Why Are You Doing This If Every Knee Will Bow?
Ministry Update March 31, 2019
The polite mocker at Missouri State University that typically just smiles as he walks by, stopped and said, “Can I ask you a question?” I said sure. Then he said, “Why are you doing this if every knee will bow?” Then he turned and walked away. Again, he generally just smiles or laughs as he walks by me. But every now and then he asks questions, but he really isn’t interested in the answers. He just wants to mockingly ask a question and walk on, continuing to mock God.
But this time he asked a very good question and since several students were sitting at tables near us, I thought they should also hear the answer. This man may very well have a reprobate or debased mind (Romans 1:28), meaning that he has run so far and so long and so hard away from God that God has turned him over to his own desires. I pray this isn’t so, but he is very hard-hearted. Even so, there may be unbelieving students around who may have soft hearts and may God reach them.
Tears Will Run Down My Face
So as the mocker walked away, smiling, I turned around and explained that it is true that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Romans 14:10-11). Oh, but for every unbeliever on Judgement Day, after they do so, Jesus says that He will have His servants cast all those into the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8). Then I further explained, that’s why I share the Gospel. You must bow the knee to Jesus in this life, in order to be saved. To receive eternal life. I also told the mocker that I won’t be happy or gleeful on Judgment Day. I said, “Sir, when you bow your knee to Jesus, I won’t be happy, saying I told you so. No, I will have tears running down my face, but at the same time saying, Lord, You are righteous. Lord, You are Holy.”
Then I pleaded with the mocker to stop mocking God and turn to Jesus. By this time, he had walked out of sight, so I implored the students to not continue rebelling against God. I pleaded with them to repent from their sins and put their trust in Jesus. Shortly after this, a man that had been sitting on a bench listening to most of the message had to leave. But as he walked in front of me, he thanked me for being out there.
Thought You Were An Orthodox Jew
On the way to and from the witnessing spot, I handed out New Testaments. One student started to take one, but realized what it was and then she said, “Oh, I got one from you last week.” Another student told me that she already had a Bible. Then I asked her if there was anyone she could give this to and after thinking about it, she took one. Earlier when I was handing them out, a guy passed me that was walking faster than me. He looked at it as I held it out to him and he replied that he already had a Bible. Then he said, “When I first saw your hat, I thought you were an Orthodox Jew.” That was a new one for me. May God bless the message and the New Testaments that were handed out.
Handing Out New Testaments And Open-Air Preaching
Friday night the rain held off and I had a blessed time witnessing downtown. I handed out New Testaments before and after bringing a message. The saddest thing was three different parents prevented their kids from taking New Testaments. But there were no mockers this night. Instead, I was blessed with some positive interactions including Amen and God Bless you.
While handing out New Testaments, a young lady walked toward me with her arms full of groceries. I said to myself, “There’s no way she’s going to take a New Testament.” So I was preparing myself for a no, my hands are full or something like that and I was thinking I could offer to lay one on top of what she was carrying. But to my surprise, she gladly reached out and grabbed the New Testament that I offered her. A young couple both refused New Testaments and they crossed the street North and West of me. Next thing I knew, the guy ran back across both streets. He had changed his mind and wanted one, so I gladly handed him a New Testament and he ran back across the streets.
Amen To You And God Bless You
Then three people walked by me and I offered them New Testaments. All three refused, but then one turned back and said, “I’m a believer too and Amen to you.” A couple of women refused New Testaments, but one said, “you look lonely by yourself out here.” I told her it was alright, but the truth is, it is lonely to street witness on your own. But I just sang hymns to myself in between people passing by. While I was open-air preaching, a man walked by me and turned back around and said, “God bless you.” Overall, it was a blessed night of witnessing. May God prompt people to read the New Testaments that took them. May He open the hearts, eyes and ears of lost souls and may He also bless the message that was proclaimed.
(These updates are given to encourage Christians to share the Gospel)