saying and the affirmation he gave me as I simply tried to communicate. I used to think sharing the Gospel in English was a huge act of faith - one very rarely finds out what will happen to the Gospel seeds one plants - but now as I begin to share in Spanish I see I will need to rely on faith even more. I will not only wonder about the person's reaction to the message but whether I adequately shared the message itself with my language limitations. I gave Manuel a Spanish New Testament and gospel tract and said "buenas tardes!"
At the park this afternoon a man (Manuel) was enjoying a siesta so I went to talk with him. He spoke very little English and I told him I'd like to practice Espanol and we spent some time getting to know each other in Spanish. Manuel moved to Chicago from Mexico three years ago, leaving behind his wife and two teenage kids. He couldn't find work in Mexico and Chicago isn't much better as he waits for day jobs at a Home Depot parking lot and gets work only once in a while. I went on to ask him about his religious background and beliefs. Like so many people he believes religious activity is what saves a person so I tried as best as I could to explain the Gospel in what little Spanish I know. As I talked it was hard to distinguish between his agreement with what I was saying and the affirmation he gave me as I simply tried to communicate. I used to think sharing the Gospel in English was a huge act of faith - one very rarely finds out what will happen to the Gospel seeds one plants - but now as I begin to share in Spanish I see I will need to rely on faith even more. I will not only wonder about the person's reaction to the message but whether I adequately shared the message itself with my language limitations. I gave Manuel a Spanish New Testament and gospel tract and said "buenas tardes!"
7/5/10 Ray, about 45
At the gas station the bald guy on the other side of the gas pump (Ray) looked expressionless in his dark sunglasses. Is he friendly? Mean? Will he ridicule me or react violently if I ask about his spiritual beliefs? Does he even speak English? Well there's only one way to find out, so I went over and began a conversation with a million dollar bill gospel tract. Ray welcomed my questions and admitted he had been involved in an evangelical church, even serving on the worship team, but has long since fallen away from church involvement or Bible reading. Why? "I guess I've just been distracted by everything else in life - my work, my family. It's so easy to get too busy." I asked some questions about ray's beliefs and initially found that he relies on his good works for salvation - until I reminded him of the work of Christ on the cross and then he easily proclaimed faith in Jesus. I reminded him to keep a focus on the things and people of God and not allow the distractions of life to take over. Whether Ray is a true follower of Jesus or not I believe he was greatly encouraged by our conversation.
At the gas station the bald guy on the other side of the gas pump (Ray) looked expressionless in his dark sunglasses. Is he friendly? Mean? Will he ridicule me or react violently if I ask about his spiritual beliefs? Does he even speak English? Well there's only one way to find out, so I went over and began a conversation with a million dollar bill gospel tract. Ray welcomed my questions and admitted he had been involved in an evangelical church, even serving on the worship team, but has long since fallen away from church involvement or Bible reading. Why? "I guess I've just been distracted by everything else in life - my work, my family. It's so easy to get too busy." I asked some questions about ray's beliefs and initially found that he relies on his good works for salvation - until I reminded him of the work of Christ on the cross and then he easily proclaimed faith in Jesus. I reminded him to keep a focus on the things and people of God and not allow the distractions of life to take over. Whether Ray is a true follower of Jesus or not I believe he was greatly encouraged by our conversation.
7/4/10 Frank ,89
While out on my bike I came upon an elderly gentleman (Frank) who had parked his three-wheeled custom decorated bike and was sitting on a bench. "Happy Fourth of July" I said as I rode up to him and we chatted for a while during the neighborhood fireworks shows that were just beginning. Frank is devoted to his neighborhood, his Italian-American Club, and his Italian/Croatian Catholic church. He lives in the same house he was born in and for all his 89 years (I guessed that he was 70) he is mentally very sharp and a good conversationalist. He wore a big gold cross pinned to his shirt so I asked about it and he was very open to talking about spiritual things. He told me he believes in God as he looked around and marveled at both the natural and man-made creation all around him, but doesn't believe in life after death. "Why would I want anything more after I've lived in heaven here on earth?" he said several times. I told him the Bible teaches us about eternal life but he dismissed it, saying he doesn't read it because the Bible is just a book written by man. Try as I did to share the gospel with him he just wouldn't take it seriously because of his disbelief in eternity. In hindsight, I believe the pride that keeps us from a right relationship with God takes many forms in addition to pride in ones goodness. I have heard atheists take pride that they don't need belief in God to be good people, church folk often take pride in their "humility" or in their repentance, and now I believe Frank is taking pride in his gratitude.
While out on my bike I came upon an elderly gentleman (Frank) who had parked his three-wheeled custom decorated bike and was sitting on a bench. "Happy Fourth of July" I said as I rode up to him and we chatted for a while during the neighborhood fireworks shows that were just beginning. Frank is devoted to his neighborhood, his Italian-American Club, and his Italian/Croatian Catholic church. He lives in the same house he was born in and for all his 89 years (I guessed that he was 70) he is mentally very sharp and a good conversationalist. He wore a big gold cross pinned to his shirt so I asked about it and he was very open to talking about spiritual things. He told me he believes in God as he looked around and marveled at both the natural and man-made creation all around him, but doesn't believe in life after death. "Why would I want anything more after I've lived in heaven here on earth?" he said several times. I told him the Bible teaches us about eternal life but he dismissed it, saying he doesn't read it because the Bible is just a book written by man. Try as I did to share the gospel with him he just wouldn't take it seriously because of his disbelief in eternity. In hindsight, I believe the pride that keeps us from a right relationship with God takes many forms in addition to pride in ones goodness. I have heard atheists take pride that they don't need belief in God to be good people, church folk often take pride in their "humility" or in their repentance, and now I believe Frank is taking pride in his gratitude.
