Is That A Christian Thing?

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Is That A Christian Thing?

I handed out the Why Christianity booklets from Living Waters at MSU last Wednesday at the third witnessing spot. There were only 100 left, but all of them were taken. One student told me that he didn’t need it because he’s a Christian. When asked if he could hand it to someone, he really thought about it, but said, “No, I’m good.” One girl refused the booklet and said that she’s a Buddhist.

When I ran out of the booklets, I switched to the What’s The Meaning Of Life tracts (also from Living Waters). Several students who spoke broken English took the tracts. One girl of Indian descent took one and read it while she waited for her two friends. I didn’t realize they were together until after both of her friends took tracts and walked over to her. One guy said, “Is that a Christian thing?” and when I replied yes, he said he didn’t need it because he’s already a Christian. Then I asked if he could hand it to someone else and he really thought about it, said, “Hey, that’s a great idea!” and took it. May God bless the booklets and tracts that were handed out.

Few Great Conversations

I’m having health issues and may not be able to witness again for a while. But praise God, Joshua and Michael made it out Friday night to witness at Art Walk. I asked for an update and Joshua replied back, “Had a few great conversations. God be the glory. Seeds were planted and we had good fellowship.” I love these brothers in Christ who go out witnessing Friday nights. They are young and bold for the Lord. I thank God for sending them my way.

(These updates are provided to encourage Christians to share the glorious Gospel with others)

If Looks Could Kill

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If Looks Could Kill

I didn’t open-air preach at MSU last Wednesday. Instead, I handed out the Why Christianity booklets from Living Waters. I got to the campus a little early, so I started off about a half a block away from Strong Hall (where the religious studies classes are held). A few students took the booklets, but one guy who has mocked me several times in the past, leaned way away from the booklet as if it would harm him if it even touched him. He loudly said, “H___ No!”

To which I replied, “Ok, have a nice day because you are going to have a lousy eternity.” Normally, I don’t respond in this way, but this guy has been mouthy and very antagonistic many times before and I thought he needs to hear the truth. So I continued by quoting John 14:6 where Jesus says I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but by me. I pleaded with him to repent and surrender his life to Jesus and for him to not die in his sins. About the time I said that, he spun around and if looks could kill, he would have killed me. He stood there for a bit and I really think he was contemplating coming back over to confront me or even fight. But in the end, he just turned back around and walked on to his vehicle. Every now and then I think its good to warn hardened mockers of what they are going to face in the end if they continue rebelling against God.

Many Why Christianity Booklets Handed Out

After that I went on to the witnessing spot in front of Strong Hall. Again, this is the building with religious studies and frankly it is my least favorite of the three free speech zones on campus. Many students seem very hardened against God and don’t want to hear biblical truth. So I prayed that God would have at least 50 to 75 students take booklets. To my surprise, all 150 booklets were handed out. More were taken here than were at the spot a few weeks ago that has much more foot traffic. Praise God for this.

One student took the booklet and then he said, “You do good work here, Sir. Keep it up.” I think he even wanted to pat me on the shoulder, but didn’t. I wish I would have thought of it in time and I would have given him a fist bump or shook his hand. But it was very encouraging and I thanked him for that. Then a little while later another student took one, realized what it was and handed it back to me. He told me that he’s a Christian and to save it for someone who needs it. I told him that I would do so, but I asked him if he knew anyone that needed it? A family member or friend? He stopped walking and really thought about it and decided that he could hand it out to someone. I told him that it’s a really non-offensive way of sharing truth with an unbeliever.

Then toward the end I handed one to a girl and she took it and started thumbing through it. I asked her if she’d read it and she said that she would. She then asked me if I was a Christian and I told her that I am one and I stated that the booklet talks about a lot of religions and that it explains why Christianity is the right one. She seemed genuinely intrigued, thanked me and went on her way. The way the witnessing started was more of what I expected from this area, but it turned out to be quite enjoyable and I thank God for the positive encounters and all the students who took booklets. May God bless and multiply the booklets (in other words, may the students who took them share them with others).

