For the second year in a row, I had the awesome experience of fishing for men at Lafayette, Louisiana's Mardi Gras celebration this year. Last year, it was a blast. I had some very interesting conversations throughout the entire Mardi Gras day.
This year was, well, different. I was battling losing my voice, among other health issues. But I was determined. Up and down Johnston Street I walked, making excuse after excuse and not talking to anybody. I walked for over an hour up one side of the crowded street and down the other.
Then, something happened. "COTTON CANDY! YOU KNOW YOU WANT SOME! COME AND GET IT! COTTON CANDY!" I mean, this lady was relentless. Unashamed. Fearless. Over cotton candy.
Here I am, with the words of eternal life and the power of the Holy Spirit, coming to deliver something far sweeter than cotton candy. Yet excuse after excuse kept me from being bold for Jesus Christ. Yet this woman is shouting with everything she has to get people to buy cotton candy?
The fishing wasn't as exciting as it was the year before. From the world's vantage point, it wasn't very "fruitful" at all. We often ask about our evangelism, "Was it effective?" The proper question is: "Was it biblical?" Nobody listened to many of the prophets in the bible. But they did God's will, God's way, and results often come in secret, where we don't see them. I'm just a seed planter. God saves people. I'm just a mailman delivering a message. I plant, somebody else may water it, but God brings the increase.
Now, though, when I think of chickening out (and I often do), I'll think about the boldness and enthusiasm of that cotton candy lady and remember that the Gospel is far sweeter than that cotton candy. If she can be bold about cotton candy, I will not be ashamed of the Gospel.
Statcounter
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Who's Steering?
Many of you know that I'm a big fan of politics. Sometimes, I get too into it and need to be reminded that God is in control of these crazy elections. I choose, instead, to focus on things that matter for eternity instead of pouring my heart and soul into temporal garbage that tends to only have a 2 to 4 year shelf life, anyway. (And yes, any of you are welcome to remind me of this post at any time you deem necessary).
But this election cycle has offered a few unique illustrations about things that actually do matter for eternity.
Today is election day in Louisiana, as Republicans in my home state head to the polls to determine who they want to represent the party in November's Presidential election. I have been a vocal supporter of Rick Santorum, because I believe that he comes closer to sharing my values than any of the other remaining candidates.
Just within the past week, however, I've run into a huge problem that has caused me to seriously rethink my support for Mr. Santorum, and his challenges on the campaign trail illustrate something valuable for anyone wishing to effectively fish for men.
Mr. Santorum repeatedly finds himself in the weeds in interviews and discussions. Instead of talking about his "vision" for America, his manufacturing jobs plan and other things that would help him get elected, he keeps getting stuck in the quicksand of stupid questions about contraception and other things.
But here's the problem: it's really simple to get out of that quicksand and onto the things that you want to talk about. It works like this:
Liberal Media guy: "Mr. Santorum, do you honestly believe that contraception should be banned? (Or whatever stupid question you want)
Santorum: "Mr. Liberal Media Guy, contraception is none of government's business. Here's what is government's business: gas prices are soaring, people are out of work, families can't pay their morgages. Here's what we're going to do about it.... blah blah blah."
See how easy that was? As a Presidential candidate, YOU steer the conversation to where you want it to go. You don't ignore the question, but you steer the answer back to your point.
How does that relate to evangelism?
When I'm talking with someone, they may try to steer me down a rabbit trail to distract from the Gospel. In a recent conversation, I went through the law to bring the knowledge of sin and presented the good news of the Gospel. The person's response was: "Well, how can you believe the bible when it's been translated and retranslated thousands of times?"
Now, I could have spent 30 minutes explaining texual criticism, which would undoubtedly lead to another objection and another hour of discussion. But I wanted to discuss the Gospel. I simply said, "Who's talking about the bible? You brought the bible up. I didn't. All I'm asking you to do is listen to your conscience. You know right from wrong because you have a conscience, without even talking about the bible. You know it's wrong to lie, and steal, and lust (adultery of the heart) and blaspheme, yet you do it anyway. You know that if God gives you justice, you'll be guilty and end up in Hell. And you don't need the bible to convince you of this. But Hell is not God's will for you..."
Like a savvy Presidential candidate, I steer the conversation. Instead of getting caught in the weeds like Mr. Santorum, I keep my eyes on where I'm headed - the cross - and I get back there as fast as I can. Paul said it this way:
Is this some sort of trickery or worldly wisdom? Well, Jesus did the same thing I'm talking about here. Watch:
Jesus "answered and said to them..." In other words, these guys were like, "Why did this happen? Maybe it was this reason. Maybe it was that. Maybe they sinned. Maybe their family sinned." Jesus skipped right past all the speculation and questions. He went straight to the heart of the matter. He stayed on message and didn't miss a beat. Unless you repent, you will perish with all of your sidetracks and questions.
