Evangelism

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Witnessing at the Democratic National Convention

A friend and I met some guys from Nebraska to go witnessing at the Democratic National Convention in Denver last month. It was quite interesting to see the overwhelming police presence, the great number of reporters, and the creepy protestors. The guys from Nebraska have some interesting witnessing techniques that I wasn’t sure about at the beginning, but after observing them in action, I realized they were effective ways to get conversations started easily.

The Nebraskans had three 5’x7’ signs, which they display on poles. The large signs can be seen from quite a distance. The one we were using says, “It’s your choice: Jesus or hell.” Of course, to think about myself standing there with a sign was a little bit of a gut check. Do I really want to take such a bold stand for the gospel? Is this drawing too much attention to me? (Of course, it’s important to exercise wisdom about the proper venue for such a sign.) After seeing many people walk up to these guys and ask questions about the gospel—whether to start a debate or with genuine questions—the effectiveness was evident. They didn’t have to try to start conversations with people. People interested in conversing came to them. At various points, the sign drew quite a crowd of people with whom to discuss our faith.

Witnessing with the sign near the state capitol.

Witnessing with the sign near the state capitol.

 One Nebraska friend also came with a tract specially written for the event titled, “Jesus doesn’t vote Republican” and in fine print, “(Democrat either).” It explained that Jesus, as the King of Kings, appoints to office whomever He wants, and it gave a solid gospel message. We were folding about 200 copies in Office Max when a young man asked if he could read it. He quickly glanced at the title, announced he was with the Ralph Nader campaign, and asked if we would like to have a table at the Green Party event the following day. We told him that we’d be interested, but we didn’t hold out much hope that the offer would stand after they scrutinized the message of the tract. He just said that he’d have a lady from the campaign call us with the details.

After folding the tracts, we went witnessing at the interfaith assembly, packed with people. One of the Nebraskans who stood there with the sign must have had 50 pictures taken of him, and was interviewed by various media outlets multiple times. I handed out about 150 tracts. Most people were busily going wherever they were headed, and not too interested in having conversations, although I did have a couple.

After a couple of hours, we went to the park in front of the state Capitol where the protest parades were beginning. Our original plan was to eat lunch—until we heard a singer in a band performing there said that there would be no Judgment Day. We took that to mean that the people there needed to hear the truth about Judgment Day, and we set up our sign in the park. The people were open to talking; each of us had many good conversations there.

While the other guys were standing with the big sign, they passed me a little sign that said, “Repent for the kingdom of God is near.” I leaned against my leg and passed out tracts to the people who walked past. Several people came up and talked to me. I was interviewed by a Fort Collins radio station, and I gave a quick gospel message. I was also interviewed by a Boulder newspaper. The other guys were interviewed on camera by BET and Al Gore TV and others, so I hope the gospel got on the air somewhere.

The next morning, the lady from the Ralph Nader campaign called, and gave us the details about setting up a table at the rally, which was held at the University of Denver arena. We were the sole Christian table. Others had messages such as stop torturing terrorists, impeach Bush, give Israel to the Palestinians, fight for women’s rights at work, and support the Sierra Club. It was clearly miraculous for us to get the opportunity to pass out tracts and witness inside a far left event.

Our table at the Ralph Nader rally.

Our table at the Ralph Nader rally.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The people were nicer than I had expected at all of the events. I’ve found that oftentimes those who hold tolerance as the highest virtue fail to exercise tolerance of Christians, but most people behaved well. There was no shortage of leftists with their far-out ideas, but the worst thing to see was the “sweet,” little, old pro-choice ladies.

I’m sold on the sign evangelism technique. I think every Christian should be handed his or her own huge sign as he or she exits the baptismal waters. Until then, we’ll all have to procure our own.

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Todd Bentley’s “Circus and Travelling Sideshow” headed for Knoxville (MAYBE)

UPDATE: The Circus may not be coming to town after all. Much thanks to Douglas (Black Reforming Kid) and Scott771, who have pointed out that Todd Bentley’s own camp is admitting that he has been having an “unhealthy relationship on an emotional level with a female member of his staff.” This didn’t come from any of us–those are the words of Fraud Fire Fresh Fire Ministries themselves, and you can read the whole statement on their homepage. You can read more about the fiasco at Religion News Blog.

