Battle Log

Page 142

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On Tuesday I was in the City in the morning, and in Riccarton in the afternoon.

I had a conversation at each location, where the person involved was keen to hear what I had to say and to discuss it.  But it came apparent, in both situations, that the person was understanding the gospel, but was rejecting it as the cost was too great.

For the first person, who felt safe enough to say he was bi-sexual, he was not willing to give up his boyfriend.  For the second person, the exclusivity of Christ (salvation through Christ alone) was too much.

I was discouraged, but I'm reminded of the following scripture (Mark 10:24b-27):

But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."  And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, "Then who can be saved?"  Jesus looked at them and said, "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God."

It is impossible for us to be saved by our own effort.  But, because of what Jesus did, we can enter His kingdom by His grace.  God can still use the gospel message these 2 people heard to bring about repentance and faith.  I leave them in His hands.

On Wednesday I was in the City in the morning, and outside the Hospital in the afternoon.

It was very difficult in the morning.  There was construction noise everywhere I went, and I couldn't settle in one spot to share the gospel from.  And it was difficult to get a conversation to start: I took a lot of rejection today.  I ended up just forcing myself to stay put and hand out tracts.  I did manage to get into a conversation outside the bus exchange, and I was able to share the gospel once at the entrance to Cathedral Square.

So as I headed for the hospital, I was keen for some quality conversations.

And as soon as I set up my flip chart at the entrance to the hospital, I was approached by 2 guys keen to give it a go.  It turned into a difficult discussion with someone who already had a good understanding of Christianity, but who was resistant to the gospel.

The key issue seemed to be why God allowed suffering.  And this was a theme for the afternoon.

And yet it's interesting how different people react to the issue of suffering.  I had one guy hand a tract back and, with bitterness, said something about the people suffering in the burns unit.  But another guy, who's daughter was born with part of her bowels outside of her body, had to have multiple surgeries to correct this, and who was currently suffering from infection - had no bitterness and was very open to the gospel.

He started out believing in reincarnation, and the idea that whatever we believed would be true (in a spiritual sense).  But at the end of the conversation was understanding that we can only be saved by trusting in Christ, and what He did for us on the cross - but that there was a great cost to following Him.

He left with a Bible, gospel booklet, various tracts: including one about why God allows suffering, and my contact details.  I will be praying for them.

Many tracts were handed out in front of the hospital.  Mostly to staff coming and going.  And I got much encouragement from Christians.  One guy even stopped to pray for me!

I have no idea what impact the days labour will have.  To my eyes, it feels impossible for anyone to come to Christ.  And yet I know that "all things are possible with God".  He has asked us to go, and tell people about Him.  At the very least, I have obeyed Him in that today.  People have heard, and understood the gospel.  I have worshipped Him in my obedience.  I leave the results with Him.

Come join me, on the streets, in worship of our Creator and Saviour: Jesus the Lord.

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On Monday at Capalaba the team had an afternoon filled with Gospel conversations. As is the way with Capalaba, there is constantly cycling people around the bus stops, enabling and encouraging consistent conversations.

Three highlight conversation were with Jasmine, Jacob and Charlotte.

Jasmine was a lady that attended a local Church. She professed to be a Christian. When asked what the way to Heaven was, she was very clear that it wasn't by good works but she was unable to articulate what it was that actually got someone right before God.

She was engage and taken through the law and the Gospel so that it was clear for her. She said it made sense and she was encouraged to read the book of Romans so that hopefully she could understand more clearly what God has said is the way of salvation.

The next conversation was with a man named Jacob. Jacob looked like the type of guy you don't want to approach and speak to. But to the teams surprise he was happy to talk! He was taken through the law and shown his sin. He was asked what he thought the solution is and didn't have an answer and then heard the Gospel. He comprehended it and when asked when he would trust in Jesus he said, "I think I will have to do it tonight!"

Praise God for the work He does in bringing unbelievers into His family. We know that it isn't our wise words or abilities that cause someone to want to know God but rather it is God at work in their hearts.

Thirdly was a conversation had with Charlotte. The conversation occurred because he bus came almost 37 minutes late! Praise God for His grace!

Charlotte has a strongly atheistic family and as a result had never heard about God or the Gospel. She was shown step by step who God is and how we know. What God has done and what He has asked us to do. She was then shown by comparison to God's law what the problem is, that God must hold us accountable for our sin and then she heard the Gospel and understood it.

She actually responded, without being challenged, that it was something she would have to heavily consider. She even talked about counting the cost because it could mean rejection from her family! She said she was grateful for the conversation and that she would heavily consider what had been said.

Please be praying for these three conversations that God would be working in their hearts, to bring them to faith. Please also pray that they are strengthened to face any trials that might come as a result of their profession of faith.

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On Saturday night in King George Square the team had a wonderful night of outreach. An early conversation was had with a SDA man.

This man, named Fernando, professed that he was a teacher of God's word and that he knew what he was talking about. The problem, he wasn't really teaching God's word but his own ideas. He was challenged on the Gospel but was unwillingly to acknowledge it. At this point it was decided to cut the conversation short, encourage him to read Romans 3-5 and pray that God would us His word to change this mans heart because he wasn't listening to what was being said.