Keep your eyes on the cross. Respect the questions of others, but don't let them get you into the conversational weeds and derail you from reaching your destination.
Happy election day, Louisiana.
But this election cycle has offered a few unique illustrations about things that actually do matter for eternity.
Today is election day in Louisiana, as Republicans in my home state head to the polls to determine who they want to represent the party in November's Presidential election. I have been a vocal supporter of Rick Santorum, because I believe that he comes closer to sharing my values than any of the other remaining candidates.
Just within the past week, however, I've run into a huge problem that has caused me to seriously rethink my support for Mr. Santorum, and his challenges on the campaign trail illustrate something valuable for anyone wishing to effectively fish for men.
Mr. Santorum repeatedly finds himself in the weeds in interviews and discussions. Instead of talking about his "vision" for America, his manufacturing jobs plan and other things that would help him get elected, he keeps getting stuck in the quicksand of stupid questions about contraception and other things.
But here's the problem: it's really simple to get out of that quicksand and onto the things that you want to talk about. It works like this:
Liberal Media guy: "Mr. Santorum, do you honestly believe that contraception should be banned? (Or whatever stupid question you want)
Santorum: "Mr. Liberal Media Guy, contraception is none of government's business. Here's what is government's business: gas prices are soaring, people are out of work, families can't pay their morgages. Here's what we're going to do about it.... blah blah blah."
See how easy that was? As a Presidential candidate, YOU steer the conversation to where you want it to go. You don't ignore the question, but you steer the answer back to your point.
How does that relate to evangelism?
When I'm talking with someone, they may try to steer me down a rabbit trail to distract from the Gospel. In a recent conversation, I went through the law to bring the knowledge of sin and presented the good news of the Gospel. The person's response was: "Well, how can you believe the bible when it's been translated and retranslated thousands of times?"
Now, I could have spent 30 minutes explaining texual criticism, which would undoubtedly lead to another objection and another hour of discussion. But I wanted to discuss the Gospel. I simply said, "Who's talking about the bible? You brought the bible up. I didn't. All I'm asking you to do is listen to your conscience. You know right from wrong because you have a conscience, without even talking about the bible. You know it's wrong to lie, and steal, and lust (adultery of the heart) and blaspheme, yet you do it anyway. You know that if God gives you justice, you'll be guilty and end up in Hell. And you don't need the bible to convince you of this. But Hell is not God's will for you..."
Like a savvy Presidential candidate, I steer the conversation. Instead of getting caught in the weeds like Mr. Santorum, I keep my eyes on where I'm headed - the cross - and I get back there as fast as I can. Paul said it this way:
"For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.:
1 Cor 2:2 (NKJ)
Is this some sort of trickery or worldly wisdom? Well, Jesus did the same thing I'm talking about here. Watch:
There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”
Luke 13:1-5, (NKJ)
Jesus "answered and said to them..." In other words, these guys were like, "Why did this happen? Maybe it was this reason. Maybe it was that. Maybe they sinned. Maybe their family sinned." Jesus skipped right past all the speculation and questions. He went straight to the heart of the matter. He stayed on message and didn't miss a beat. Unless you repent, you will perish with all of your sidetracks and questions.
Keep your eyes on the cross. Respect the questions of others, but don't let them get you into the conversational weeds and derail you from reaching your destination.
Happy election day, Louisiana.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
What the Political Debates Taught Me About Sharing My Faith
These thoughts are not an endorsement of any Presidential candidate, party or campaign, but only convey the lessons I've learned through the dialog of the debates.
Republicans currently find themselves locked in a battle for the spot to challenge Barack Obama for President of the United States. A large portion of the battle has been contested in the televised debates. One candidate, in particular, really said something that has influenced how I think about sharing my faith.
A little background for those not following the race closely: Mitt Romney, the front-runner for most of the race, is considered by many to be a "moderate" Republican. The other candidates are seen by many to be competing for the "Anti-Romney" position. Rick Santorum, in particular, continues to present himself as the most conservative candidate.
He says that we need a bold contrast to Obama, not someone who looks similar (a moderate). He says that the party needs someone who can paint a sharp picture that clearly defines our differences so they're easy to see. He says he wants to give America a clear choice between two people whose differences are easy to spot.
What's the point? I'm currently involved in a bit of a challenge that faces me and many of my freelance colleagues. We contract for the same company, and this company has been a reliable source of income for years. The challenges we face are causing fear among many who have relied on this income.
Through this: I've learned something valuable. Do I, as a Christian, present a sharp, bold, stark contrast to the world? When is my opportunity to do that? When I face a seemingly hopeless situation. Do I sit in the seat of the scornful, lamenting, worrying, wringing my hands and looking like everybody else?
