My thoughts on parenting today…
I have a 2 year old who my wife and I love dearly. I don’t proclaim to be a parenting expert, or expert on anything I say or write for that matter. I’m a Christian who simply reads and studies the bible with striving to love the Lord whole-heartedly everyday. I am also privileged to work with children of various ages everyday (except the last 2 summers!) for the last 6 years. With that being said I have some thoughts on parenting today. Many of you may think I’m harsh or disagree, but I want to ask you to please be patient and read what I have to say before judging.
Working with children for years, studying parenting and discipline, becoming a Christian, and having my own toddler has leaded me to some conclusions that I think are vital in society today, especially the Christian one. I love working with and mentoring children. Not just because it is fulfilling or gives you a sense of joy to have an impact on someone else’s life. They are just simply unique, creative, wonderful, and still maintain that innocence that we lose in our teenage years and adult-hood that we shouldn’t. They see the world in a whole different light than many of us do and often remind us of that through their outlook and actions in life.
I believe one of the biggest problems today in parenting is relationship. What I mean is the relationships amongst parents and children are not what they used to be like. Parents used to be parents, not a friend or a supplier to their child’s earthly desires. A child is someone who lives UNDER the husband or wife. Not someone the family revolves around.
I believe, especially now, the design of the family, the way God intended it, is being twisted. According to scripture this should be our order of priorities; God, spouse, children, parents, extended family, brothers and sisters in Christ, and then the rest of the world.
You can actually see through TV programs through out the years how the priorities are greatly changing. How did we go from Leave it to Beaver and Andy Griffith to My Sweet 16 and other reality shows where the parents are sacrificing for their child’s happiness? We live in a generation where children are being severely spoiled regardless of their level of income. Children have this outlook that everything should revolve around them and I believe it’s making a standard to all parents that they simply cannot achieve, at least without sacrificing financially, mentally, or physically.
I want to emphasize that I’m not saying TV is bad or trying to make your child happy is wrong. But I believe the extent parents are going to please a child are ridiculous today. The happiest people are the one’s who are humbled and realize their blessings no matter what they are in comparison to others. I truly believe that. A lot of parents are catering to a child’s desires like many “Christians” think God should cater to theirs. God is not a divine butler and neither are parents. That is not the design and when you try to mess with that you will see the repercussions.
Being a parent is a noble, privileged, and rewarding responsibility. Yes, it is trying at times, but a quote I like to use often is, “if you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere”. Isn’t that the truth? If everything was fine and dandy all the time then there would be no room for growth or we wouldn’t be able to appreciate what we have accomplished. God strengthens us through our weaknesses.
I want to go back to what I said though, it is OUR responsibility. A school, day care, TV program, or anything else will not raise your children. They will have influences on them, which are why we should guard our children to a certain extent, but it is still our responsibility.
Today most children find out things they shouldn’t be finding out from other children because A. Parents haven’t told them yet B. They are not comfortable with telling them C. They do not care and decides to leave it up to someone else. D. A combination of two or three of these. Then when a child picks up a practice or idea that is not right from someone else, parents begin to point the finger at everyone, but themselves. It’s crazy! Rather than getting mad as parents we should either prevent the problem by talking with them or address it with our children when it happens.
Again, I am not saying to keep your kid out of day care and school. I am simply emphasizing that we need to make more time for our children personally whether that is having them play less sports, lessons, or limiting TV time.
Everyone watching a TV program together isn’t really spending “quality” time together. You’re in the same room, but there is no communication going on. It’s kind of like when people that don’t know each other go on a date to the movies. They are sitting there, but are they really getting to know each other? My family and I do watch TV together, but we also have devotionals. Meaning, we’ll all lie on the floor together and play, talk, read, cuddle, anything that lets our child know we are paying attention to him. We also read the bible to him everyday. It doesn’t matter if he understands it or not, but he will grow up understanding that it is important to read and obey God’s word. It’s about engaging in quality interactive time with the child.
As parents we should be giving children this kind of attention (not necessarily lying on the floor) at any age. I’ve worked with a lot of children and seen a lot of behavior issues. I’m convinced the #1 problem is parenting. Yes, I know ADHD and ADD exist, but that is not what causes the kind of disrespect, defiance, and laziness that are unacceptable and on the rise. There are many “excuses” for these issues, but what it all boils down to is simply parenting and lack of true discipline. I may have to write a whole other blog on discipline, but that’s for another day!
I am not saying parenting is easy because it’s not and if it is then maybe we’re doing something wrong. Every child is unique and different so we may have to address them differently, but in a consistent way. The main point is that we are addressing them properly and regularly rather than just when problems pop up.
Our children learn the most by watching what we do, another reason to examine ourselves often. For Christians, being good parents is all about raising children who will follow your example in obeying and worshiping the Lord.
Here is what the Bible has to say about parenting:
Proverbs 19:18
Discipline your son, for in that there is hope;
do not be a willing party to his death.
Hebrews 12:11:
All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Ephesians 6:4
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it
Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
I think if we want to be good parents whether you are a Christian or not you have to look at your priorities, and how you treat your husband or wife, and that will reflect the kind of parent you truly are. Children are not ignorant to our behavior. They pick up on every little thing we do. They are brutally honest at times, and very, very perceptive. If they see us treating our spouse negatively then why should we expect them to treat anyone differently?
I want the best for children and parents because I do understand the frustrations and trials of dealing with these issues. More importantly I understand and see the rewards and growth that takes place when children are having parent-relationship needs met.
Thanks for reading and God bless you!
In Christ,
Joey
(This is a little hard to watch, but so true)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
We are what we eat...
I’ve been thinking about this lately. Although it’s somewhat true I want to look at it more on a spiritual level. Of course if we eat apples all the time that doesn’t mean we will turn into an apple, but we will reap the benefits from the nutrition of it, thus being healthier. Just like if we eat cookies, cake, and ice cream all the time we will reap the consequences.
I think this is really a big issue for many, especially those in the Christian world. I know it seems like I’m always attacking modern American Christianity, but I assure you that isn’t the case. I love my fellow brother sisters in Christ and those who are not, or those who think they are but am not. I do this out of love and am trying to be a messenger of truth because I do care and I am a Christian.
Repentance has a lot of different meanings slapped on it to suit certain people’s needs and beliefs. Ultimately it means a change of mind, to turn from something to something else. If we are changing our mind about Jesus Christ being the one true Son then that means we are turning from sin and turning towards Him. That produces a change of heart and a change of lifestyle because of the world we live in and our sinful nature. A lot of people out there like to deny this because they want to hold on to their old sinful lifestyles, but say they are a Christian. That may fool some in the world for a while, but not God.
When I am talking about we are what we eat I mean we are what we consume. I examine myself all the time and ask you to do the same. What do you watch on TV, what music do you listen to, or what kind of magazines and books are you reading? What does the majority of your money and time go to? I’m not perfect and never will be so I have to make changes all the time in order to glorify God more and not give into selfish desires. Repentance is constant and a gift from God that He grants to us to fight the desires of our sin-nature. As Christians we should always be growing.
I used to say, “Well, I guard my heart against stuff like that and it’s just entertainment”. Guess what, God does not ignore our entertainment. Our bodies, physically, mentally, and spiritually are affected by what we consume. It may not be drastic, but over-time there is subtle changes whether we see it or not. If you are having trouble keeping devotionals, praying, or reading your bible then examine what you are substituting for it. What are you spending that time on instead? That’s why the bible says, “And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell!” That’s how severe it is. Some things we just need to plain cut out of our life.
Satan works in subtle ways. He is the father of lies. There is nothing better than coming to knowing Jesus Christ, but when that happens we are enlisted into a battle against our flesh, the world, and Satan. Sin is designed to be attractive! I plead with you to be careful with what you consume. Those who are interested and devote time to the worldliness are going to become more like the world and further from God. Those who are interested and devote time to the word of God and righteousness are going to grow closer to Him.