Another man who was a local church-goer named Ricky, professed to be believing in Christ and justification by faith alone. Yet, he was unsure if he would get to Heaven because he did a lot of wrong things.

This is a surprisingly common issue. There are so many "Christians" the team run across, that profess (as protestants) justification by faith but live as though they are made right before God on the basis of how good their lives are.

Ricky was taken through the law, shown that he had no righteousness of his own and was explained the Gospel. The beauty of double imputation was even shared and Ricky seemed to, for the first time in his life, understand that we are made right before God, entirely on the basis of who Jesus is and what He has done. It was a moment of great joy.

Please be praying that his knowledge of God changes Ricky's life and that he can now live in freedom and joy in Christ.

Two other conversations were had with Stephen and Ashish. They both had other religions as their background but had just ultimately made up their own ideas. These men were challenged by the law and the Gospel and were left with the choice, trust God and what He has done, or perish eternally. Sadly at this stage both chose to continue to worship themselves and their ideas.

Please be praying for all those who heard the Gospel that they will be humbled by God's love and come to a reliance upon Christ, being adopted into God's family.

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It turns out that the Chinese New Year Parade coincided with our regular Sunday afternoon outreach.

There was a momentary opportunity for handing out lots of tracts! But once the parade passed, the crowds drifted off with it.

The team of 5, from 3 churches, still had plenty of opportunity for gospel conversations, before and after the parade passed through.

There were many Christians out and about. One conversation was with a Christian guy from Finland struggling with how it was fair for God to send people who haven't heard the gospel to hell.

By looking at Romans 1 and 2, I showed how everyone knows that God exists through creation, and how we all know we have done wrong by our conscience. Everyone will be without excuse on judgment day, and God would be completely just in sending everyone to hell.

But by His amazing grace, through the precious blood of Jesus, He has made a way for all, who hear the gospel and trust Jesus as Lord, to be saved.

This is why there is urgency to share the gospel!

The guy from Finland seemed to appreciate the conversation, even looking up verses on a Bible on his phone in his own language.

May we all be encouraged to make the most of our opportunities to share this precious gospel message with all that we can reach!

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Saturday's outreaches: in the city in the morning. It was awesome to have Ravi with me!

And then instead of the usual New Brighton or Sumner outreach in the afternoon, a team was gathered to reach people at Classical Sparks in the Park 2019 in the evening.

Hundreds of tracts were given away as the crowds entered the event, and flip charts were set up with pretty much constant gospel conversations happening.

It was great to have 10 involved in this outreach (including 3 children). All of varying levels of experience and ability, but all getting involved - for the glory of God! :)

Some of the team then stayed to enjoy the end of the concert and the wonderful fireworks display. It was a great evening out. Many thanks to the organizers! We are blessed to live in Christchurch.

May many come into the Kingdom of God through the proclamation of the gospel this day.

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Friday: 2 outreaches: both in the city: afternoon and evening.

A team of 5 from 4 different churches in the afternoon in Cashel Mall. (And there were at least 2 from OAC sharing in Cathedral Square.)

We faced some opposition, with a lady telling us that we were doing evangelism wrong by condemning people. No, we are not condemning people:

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
- John 3:18

Our job is to share the law to bring knowledge of sin:

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
- Romans 3:20

Then the gospel:

Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you-unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

We do this so people will understand:

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
- Romans 8:1

In the evening outreach (in Cathedral Square), I saw the 2 young men again who I previously mentioned had some "life wounds". And they had another friend with them. We spent time continuing the gospel conversation started the other day. I will continue to pray for them and hope, God willing, I'll see them again.

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."
- Matthew 9:37-38

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The Lord's service is always interesting and faith-building. Today we welcomed Grace, a first-timer who wishes to be a chaplain. The Lord gave us a team of 7 today. It is so encouraging to experience the harmony among us and to pray for one another as opportunity arise.

     One man had 'sold himself' a very unusual worldview that he had derived (wrongly) from the Bible. He claimed that the Bible was about the human body. Ryan eventually was able to challenge him via his conscience with God's righteous standard. While he admitted to some sins, he took no notice of them. He had no fear of judgment  saying that God judges no one; we judge ourselves. God can break through even such nonsense as he still 'believes'.

     Earlier, Ryan was able to speak with Josiah and Ben. The former stated that he would receive Jesus today, Jn. 1:12,13. The latter is not ready at this stage.

     A Mormon lady, Keanee, is going to study John's gospel. Lee-Anne took her through the history of Mormonism which she was unfamiliar with.  Also, the uniqueness of the 66 books of the Holy Bible was highlighted in various ways. Please pray that God will speak to her and be gracious to her.

     To God be the glory. All His works declare His perfections. What a privilege to serve Him and that by His enabling grace and loving providences. 

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On Saturday, the Essex Team was out on the Romford High Street for outreach.  Jacob had many good conversations with different people.  I was able to preach for two hours with people stopping to listen or sitting down and listening.  I emphasized that God commands all men everywhere to repent and believe the Gospel (Acts 17:30).