Friday Night Update

I was too sick to witness Friday night, but thankfully Michael and Joshua went downtown. Here’s Michael’s update: While I was waiting for Joshua, a guy stopped and started talking to me, so I tried to explain the gospel to him. After awhile, he was uncomfortable with how I was talking to him and with me telling him to make sure he’s truly saved. He wanted to go smoke a cigarette and so he left. He took a tract that Joshua gave him. Later, Joshua started a conversation with a photographer named Tyr. I think he said he takes pictures of drag queens. They talked a bit about photography, then we were able to talk to him some about Christ before he left. Praise God for Joshua and Michael sharing truth.

(These updates are given to encourage Christians to share the Gospel with others)

Magnify The Lord

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Magnify The Lord

As Christians, we are to magnify the Lord. To my fellow Christians, do you magnify the Lord? In other words, do you praise God? Do you exalt or extol the Lord? Do you lift of up the precious name of Jesus to others? Do you share the Gospel with this lost and dying world? Do you magnify Jesus – the name above every other name?

Psalm 70:4 says: Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. In Luke Chapter 1, the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she is going to have a son by the power of the Holy Spirit and that He will be a King and his kingdom will reign forever. Mary went to see her cousin Elizabeth and Mary spoke these words: My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour (Luke 1:46-47). [Read more…]

Blah Kind Of Witnessing Time

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Blah Kind Of Witnessing Time

I witnessed at Missouri State University on Wednesday and later that day, I told my wife about it and said that it was a blah kind of witnessing time. Then she clarified that it was uneventful and I agreed, that was a better way of stating it. I always hope and pray that God will bless the tracts and the messages, but from our perspective, it was an uneventful lunch hour.

The wind gusts were 30 miles per hour, so it was really windy. I handed out tracts before and after open-air preaching. I tried to strike up a conversation with a couple of twin girls, but they just politely took tracts and kept walking. Same thing happened later on when I tried to talk to a couple of brothers. Most of the students were in a hurry to get to class and didn’t have time to talk.

Guilty Conscience Can Be Wiped Clean

There weren’t any mockers or encouragers when I brought a message. One student made eye contact with me as he walked right in front of me. I was pleading with students to repent and surrender their lives to Jesus. The young man turned the corner and was walking away from me when I pointed out that your sins can be forgiven and your guilty conscience can be wiped clean. He turned around a looked at me, but then kept walking. I couldn’t tell if he thought I was talking directly to him or not, but I pray that God will reach him if he isn’t saved.

Lady Asked For A Bible

I didn’t make it downtown Friday night to witness, but I praise God that Anand, Michael and Joshua made it. They handed out tracts and Anand said that Joshua and Michael spoke a bit to a couple of people. He said the highlight of the night was when they were standing there handing out tracts and a lady drove up in a car and asked for a Bible. Praise God that Michael had one with him and he gladly gave it to her. I’m very grateful that my friends witnessed Friday night.

(These updates are given to encourage Christians to share the Gospel with this lost and dying world)

So You Guys Are Christians?

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So You Guys Are Christians?

Anand, Michael and I witnessed downtown Friday night. I got there first and as I was walking to the witnessing spot, I saw four teenagers standing around so I walked up and handed them tracts. The first young man took one, then as I handed a tract to the second one, he said, “What’s this?” I replied, “It’s a Gospel tract.” Then he said, “Oh, cool.” Then I asked them, “So you guys are Christians?” They shook their heads up and down.

Then I asked them how they became Christians? The third guy said from church and the fourth teenager said that he grew up in a Christian home. Since they didn’t mention anything about repentance and faith in Jesus, I shared a shortened version of my testimony with them. I told them how I spent 33 years as false convert and how I would have gone to Hell if I had died anytime before I was truly saved. I don’t want anyone to go to Hell. That’s why I hand out tracts and share the Gospel. They didn’t have any questions, so I asked them if they have Bibles and they said they do. I encouraged them to read the Bible every day. I shook their hands and thanked them for listening. [Read more…]

God’s Wrath Went Forth

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Gods Wrath Went Forth

After God led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, they rebelled against Him time and time again. They made a golden calf and worshiped it as well as some of them wanted to go back to Egypt. Another time they rebelled against God and He sent firey serpents among them. Other times God sent plagues. When you read the Old Testament accounts of their disobedience, then God’s wrath went forth.