If this doesn’t matter to you or the world is more important than God then I strongly question your salvation.
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
Thank you and God bless you and yours!
In Christ,
Joey
www.needGod.com
I think this is really a big issue for many, especially those in the Christian world. I know it seems like I’m always attacking modern American Christianity, but I assure you that isn’t the case. I love my fellow brother sisters in Christ and those who are not, or those who think they are but am not. I do this out of love and am trying to be a messenger of truth because I do care and I am a Christian.
Repentance has a lot of different meanings slapped on it to suit certain people’s needs and beliefs. Ultimately it means a change of mind, to turn from something to something else. If we are changing our mind about Jesus Christ being the one true Son then that means we are turning from sin and turning towards Him. That produces a change of heart and a change of lifestyle because of the world we live in and our sinful nature. A lot of people out there like to deny this because they want to hold on to their old sinful lifestyles, but say they are a Christian. That may fool some in the world for a while, but not God.
When I am talking about we are what we eat I mean we are what we consume. I examine myself all the time and ask you to do the same. What do you watch on TV, what music do you listen to, or what kind of magazines and books are you reading? What does the majority of your money and time go to? I’m not perfect and never will be so I have to make changes all the time in order to glorify God more and not give into selfish desires. Repentance is constant and a gift from God that He grants to us to fight the desires of our sin-nature. As Christians we should always be growing.
I used to say, “Well, I guard my heart against stuff like that and it’s just entertainment”. Guess what, God does not ignore our entertainment. Our bodies, physically, mentally, and spiritually are affected by what we consume. It may not be drastic, but over-time there is subtle changes whether we see it or not. If you are having trouble keeping devotionals, praying, or reading your bible then examine what you are substituting for it. What are you spending that time on instead? That’s why the bible says, “And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell!” That’s how severe it is. Some things we just need to plain cut out of our life.
Satan works in subtle ways. He is the father of lies. There is nothing better than coming to knowing Jesus Christ, but when that happens we are enlisted into a battle against our flesh, the world, and Satan. Sin is designed to be attractive! I plead with you to be careful with what you consume. Those who are interested and devote time to the worldliness are going to become more like the world and further from God. Those who are interested and devote time to the word of God and righteousness are going to grow closer to Him.
If this doesn’t matter to you or the world is more important than God then I strongly question your salvation.
2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
Thank you and God bless you and yours!
In Christ,
Joey
www.needGod.com
Thursday, September 24, 2009
What I really think at age 25
I turned 25 today. How crazy is that? I usually don't pay much thought to my birthday but this year is different and I'll tell you why, near the end!
Don't worry. I'm not one of those dudes that gets all freaked out about getting older and trying to look younger and all that nonsense, even though I'm not that old. But of couse it's all in the eye of the beholder! When I'm 30, I'm 30 and when I'm 40, I'm 40. God willing I'll make it that far! I believe what I have to say is much deeper and important than the whole age issue.
I think as adults in general we don't generally think about our child hood much anymore, in a healthy way at least. I still have so many memories and it's insane to think how time flys by, but it is immensly slow when you stop and count the seconds.
I actually remember what the 80's smell like...I know that's weird, but I'll walk into a building and I'm like, "it smells very 80'sish in here". I mean, I know it's because my brain associates specific smells from that time period and then relates my memories to them, but still, how awesome is that? Psychomotor development really is interesting!
Anyways, I remember my mom cuddling with me and taking care of me when I was sick. I rememeber sneaking into my parents bed in the middle of the night. I remember my first day of day care and Saturday morning cartoons. I even remember when me and my sister caught the Easter bunny and my first day of school, lol. I believe we've all had our good and bad memories. Some of us had bad childhoods and some had good, but we're all here now. When I think about everything I went through I'm baffled to think I'm actually a 25 year old man. I remember (I'm going to say that a lot) when I thought 100 dollars could by a house, my first fight, first crush, first race (in a car, I was too fat to foot-race....), friend, time I played a guitar, and so forth.
Our lives, at least for everyone around me, were milestoned like this. 5 years old - go to school - 9ish - friendship is everything - 13 become a teenager (real drama begins) - 16 start driving and hopefully get a car - 18 you can smoke and you have the "right" to say "I don't have to listen to my parents anymore" - 21 - you can drink. Sound familiar? Maybe not.
I wrote many journals when I was in high school and I've been reflecting on my child-adolescenthood lately and have come to this realization. Nothing we have done determines who we are, but it does determine what we are. Sound weird? I think it's true. When I was 5 I hit a kid in the head with a baseball bat for biting me. I thought it was literally the end of the world because my parents would ground me. When I got in my first wreck I thought it was the end of the world. When I was young I thought I HAD to marry so-and-so or get in this or that band or it was the end of the world. The point that I'm trying to make is this; we have no idea of how are life is ever going to turn out or what the repercussions of our decisions will be. Everything we see is from such a narrow perspective no matter how hard we try to think outside of the box.
Who we are is determined by what we believe of ourselves, others, and God. You may believe in Him or not, but it tells a lot about who you are as a person. It doesn't matter if you've broke the law, won the lottery, gave to the poor because they are all "things" that you have done that anyone else could do. What we have done doesn't determine what we are unless you think of it in the the biggest perspective of all. For example: if you've told a lie, your a liar, if you've stolen, you're a thief, if you've used God's name in vain, your a blasphemer. In that perspective (the Biblical one) liars, thieves, and blasphemers will go to hell (Rev. 21:8) But Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead 3 days later forever defeating death for those who will repent (turn away) from their sins and trust in Him fully. He is the only way to heaven and the only way to escape the hell we all deserve. John 14:6
The other perspective is OUR perspective. If we lie we don't think we're liars anymore than if I bake a cake once it doesn't make me a baker. But our own perspective is contradicting. If someone murdered someone 20 years ago and then gets caught now we put him on trial for what....being a murderer. Time doesn't erase the things that we have done, good or bad. See how much our perspective can be flawed. That is why we have to look to the ultimate perspective of God and His word. It is perfect. He is loving, holy, just, merciful, and righteous.
Do you ever have those moments when you're driving or just sitting somewhere and your thinking, "how did I get here"? If not, maybe I'm just deep in a strange way. The reason this birthday (year) is different for me is because that doesn't happen very much anymore. As most of you know I became a born-again Christian this year. Meaning, I didn't just say I was a Christian anymore...I really was. God changed my heart. I began to love the things He loved and hated the things He hated. He gave me the strength and desire to repent from my sins, surrendering and putting my trust in Jesus Christ. I'm not a hypocrite anymore.
I believe it's because I know that wherever I am in my life at this point, I am there for a reason. I don't really question it much or ever ask "what if" anymore. We're all in God's plan. We just need to figure out if we're truly aware of it or not. I don't think the answer to that is reading "Your Best Life Now" or "The Purpose Driven Life". The answer lies in asking yourself this question. It's not, do you know God, it's does God know you? Meaning, are you calling yourself a Christian without being a servant or are you even calling yourself a Christian for that matter.
Many Christians say to live life by asking "what would Jesus do". Well we don't need to ask that. We just need to look at "what DID Jesus do". It's called reading His word, the Bible. That is how we grow closer to Him and that is one very big way we grow closer to Him and He reveals truth and direction to us.
I don't ask how did I get here anymore. Now I ask what can I do now that I am here to glorify God. I find true joy and happiness in doing so. I believe we should all be asking ourselves that question, especially if you call yourself a Christian.
May God bless you and thanks for reading.
Joey
Don't worry. I'm not one of those dudes that gets all freaked out about getting older and trying to look younger and all that nonsense, even though I'm not that old. But of couse it's all in the eye of the beholder! When I'm 30, I'm 30 and when I'm 40, I'm 40. God willing I'll make it that far! I believe what I have to say is much deeper and important than the whole age issue.
