Battle Log
Sunday, 14 July, 2019
Posted 14 July 2019, 6:20 PM by Glen Richards. Permalink
Another weekend of outreaches has passed for the Christchurch (NZ) team.
On Saturday I was in Cathedral Square under a clear blue sky (pictured), and many people were out and about - some who were willing to take a tract or have a conversation.
The conversation that stands out in my memory was with two teens. The After Life tract pricked their curiosity, and so they stayed for a chat. I took them through the logic of the reality of God, known through creation. That we know right and wrong, through conscience, meaning there must be justice after life. All to which they consented to. So I then took them through the good person test.
Sadly, in New Zealand, many people don’t understand some basic terms, and I’m having to explain them all the time. One of those terms is “adultery”. I guess In a society where marriage is now completely optional it is understandable. Well, this was true for these two young men, so I found myself explaining the concept to them, and amazingly (once they understood) they came up with reasons why adultery could be justified!
In spite of this, they were tracking with me as I explained the serious nature of sin by looking at the heart of the law, for example: that lust is the root of adultery.
So I was able to then carefully explain the Gospel: that Jesus lived the perfect life that we couldn’t, and is now offering his perfection in exchange for our sins through faith alone in His sacrificial death on the cross and resurrection.
They were still tracking with me, as a checking question confirmed their understanding. One even asscented that they should put their faith in Christ today. So I challenged them to do so, with an explanation of the paradox of the cost of accepting the gift of Jesus. They accepted literature and know how to get in touch. I leave them in God's hands.
Sunday had heavy overnight rain and forecasts for hail and thunder in the afternoon. Two of the team resolved to commit to outreach anyway. And the weather held off! So there were many people out and about and many good Gospel conversations.
As soon as I had set up my flip chart, I instantly had some interaction, with a young lady who said she had done the good person test with me in Riccarton (I didn't remember her). I asked if she had passed that test, and she said she had. I raised my eyebrow and moved into a fresh law and Gospel presentation with her and two others that were with her.
After sharing with them, I ended up asking if she had a Bible. She said she had a JW one. I again raised my eyebrow! :) I asked her if I gave her a proper Bible if she would read it, she insisted she would - so I did so, with an After Life tract sitting at the book of Mark and a request for her to get in touch so I could guide her to a good local church.
As I’m finishing up this report (Sunday evening) in the warmth of my study, I can now hear the rain has started. For whatever reason, God decided to hold the weather back. I pray that those who had their hearts plowed with the law, and received Gospel seed would come across others who will water - and that God would bring an increase of salvation, for His glory alone.
I have a day off tomorrow, and so tonight I’m going to be able to enjoy, with my family, watching the Cricket World Cup Final between New Zealand and England, and rest. Go the Black Caps. ;)