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I just learned this from reading one of Berean Wife’s comments, that the Todd Bentley Show is going to be making a stop in my neck of the woods, Knoxville, TN, near the end of September. Please pray for me, that I would understand what God would have me to do, who to call on for support in witnessing at this fiasco, and that He would open the eyes of those who have been blinded by this charade.

PS–there is a local church here that is doing publicity for this thing. May God help me to reach them as well.

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How can you tell when professing “Christians” are following the Gospel according to Todd Bentley instead of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

By observing their reaction to someone preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In this actions-speak-louder-than-words and the-proof-is-in-the-pudding post from Tony Miano, you can check out for yourself the way Bentley-ites react to the preaching of the Gospel.

It’s very revealing; the Gospel is an obvious stumbling block to them. Read all about what happened when Tony Miano tried sharing the Gospel to Bentley-ites (including pictures and audio) in his post here.

Here’s an excerpt:

So, people go to Lakeland and the Galen Center, and other places around the world to “get some” of what Bentley and others are offering. They “repent and believe,” so to speak, and then Jesus is quickly brushed aside for what they really came to receive–manifestations, spirits, angels, healing, predictions about a better life, and a spiritual shot in the arm.

Thanks to Loretta Heiden for making me aware of this (and by the way, I love the new header on your blog).

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Confronting the Religious

Pilgrim’s post showing street preachers confronting an antichrist church reminded me of some other similar videos I’ve seen and enjoyed. May God grant every one of us the boldness these guys have.

The first two videos are a couple of open-air preachers outside of a Rob Bell event. I’ve met the guy on the right. You can check out Kerrigan Skelly’s website.

Here’s a guy (who’s a little less polished) outside Joel Osteen’s church:

I just found out about this one today. I know nothing about this guy, and it’s hard to tell what he says, but he at least told Gene Robinson what he needs to hear: “Repent!”

If the above video is unavailable, you can check out this site.

Added 2/20/10 as a result of this post.

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What’s Up, Ray Comfort?

Ray Comfort

Ray Comfort

Ken Silva at Apprising Ministries and Ingrid Schlueter at Slice of Laodicea disagree with Ray’s practice of participating in some conferences where he will be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with health and wealth heretics on the same stage. The more surprising thing is that this is not the first time that Ray has done this.

Having observed Ray’s ministry, I can say without much doubt that I know that he will strive to preach the Gospel as it is without hesitation. However, the issue here is not whether he will preach the Gospel, but whether Ray, whose radio show has on many occasions decried the practices of such heretics and their errant doctrines, should be seen to be in league with these heretics by his participation in such conferences.

I’m of two minds on this issue, not because I respect Ray and therefore am hesitant to point out that he’s wrong if it were indeed so, but because I think there are questions to be answered:

  1. Should Ray be seen to be associated with such WoF heretics though we have faith in his motivation to preach the Gospel at such conferences?
  2. Will such an approach, i.e. preaching the true Gospel in a heretical conference, be effective?
  3. Or is this a case where we can bring up the fact that though Jesus dined with sinners, he didn’t partake of their sinful ways but spoke His truth to them?

Thankfully, Ray has decided to respond openly to Ingrid here.

Having now read both sides of the story, I’d like to ask what your take on this is.

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Street preachers boldly go into the wanna-be anti-Christ’s church and engage the deceived.

For those who watched the videos in this post on the false prophet who claims to be Christ and wondered to yourself how could anyone believe that stuff, here’s your chance to see how this anti-Christ’s followers justify their belief. I haven’t seen this much Scripture twisting since the last time I talked to Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Same lies, different cult.

Although there seems to be a lot of disorder, and Scripture is simply thrown back and forth, I do commend these guys for their valiant effort to confront the error of this cult (I wish there were those willing to confront Joseph Smith and Charles Taze Russel when they began their cults).

Parts one and two of the video take place inside the cult’s church building. Parts three and four take place outside. All in all it is a very interesting debate (and I sure do miss that south Florida rain).