I think as adults in general we don't generally think about our child hood much anymore, in a healthy way at least. I still have so many memories and it's insane to think how time flys by, but it is immensly slow when you stop and count the seconds.
I actually remember what the 80's smell like...I know that's weird, but I'll walk into a building and I'm like, "it smells very 80'sish in here". I mean, I know it's because my brain associates specific smells from that time period and then relates my memories to them, but still, how awesome is that? Psychomotor development really is interesting!
Anyways, I remember my mom cuddling with me and taking care of me when I was sick. I rememeber sneaking into my parents bed in the middle of the night. I remember my first day of day care and Saturday morning cartoons. I even remember when me and my sister caught the Easter bunny and my first day of school, lol. I believe we've all had our good and bad memories. Some of us had bad childhoods and some had good, but we're all here now. When I think about everything I went through I'm baffled to think I'm actually a 25 year old man. I remember (I'm going to say that a lot) when I thought 100 dollars could by a house, my first fight, first crush, first race (in a car, I was too fat to foot-race....), friend, time I played a guitar, and so forth.
Our lives, at least for everyone around me, were milestoned like this. 5 years old - go to school - 9ish - friendship is everything - 13 become a teenager (real drama begins) - 16 start driving and hopefully get a car - 18 you can smoke and you have the "right" to say "I don't have to listen to my parents anymore" - 21 - you can drink. Sound familiar? Maybe not.
I wrote many journals when I was in high school and I've been reflecting on my child-adolescenthood lately and have come to this realization. Nothing we have done determines who we are, but it does determine what we are. Sound weird? I think it's true. When I was 5 I hit a kid in the head with a baseball bat for biting me. I thought it was literally the end of the world because my parents would ground me. When I got in my first wreck I thought it was the end of the world. When I was young I thought I HAD to marry so-and-so or get in this or that band or it was the end of the world. The point that I'm trying to make is this; we have no idea of how are life is ever going to turn out or what the repercussions of our decisions will be. Everything we see is from such a narrow perspective no matter how hard we try to think outside of the box.
Who we are is determined by what we believe of ourselves, others, and God. You may believe in Him or not, but it tells a lot about who you are as a person. It doesn't matter if you've broke the law, won the lottery, gave to the poor because they are all "things" that you have done that anyone else could do. What we have done doesn't determine what we are unless you think of it in the the biggest perspective of all. For example: if you've told a lie, your a liar, if you've stolen, you're a thief, if you've used God's name in vain, your a blasphemer. In that perspective (the Biblical one) liars, thieves, and blasphemers will go to hell (Rev. 21:8) But Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead 3 days later forever defeating death for those who will repent (turn away) from their sins and trust in Him fully. He is the only way to heaven and the only way to escape the hell we all deserve. John 14:6
The other perspective is OUR perspective. If we lie we don't think we're liars anymore than if I bake a cake once it doesn't make me a baker. But our own perspective is contradicting. If someone murdered someone 20 years ago and then gets caught now we put him on trial for what....being a murderer. Time doesn't erase the things that we have done, good or bad. See how much our perspective can be flawed. That is why we have to look to the ultimate perspective of God and His word. It is perfect. He is loving, holy, just, merciful, and righteous.
Do you ever have those moments when you're driving or just sitting somewhere and your thinking, "how did I get here"? If not, maybe I'm just deep in a strange way. The reason this birthday (year) is different for me is because that doesn't happen very much anymore. As most of you know I became a born-again Christian this year. Meaning, I didn't just say I was a Christian anymore...I really was. God changed my heart. I began to love the things He loved and hated the things He hated. He gave me the strength and desire to repent from my sins, surrendering and putting my trust in Jesus Christ. I'm not a hypocrite anymore.
I believe it's because I know that wherever I am in my life at this point, I am there for a reason. I don't really question it much or ever ask "what if" anymore. We're all in God's plan. We just need to figure out if we're truly aware of it or not. I don't think the answer to that is reading "Your Best Life Now" or "The Purpose Driven Life". The answer lies in asking yourself this question. It's not, do you know God, it's does God know you? Meaning, are you calling yourself a Christian without being a servant or are you even calling yourself a Christian for that matter.
Many Christians say to live life by asking "what would Jesus do". Well we don't need to ask that. We just need to look at "what DID Jesus do". It's called reading His word, the Bible. That is how we grow closer to Him and that is one very big way we grow closer to Him and He reveals truth and direction to us.
I don't ask how did I get here anymore. Now I ask what can I do now that I am here to glorify God. I find true joy and happiness in doing so. I believe we should all be asking ourselves that question, especially if you call yourself a Christian.
May God bless you and thanks for reading.
Joey
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Another day, another story, praise God!
Yesterday was a slow day at first, but turned out to be nothing less than great. My family and I woke up, ate left over Chuck E Cheese pizza from the night before, lol, and then went to Grayson's friends birthday party. After that we went to my niece's football game where she was cheering. Then on the way to my parents house we found a little boy (between 2 and 3 years old running around by himself in the street). I was disgusted at how everyone (yes, adults) at the park didn't do anything about it. They even told me just that he had been walking up and down the street for a while by himself!!
As I went to talk to the little boy and guided him out of the street he started crying and went to what appeared to be his house down the block, but no one would answer the door so my wife called the police while I stayed with him. He was such a sweet little boy and he sat in my lap until the authorities arrived. That's when the people at the park wanted to come see what was going on....
I told them to go away and that the police didn't need a scene. The reason I'm telling this story is because that is how a lot of Christians are. These people saw a little boy in the street who could have been hit by a car any minute and did nothing about it even as we had to stop not to hit him. People are in danger of hell and could die any minute and Christians stand by and do nothing about it. We have a responsibility! God works through us to bring about His will. I beg you to please share your faith however you can. Please don't be like the bystanders who didn't care enough about the little boy! Christians are ambassadors to the lost, not bystanders.
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. - 2 Corinthians 5:20
Everything turned out alright and I was able to have a conversation with the police officer and give him a gospel tract. Please pray for him and other officers for their salvation, safety, and service.
After that, I had a wonderful night of witnessing at the Harbor where the Lord did amazing things as usual. I ran into an atheist who I had met before who denounced his title as atheist and now believes there to be a God, but didn't want to trust in something he didn't understand yet. Our conversation went well and another seed was planted. Please pray for him as he is searching, attending church, and reading the bible. God enabled me to talk to more groups of people which went really well.
I was passing a group of about 6 or 8 guys who were cussing profusely. I walked right by them, but I felt an overwhelming impulse to go back and talk to them. When God wants you to do something sometimes it really is overwhelming if you are open to His will. People expect God to do things, but they don't fully surrender to Him. That's the key and probably one of the reasons people have to hit rock bottom before they turn to God, which is unfortunate that it has to come to that situation.
I went back and gave them tracts and asked them if they had a religious background and sure enough they all said they were Christians, even after dropping numerous f-bombs and other not so nice words. I continued to ask them what they think happens after death and as we went through the law of God (the 10 commandments) their heads immediately dropped and they couldn't look at me. THAT is what the law of God does, they realized what their sin was and that is why we are to use it! Now they were ready for the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
I shared with them why God sent His son Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man to die for our sins and to rise from the dead 3 days later forever defeating death. I explained what we are "saved" from if we repent and trust in Him. These boys understood the true loved of God. At least they appeared to. They told me they would definitely think about what I said and thanked me for talking to them. Praise God! Please pray for them!
After that I was on my way to the restroom and then was going to go to my car after that. As I was leaving I got the same feeling again as two girls were walking along the pier. I said to myself, "I'll at least give them a tract". So I did and they kept walking, but my mouth opened, "do you guys have a religious background"? That turned into an over an hour long conversation as we sat on the pier. They were very sweet, intelligent, and unfortunately victims of church corruption which is what I run into a lot.
