Battle Log

Wednesday, 26 September, 2018

Posted 28 September 2018, 5:08 PM by Matthew Andersen. Permalink

On Wednesday afternoon in King George Square, the team was surrounded by hundreds of people. Not only was it school holidays but there was also a fundraiser for strawberry farmers in Australia and hundreds of people were queuing up for strawberry ice cream. This also meant that there were hundreds of people to talk to and as a result many conversations were had.

As usual a number of people were approached and asked what they think will happen after they die and then were happy to engage. The first was Strayan, an Indian man who had a lot of thoughts and ideas but upon hearing of God's Holiness, our sin and what Jesus did to save sinners he declined trusting in Jesus because he liked living his own way. This was a scary moment, he had intellectually understood the Gospel but was willing to trade God's offer of salvation for maybe 50 more years of unsatisfying autonomy.

The authority of God and the foolish decision to live as His enemy was reiterated and Strayan was left to ponder. Please be praying for him, that this position of hostility to God will not be final for him.

Another conversation was started with Will and his girlfriend Alex. Will was happy to engage and interacted as God's creation, the garden of Eden, the fall and sin were explained. Alex on the other hand was squirmish and not interested. Will asked one final question about forgiveness and it was explained that forgiveness requires someone to take the penalty. Therefore, for God to forgive someone must suffer the Hell punishment.

Sadly at the moment they left but please be praying that Will heeds to message and wants to know more.

Another conversation was had with Kit. It is often a temptation to make choices about who to approach based on how it's assumed they will respond. But in this scenario that assumption was cast aside and a conversation was started. Kit was asked, "What do you think will happen after you die?" to which she responded, "I am not sure I don't really think about it." then she left it a few moments and said, "Actually that's a lie, I am extremely depressed and think about it ALL the time!" This honestly opened into a ninety minute conversation that lead to Kit having a good understanding of Christianity, especially the Gospel.

Many topics were covered and discussed and the whole time Kit was very respectful and thoughtful in her responses and questions. It was one of the best conversations of late. It was a real privilege to share the Gospel with her.

Across many simple apologetics and explanations of what Christians believe and why they believe it, the conversation ended up being centered primarily around the Gospel. When Kit understood that Christianity wasn't about trying to be good following a long list of rules, rather about being saved by the good God, despite our willful breaking of the laws she said, "Oh wow, I didn't realise that it what Christians believed! That is so different to other religions!"

A few other simple answers about the reliability of the Bible and trustworthiness of the scriptures was given but it kept coming back to the Gospel. The finale came in a final explanation of how glorious God's love is, as displayed in the Gospel.

In summary, "The very God against whom we rebelled and had made ourselves enemies. The very God who should have punished us in Hell eternally, came into this world. The Son, became part of His creation, lived as a man and yet was without sin. Then went to the cross, bearing the full fury and wrath of the Father, the full Hell punishment we deserve and rose victoriously from the grave, so that He may be glorified in saving sinners like us. That is how with all honesty and truth, it can be shared with you, that God loves you and has done everything required for you to know Him."

Kit who seemed to have been holding back and not really wanting to admit more about the Gospel message than, "it makes sense" was silenced. It seemed as though she was seriously considering the Gospel's command to repent and believe.

Please be praying for her, that this message will not just be information stored in her brain but that this conversation will be the very thing that God uses to bring her to salvation! May God be glorified in the saving of His elect!

Another conversation was had with Jack a young man who used to attend a local Church. Jack said that after high school he had just stopped going to Church. Sadly, Jack's understanding of the Gospel was also one of works. A simple Gospel presentation was given and Jack was surprised. He said it made sense and was confused as to why he'd never realised before.

Jack seemed outwardly moved by the Gospel but also God's very strong and clear command that we must repent or perish. A number of warnings about putting of repenting and putting ones faith in Jesus today were given. Jack heeded the warnings and was encouraged to read his Bible that day, while he had breath in his lungs.

Please be praying that Jack would be cut to the heart and want to know nothing more than God and His salvation. Please be praying that Jack will find a local Church to attend and will have a life changed by the work of the Holy Spirit!

Thank you for your prayers and we ask you that continue to lift up those heading out, so that they may be strengthened and encouraged by the Spirit and would be bold witnesses for Christ.