My God said "Let there be light," and there was light. He spoke the world into existence, He raised Himself from the dead, He's in total control, He's faithful, he loves me, and He's not wringing His hands in Heaven over my financial situation. Here's an opportunity to show tangible evidence to a circule of nonbelievers that "the God who Provides" is on my side and will provide for my need. Will I look like everyone else, or will I stand out by expressing my faith that my God always comes through for me?
In discussions with my colleagues, I share similar struggles. Yes, my main income is threatened and yes, I'm human. I'm nervous about them. But what sets me apart from others is that I know my God will provide, because He always does. Now's my opportunity to be that stark contrast between someone who sits there worrying, and someone who praises God no matter what, knowing He sees, knows and has already provided the solution.
Replies vary, from "I wish I had your faith," to "Jesus has never done anything for me; He's not putting food on my table," to "I used to have that kind of faith, but it never worked for me." Think there's an opportunity to present the Gospel now? Do you think that when God does provide, that the words I've spoken have come with some demonstrated power to back them up?
They already have. Why is this guy not worried, when he's going through the same seemingly hopeless situation I'm going through? Because my God is bigger than all these small things.
How does God want to use you to share the Gospel today? I've missed too many opportunities to demonstrate that sharp, clear contrast between a follower of Jesus and a follower of this broken world. Today, I'm choosing not to worry. Instead of sitting in the seat of scoffers, I choose to meditate on God's word. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?
The message I sent to the discussion follows, in it's entirety.
----------
"He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him...Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
Isaiah 53:5-8; Acts 3:19; Matthew 6:8, 25-26; Romans 8:32 (NIV)
For those who disagree, no offense taken. But I choose not to worry.
Republicans currently find themselves locked in a battle for the spot to challenge Barack Obama for President of the United States. A large portion of the battle has been contested in the televised debates. One candidate, in particular, really said something that has influenced how I think about sharing my faith.
A little background for those not following the race closely: Mitt Romney, the front-runner for most of the race, is considered by many to be a "moderate" Republican. The other candidates are seen by many to be competing for the "Anti-Romney" position. Rick Santorum, in particular, continues to present himself as the most conservative candidate.
He says that we need a bold contrast to Obama, not someone who looks similar (a moderate). He says that the party needs someone who can paint a sharp picture that clearly defines our differences so they're easy to see. He says he wants to give America a clear choice between two people whose differences are easy to spot.
What's the point? I'm currently involved in a bit of a challenge that faces me and many of my freelance colleagues. We contract for the same company, and this company has been a reliable source of income for years. The challenges we face are causing fear among many who have relied on this income.
Through this: I've learned something valuable. Do I, as a Christian, present a sharp, bold, stark contrast to the world? When is my opportunity to do that? When I face a seemingly hopeless situation. Do I sit in the seat of the scornful, lamenting, worrying, wringing my hands and looking like everybody else?
My God said "Let there be light," and there was light. He spoke the world into existence, He raised Himself from the dead, He's in total control, He's faithful, he loves me, and He's not wringing His hands in Heaven over my financial situation. Here's an opportunity to show tangible evidence to a circule of nonbelievers that "the God who Provides" is on my side and will provide for my need. Will I look like everyone else, or will I stand out by expressing my faith that my God always comes through for me?
In discussions with my colleagues, I share similar struggles. Yes, my main income is threatened and yes, I'm human. I'm nervous about them. But what sets me apart from others is that I know my God will provide, because He always does. Now's my opportunity to be that stark contrast between someone who sits there worrying, and someone who praises God no matter what, knowing He sees, knows and has already provided the solution.
Replies vary, from "I wish I had your faith," to "Jesus has never done anything for me; He's not putting food on my table," to "I used to have that kind of faith, but it never worked for me." Think there's an opportunity to present the Gospel now? Do you think that when God does provide, that the words I've spoken have come with some demonstrated power to back them up?
They already have. Why is this guy not worried, when he's going through the same seemingly hopeless situation I'm going through? Because my God is bigger than all these small things.
How does God want to use you to share the Gospel today? I've missed too many opportunities to demonstrate that sharp, clear contrast between a follower of Jesus and a follower of this broken world. Today, I'm choosing not to worry. Instead of sitting in the seat of scoffers, I choose to meditate on God's word. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?
The message I sent to the discussion follows, in it's entirety.
----------
"He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him...Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
Isaiah 53:5-8; Acts 3:19; Matthew 6:8, 25-26; Romans 8:32 (NIV)
For those who disagree, no offense taken. But I choose not to worry.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
"What is the most loving thing I can do for my child?"