The Lord guided the conversation without a doubt and I believe important questions were answered. I don't know their hearts, but I truly pray that they come to know the one and only living God, Jesus Christ. It was really a wonderful night. Even if things don't always go the way I want, there is no other feeling like knowing that you are serving the Lord.
My brother Ray Comfort couldn't have put it any better when it comes to witnessing, "sometimes I go in dragging my feet, but I always come out clicking my heels."
May God bless you and yours and PLEASE pray for those who I mentioned and all the others who are lost.
Thank you so much and all the glory to Him.
In Christ,
Joey
John 3:30
As I went to talk to the little boy and guided him out of the street he started crying and went to what appeared to be his house down the block, but no one would answer the door so my wife called the police while I stayed with him. He was such a sweet little boy and he sat in my lap until the authorities arrived. That's when the people at the park wanted to come see what was going on....
I told them to go away and that the police didn't need a scene. The reason I'm telling this story is because that is how a lot of Christians are. These people saw a little boy in the street who could have been hit by a car any minute and did nothing about it even as we had to stop not to hit him. People are in danger of hell and could die any minute and Christians stand by and do nothing about it. We have a responsibility! God works through us to bring about His will. I beg you to please share your faith however you can. Please don't be like the bystanders who didn't care enough about the little boy! Christians are ambassadors to the lost, not bystanders.
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. - 2 Corinthians 5:20
Everything turned out alright and I was able to have a conversation with the police officer and give him a gospel tract. Please pray for him and other officers for their salvation, safety, and service.
After that, I had a wonderful night of witnessing at the Harbor where the Lord did amazing things as usual. I ran into an atheist who I had met before who denounced his title as atheist and now believes there to be a God, but didn't want to trust in something he didn't understand yet. Our conversation went well and another seed was planted. Please pray for him as he is searching, attending church, and reading the bible. God enabled me to talk to more groups of people which went really well.
I was passing a group of about 6 or 8 guys who were cussing profusely. I walked right by them, but I felt an overwhelming impulse to go back and talk to them. When God wants you to do something sometimes it really is overwhelming if you are open to His will. People expect God to do things, but they don't fully surrender to Him. That's the key and probably one of the reasons people have to hit rock bottom before they turn to God, which is unfortunate that it has to come to that situation.
I went back and gave them tracts and asked them if they had a religious background and sure enough they all said they were Christians, even after dropping numerous f-bombs and other not so nice words. I continued to ask them what they think happens after death and as we went through the law of God (the 10 commandments) their heads immediately dropped and they couldn't look at me. THAT is what the law of God does, they realized what their sin was and that is why we are to use it! Now they were ready for the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
I shared with them why God sent His son Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man to die for our sins and to rise from the dead 3 days later forever defeating death. I explained what we are "saved" from if we repent and trust in Him. These boys understood the true loved of God. At least they appeared to. They told me they would definitely think about what I said and thanked me for talking to them. Praise God! Please pray for them!
After that I was on my way to the restroom and then was going to go to my car after that. As I was leaving I got the same feeling again as two girls were walking along the pier. I said to myself, "I'll at least give them a tract". So I did and they kept walking, but my mouth opened, "do you guys have a religious background"? That turned into an over an hour long conversation as we sat on the pier. They were very sweet, intelligent, and unfortunately victims of church corruption which is what I run into a lot.
The Lord guided the conversation without a doubt and I believe important questions were answered. I don't know their hearts, but I truly pray that they come to know the one and only living God, Jesus Christ. It was really a wonderful night. Even if things don't always go the way I want, there is no other feeling like knowing that you are serving the Lord.
My brother Ray Comfort couldn't have put it any better when it comes to witnessing, "sometimes I go in dragging my feet, but I always come out clicking my heels."
May God bless you and yours and PLEASE pray for those who I mentioned and all the others who are lost.
Thank you so much and all the glory to Him.
In Christ,
Joey
John 3:30
Friday, September 4, 2009
Shenanigans and scientology
I decided to go the harbor Thursday night during a jazz concert at the amphitheater while my wife and son ran errands.
This post is long, but it was an eventful night : )
Everything started out slow as I walked around praying and taking in the beautiful sites. Honestly, it's hard for me to work up the courage to start talking to random people, but they aren't random at all in God's eyes. I usually sit on a bench for about 10 minutes praying for courage, compassion, and that hearts would be unhardened and receptive to the gospel. And most importantly for God to be with me as He always is. After that I'm good to go!
I then noticed two girls walking around, one wearing a large Shenanigans sign around her neck advertising the business, and the other handing out flyers I believe. I walked up and handed them a couple of million dollar bill tracts. They replied by saying "oh people leaves these at our work and people don't like them."
I asked, "Why don't they like them?"
"Well someone said the part about sin makes it seem like people can just sin and live however they want and then everything is just okay if we say a prayer" (This perspective is usually shared by people who turn their back on Christianity due to the modern prosperity gospel, hypocrisy, catholocism or other works-based religions)
I explained that the message shows us how we all have sinned and why we need to be saved.
I then shared with them the law and the gospel. I explained what the gospel really is and why it is good news. As we went through the law I believe their hearts were convicted. They were extremely nice girls. They thanked me and said they were really glad I stop and talked to them. The girl with the sign even gave me a hug and was grateful for our conversation. I truly believe the Lord did a work in their hearts. They seemed very responsive, convicted, and inspired to embrace repentance and trust in Christ.
As I moved on I handed out tracts to individuals and couples walking by as they were on their way to the concert. Next, I saw a group of about 6 teenage guys smoking and talking near the fountain I approached them and gave them a million dollars, they thought it was neat and thanked me. The conversation went like this:
"Hey guys, I wish this was real for y'all, but the message on the back is."
"Do you guys have a religious background or anything?"
They replied, "not really..go to church sometimes."
"Oh okay, well I'm not with a church or anything, but I was wondering what you think happens after death or if you guys even think about that kind of stuff."
"Yeah, we do alot"
"Really? You guys are lot smarter than me when I was you're age! Well, do you believe in heaven and hell, that kind of stuff or something else?"
"Yeah, we believe in heaven and hell."
"Well what do you think you have to do to go to heaven or to hell?"
Two of them agreed you have to accept Christ into your heart. And the others weren't really sure. When I asked about hell they said the kind of people who go there are the ones who don't ask for forgiveness. I asked them if they were sure that's how it works and they replied that they didn't really know.
"Do you want to know for sure? I'm just going to ask a few questions, but you've got to be honest."
"Sure"
I then went through the law, the Ten Commandments, and they learned what their sin was. I believe some of them realized it was serious despite how innocent the world views it and how we have all broken His law. They were getting kind of bummed, and was like..."so we're all doomed"?
"No, I'm going to give you the good news now, it's great."
This is when they're older friend showed up who kind of acted like the leader, joker, of the group. He had a cool English, I believe, accent and was a super-nice guy. I gave him a million dollar bill and caught him up to where we were. Another person showed up and sat down as well. He told me someone just talked to him about Jesus, but he wanted to hear me out anyways, because I really hadn't got there yet.
He took over the conversation for his friends. They all saw it as an opportunity for a cigarette break as he started, but they stayed and listened. He had told me was into scientology and considers himself a scientologist.
I asked, really, so do you believe in evolution? He said yes.
"I believe in science. That science is superior. The bible is just another book."
"Oh okay, I think science is interesting as well, but did you know that their are scientific facts in the bible that science had wrong?"
"Really, and what is that?"
"Well the bible told us the world is round whereas science believed it to be flat for years. The bible also tells us that we are to run our hands through running water as science believed doctors to wash their hands in still water which proved to be wrong."
"I didn't know that, but it's still just a book. What about what muslims believe."
"Well the book is the inspired word of God, it's 66 books compiled over 1400 years by around 40 authors from different time periods without any contradictions to the content and prophecies."