Part One:

Part Two:

Part Three:

Part Four:

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Movie Review: Fireproof

I got to see Fireproof last week, and I thouroughly enjoyed it. My wife works for a Christian organization, so we got to see it before its offical release in September. Not only is it entertaining, but it also has a solid gospel presentation. I would highly recommend going to see it when it comes out in theatres in September.

You can take a look at the Fireproof website, and check out the preview below:

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Conversation with a biblically illiterate Roman Catholic.

Veronica, (a member of Jim McGhee’s Catholic church), talks to Trish about what she “feels,” “hopes,” “thinks,” and “believes.” Veronica may sleep well at night having convinced herself of her version of “truth” derived from her opinions (but definitely not Scripture), but she will one day face a righteous, just, and holy God who will not simply overlook sin or anyone’s willful ignorance of His revealed triuth.

It is for the profound biblical ignorance displayed in this video that this blog is in existence.

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How to witness to a Jehovah’s Witness.

ray-comfort.jpg In this 14 minute audio clip from Way of the Master Radio (WOTMR), Todd Friel plays an audio clip of Ray Comfort witnessing to a Jehovah’s Witness who came to his door. This was not a dramatization nor a reenactment, but the actual conversation recorded as it happened.

It was a great discourse and the gospel was shared so simply yet profoundly that this same approach could be applied to anyone else in any other false religion. I strongly encourage you to listen to this short clip.

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Fun with My 1,000 Closest Jehovah’s Witness Friends

My friend and I had an adventure at the Jehovah’s Witness district convention on the weekend. Our goal was to pass out tracts to those leaving the event.

I was surprised by how large the event was—probably a few thousand people. One person told me all the surrounding states were represented. We sat on a bench outside the venue, waiting for the convention to conclude. After a few minutes, a guy came up to us and asked if we were planning to hand out literature. How he knew why we were there, I’m not sure (there were other events going on in the same area). We answered in the affirmative; he just told us we were wasting our time. Continue reading →

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Words are Necessary

Random pastors, an elder in my church, and a special breed of drunk “Christians” (who try to pass themselves off as expert advisers as they stumble out of bars) all give me eerily similar advice: my evangelism methods are all wrong.

The advice I’ve heard so often seems to be gaining in popularity—along with a ministry dedicated to wimpy evangelism. Doable Evangelism is dedicated to “re-inventing evangelism.” (I didn’t realize it needed to be re-invented; I’m convinced God got it right the first time in the Bible.)

Doable Evangelism’s premise is that because most Christians aren’t gifted evangelists, it’s okay if they choose to do good deeds rather than preach the gospel. I agree that good deeds are important and commanded of Christians—but doing kind actions alone without speaking words of truth is not evangelism. I do agree with Doable Evangelism’s belief that much of evangelism in America isn’t very biblical. We don’t eliminate unbiblical evangelism, however, by espousing new, unbiblical methods.

Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” This verse contains the diagnosis for everyone who has a misunderstanding of biblical evangelism. The gospel is the message that saves!

Preaching the gospel is not necessarily easy or even enjoyable (though I have found it to be fun, and I can attest that Philemon 6 is true), but it is commanded. We must not be ashamed of the gospel, unwilling to risk anything for Jesus.

Can you really say you’re trying to be an example to others by living a Christian life and doing good while being disobedient to Jesus’ command to preach the gospel? And if you’re not telling others using words—and just hoping they’ll read your mind as you do kind deeds—are you really living a Christian life?

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Half-Price Million-Dollar Bills

Livingwaters.com has cut the price of its million-dollar bill gospel tracts from $6 for 100 tracts to $3 through the end of May. These may be the easiest tracts to pass out en masse or to start conversations. Here are a couple of lines you can use when passing them out:

  • Can you make change for this?
  • Thanks a million! (This is ideal for cashiers or people you tip.)
  • It’s great when you get the change.
  • Or the old standby: Did you get one of these?

Take advantage of the parades and festivals in the summer to hand these to people; you may be surprised how many you can give away very easily. Most people smile or laugh when they see the tract, and then become curious as to its purpose. Consider saying, “There’s a message on the back I’d love you to read.”