Sometimes, it's amazing the ways God leads you. Tonight, I experienced excruciating back pain unlike anything I have ever felt before. So here I am, at four o'clock in the morning, I can't sleep. I can't sit up to watch TV. I can't work. I can't really do much of anything. So what do I decide to do? Lay down and read my Bible. Is that what it takes to get me to read my Bible nowadays?
The truth is that every time I get away from my daily time with God, everyone around me can tell. Frankly, I am not an easy guy to get along with without the Holy Spirit's help. But God's Word offers such refreshment and renewal of spirit that it's amazing I ever step away for even a day.
Today, after reading through some Scripture, I decided to take a look at a parenting devotional that I said I would start "someday."
Most of the message of today's devotional was about disciplining your child. It talked about how loving your children means making sure you correct them when they do wrong. Now, this isn't really a weakness of mine. But one thing did stand out in the short article. It said that the next time your children do something that needs correcting, you should ask: "What is the most loving thing I can do for my child?"
I know this seems kind of like parenting 101 to most of you. But to me tonight, for some reason, it just struck me in a very profound way. How often do I barge into a situation and loudly proclaim that I will be obeyed at all costs? Perhaps, if I stopped for a second and asked myself this question, God may use me to come up with amazing solutions for my kids instead of being part of the problem sometimes.
And my heavenly Father is always willing, with open arms, to welcome me back when I step away from time with him. How shortsighted and stupid I am when I step away from the fountain of life that satisfies my spirit and my soul to pursue the things that I imagine might satisfy.
Today, Father, please help me to remember that only you satisfy. Please help me to remember that you will magnify my time if necessary, as long as I sit at your feet and remember that the part of my day that fuels everything else is time with you. Please help me to walk with you, moment by moment, and be refreshed by, led by, and filled with your Spirit in everything I do. Please help me to make loving choices for my family that demonstrate who you are and not who I think I need to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Fishing Report: "Get To"
Mark Cahill, in his book, One thing you can't do in Heaven, talks about shifting our mindset regarding Christian disciplines. It's not that we "got to" go to church. We "get to" go to church. Same thing with reading our bible, praying, and even sharing our faith. Today, I finally "get it." I finally understand that "get to" feeling that comes from simply doing it over and over again.
What an amazing honor and privilege it is to have the words of eternal life, and to be able to share that message of hope and life and love in Jesus Christ with the world around us. The world has a debilitating disease, and we have the cure! We get to give it away for free! What an amazing privilege. Once you strip away all the devil's excuses, and share your faith regularly despite your fears, I bet you, too, will find that you want to share this precious gospel more and more and more. I'm hungry for more after today!
One good thing about returning to the same fishing hole every day (in my case, the University of Louisiana campus), is that you start to learn some things. I'm learning that it's better to go in late afternoon, because people seem to have more time to talk then. Earlier in the day, people are rushing to class and a witnessing encounter requires track shoes. I'm also learning some surprising places on campus that people hang out, alone. I haven't approached any groups yet. That's the next hurdle.
Anyway, had a very pleasant conversation with Shawn today on campus. He was eager to take the $20.00 challenge, but could only name 4 of the 10 commandments. I went through the law and the gospel with him. He was eager to hear and very receptive. I wasn't sure he truly understood what it meant to be "born again," so I explained more about trusting in Jesus instead of trusting in your own efforts. I explained that when you do, Jesus gives you a new heart with new desires to please Him, and the bible calls it being "born again." I pleaded with him about the urgency of the matter, and asked him to get right with God tonight. I left him with an "Are you good enough to go to Heaven?" tract, because I wasn't sure he truly understood the essentials.
I asked him if anyone had ever talked to him about this stuff before. He said, "Yes, but not in such a way that made it simple and easy." I told him that the gospel is simple to understand, but it's far from easy. It requires that you repent and surrender your life to Jesus Christ. But I told him that everything else pales in comparison to the joy you'll find when you give your life to Him. He thanked me for our conversation. Can you imagine being thanked for witnessing to someone? We're firefighters, and this world is perishing in the burning building. It shouldn't surprise me that people thank me. But 3 out of 6 have as I continue fishing on the UL campus. Somehow, though, I think God's taking it easy on me and that the big guns are yet to come.
6 conversations
$0.00 given away
What an amazing honor and privilege it is to have the words of eternal life, and to be able to share that message of hope and life and love in Jesus Christ with the world around us. The world has a debilitating disease, and we have the cure! We get to give it away for free! What an amazing privilege. Once you strip away all the devil's excuses, and share your faith regularly despite your fears, I bet you, too, will find that you want to share this precious gospel more and more and more. I'm hungry for more after today!