I then explained what muslims believe and how it is wrong, biblically and because of their works based salvation with the denial of Jesus Christ being the son of God.
"Listen, I'm telling you this because I care. I don't know you, but hell is real and so is heaven. If I'm wrong then you cease to exist. If I'm right and the bible is right then you have to face God on judgement day. Does that concern you at all??"
"No, because I'm just going to live my life to the fullest and do what I do. My parents are both Christians and I respect what you believe and what you are doing."
"Man, just consider what I'm saying. It doesn't matter what you believe. The bible says Jesus Christ is the only way and I don't want you to suffer hell."
"I appreciate that, but I believe in science."
"So do you believe in evolution?"
"Yes, I believe everything formed from gasses and we did as well."
His friends started looking at him real funny.
"Dude, are you serious? You believe we came from gas and that we were an accident? You mean more than that and I know you're smarter than that."
My tone developed more into a plea as I saw this young man not wanting to acknowledge truth because of his love for his lifestyle.
"Yes, I believe that and I'm just going to live life to the fullest. I don't believe the bible, but I respect that you do."
I pleaded with him some more and eventually someone later came up and started talking to him. His friends learned forward and said to me, "so what's the good news?"
They were really adamant about me telling them the gospel because of where we had left off, hell.
Alright, I know you guys have heard about Jesus Christ and what He did. You've heard of Christmas, right?" They were all familiar with Jesus as most people are. "Well that is what He saved us from so that we may have everlasting life. We have to trust in Him and repent, meaning turn away from our sins. It has nothing to do with church, hail-maries, confession to a pastor or a priest. Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ. That is what differentiates it from other "religions". Do you get what I'm saying."
They agreed and said they were really going to think about it and that they would read John in their bible. I don't if they really would, but I continued to tell them that there is nothing more important than their eternal salvation and I truly cared for them.
Once I was done talking to them the other guy wrapped up with my scientologist friend.
I then asked him, "what did he talk to you about?"
He was talking about how he was saved and Jesus. (I overheard the conversation, but I wanted to ask anyways.)
Man, that's the third person tonight who has shared Christ with you. This is not a coincidence.
"Well how many of you are out here?"
"I have no clue, I'm here by myself I don't even know who this guy or the other guy was. Seriously, just think about what we talked about. If there is a millionth of a chance I'm right wouldn't it be smart to at least consider or look into it. Check out John in your bible, please."
We shook hands and he thanked me and that was that.
I then talked to guy who was sharing his testimony. He was a very nice guy from the Ethiopian church near Dallas. I explained to him what I was doing and the importance of sharing the gospel biblically and gave him words of encouragement. He thanked me and got my number and we were both off in our seperate directions.
It started to lightnening a lot, which looked really cool. Lightening is one of those things I look at and am in awe of God's creation. About that time my wife was leaving to pick me up.
As I was waiting I saw a group of three teenagers. I gave them tracts and started talking with them. The conversation went really well, but they didn't have much to say. The boy in the group said that people have told him about his sin before and said he was going to hell when I asked him what happens after death.
I asked if anyone had ever given him the good news before. He said no and just thought he was going to hell. I then took them through the gospel and it was just an awesome experience as I could see the contrition and realization in their eyes. I thanked them for listening and told them to check out John in their bible.
In all my conversations I explained that God is so good that he will punish all sin. He is a holy, loving, and just God. People usually say it's about asking for forgiveness and trying to live a good life, but it's about realizing what we are and what God did for us and who He is.
If you read all this please pray for all those in these conversations. Unfortunately, I forget many names and tend do it often when I talk to groups of people. But the Lord knows our intentions and directions of our prayers.
May God bless you and yours!
Joey
This post is long, but it was an eventful night : )
Everything started out slow as I walked around praying and taking in the beautiful sites. Honestly, it's hard for me to work up the courage to start talking to random people, but they aren't random at all in God's eyes. I usually sit on a bench for about 10 minutes praying for courage, compassion, and that hearts would be unhardened and receptive to the gospel. And most importantly for God to be with me as He always is. After that I'm good to go!
I then noticed two girls walking around, one wearing a large Shenanigans sign around her neck advertising the business, and the other handing out flyers I believe. I walked up and handed them a couple of million dollar bill tracts. They replied by saying "oh people leaves these at our work and people don't like them."
I asked, "Why don't they like them?"
"Well someone said the part about sin makes it seem like people can just sin and live however they want and then everything is just okay if we say a prayer" (This perspective is usually shared by people who turn their back on Christianity due to the modern prosperity gospel, hypocrisy, catholocism or other works-based religions)
I explained that the message shows us how we all have sinned and why we need to be saved.
I then shared with them the law and the gospel. I explained what the gospel really is and why it is good news. As we went through the law I believe their hearts were convicted. They were extremely nice girls. They thanked me and said they were really glad I stop and talked to them. The girl with the sign even gave me a hug and was grateful for our conversation. I truly believe the Lord did a work in their hearts. They seemed very responsive, convicted, and inspired to embrace repentance and trust in Christ.
As I moved on I handed out tracts to individuals and couples walking by as they were on their way to the concert. Next, I saw a group of about 6 teenage guys smoking and talking near the fountain I approached them and gave them a million dollars, they thought it was neat and thanked me. The conversation went like this:
"Hey guys, I wish this was real for y'all, but the message on the back is."
"Do you guys have a religious background or anything?"
They replied, "not really..go to church sometimes."
"Oh okay, well I'm not with a church or anything, but I was wondering what you think happens after death or if you guys even think about that kind of stuff."
"Yeah, we do alot"
"Really? You guys are lot smarter than me when I was you're age! Well, do you believe in heaven and hell, that kind of stuff or something else?"
"Yeah, we believe in heaven and hell."
"Well what do you think you have to do to go to heaven or to hell?"
Two of them agreed you have to accept Christ into your heart. And the others weren't really sure. When I asked about hell they said the kind of people who go there are the ones who don't ask for forgiveness. I asked them if they were sure that's how it works and they replied that they didn't really know.
"Do you want to know for sure? I'm just going to ask a few questions, but you've got to be honest."
"Sure"
I then went through the law, the Ten Commandments, and they learned what their sin was. I believe some of them realized it was serious despite how innocent the world views it and how we have all broken His law. They were getting kind of bummed, and was like..."so we're all doomed"?
"No, I'm going to give you the good news now, it's great."
This is when they're older friend showed up who kind of acted like the leader, joker, of the group. He had a cool English, I believe, accent and was a super-nice guy. I gave him a million dollar bill and caught him up to where we were. Another person showed up and sat down as well. He told me someone just talked to him about Jesus, but he wanted to hear me out anyways, because I really hadn't got there yet.
He took over the conversation for his friends. They all saw it as an opportunity for a cigarette break as he started, but they stayed and listened. He had told me was into scientology and considers himself a scientologist.
I asked, really, so do you believe in evolution? He said yes.
"I believe in science. That science is superior. The bible is just another book."
"Oh okay, I think science is interesting as well, but did you know that their are scientific facts in the bible that science had wrong?"
"Really, and what is that?"
"Well the bible told us the world is round whereas science believed it to be flat for years. The bible also tells us that we are to run our hands through running water as science believed doctors to wash their hands in still water which proved to be wrong."
"I didn't know that, but it's still just a book. What about what muslims believe."
"Well the book is the inspired word of God, it's 66 books compiled over 1400 years by around 40 authors from different time periods without any contradictions to the content and prophecies."
I then explained what muslims believe and how it is wrong, biblically and because of their works based salvation with the denial of Jesus Christ being the son of God.
"Listen, I'm telling you this because I care. I don't know you, but hell is real and so is heaven. If I'm wrong then you cease to exist. If I'm right and the bible is right then you have to face God on judgement day. Does that concern you at all??"