There is a song on the radio that asks why people are so empty and whether they are weary trying to fill a void (Shallow from the film 'A Star is Born'). They are empty because they have turned their back on Christ and His salvation.  I asked "After 50 years of the  philosophy, 'if it feels good, do it', why do you feel so empty after you have 'done it'?" I also preached form Romans 5, Psalm 103 and Ephesians 2.

Please pray for Joseph, who listened for a long time to the preaching, but is not committed to a local church.  James the homeless man said that he knew the Gospel already.  Jacob had a lengthy conversation with a young couple shown in the first photo.  A group came by handing out fliers for a staging of "The little shop of horrors" dressed in costume. They listened, but were resistant to Gospel invitation.  Sovereign and her  son Divine chatted with Jacob for a long time as well.  Jacob had an extended talk with Sam, who was disappointed with the government and people in general and wondered why bad things happen to people.  Jacob argued that none are good in God's eyes and our standards are corrupted by our fallen nature, but God knows are every thought.  Jacob then explained the Gospel to him. Sam asked for Jacob's number to talk further. 

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On Friday evening on the Gold Coast it was a very quiet night to begin with. The usual family foot traffic seemed to be taking a week off. But as God is sovereign, there were just enough people around for the team to have consistent conversations.

The evening began with a conversation with a Muslim man, who originally tried to argue that both Christians and Muslims worship the same god. This idea was challenged by asking, "How are your sins being paid for?" When he heard this, he didn't want to talk any longer.

Following this conversation, there was a discussion started with two young men. Sam and his friend. What was surprising was that Sam was willing to stay and chat, even despite his friend wanting to leave. What was interesting was that in the discussion Sam struggled to understand the Gospel. He was so familiar with the idea of being good to get to God, that it had never crossed his mind that it wasn't the way.

The Gospel was explained a number of different ways, with different analogies and after each time a checking question was asked to see if Sam had comprehended the Gospel but it didn't seem clear for Sam even by the end. Sam was glad for the conversation and was encouraged to read the tract. Please be praying for Sam that the Gospel did make sense and that he would come to trust in Jesus alone for salvation.

A positive conversation was with Isaac and Jin, they had never heard the Gospel before but came to understand it and were thankful for the chat.

A funny comment from another conversation was with two girls who mentioned that they had gotten the "finger print", Good Person tracts during Schoolies and that they didn't work. It was surprising to think that they were so sure of their goodness that they were certain that the tract was broken, rather than thinking the point may have been to point out that no one is good. These girls heard the law and the Gospel but weren't to interested in doing anything with it.

A short conversation was had with two young Greek orthodox men. They heard the law, saw their sin and were floundering about how to made right before God, when they called their uncle and father over. The uncle was a priest and these two men, blinded by their pride were unable to hear what God had said in His word about justification by faith alone. These men talked, with very little intention to listen. They were challenged on many points in scripture, to which they didn't have answers.

Sadly this ruined the opportunity that was had with their sons. The scariest part was that one of the men used Jesus' name as a curse word and it was at that moment the conversation came to a halt. It was pointed out that they had just blasphemed God and that they should open up the Bible and read Romans 3-5, before the night was out.

Briefly another conversation was had with Shaun who also couldn't comprehend the Gospel. Unlike Sam, this was because Shaun didn't want it. He liked morality and what Jordan Peterson has to say but on that basis was sure he was a good guy and therefore didn't want the Saviour. He went on to declare the he wanted to live life his own way and that was why he didn't believe. It was clearly and carefully pointed out to Shaun that he is on a path headed toward Hell and his only hope is to humble himself and trust in Christ.

Please be praying for those who heard the Gospel this week and for those who took tracts, that God may use this simple message to change people's lives, by the power of His Spirit.

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Thursday: 2 outreaches: City; and another new outreach: Eastgate Bus Stops. It was great to have Graeme join me in the City, and Daniel at Eastgate. Hot day, over 30 degrees Celsius - but so worth being out!

At Eastgate, I was surprised at how easy it was to start conversations. I was in pretty much constant gospel conversations for the first hour and a half, before I had to force myself to take mini breaks to pace myself through the last hour and a half. It is a wonderful field for harvest in that sense, but in another there wasn't much spark or engagement from many that I talked to (that I could see). I will start praying for receptive hearts on this weekly outreach - will you join me in prayer?

Earlier, in the city, I had some long conversations.

1 was very special with 2 very young men dealing with some very severe "life wounds" (I don't want to give details for their privacy). They were drunk (and drinking), but very receptive to conversation. I did a lot of listening, and I did my best to share the gospel, but I kept getting cut off - but that's ok, as I'm confident I will see them again and be able to continue the conversation. My heart goes out to these guys! They are on my prayer list. I'm praying for gospel break though in their lives!

There was a lot of activity in the Square: university students on Orientation Week with trumpets, construction noise, people out giving free hugs(!? :) ) - so it was quite difficult to open air preach. But I tried anyway. I made it through the law and the gospel, but I was very aware of how ineffective it seemed. Yet I know God can use our efforts - as feeble as they are.

Please consider joining me, as feeble as we are - God can use us for His glory!

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