One good thing about returning to the same fishing hole every day (in my case, the University of Louisiana campus), is that you start to learn some things. I'm learning that it's better to go in late afternoon, because people seem to have more time to talk then. Earlier in the day, people are rushing to class and a witnessing encounter requires track shoes. I'm also learning some surprising places on campus that people hang out, alone. I haven't approached any groups yet. That's the next hurdle.
Anyway, had a very pleasant conversation with Shawn today on campus. He was eager to take the $20.00 challenge, but could only name 4 of the 10 commandments. I went through the law and the gospel with him. He was eager to hear and very receptive. I wasn't sure he truly understood what it meant to be "born again," so I explained more about trusting in Jesus instead of trusting in your own efforts. I explained that when you do, Jesus gives you a new heart with new desires to please Him, and the bible calls it being "born again." I pleaded with him about the urgency of the matter, and asked him to get right with God tonight. I left him with an "Are you good enough to go to Heaven?" tract, because I wasn't sure he truly understood the essentials.
I asked him if anyone had ever talked to him about this stuff before. He said, "Yes, but not in such a way that made it simple and easy." I told him that the gospel is simple to understand, but it's far from easy. It requires that you repent and surrender your life to Jesus Christ. But I told him that everything else pales in comparison to the joy you'll find when you give your life to Him. He thanked me for our conversation. Can you imagine being thanked for witnessing to someone? We're firefighters, and this world is perishing in the burning building. It shouldn't surprise me that people thank me. But 3 out of 6 have as I continue fishing on the UL campus. Somehow, though, I think God's taking it easy on me and that the big guns are yet to come.
6 conversations
$0.00 given away
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Fishing Report: So close!
Today was another very encouraging day. People may not want to talk to you about Jesus, Heaven, Hell, judgment, repentance and faith, but they'll jump at the chance to win $20.00, and I'm having a blast using this as a springboard to the law and the gospel.
I wasn't feeling well today. I think I ate some bad crawfish and got really sick last night, so I slept until almost 2pm. When I woke up, I rushed out the door. I set a goal to talk to 5 people, because witnessing opportunities may be few over the next few days. My wife's leaving for a ladies' retreat, leaving my two sons and I to party hard!
So I headed to my new fishing hole. Suprisingly, there were very few people there. Maybe they were all in class. I found a gentleman sitting near the UL library. Sherman was very nice, even though he could only name 3 of the 10 commandments. He knew the gospel, sort of, but said he'd never had anyone put it to him in such an easy to understand way. He admitted that although he goes to church every Sunday, he was not born again. He seemed sincere in his desire to repent and trust in Jesus, so I asked him if he wanted to do that now, or if he felt more comfortable praying in private. I asked him, "I bet you've prayed the sinner's prayer at least once in your life, right?" He shook his head yes, with a somber look on his face. "But a prayer doesn't save you. Neither does all your effort, going to church, or anything else you do. God sees your righteousness as filthy rags. Know why? You have a rap sheet of crimes you've comitted against God. Jesus paid your penalty, and God offers forgiveness to you if you repent and trust in Jesus. But tonight may be your last chance to do that. You're one heartbeat away from stepping into eternity. Then it's Heaven or Hell, forever. Please get right with God tonight, before it's too late. God loves you and He wants to save you, if you turn to Him in repentance and trust." Sherman thanked me for talking with him, and he said he knew that our conversation was a divine appointment.
I headed toward the union, and kept right on going past the union. Whoops. Not many people there, except people in a hurry. So I meandered to the quad, where a young man named Brian sat on a bench by himself. He gave me a run for my money, naming 7 of the 10 commandments in 30 seconds to capture the record. I knew he was in trouble, though, when he said, "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods." Friend, if you're Catholic and reading this, I say this with love in my heart - go get yourself a bible and read Exodus 20. Compare it to the Catholic church's version of the ten commandments. How come they split commandment 10 into two, and removed number 2?
They've removed God's command against idolatry from the ten commandments? Why? I'll leave you to wrestle with that.
Brian, like the rest of us, admitted that he's a liar, a theif, and an adulterer at heart. But he said that all he had to do was ask for forgiveness. I went over a number of examples to show him that he doesn't think that way in his interractions with others. So why should a holy God be any different? I talked to him about judgment, the cross, and the need to repent and trust in Jesus. He was polite, but not really interested in changing his way of thinking.
The third and final conversation almost cost me $20.00. Devin named eight of the 10 before the beep of my watch. He's a Christian, but wasn't sure what it meant to be "born again." After going through the commandments, the cross, judgment, repentance and faith, and challenged him: "So I'm a pretty good Buddhist. Am I OK?" He couldn't bring himself to tell me that I wasn't okay on judgment day. So I reasoned with him that our righteousness is like filthy rags. "Why?" I asked him. He thought for a minute. I said, "Because you're guilty of a life of rebellion toward God. He sees your thought life. Just 3 sins a day means you've committed 1,000 crimes against God every year of your life. Now you may have done a million good things, but what kind of judge is going to let you go with a rap sheet like that?" It looked like a lightbulb went off in his head as he shouted, "OHHHHHH!" It was a very neat conversation.