If an individual appears ready to have a conversation, hand him or her the tract and say, “The million dollar question is on the back.” Usually the person will read the million dollar question, but if he or she doesn’t, you might say, “You’re supposed to ask me what the million dollar question is.” The question—“Will you go to heaven when you die?”—can lead to a great gospel conversation.

You might wonder if tracts really are effective. Take a look at the video below. It’s an amazing story.

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Download your free cult flyer here.

It was the spring of 2006 and I kept seeing Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses going door to door throughout the neighborhoods of my community. It got me thinking: What are the local Christian Churches doing to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to combat the spread of false doctrine in our community? Additionally I pondered about what I could personally do.

I then came across the Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry website (www.CARM.org). They had a downloadable cult warning flyer. Eureka! This was exactly what I didn’t know I was looking for and exactly what we needed here in my town. I quickly went to work on my own version of a flyer and several months later, the new flyer was birthed.

Now, in the spring of 2008, I have updated and produced the second version of the cult flyer and am now offering it for you to download for free to distribute in your neighborhood.

Flyer: Who’s Really Knocking at Your Door?

For those who prefer a more professional look, a brother in the Lord from Australia produced a professional version of the flyer for me to make available to all of you. You can download it here.

I also encourage you to download my free tracts to insert in each of the flyers. There are three different tracts (front and back) on one sheet of paper.
Tract: 3 Things You Won’t Find in the Bible  /  Are You Self-Righteous?  /  Priceless
Simply print the cult flyer on 11 x 14 paper (front and back). Then print the tract (also front and back on 11 x 14 paper). Cut the tract into three, fold the cult flyer and insert one tract into each flyer. Then put a hole in the top with a hole punch, put a rubber band through it and it’s ready to be hung on doors.
I am currently working on six new tracts to download and insert in the cult flyer and will make them available in the near future.

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What did it take?

What did it take for God to save us? To put it into human terms, I would say this:

Suppose I broke into your house, tied you up, and made you watch as I beat your son, killed your wife, and stole everything you owned. You call the police, they come and arrest me, and I am sentenced to die. In the meantime, I am free on bail. So, to stay your wrath, which is firmly upon me, I mow your grass, do your laundry, paint your house and take out the garbage. However, none of these “good deeds” make up for the fact that I have committed such vile offenses against you. There is nothing I can do to cover over my atrocities, and hide them from your sight. Your wrath abides upon me still.

As the day of my execution approaches, you remember your mercy. For no reason other than the fact that you have so desired in your heart, you make me an offer. In order to spare me from death, you will allow your only son to be strapped to that table, have the needles inserted in his arms, and take the penalty that I deserved. Not only that, but you will then adopt me into your family as your son. I plead with you, saying, “No! No! No! I don’t like that idea! I have a better idea! Let me do good things for you! Let me earn my pardon! Let me do enough good things that I don’t have to accept THAT offer!” You look at me and say, “Either my son dies for your crimes–or you pay for them yourself forever. Which is it?”

This is the dilemma facing every single human being who will ever walk the face of the earth. They have all committed horrific acts against the LORD of all the earth. They have walked through His creation, stolen from Him, blasphemed His name–and have rightly earned His wrath.

Everyone.

EVERY.

ONE.

The only way to avoid the eternal punishment we deserve is to accept His offer of His Son, the blood that He shed, to hide our sins from the sight of the Father. Oh, but how many? How many do not bow their knee and confess salvation is through Christ alone! They rather say, “No, God! I have a better idea! I’ll do good things for You! I’ll do such good things that You won’t have any choice but to pardon me!” And they think they are bringing Him gifts of gold, silver, and precious stones. When in fact they are bringing Him a big, stinking pile of used Kotex. Have these people not read the words of the prophet Isaiah? “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.”

Used tampons.

Sorry to be so blunt, but I feel the translators were much too kind. All of our righteousnesses are as filthy as the cloths a woman has used during her period of uncleanness. They are drenched with the stain and odor of our own uncleanness. And they are good for nothing but to be thrown into a pile and burned. And yet how many people will approach the throne of God, holding them in their hands as their most prized possession, thinking that the Lord will be pleased with such an offering. And He will say, “Get out of My sight! I can’t stand to look at you and all that waste you have brought Me! Who do you think I am that I can be bartered with such filth? Do you think I would be pleased with all your uncleanness? In fact, who are you? I don’t even know you! I never have! So be gone! Be gone! NEVER approach Me EVER AGAIN! You dirty, filthy, vile miscreant! Be burned with everlasting fire, that I never have to be reminded of you ever again!!”