"No, because I'm just going to live my life to the fullest and do what I do. My parents are both Christians and I respect what you believe and what you are doing."
"Man, just consider what I'm saying. It doesn't matter what you believe. The bible says Jesus Christ is the only way and I don't want you to suffer hell."
"I appreciate that, but I believe in science."
"So do you believe in evolution?"
"Yes, I believe everything formed from gasses and we did as well."
His friends started looking at him real funny.
"Dude, are you serious? You believe we came from gas and that we were an accident? You mean more than that and I know you're smarter than that."
My tone developed more into a plea as I saw this young man not wanting to acknowledge truth because of his love for his lifestyle.
"Yes, I believe that and I'm just going to live life to the fullest. I don't believe the bible, but I respect that you do."
I pleaded with him some more and eventually someone later came up and started talking to him. His friends learned forward and said to me, "so what's the good news?"
They were really adamant about me telling them the gospel because of where we had left off, hell.
Alright, I know you guys have heard about Jesus Christ and what He did. You've heard of Christmas, right?" They were all familiar with Jesus as most people are. "Well that is what He saved us from so that we may have everlasting life. We have to trust in Him and repent, meaning turn away from our sins. It has nothing to do with church, hail-maries, confession to a pastor or a priest. Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ. That is what differentiates it from other "religions". Do you get what I'm saying."
They agreed and said they were really going to think about it and that they would read John in their bible. I don't if they really would, but I continued to tell them that there is nothing more important than their eternal salvation and I truly cared for them.
Once I was done talking to them the other guy wrapped up with my scientologist friend.
I then asked him, "what did he talk to you about?"
He was talking about how he was saved and Jesus. (I overheard the conversation, but I wanted to ask anyways.)
Man, that's the third person tonight who has shared Christ with you. This is not a coincidence.
"Well how many of you are out here?"
"I have no clue, I'm here by myself I don't even know who this guy or the other guy was. Seriously, just think about what we talked about. If there is a millionth of a chance I'm right wouldn't it be smart to at least consider or look into it. Check out John in your bible, please."
We shook hands and he thanked me and that was that.
I then talked to guy who was sharing his testimony. He was a very nice guy from the Ethiopian church near Dallas. I explained to him what I was doing and the importance of sharing the gospel biblically and gave him words of encouragement. He thanked me and got my number and we were both off in our seperate directions.
It started to lightnening a lot, which looked really cool. Lightening is one of those things I look at and am in awe of God's creation. About that time my wife was leaving to pick me up.
As I was waiting I saw a group of three teenagers. I gave them tracts and started talking with them. The conversation went really well, but they didn't have much to say. The boy in the group said that people have told him about his sin before and said he was going to hell when I asked him what happens after death.
I asked if anyone had ever given him the good news before. He said no and just thought he was going to hell. I then took them through the gospel and it was just an awesome experience as I could see the contrition and realization in their eyes. I thanked them for listening and told them to check out John in their bible.
In all my conversations I explained that God is so good that he will punish all sin. He is a holy, loving, and just God. People usually say it's about asking for forgiveness and trying to live a good life, but it's about realizing what we are and what God did for us and who He is.
If you read all this please pray for all those in these conversations. Unfortunately, I forget many names and tend do it often when I talk to groups of people. But the Lord knows our intentions and directions of our prayers.
May God bless you and yours!
Joey
Sunday, August 30, 2009
A conversation with Gilbert
I'm going to try and transcribe one of my witnessing encounters today. This is my first time so I'm sorry if it's difficult to read.
Melanie, Grayson and I just got done eating at the Harbor in Rockwall. I didn't have a chance to go to my favorite fishing spot yesterday so I said I had to go today even though it would not be near as crowded.
Anyways we had just got done eating lunch and Melanie took Grayson to play at the fountain as I ventured off to see what God would do. As I said before there were not very many people there at all when someone exiting the movies by himself stuck out to me. He had long hair, short beard, and looked to be somewhere between 20 and 25.
I usually have the opportunity to witness to groups of people rather than individuals. Individuals usually aren't hanging around so they are on the go and will take a tract without stopping. So I approached him and handed him a million dollar bill, "did you get one of these"?
"No I didn't" and he stopped to read it.
I started to walk off, but came back to talk him.
I asked, "do you have a religious background"
"No, not really"
"Really? You've never gone to church or anything of that sort".
"Oh ya, I go to church sometimes with my momma".
"Oh okay, well what I gave you is a tract. It has the gospel on it. Are you familiar with it?"
"No"
"By the way, my name is Joey, what's yours?" *hand shake*
"Gilbert"
"Well Gilbert, the gospel is the good news. This is kind of morbid, but do you ever think about what happens after death?"
"Yeah man I think about it all the time"
"Do you believe in heaven and hell, that sort of thing".
"Definitely"
"Well, what kind of people do you think go to heaven and what kind of people would go to hell"
"I don't know...I don't really think about that."
"Do you mind if I tell you because it's really important"
"Sure"
"Well, you've heard God's holy law the 10 commandments right?"
"Yeah"
"Well, I'm just going to ask you a couple of questions but you gotta be honest."
"Alright"
"Have you ever lied before?"
"Yes"
"what do you call someone who lies"
"A sinner"
"Well, more specifically"
He paused and started thinking so I said, "well what would you call me if I told a lie".
"I would say your a person who doesn't tell the truth"
We laughed and I said, "you're not going to hurt my feelings. I would be a liar, right?"
"Yes"
"Alright, thanks for being honest. Have you ever stolen anything regardless of value"
"No"
"Well that's awesome!"
"I'm sure you've never murdered someone, right"
"No way"
"Well check this out, in the Bible Jesus says that anyone who hates another has already committed murder in their heart".
He said, well I guess I have then.
I told him the same thing about adultery and it was the same case.
"Have you ever heard of blasphemy"
"Kind of"
"Well blasphemy is throwing around God's name careless or using it as a cuss word. Like saying GD or OMG. Have you ever done that"
"Yes, I probably shouldn't"
"It's very serious, would you like someone to use your mom's name as a cuss word?"
"No"
"Alright Gilbert, according to what you've said you're a liar, murderer, and adulterer at heart. I've broken all those commandments as well so we are in the same boat. Based on that what would you deserve, heaven or hell?"
"Well, I think we'd still go to heaven"
"Check this out though, the bible says in Revelation 21:8 that all liar, blasphemers will have their part in the lake of fire. Do you know what that is."
"Yes, that's hell."
"So if God judged you right now what would you deserve."
"Hell"
"Now listen, I told you I broke all the 10 commandments and I appreciate your honesty."
"This is where the good news, the gospel comes in".
"Jesus Christ lived a sinless perfect life and then suffered the wraith of God on the cross".
"Have you ever seen the Passion?"
"Yes"
"It was probably like that or worse. That is just part of what He went through."
"When He rose from the dead and forever defeated death 3 days later a legal transaction took place."
"That is what God did so we don't have to suffer the consequences of hell for the sins we committed"
"Do you understand"
Light bulb goes off, "yeah man"
"Now this is what God asks of us. We have to repent, turn away from our sins and trust in Jesus Christ. Going to church won't get us to heaven, hail marys wont, giving to the poor won't. Only trust in Jesus Christ. We have to turn away from our sins. Before I was born-again, meaning I was changed and started loving the things God loves and hated the things He hates, I would sin on purpose with the intention of thinking God would forgive me. I wasn't saved.
It's just like being in a court room wanted for murder saying, judge I won't ever kill again and I'm so sorry and will give away all my money. Should the judge let you go?"
"No"
"Right, because He is a good judge. Now imagine you have a million dollar fine you can't pay and someone walks up and pays it for you and you are free to go. That's exactly what Jesus Christ did for us. God is a just, loving, and holy God so he must punish sin. He gave us Jesus Christ so that we may turn away from our sins and trust Him. That's what it means to be saved."