I'm excited and encouraged. The $20.00 question gets people's guard down, and by the time they're in a spiritual conversation, they are on the clock and the pressure's on. They have no chance to say, "Well I don't talk about religion," because they'll miss their chance to show off their knowledge and win the $20.00.
Eventually, someone will win the $20.00. Tomorrow maybe, but not today.
I wasn't feeling well today. I think I ate some bad crawfish and got really sick last night, so I slept until almost 2pm. When I woke up, I rushed out the door. I set a goal to talk to 5 people, because witnessing opportunities may be few over the next few days. My wife's leaving for a ladies' retreat, leaving my two sons and I to party hard!
So I headed to my new fishing hole. Suprisingly, there were very few people there. Maybe they were all in class. I found a gentleman sitting near the UL library. Sherman was very nice, even though he could only name 3 of the 10 commandments. He knew the gospel, sort of, but said he'd never had anyone put it to him in such an easy to understand way. He admitted that although he goes to church every Sunday, he was not born again. He seemed sincere in his desire to repent and trust in Jesus, so I asked him if he wanted to do that now, or if he felt more comfortable praying in private. I asked him, "I bet you've prayed the sinner's prayer at least once in your life, right?" He shook his head yes, with a somber look on his face. "But a prayer doesn't save you. Neither does all your effort, going to church, or anything else you do. God sees your righteousness as filthy rags. Know why? You have a rap sheet of crimes you've comitted against God. Jesus paid your penalty, and God offers forgiveness to you if you repent and trust in Jesus. But tonight may be your last chance to do that. You're one heartbeat away from stepping into eternity. Then it's Heaven or Hell, forever. Please get right with God tonight, before it's too late. God loves you and He wants to save you, if you turn to Him in repentance and trust." Sherman thanked me for talking with him, and he said he knew that our conversation was a divine appointment.
I headed toward the union, and kept right on going past the union. Whoops. Not many people there, except people in a hurry. So I meandered to the quad, where a young man named Brian sat on a bench by himself. He gave me a run for my money, naming 7 of the 10 commandments in 30 seconds to capture the record. I knew he was in trouble, though, when he said, "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods." Friend, if you're Catholic and reading this, I say this with love in my heart - go get yourself a bible and read Exodus 20. Compare it to the Catholic church's version of the ten commandments. How come they split commandment 10 into two, and removed number 2?
You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
They've removed God's command against idolatry from the ten commandments? Why? I'll leave you to wrestle with that.
Brian, like the rest of us, admitted that he's a liar, a theif, and an adulterer at heart. But he said that all he had to do was ask for forgiveness. I went over a number of examples to show him that he doesn't think that way in his interractions with others. So why should a holy God be any different? I talked to him about judgment, the cross, and the need to repent and trust in Jesus. He was polite, but not really interested in changing his way of thinking.
The third and final conversation almost cost me $20.00. Devin named eight of the 10 before the beep of my watch. He's a Christian, but wasn't sure what it meant to be "born again." After going through the commandments, the cross, judgment, repentance and faith, and challenged him: "So I'm a pretty good Buddhist. Am I OK?" He couldn't bring himself to tell me that I wasn't okay on judgment day. So I reasoned with him that our righteousness is like filthy rags. "Why?" I asked him. He thought for a minute. I said, "Because you're guilty of a life of rebellion toward God. He sees your thought life. Just 3 sins a day means you've committed 1,000 crimes against God every year of your life. Now you may have done a million good things, but what kind of judge is going to let you go with a rap sheet like that?" It looked like a lightbulb went off in his head as he shouted, "OHHHHHH!" It was a very neat conversation.
I'm excited and encouraged. The $20.00 question gets people's guard down, and by the time they're in a spiritual conversation, they are on the clock and the pressure's on. They have no chance to say, "Well I don't talk about religion," because they'll miss their chance to show off their knowledge and win the $20.00.
Eventually, someone will win the $20.00. Tomorrow maybe, but not today.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Fishing Report: I'm going to rant for a bit
With a late start to my day, I didn't get out for 1-a-days until after 4:30 this afternoon. I was a little nervous about what I'd find, but I didn't want to succumb to excuses. I headed toward UL, and quickly found a young man named Kyle who was sitting by himself and appeared not to be in a hurry.
