Battle Log

Thursday, 23 May, 2019

Posted 28 May 2019, 12:34 PM by Matthew Andersen. Permalink

On Thursday there were seven team members out at Sunnybank and the gospel was spread to many people. Over fifty people during the afternoon came to hear in part or whole how sinners can be forgiven. What a privilege it was to be a part of.

The afternoon started as usual with some shorter conversations but early on a longer opportunity was had with Dot and Donny. These two seemed to have some understanding of Christianity but it was quite limited. They were quickly shown the bad news, the universal guilt of humanity and therefore that God will have to send them to Hell on judgement if something isn't done. They saw what God had done and the offer of forgiveness that was extended to them and they hopped on their bus hopefully with the question, "When will you trust that Jesus paid for your sin?" ringing in their ears.

There was a lady named Yasmin who was a funny character who actually chose to miss her bus to keep listening. As a result of this extended conversation she came to understand the whole gospel. She got the checking questions easily, was challenged to count the cost, was shown some examples of what trusting Jesus may cost her and she too was left with the understanding that her eternity will be based upon her response to what Jesus has done on that cross.

The following conversation was unusual. Marko and Cliff knew the way to Heaven and had no trouble repeating it back, even before the conversation had gone far. Why? They had spoken to a team member some weeks back and remembered it. They got the checking questions correct and had no issues understanding it but then they were given the parachute analogy in a different way. They were asked if it would be wise, if they were on a plane that was crashing, someone offered them a parachute and said, "Believe in this parachute and you'll be saved?" and they took it, packed it into the luggage compartment and stayed on the plane until it crashed.

They said no it would be silly and then it was pointed out that it there current position. They know how to be saved from the wrath to come but they've just packed the solution away. They know exactly where to get it but they've decided to take the risk of leaving it for later, even though they don't know when they will be asked to give an account.

There was a man named Michael who heard the law and gospel but got stuck. He couldn't get over the fact that forgiveness is not earnt but is simply accepted by faith in Christ. He was so caught up in his desire to earn God's favour that he was blinded to the fact, not only that he could never earn it but also that it was freely offered to those who believe not earn by those who think they've done enough. Michael was caught by his own pride.

There was also an encouraging conversation with Oliver who likewise had spoken to the team before and knew the gospel but he too was hesitating to respond in faith because there were things in this world he wanted to hold onto. He was shown some glimpses of the supreme value of Christ and was left with the serious choice, to not just know the gospel but to trust in Christ.

Please be praying for those today who heard the word that they would come to trust in Christ alone that they may know everlasting life!