Battle Log

This afternoon the team took three flip charts onto the streets of Brisbane city. Even whilst stationed in the same location, at one moment, a fourth was required! Thankfully there was a mini flipchart that was able to be used. If there was any better display of how effective the flipcharts are, have a look at the photo. Four conversations taking place, within five metres, each using a flip chart to share the Gospel! (If you want to use a flipchart for your Gospel witness they can be purchased here).

The first conversation of the afternoon was had with Bastion and Damian, two tourists. Damian professed to be a Christian but knew nothing of the Gospel and Bastion thought that there was no God. After the simply "buildings need a builder" analogy and a run through of the flip chart, both men were left to ponder the question, "When will you turn from sin, to Jesus, for your salvation?"

Throughout the scattering of conversations across the afternoon there were a few other stand outs. A surprising one was with a man named Cameron, from Scotland. He said he had never thought about God or eternity (which was a surprise, considering he is from Scotland, the home of Presbyterianism).

He wasn't against the idea of God and after a simple ten minute Gospel presentation he said he would have to consider Jesus' command to repent and believe. He did have to leave but he noted that he was thankful that the Gospel had been shared and that he was offered salvation.

Please be praying that the offer is not just acknowledged but also accepted.

Another conversation was with Alex and Olivia. This was a fairly standard, "I don't believe in God" conversation. It started with many arguments, many attempts to use different smoke-screens to avoid God's Holiness and judgement but as the conversation went on, Alex, who was originally the one raising the most objections was silenced.

This occurred as it was pointed out consistently throughout the conversation that the real reason we reject God, isn't intellectual or theological. Instead, we reject God because God's existence means that there is a day of judgement coming, a day on which all of humanity, if judged by their actions will stand eternally condemned.

Alex, didn't have an argument against this, he simply would pause as the criticism was let hang. Olivia on the other hand had many more direct questions about Christianity. As the conversation drew to a close and the Gospel was re-emphasised they could hardly believe the dramatic change that Christianity has in someone's life.

It was a real eye opener for them to hear that as Christian's we will love and forgive others even despite the wrongs they do to us because we have been loved and forgiven infinitely more than we will ever be asked love or forgive.

Please be praying that this discussion would leave them not just in "awe" of Christians rather, in awe of the God and Saviour of said Christians.

Another beautiful conversation was had with two men who were openly homosexual. The best part about this conversation with Peter and PJ was that it was not even raised in the conversation as a reason to disbelieve in God. Rather throughout the entire conversation there was a solemn and serious consideration of what God had said to His creation.

The conversation lasted almost forty five minutes and at the end, PJ said he wasn't sure if he wanted to trust in God because it wasn't "that appealing". The beauty and glory of the Gospel was explained, the cost and choice was set before Him and PJ was challenged to not just understand the Gospel but to turn from His life of rebellion to the Saviour.

Peter on the other hand had stressed that he wasn't sure if God really cared because of the life of suffering he had. It was explained that although we suffer in this life, whether it be in small amounts or large, there is a very real sense in which we deserve it. (It was explained that we don't suffer in this life based on how much we've sinned, rather that the suffering we deserve is the eternal wrath of God in Hell). But that God most certainly wasn't absent in suffering because He had taken His own "medicine", He had come, as the only innocent one and suffered the full fury and wrath we deserve.

God isn't just a passive observer rather and active participant in the salvation of sinners, going so far as to become apart of His creation, suffering His own eternal wrath for the very ones who had rebelled against Him. He is the actively involved, loving and merciful God.

The final conversation of the afternoon came with just fifteen minutes left. It was prayed that God would use this conversation specifically so that one whom He had chosen would hear the Gospel.

With around one hundred people in King George square at any moment and no prompting from God was given, a man who was wearing a Richmond hat was approached (on that basis) and was asked what he thought would happen after he died.

This man, Gary, went on to explain his beliefs and ideas and throughout the conversation and all the while hearing God's standards, God's authority and God's offer of salvation.

During the conversation Gary went on to mention that over the past few days he had been considering ending his own life and had prayed to God that he would send someone to share hope with him. This was a moment of real excitement.

The problem of sin was presented, that Gospel was explained. Gary's questions were answered and Gary was left with the commands of Jesus, to repent and believe and that doing so will result in, "life in His name".

Please be praying for Gary, that he will turn from his attempts to find satisfaction in this the fleeting things of this life. Please be praying that Gary would come to no longer trust in himself but to rely entirely upon Jesus for saving!

Thank you for your continued prayer support. Please also prayerfully consider joining the team at any spare moment, that you too may be able to proclaim the Glories of God to the sinners of your local area!

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