Two elements make evangelism on college campus trickier than at Girard Park. One is that I don't have my fishing buddy, so it feels scarier. Second, you really have to be sensitive to people's time and understand how much time you have left to talk with them. With the Lord's help, I'm getting the hang of finding someone who looks like they have time to talk. It's a little trickier without the sight of my fishing buddy, too, but visual impairment is just another excuse the devil uses to try to keep me away from what I'm called to do. It's amazing how something that has never limited me in my whole life becomes a concern when it comes to evangelism, doesn't it?
So I sat next to Kyle on a bench, and asked him if he could talk with me for a couple minutes to help me with a project. He was happy to talk. I challenged him to name the ten commandments in 30 seconds to win $20.00. He got two correct- adultery and stealing. I told him that he tied for the record with two, and he got a kick out of that. "Those two?" he asked.
I told him I'd give him another shot at the money. He was excited. He said he thought he was a good person, but readily admitted to being a liar. I said, "Ever stolen anything?" "Yes." "What does that make you?" "A steeler." I said, "Well, if you're from Pittsburgh. But if you're not, you'd be a ...?" "Sinner." "more specifically a..." "Theif." Ype. An adulterer too.
He admitted he'd be guilty on judgment day, but thought he'd end up in Heaven. Why? "Because I ask for forgiveness." I asked him to try that in an earthly court room. Would the judge let him go if he asked for forgiveness? He said, "I don't know any judges like that."
So I talked to him about Hell. I emphasized God's holiness and justice, and asked, "But God is also loving, and merciful too, right? So how can God do both - punish your wrongdoing and let you go free? Do you know what God did so that you wouldn't have to go to Hell?"
Parents, please, I'm begging you with everything that is in me - listen up. Kyle went to a Christian church every day as a kid. Yet he had no idea what God did so that he wouldn't have to go to Hell. My children may not choose to follow Jesus. I can't control that. But if some guy comes up to them and says, "Do you know what God did so that you wouldn't have to go to Hell?" they will know the answer. Pastors, please, please preach the Gospel. How could anyone sit in your church week in and week out, no matter what age, and not know the gospel? I'm not better or worse than anybody. I'm just very sad about what this conversation says about the state of the Christian church. What could you possibly be preaching about week after week after week, that trumps a clear presentation of the gospel? Please preach the gospel. When your hearers take their last breath, nothing you've said about how to have a happy marriage, experience your best life now or have health and prosperity will matter to each one of them. What will matter is whether you clearly preached the gospel to them. At that moment, it's Heaven or it's Hell, for all eternity. Please...preach the gospel.
Back to Kyle. I talked with him about Jesus dying on the cross in his place, taking God's wrath upon Himself so Kyle could go free. He broke the law, Jesus paid his fine. It's a legal transaction. God can legally dismiss Kyle's case, because the fine has been paid.
I talked to him about the need to repent - turn from sin. If you're driving to Mexico and you see a sign that says, "Canada - 40 miles," you recognize you're headed the wrong way and you turn in the opposite direction. Instead of trusting yourself, you trust Christ, because he died in your place.
I told him that if he leaves our conversation and decides he's going to try to do better, it's like the man who murders on Monday, helps an old lady across the street on Tuesday, volunteers at a soup kitchen on Wednesday, gives all his money to the poor on Thursday, and faces court on Friday. None of that other stuff matters, because he's a murderer. Instead, trust in Jesus. He'll give you a new heart, with new desires, and you'll want to do things that please God - not because you're a religious fanatic, but because God changes your desires. It's called being born again.
I asked if he'd ever heard that before, and he said his mom talks to him about it all the time. I encouraged him to tell his mom some cross-eyed wierdo approached him at school and offered him $20.00 to name all of the commandments. He said he will. Hopefully, his mom will be encouraged, because I bet she's been praying for her son for a long time. Lord willing, tonight she'll know tangibly that God is working in her son's life.
I told Kyle that every day, 150,000 people take their last breath. Then it's Heaven, or it's Hell for all of eternity. His degree, job, happiness, and everything he holds dear won't matter to him at that point. And right now God's wrath abides upon him (my voice got real soft so that he had to lean in to hear. I always want to be careful to display the compassion of God by my demeanor when I talk about the wrath of God with someone who's not hostile). You're an enemy of God through your wicked works, I told him, but that if you repent and trust Christ today, God will forgive you and refresh you. For what shall it profit you, if you get your degree, a nice house, nice car, beautiful family, and everything else you've ever dreamed of, and lose your soul? You never know when your time has run out, I pleaded. Get right with God tonight, before it's too late.
He was very receptive and seemed to be open to what I was saying. You never know what's going on in the heart of the person you're speaking with, but I'm extremely encouraged and I can't wait until tomorrow.