Friend, if you are reading this, and you have been gathering up used menstrual cloths as an offering to God to bribe Him into letting you into His kingdom–I beg you to stop right this minute. Because what you are telling God is this–that the blood in those bloody cloths you are offering Him is better than the blood that was shed by His dear and precious Son. You cannot assuage the wrath of God with your own filthy garments. Do you think that God is under some kind of obligation to overlook your sins because you have earned enough “attaboys” and have done enough “good deeds?” How much is enough? Who decides? You? Are you the final arbiter of how much good is enough? Don’t even think for a moment that you have the keys of the kingdom of God–those are in the Hands of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the one who opens the door to the kingdom, for He is the Door. He opens it, and no one can shut it. But, friend, He also shuts it, and no one can open it.

You have sinned against Almighty God. The only offer there is for your pardon is to accept the sacrifice of His Son on the Cross, and to be adopted into His family as His son. No amount of mowing, laundry, painting, or any other little trinket of a deed you can offer Him will ever take away the fact that you are a sinner. Only the blood of Jesus. That’s what it took.

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Creation in the Park

Right across the street from the local high school is a city park, and every day after school there are 50-100 kids that go hang out in the park. My friend had the idea to make copies of some DVDs on creation by Kent Hovind (he encourages free distribution), and go hand them out. We also wrote a tract for the occasion concerning several questions that evolutionists can’t answer, and the gospel. We gave out most of the stuff and had a few good conversations. Hopefully the kids will watch their DVD and get interested in the topic and the Lord Jesus Christ.

A couple of things struck me about the whole thing. We would ask the kids if they believe in evolution, and one kid said that he thinks we’re going to evolve into gods. A couple of them thought God used evolution to create everything. The vast majority of them said they didn’t believe in evolution, but believed God created us. I’m sure most of them have some crazy ideas about God, but I was reminded that it’s obvious that there must be a Creator, and anyone who denies it is lacking the common sense of a teen-ager.

The other thing is that we invited our church to get involved, and they found an excuse not to get involved. I invited people from church individually, and none of them were interested. I continue to be fascinated that so many Christians just refuse to get involved in sharing their faith. Don’t they believe hell is real? Don’t they care to be obedient to the Great Commission? How much easier can I make it for them? I don’t get it.

It was a fun way to share our faith, and I would recommend it to anyone. We plan on returning on a regular basis. If anyone knows of other DVDs on creation that are free of copyright, I’d appreciate a heads-up on that.

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What to give.

We see them all the time. Panhandlers with their cardboard signs asking for money. Some are legitimately seeking help, others are simply preying on your compassion.

One Utah news station investigated a young girl panhandling in their city and–as you will see in this news video–not all is as it seems.

Not all panhandlers are faking dereliction to gain your money, some are in dire need of our help.

I would like to draw your attention to another video that depicts exactly who our neighbor is; the neighbor that we are commanded to “love as ourselves.” I’ve plainly entitled it Walking By. As you will see in the video, so many people are just walking by.

Whether they’re in need of the money or not, they do need Jesus Christ. Even if silver and gold you do not have to give, you do have the words of life which can lead to the Bread of Life.

What do you think?

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Dear pastor, preacher, teacher, evangelist:

You are receiving this because someone cares about you and those sitting under your teaching. Apparently the gospel that you are presenting is one that can be best summed up as a social, ear-tickling gospel that will only produce false converts. Please examine what you are teaching in contrast to the Scriptures. Don’t turn a deaf ear to this plea. You are accountable to the souls that sit under your instruction.

Start with number 1.

1). A SIMPLE TEST

If you remain unmoved, go to #2.

2). AN URGENT PLEA

If you remain unmoved, go to #3.

3). AN OPEN REBUKE

If you remain unmoved, may God have mercy on your soul.