"Do you understand what I'm saying"
"Yeah man I do, it makes sense"
"Listen Gilbert, I don't know you but I care about you, otherwise I wouldn't be talking to you right now. Heaven is real, but so is hell and a lot of people are going to go to hell and the bible says so"
"Are you going to think about this stuff."
"Definitely"
"Alright, do you have a bible? I have one if you need one"
"Yes, I have one at home"
"Well crack that bible open and start in John. I know there are parts of the bible that are dry, but start in John and it really shows what God did for us and talks more about what I'm saying right now"
"Alright, thanks"
"Thanks for listening to me and I'll be praying for you brother"
"Thanks I'll pray for you too"
Gilbert was an awesome guy to talk to and God definitely put us there for a reason. Please keep Gilbert in your prayers. Pray for that He will turn to God and trust in His son Jesus Christ.
God bless!
Joey Acker
Melanie, Grayson and I just got done eating at the Harbor in Rockwall. I didn't have a chance to go to my favorite fishing spot yesterday so I said I had to go today even though it would not be near as crowded.
Anyways we had just got done eating lunch and Melanie took Grayson to play at the fountain as I ventured off to see what God would do. As I said before there were not very many people there at all when someone exiting the movies by himself stuck out to me. He had long hair, short beard, and looked to be somewhere between 20 and 25.
I usually have the opportunity to witness to groups of people rather than individuals. Individuals usually aren't hanging around so they are on the go and will take a tract without stopping. So I approached him and handed him a million dollar bill, "did you get one of these"?
"No I didn't" and he stopped to read it.
I started to walk off, but came back to talk him.
I asked, "do you have a religious background"
"No, not really"
"Really? You've never gone to church or anything of that sort".
"Oh ya, I go to church sometimes with my momma".
"Oh okay, well what I gave you is a tract. It has the gospel on it. Are you familiar with it?"
"No"
"By the way, my name is Joey, what's yours?" *hand shake*
"Gilbert"
"Well Gilbert, the gospel is the good news. This is kind of morbid, but do you ever think about what happens after death?"
"Yeah man I think about it all the time"
"Do you believe in heaven and hell, that sort of thing".
"Definitely"
"Well, what kind of people do you think go to heaven and what kind of people would go to hell"
"I don't know...I don't really think about that."
"Do you mind if I tell you because it's really important"
"Sure"
"Well, you've heard God's holy law the 10 commandments right?"
"Yeah"
"Well, I'm just going to ask you a couple of questions but you gotta be honest."
"Alright"
"Have you ever lied before?"
"Yes"
"what do you call someone who lies"
"A sinner"
"Well, more specifically"
He paused and started thinking so I said, "well what would you call me if I told a lie".
"I would say your a person who doesn't tell the truth"
We laughed and I said, "you're not going to hurt my feelings. I would be a liar, right?"
"Yes"
"Alright, thanks for being honest. Have you ever stolen anything regardless of value"
"No"
"Well that's awesome!"
"I'm sure you've never murdered someone, right"
"No way"
"Well check this out, in the Bible Jesus says that anyone who hates another has already committed murder in their heart".
He said, well I guess I have then.
I told him the same thing about adultery and it was the same case.
"Have you ever heard of blasphemy"
"Kind of"
"Well blasphemy is throwing around God's name careless or using it as a cuss word. Like saying GD or OMG. Have you ever done that"
"Yes, I probably shouldn't"
"It's very serious, would you like someone to use your mom's name as a cuss word?"
"No"
"Alright Gilbert, according to what you've said you're a liar, murderer, and adulterer at heart. I've broken all those commandments as well so we are in the same boat. Based on that what would you deserve, heaven or hell?"
"Well, I think we'd still go to heaven"
"Check this out though, the bible says in Revelation 21:8 that all liar, blasphemers will have their part in the lake of fire. Do you know what that is."
"Yes, that's hell."
"So if God judged you right now what would you deserve."
"Hell"
"Now listen, I told you I broke all the 10 commandments and I appreciate your honesty."
"This is where the good news, the gospel comes in".
"Jesus Christ lived a sinless perfect life and then suffered the wraith of God on the cross".
"Have you ever seen the Passion?"
"Yes"
"It was probably like that or worse. That is just part of what He went through."
"When He rose from the dead and forever defeated death 3 days later a legal transaction took place."
"That is what God did so we don't have to suffer the consequences of hell for the sins we committed"
"Do you understand"
Light bulb goes off, "yeah man"
"Now this is what God asks of us. We have to repent, turn away from our sins and trust in Jesus Christ. Going to church won't get us to heaven, hail marys wont, giving to the poor won't. Only trust in Jesus Christ. We have to turn away from our sins. Before I was born-again, meaning I was changed and started loving the things God loves and hated the things He hates, I would sin on purpose with the intention of thinking God would forgive me. I wasn't saved.
It's just like being in a court room wanted for murder saying, judge I won't ever kill again and I'm so sorry and will give away all my money. Should the judge let you go?"
"No"
"Right, because He is a good judge. Now imagine you have a million dollar fine you can't pay and someone walks up and pays it for you and you are free to go. That's exactly what Jesus Christ did for us. God is a just, loving, and holy God so he must punish sin. He gave us Jesus Christ so that we may turn away from our sins and trust Him. That's what it means to be saved."
"Do you understand what I'm saying"
"Yeah man I do, it makes sense"
"Listen Gilbert, I don't know you but I care about you, otherwise I wouldn't be talking to you right now. Heaven is real, but so is hell and a lot of people are going to go to hell and the bible says so"
"Are you going to think about this stuff."
"Definitely"
"Alright, do you have a bible? I have one if you need one"
"Yes, I have one at home"
"Well crack that bible open and start in John. I know there are parts of the bible that are dry, but start in John and it really shows what God did for us and talks more about what I'm saying right now"
"Alright, thanks"
"Thanks for listening to me and I'll be praying for you brother"
"Thanks I'll pray for you too"
Gilbert was an awesome guy to talk to and God definitely put us there for a reason. Please keep Gilbert in your prayers. Pray for that He will turn to God and trust in His son Jesus Christ.
God bless!
Joey Acker
Friday, August 28, 2009
Why I witness
Why do I witness?
Before I start if you haven't read my blog before I want you to realize I'm not a religious nut job. I'm not crazy. I don't work in a church nor am I a pastor. I'm a 24 year old teacher in public education who simply loves God and loves people. Most importantly, I am a Christian.
I do evangelism, witnessing, soul-winning, whatever you want to call it. I do it through using tracts, walking up to random people, talking to people I know, or using the internet as a tool to get the law and gospel of our Lord to others. Through my blogs I'm always going to be what I call unintentionally, but probably offensively and lovingly blunt.
I think there are many motives for one wanting to go out and witness. There are good motives and bad motives just like anything else. Some people do it to gain notches on their religious belts, or to look "holier" than others. I've been blessed enough to meet and work with people who do it for the right reasons.
The best way to witness is to do it biblical and selfless. I'll save the verses for the end.
Once I became saved, actually realizing what I was saved from and embracing who God really is, I wanted to literally shout it to the world. I was also blessed enough to be lead to biblical teaching of evangelism and not make the mistakes that are leading future "Christians" to really becoming false converts and atheists. I was a false convert, meaning I thought I was saved because I said a prayer and said I loved Jesus along with reading the Bible.
Truth be told, there is a heaven and there is a hell. Heaven is eternal. Hell is eternal. The Bible makes it very clear who goes where and it's pretty shocking when you discover that. Hell is a bad, bad, bad, bad place that we will not ever be able to fully understand the torment of it. Why else would God come to earth as Jesus Christ to die for our sins?