Two elements make evangelism on college campus trickier than at Girard Park. One is that I don't have my fishing buddy, so it feels scarier. Second, you really have to be sensitive to people's time and understand how much time you have left to talk with them. With the Lord's help, I'm getting the hang of finding someone who looks like they have time to talk. It's a little trickier without the sight of my fishing buddy, too, but visual impairment is just another excuse the devil uses to try to keep me away from what I'm called to do. It's amazing how something that has never limited me in my whole life becomes a concern when it comes to evangelism, doesn't it?
So I sat next to Kyle on a bench, and asked him if he could talk with me for a couple minutes to help me with a project. He was happy to talk. I challenged him to name the ten commandments in 30 seconds to win $20.00. He got two correct- adultery and stealing. I told him that he tied for the record with two, and he got a kick out of that. "Those two?" he asked.
I told him I'd give him another shot at the money. He was excited. He said he thought he was a good person, but readily admitted to being a liar. I said, "Ever stolen anything?" "Yes." "What does that make you?" "A steeler." I said, "Well, if you're from Pittsburgh. But if you're not, you'd be a ...?" "Sinner." "more specifically a..." "Theif." Ype. An adulterer too.
He admitted he'd be guilty on judgment day, but thought he'd end up in Heaven. Why? "Because I ask for forgiveness." I asked him to try that in an earthly court room. Would the judge let him go if he asked for forgiveness? He said, "I don't know any judges like that."
So I talked to him about Hell. I emphasized God's holiness and justice, and asked, "But God is also loving, and merciful too, right? So how can God do both - punish your wrongdoing and let you go free? Do you know what God did so that you wouldn't have to go to Hell?"
Parents, please, I'm begging you with everything that is in me - listen up. Kyle went to a Christian church every day as a kid. Yet he had no idea what God did so that he wouldn't have to go to Hell. My children may not choose to follow Jesus. I can't control that. But if some guy comes up to them and says, "Do you know what God did so that you wouldn't have to go to Hell?" they will know the answer. Pastors, please, please preach the Gospel. How could anyone sit in your church week in and week out, no matter what age, and not know the gospel? I'm not better or worse than anybody. I'm just very sad about what this conversation says about the state of the Christian church. What could you possibly be preaching about week after week after week, that trumps a clear presentation of the gospel? Please preach the gospel. When your hearers take their last breath, nothing you've said about how to have a happy marriage, experience your best life now or have health and prosperity will matter to each one of them. What will matter is whether you clearly preached the gospel to them. At that moment, it's Heaven or it's Hell, for all eternity. Please...preach the gospel.
Back to Kyle. I talked with him about Jesus dying on the cross in his place, taking God's wrath upon Himself so Kyle could go free. He broke the law, Jesus paid his fine. It's a legal transaction. God can legally dismiss Kyle's case, because the fine has been paid.
I talked to him about the need to repent - turn from sin. If you're driving to Mexico and you see a sign that says, "Canada - 40 miles," you recognize you're headed the wrong way and you turn in the opposite direction. Instead of trusting yourself, you trust Christ, because he died in your place.
I told him that if he leaves our conversation and decides he's going to try to do better, it's like the man who murders on Monday, helps an old lady across the street on Tuesday, volunteers at a soup kitchen on Wednesday, gives all his money to the poor on Thursday, and faces court on Friday. None of that other stuff matters, because he's a murderer. Instead, trust in Jesus. He'll give you a new heart, with new desires, and you'll want to do things that please God - not because you're a religious fanatic, but because God changes your desires. It's called being born again.
I asked if he'd ever heard that before, and he said his mom talks to him about it all the time. I encouraged him to tell his mom some cross-eyed wierdo approached him at school and offered him $20.00 to name all of the commandments. He said he will. Hopefully, his mom will be encouraged, because I bet she's been praying for her son for a long time. Lord willing, tonight she'll know tangibly that God is working in her son's life.
I told Kyle that every day, 150,000 people take their last breath. Then it's Heaven, or it's Hell for all of eternity. His degree, job, happiness, and everything he holds dear won't matter to him at that point. And right now God's wrath abides upon him (my voice got real soft so that he had to lean in to hear. I always want to be careful to display the compassion of God by my demeanor when I talk about the wrath of God with someone who's not hostile). You're an enemy of God through your wicked works, I told him, but that if you repent and trust Christ today, God will forgive you and refresh you. For what shall it profit you, if you get your degree, a nice house, nice car, beautiful family, and everything else you've ever dreamed of, and lose your soul? You never know when your time has run out, I pleaded. Get right with God tonight, before it's too late.
He was very receptive and seemed to be open to what I was saying. You never know what's going on in the heart of the person you're speaking with, but I'm extremely encouraged and I can't wait until tomorrow.
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