7/3/10 Tony about 50
Saturday morning at the supermarket, the day before the 4th of July. The store is crowded and everyone is busy shopping, including me. It's hard to think about a long conversation here, so I started giving million dollar bill gospel tracts out to random people. These brought a smile to everyone's face and, when I explained what they were about, they often began some short conversations as well. The man in front of me in the deli line (Tony) appreciated it. He said he believes in God but doesn't go to church or think at all about what will happen in eternity. "I'm just so busy having fun with my grandkids, I just don't have any time to think about it. I told him that a brush with death made me realize how short life will seem when we face eternity and he agreed, telling me about a heart attack he had two years ago. But what was on his mind during that experience was not his own fate but wondering about who would be there for his family and pay the bills. I talked some about the biblical view that we should prepare for eternity, and he thanked me profusely for talking with him. So many times people thank me for taking the time to share truth about eternity and sin and judgment that can be hard to hear, and I share about their gratitude here not because the "approval of men" is important, but simply to say that we as Christians shouldn't assume that lost people don't want to hear about these difficult truths.
Saturday morning at the supermarket, the day before the 4th of July. The store is crowded and everyone is busy shopping, including me. It's hard to think about a long conversation here, so I started giving million dollar bill gospel tracts out to random people. These brought a smile to everyone's face and, when I explained what they were about, they often began some short conversations as well. The man in front of me in the deli line (Tony) appreciated it. He said he believes in God but doesn't go to church or think at all about what will happen in eternity. "I'm just so busy having fun with my grandkids, I just don't have any time to think about it. I told him that a brush with death made me realize how short life will seem when we face eternity and he agreed, telling me about a heart attack he had two years ago. But what was on his mind during that experience was not his own fate but wondering about who would be there for his family and pay the bills. I talked some about the biblical view that we should prepare for eternity, and he thanked me profusely for talking with him. So many times people thank me for taking the time to share truth about eternity and sin and judgment that can be hard to hear, and I share about their gratitude here not because the "approval of men" is important, but simply to say that we as Christians shouldn't assume that lost people don't want to hear about these difficult truths.
6/2/10 Natalie, about 25
On the bus trip back to Chicago from Minnesota I had some long, interesting conversations with fellow believers, and then I turned to Natalie, the young lady I had met in the seat next to me and said "I guess you've figured out I'm kind of religious. How about you, do you have any spiritual beliefs?" She said she believes religion is important because it is a part of culture, and one has to understand the various cultures of people in order to have a positive impact. Natalie is a PhD candidate in public health, and I asked her about what motivates her in her career choice. "I just want to give back to society what it has given me" she explained, referring to Cesar Chavez as a role model. I told her about my years as director of a non-profit youth center and how in my experience the various social workers usually seemed to fit into one of two categories - those who want to express their love for God by expressing His love for others, and those who are trying to show love for others without any help from God at all. Like Adam and Eve, they have fallen for the temptation to try to "be like God", without God. I think this explanation may have gotten her attention, and Natalie and I went on to have a good conversation in the time we had left on our bus ride. I left her with additional info that she seemed very interested to read.
On the bus trip back to Chicago from Minnesota I had some long, interesting conversations with fellow believers, and then I turned to Natalie, the young lady I had met in the seat next to me and said "I guess you've figured out I'm kind of religious. How about you, do you have any spiritual beliefs?" She said she believes religion is important because it is a part of culture, and one has to understand the various cultures of people in order to have a positive impact. Natalie is a PhD candidate in public health, and I asked her about what motivates her in her career choice. "I just want to give back to society what it has given me" she explained, referring to Cesar Chavez as a role model. I told her about my years as director of a non-profit youth center and how in my experience the various social workers usually seemed to fit into one of two categories - those who want to express their love for God by expressing His love for others, and those who are trying to show love for others without any help from God at all. Like Adam and Eve, they have fallen for the temptation to try to "be like God", without God. I think this explanation may have gotten her attention, and Natalie and I went on to have a good conversation in the time we had left on our bus ride. I left her with additional info that she seemed very interested to read.
7/1/10 Chris about 25
At a casino in northern Minnesota I spoke with a young man (Chris) as he waited outside the gaming area. He was a member of the Ojibwe band of Native Americans - the same tribe that sponsors the casino - so I asked him about his religious beliefs. He wasn't too talkative, probably because he was waiting for someone (his mother) but I did find out that he believes in a higher power of some sort and that the extent of his religious beliefs center around traditional Native American ceremonies held twice a year. The ceremonies involve a lot of traditional dancing and he didn't recall any sort of religious instruction. He didn't seem to know what he believes about eternity, nor did he seem to care so I talked some about eternity - how this life will seem like a brief moment in comparison and the importance of thinking about eternity while we now have the chance. That's about all I could tell him before his mother showed up, but he did seem sincere as he thanked me for talking to him.
At a casino in northern Minnesota I spoke with a young man (Chris) as he waited outside the gaming area. He was a member of the Ojibwe band of Native Americans - the same tribe that sponsors the casino - so I asked him about his religious beliefs. He wasn't too talkative, probably because he was waiting for someone (his mother) but I did find out that he believes in a higher power of some sort and that the extent of his religious beliefs center around traditional Native American ceremonies held twice a year. The ceremonies involve a lot of traditional dancing and he didn't recall any sort of religious instruction. He didn't seem to know what he believes about eternity, nor did he seem to care so I talked some about eternity - how this life will seem like a brief moment in comparison and the importance of thinking about eternity while we now have the chance. That's about all I could tell him before his mother showed up, but he did seem sincere as he thanked me for talking to him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)