Even after the Israelites entered the promised land, they continued rebelling against God. His wrath went forth and He allowed other nations to conquer Israel and Judah. Eventually, the Lord allowed the Israelites to be carried off to far away lands. They rebelled and God’s wrath went forth again.

Whirlwind Of The Lord Is Gone Forth

Jeremiah describes such rebellion and God’s wrath in Jeremiah 23. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.

For who hath stood in the counsel of the Lord, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it? Behold, a whirlwind of the Lord is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked (Jeremiah 23:16-19).

God’s wrath went forth like a whirlwind of fury. We might describe it nowadays as going forth like a tornado. Either way, God’s wrath went forth. You may be thinking, well, that’s all fine and dandy. That was in the Old Testament. But folks, the New Testament also talks about God’s wrath. Romans 1:18-19:  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

God’s Wrath Still Goes Forth Today

That’s right, God’s wrath still goes forth today. Romans 1 goes on to tell us that God turns unrepentant sinners over to a reprobate heart. In other words, you want to disobey God, live like there is no God, then God removes His hands of mercy from you, then you live your life to your wicked heart’s desire. You call evil good and good evil. You live sexually immoral lives and continue in debauchery. Make no mistake, even though you may not feel God’s wrath, His whirlwind of wrath is upon you.

Romans 2 continues in that you are just storing up more wrath against the day of wrath. In other words, you are heaping up more of God’s wrath against you that will be poured out against you for all eternity. Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile (Romans 2:4-9).

You Aren’t Getting Away With Your Sins

Oh, folks, don’t continue barreling down the road to destruction, foolishly thinking that since God doesn’t wipe you off the face of the earth today, that you are getting away with your sins. No, your hard heart is just becoming more and more seared over. You really are just storing up more wrath against the day of wrath. God will render to everyone what they deserve.

What do we deserve? We all deserve eternal damnation. Every man and woman on this earth deserves the firey flames of Hell and we deserve to suffer those flames for all eternity. Oh, but you do not have to foolishly die in your sins and go to Hell. No, you can be saved today – through repentance and faith in Jesus.

The Lord Jesus is the only Savior of mankind. There is no other. Buddha can’t save you. Muhammad can’t save you. The pope can’t save you. Only Jesus saves. Why? Because He is the only perfect, sinless One. Unlike you and I, Jesus never sinned. Not one time. Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary. The Lord walked this earth 2,000 years ago and He never sinned in His thoughts, words or deeds.

Can you say that? Have you lived a perfect, sinless life? Of course not. How many lies have you told in your life? How many times have you stolen something? How many times have you lusted or coveted someone or something? Do you always honor your parents? Have you ever loved someone or something more than you love God? I hope you are seeing that we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.

Jesus Willingly Went To The Cross

That’s why we need the salvation that is found in Christ alone. Not only was Jesus always perfect and sinless, but He willingly went to the cruel cross where He suffered God’s anger over sin, God’s whirlwind of wrath. He took the punishment for sinners who repent and trust in Him. The Bible says that Jesus was the propitiation for our sins. Propitiation means that God’s wrath was satisfied when He poured His righteous anger out upon His own precious Son.

That shows you how much God hates sin! Someone has to be punished over sin and Jesus willingly took that punishment, that is, for His people. Jesus suffered, bled and died on the cross. He was buried and rose victoriously from the grave three days later. Jesus defeated sin, death, Hell and Satan. Salvation is for all who repent and surrender their lives to the Lord. Jesus came to save His people from their sins.

Oh, tonight, you are either lost or saved. You are spiritually dead in your trespasses and sins or you are alive in Christ. God’s wrath remains upon you or your sins have been forgiven. Which is it? God’s wrath went forth in the past, is still going forth today and will go forth for all eternity upon all who die in their sins. Jesus says that unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins (John 8:24).

Only Two Ways To Die

There are only two ways to die. 1. Die in your sins. 2. Die in Christ. There is no third option. You say that you don’t believe in Christ Jesus? Then you will foolishly die in your sins. Unbelief is to die outside of Christ. Rebellion is to die outside of Jesus. Unrepentant is to die outside of the Lord. Oh, don’t do it. Don’t foolishly die in your sins. Do not continue hardening your hard heart. Do not reject such a great salvation. Instead, repent and believe the Gospel.

