Today's outreach at the Chisholm Spring Fest went great. It wasn't a huge turnout, but everyone turned out who the Lord wanted to! I sneezed my way through the whole event, haha, but I enjoyed it! I think something blew in because my son's eyes were pretty much swollen shut when my wife got him home.
The men of Chisholm did a great job with their Turkey Shoot set up. A few others and myself set up a table with tracts, DVDs, and candy. As I said, there wasn't a big turn out, but there were some really good conversations and quite a few people took the materials we had there. We also had some good fellowship, which is always priceless amongst brothers in Christ!
I had one conversation with a young man who said he had accepted Christ as a child but stopped going to church and was trying to be a good person. He knew church language very well, but after some questions he admitted he was very concerned that he had violated God's law and understood what sin actually was. When someone says they are trying to be good that is an excellent opportunity to take them through "the Good Person test". So we went through the Ten Commandments with him and discovered he is not good and what God's standard of good is. We also discussed the difference between accepting Christ and receiving Him. While it's not necessarily wrong to use the word "accept" Jesus, it may not be entirely biblical. Often we use the word accept as God need's our acceptance, when in reality it's quite the opposite. WE need the acceptance of the great creator and sovereign ruler of the universe! The Bible tells us that we have all transgressed God's law and that He is angry with the wicked everyday. The problem is, is that before Christ, WE are the wicked! While that is a hard truth, Romans 3:11-12 tells us...“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God; All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”
Another reason is that if we use the word "accept" it easily contributes to the idea that we just merely need to accept the idea or story of Jesus and we will be saved, which we know is contrary to what scripture teaches. We are to take up our crosses and follow Him.
It may seem silly to pick apart words, but it's important as we must understand that different words have different meanings to different people, which is what the case was here that happens again and again.Words can shape our theology and view of God. My point being, we and others must RECEIVE Christ. We are to receive Jesus through repentance and faith in Him. The most important thing anyone can ever do in this life is repent and trust in Christ (be saved). Then we may glorify Him and enjoy Him forever as the Westminster Catechism says.
It was a great conversation though! We prayed with him and encouraged him to get right with God, read his Bible, and find a church, whether it was ours or another. We had another conversation with a lady who said she believed in the idea of hell, but was reluctant about believing it to be reality. Her son actually said he believed in hell because then why would all the bad people get to go to heaven? I was thrilled at his response because it was a springboard to ask if they were indeed good or not. Asking someone if they believe in heaven or hell or what they think happens after death is a great way to start a conversation that leads to the Gospel. With that being said, we went through the 10 Commandments and concluded that they were not good and the only person who was truly good was Jesus Christ. I explained for a moment how morality does have a standard and how awesome it is that we have a God who is holy, righteous, and just, while also extending mercy and grace to those who believe (repent and trust)! Her and the other two boys at the table took a DVD and some other materials and thanked us for the conversation.
After the conversations and people left we packed up and I headed out being joyful for the fellowship and encounters with others. I pray that the Lord uses the seeds that were sown today and that the Lord will draw the lost to Himself. It is my hope to see some in our church, but if not, I know the great shepherd will guide His sheep. : )
Thanks for reading and keep in mind, when doing evangelism and outreaches you may go in dragging your feet, but all to often you'll come out skipping for joy (not that I literally skip...).
Thank you and may God bless you and yours!
In Christ,
Joey Acker
1 comment:
Breia had no understanding of who Jesus is. She asked what The Invitation was, and I told her it was the New Testament and story of Jesus. I asked her if she knew who Jesus is, and she said a guy who risked His life for us. At that point I shared the story of Jesus with her as well as going through some of the 10 Commandments and why they matter. I prayed with her and was blessed when she came back with some others to retrieve more materials. Please be praying for this young lady (12-14). God is moving in mighty ways as I see our church stepping out in faith and sharing the Gospel. Praise the Lord!!!! This was the first time I have shared the gospel with a stranger. It was terrifying but God is so faithful. I leave it in His hands knowing I wasn't perfect and kissed some things. I also know He is sovereign and faithful so the seed is sown and now it is in His hands. Big thanks to Joey for all of his help!!!
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