Others try to twist words in the Bible or not acknowledge it in church to make it seem like it isn't real or that you just cease to exist. Why? Because it's so horrible and no one wants to make anyone have feelings other than happiness nowadays. Trust me, if there is one thing I wish wasn't in the bible it would be hell, but I'm certainly not going to ignore it! I'm going to do something about it!
People shouldn't repent and trust in Christ because of the fear of hell or the expectation of heaven. They should because of the love for what Christ did and that we have a holy, just, and loving God. But when I witness and talk to people I am not going to leave details out. If you tell someone who loves their sin and the world then they are more than likely not going to care about what God can do for them. If I told someone I had a cure for an unheard of disease they are not going to want it unless they know what it is and that they have it.
Just like me, people don't understand what the gospel is unless they know what sin is and why Jesus died for our sins and rose 3 days later forever defeating death for those who truly BELIEVE in Him. We use terminology like saved and born-again, but those who aren't Christians don't understand. What are Christians saved from? What does born-again mean?
I witness because I don't ignore hell. If I know there is a possibility that people are going to go there then I am going to do something about it. So many people I have encountered claim to be Christians but don't know who Christ is. I do believe in meeting people where they are. The problem I have with that statement is people think you should become someones friend or pamper them before sharing the gospel with them. Where does Jesus or the apostles do that in the bible?? Eleven of the twelve apostles were killed because they cared more about peoples souls than their feelings. Do you want to know where people ARE? The bible says we are natural born sinners who are destined for hell unless we have repented and trusted in Christ. God is sovereign, but He uses us and our prayers through the Holy Spirit to do His will. How awesome is that?!?
If someone is about to step off what looks like a steep cliff to their death I am going to stop them and try to rescue them whether the cliff is really only 1 or 200 feet deep. What I mean is I don't worry if someone is a already a Christian or not. I'm going to share the law and the gospel with them regardless. If they are already, then they should appreciate what I'm trying to do rather than get offended.
I believe our daily walk in life as a Christian does serve as part of our witness, but that certainly isn't all of it. If there is a group of people standing on a burning building are you going to go and help them or are you going to walk by them showing off your good lifestyle? Do you think the Holy Spirit works more through our lifestyle or our proclamation of the gospel?
I'm not perfect, and I never will be. I am a horrible, wretched person, but I'm saved by the blood of Jesus Christ through His grace. I don't always share the law and gospel with everyone, but I definitely try and it tears me up when I don't. I don't ever proclaim to be holier or better than anyone. I am humbled and honored to serve the one true God. You could say I have a burden, but it's really a Christians calling, a privilege and an honor. He commands that of us.
Words from Jesus:
Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Mark 16:15
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Matthew 7:13
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
I find joy in loving God and loving people. It's not always easy, but I give it all my effort. Of course I slip up and sin, but I ask for forgiveness (that doesn't save me, I'm already saved) and repent, meaning I turn away from that sin and turn to God. As I always say, when you become a Christian you stop jumping into sin, but you will still fall. Meaning, you don't do it on purpose anymore expecting forgiveness.
I'm not saying that everyone has to do the things I do or spread the gospel the way I do, but I am saying everyone should spread the gospel biblically.
That is why I witness.
Mark 12:28
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'There is no commandment greater than these."
All of the glory to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ,
Joey Acker
Before I start if you haven't read my blog before I want you to realize I'm not a religious nut job. I'm not crazy. I don't work in a church nor am I a pastor. I'm a 24 year old teacher in public education who simply loves God and loves people. Most importantly, I am a Christian.
I do evangelism, witnessing, soul-winning, whatever you want to call it. I do it through using tracts, walking up to random people, talking to people I know, or using the internet as a tool to get the law and gospel of our Lord to others. Through my blogs I'm always going to be what I call unintentionally, but probably offensively and lovingly blunt.
I think there are many motives for one wanting to go out and witness. There are good motives and bad motives just like anything else. Some people do it to gain notches on their religious belts, or to look "holier" than others. I've been blessed enough to meet and work with people who do it for the right reasons.
The best way to witness is to do it biblical and selfless. I'll save the verses for the end.
Once I became saved, actually realizing what I was saved from and embracing who God really is, I wanted to literally shout it to the world. I was also blessed enough to be lead to biblical teaching of evangelism and not make the mistakes that are leading future "Christians" to really becoming false converts and atheists. I was a false convert, meaning I thought I was saved because I said a prayer and said I loved Jesus along with reading the Bible.
Truth be told, there is a heaven and there is a hell. Heaven is eternal. Hell is eternal. The Bible makes it very clear who goes where and it's pretty shocking when you discover that. Hell is a bad, bad, bad, bad place that we will not ever be able to fully understand the torment of it. Why else would God come to earth as Jesus Christ to die for our sins?
Others try to twist words in the Bible or not acknowledge it in church to make it seem like it isn't real or that you just cease to exist. Why? Because it's so horrible and no one wants to make anyone have feelings other than happiness nowadays. Trust me, if there is one thing I wish wasn't in the bible it would be hell, but I'm certainly not going to ignore it! I'm going to do something about it!
People shouldn't repent and trust in Christ because of the fear of hell or the expectation of heaven. They should because of the love for what Christ did and that we have a holy, just, and loving God. But when I witness and talk to people I am not going to leave details out. If you tell someone who loves their sin and the world then they are more than likely not going to care about what God can do for them. If I told someone I had a cure for an unheard of disease they are not going to want it unless they know what it is and that they have it.
Just like me, people don't understand what the gospel is unless they know what sin is and why Jesus died for our sins and rose 3 days later forever defeating death for those who truly BELIEVE in Him. We use terminology like saved and born-again, but those who aren't Christians don't understand. What are Christians saved from? What does born-again mean?
I witness because I don't ignore hell. If I know there is a possibility that people are going to go there then I am going to do something about it. So many people I have encountered claim to be Christians but don't know who Christ is. I do believe in meeting people where they are. The problem I have with that statement is people think you should become someones friend or pamper them before sharing the gospel with them. Where does Jesus or the apostles do that in the bible?? Eleven of the twelve apostles were killed because they cared more about peoples souls than their feelings. Do you want to know where people ARE? The bible says we are natural born sinners who are destined for hell unless we have repented and trusted in Christ. God is sovereign, but He uses us and our prayers through the Holy Spirit to do His will. How awesome is that?!?
If someone is about to step off what looks like a steep cliff to their death I am going to stop them and try to rescue them whether the cliff is really only 1 or 200 feet deep. What I mean is I don't worry if someone is a already a Christian or not. I'm going to share the law and the gospel with them regardless. If they are already, then they should appreciate what I'm trying to do rather than get offended.
I believe our daily walk in life as a Christian does serve as part of our witness, but that certainly isn't all of it. If there is a group of people standing on a burning building are you going to go and help them or are you going to walk by them showing off your good lifestyle? Do you think the Holy Spirit works more through our lifestyle or our proclamation of the gospel?
I'm not perfect, and I never will be. I am a horrible, wretched person, but I'm saved by the blood of Jesus Christ through His grace. I don't always share the law and gospel with everyone, but I definitely try and it tears me up when I don't. I don't ever proclaim to be holier or better than anyone. I am humbled and honored to serve the one true God. You could say I have a burden, but it's really a Christians calling, a privilege and an honor. He commands that of us.
Words from Jesus:
Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Mark 16:15
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Matthew 7:13
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
I find joy in loving God and loving people. It's not always easy, but I give it all my effort. Of course I slip up and sin, but I ask for forgiveness (that doesn't save me, I'm already saved) and repent, meaning I turn away from that sin and turn to God. As I always say, when you become a Christian you stop jumping into sin, but you will still fall. Meaning, you don't do it on purpose anymore expecting forgiveness.
I'm not saying that everyone has to do the things I do or spread the gospel the way I do, but I am saying everyone should spread the gospel biblically.
That is why I witness.
Mark 12:28
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'There is no commandment greater than these."
All of the glory to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ,
Joey Acker