For those of you who want to continue mocking God, who want to continue going your own way. Listen to the warning tonight. Jesus talked about Hell more than anybody else in the Bible. The Lord says Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca (foolish), shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire (Matthew 5:21-22).

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart (Matthew 5:27-28). It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery (Matthew 5:27-32).

Their Worm Dieth Not And The Fire Is Not Quenched

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:42-48).

Don’t Continue With God’s Wrath Abiding Upon You

The Bible describes Hell as place of never-ending torment. Where the smoke of their fire rises forever and ever. They have no rest day or night (Revelation 14:11). In Revelation 21:7-8, Jesus says: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Revelation 21:7-8).

Oh, don’t continue with God’s wrath abiding upon you. Instead, repent and surrender your life to Jesus. Trust the Lord to save you. Repent and believe the Gospel. Turn to Christ and live. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent (John 17:3). He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him (John 3:36). Believe in Jesus and be saved or God’s wrath will continue abiding upon you. Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved.

(This message was lifted up at Missouri State University on April 5, 2023)

 

So You Are Your Own god

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So You Are Your Own god

Joshua and I witnessed downtown Friday night and it was Art Walk, the first Friday of the month. So there were a lot of people downtown that we hadn’t seen before. We walked around and handed out tracts. We talked to one young couple – Pete and Jody. Pete and Joshua are both electricians, so they had a lot in common and had a good discussion. I gave Jody the curved illusion tracts and she loved them. After Joshua and Pete had talked, I asked Jody and Pete what they think happens after you die. Jody sounded like a true believer, based on her response. Pete, on the other hand was quite different. In fact, Joshua told him at one point, “So you are your own god.”

Pete was a very pleasant and likeable young man. That is, until we started talking religion. His whole demeanor changed. He started talking more loudly as he got wound up. The best I can tell, he’s not a Buddhist, but he believes that we keep being reincarnated and just keep coming back forever. Joshua kept trying to reason with him and show Pete that he really can’t have morals without taking them from God. But Pete was having none of that. Pete makes his own rules and he decides what’s right and wrong. He believes it’s what’s inside of us that matters. I couldn’t hardly get a word in edgewise, but at that point I stated that the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it (Jeremiah 17:9). [Read more…]

Is Jesus Really Lord Of Your Life?

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Is Jesus Really Lord Of Your Life?

While my friends and I are out street witnessing, we run into a lot of professing Christians. Recently a guy that was inebriated claimed to be a Christian. Another guy seemed to affirm our handing out Gospel tracts, yet still asked us if we had any weed to sell. Now maybe you aren’t in this extreme of situation, but I ask you: Is Jesus really Lord of your life?

Have you truly repented of your sins and surrendered your life to Jesus? Has your life been radically transformed as in a dead person being raised to life? You may think this is a silly question, but unbelievers are spiritually dead in their trespasses and sins. When God grants you repentance and faith in Jesus, you are made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:5). It most definitely is a dead person coming alive – spiritually alive that is. [Read more…]

Couple Of Encouragers

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Couple of Encouragers

Ministry Update April 2, 2023

I witnessed on Wednesday at Missouri State University. It was nearly 60 degrees and a beautiful, sunny day. Most students were quite pleasant, even the ones who refused tracts. One older lady refused a tract by saying “Nope!” and scampering away as fast as she could. But overall, it was a very pleasant lunch hour of witnessing. As I brought a message, several people farther away (near the Bear Paw) listened briefly. Then there were three people who stood close by and listened. Two of those became a couple of encouragers at the end. [Read more…]

The Meaning Of Christ

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The Meaning of Christ

Do you know the meaning of Christ? You’ve heard of Jesus Christ. People say it like Christ is Jesus’ last name. Others say Jesus Christ emphatically like a curse word. They may not even realize what they are really saying, but they are still blaspheming Jesus’ Holy name just the same. People say Jesus Christ, but what is the meaning of Christ?

Again, Christ is not Jesus’ last name. Christ is a title. Like King Jesus or Lord Jesus. Christ means Messiah. The Messiah was the one prophesied about in the Old Testament – the Messiah, the Anointed One. The promised Christ or Messiah is a Deliverer of His people. Christ is a savior. Not just any savior, but the Savior of His people.

[Read more…]