Tuesday, Jul 31, 2007

Sunday's Open Air Part 1

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It was just Sawyer and myself - the other seed sowers were at the Mid-State Fair witnessing and spending time with family.

I don't typically open-air without my brothers there but Sunday was different. There was just too many people there not to open up and go for it.

It may sound like I'm yelling - I'm not. Just raising my voice so everyone can hear. Jesus was passionate - to The Extreme - the Cross. The Gospel we preach is about Him and what He did. Shouldn't we be passionate too? I think so!

In part two, I'll tell you what happened with many of the people who sat/stood and listened.

Posted by Ambassador at 11:51 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Saturday, Jul 28, 2007

SLO Farmers Market

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My brother Matt and I went to SLO Farmers Market on Thursday evening. I wasn’t hungry until we arrived – the smell of food permeated the air. It was warm and Higuera Street was crawling with people.

Although we didn’t do any open air preaching, we again noted a really cool place to do it. Almost every time we’ve come to Farmers, there has been a captive audience sitting on these steps eating their food. Always keep your eye out for good fishing holes. Anyone up for it?

Matt was excited. No – he was extremely zealous to share the Good News with the people gathered in SLO. It’s so cool to see a brother or sister in Christ, prayed up, pumped up, and on fire to share the Gospel. Armed with his Bible, assortment of tracts, clipboard, and spiritual survey, Matt jumped right in.

Matt surveyed a gentleman named Jay (the guy with the leather hat and black shirt). Jay indicated that he had visited Calvary Chapel SLO a few times. Matt took Jay through the survey and Jay understood his personal sin and didn’t try to justify himself. He understood the Gospel, repentance and faith. We shared with Jay what it means to be born again. We asked him if he was born again - He wasn’t sure. I asked him if he died on the spot, if he had assurance that God would accept him though Jesus Christ. He lacked assurance for sure. I encourage him to get right with God, read his Bible daily, and get into a solid Gospel preaching church. He said that he would visit Grace SLO. Praise God.

Matt introduced himself to a man named John who was sitting on a bench outside of one of the clothing stores. He was waiting for his girlfriend. John agreed to allow Matt to survey him but said, “you have three minutes.” Using the survey, Matt took John through sin, righteousness, and future judgement. John actually gave Matt more like five minutes before it was over with. I spoke with John’s girlfriend while Matt finished up with John. I found out that they are from Boston, visiting SLO. They took Gospel tracts, very politely thanked us and departed.

We tag-teamed a group of young kids who was there with a Christian youth group. The youth leader was a young lady named Marley. Not knowing who was a believer and who wasn’t, we took the eight kids through a few of the Ten Commandments and then explained the Cross of Jesus. They all received tracts.

The very next divine appointment we had was with two young men named Eric and David. They were enjoying some ice cream and were receptive to the survey. From the beginning they indicated that they were Mormon. Eric seemed to have a solid understanding of Mormon doctrine. Matt walked them through the survey, which contains questions that give a person the opportunity to express what they believe – in this case, the Mormon doctrine of Salvation. Even though they would deny salvation is by works with their words, and would with their words agree with the Protestant doctrine of saved by grace alone, they were trusting in their own works. They basically say, ‘yes Jesus atoned for our sins, making a way for us to be saved, but we must cooperate and work.’ In other words, their formula is this: JESUS + WORK = SALVATION. I have learned from other Christians that it is also helpful to the Mornon (or JW) to see the difference between the Jesus they worship and the Jesus we worship. The Mormons say that Jesus is Satan’s brother and that Jesus is created. We know that Jesus IS GOD in the flesh and we know that Jesus is the Creator and one of the Three divine Persons in the Godhead. After doing our best to help Eric and David understand that they worship a different Jesus. Then we expressed our concern that they make sure that they have the RIGHT Jesus. Here are some good passages to share:

Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Also see Matthew 24:4-5; Galatians 1:6-8) Matt and I plead with Eric and David to “be sure” that they have the right Jesus. Both Eric and David took tracts.

After finishing up with Eric and David, we turned around and ran into two other Mormons. Elder Beath and Elder Shipley (in the picture) agreed to the survey. Talk about spiritual warfare! As Matt was taking them through the survey, I was praying. This encounter went about the same as the previous – but these two Elders articulated the Mormon doctrine with confidence, again JESUS + WORK = SALVATION. So sad! Toward the end of this encounter, another lady named Marina showed up. Mariana was hosting Elder Beath and Shipley in her home. She got into the conversation with us. Shortly after that, another older couple walked up and began listening and engaging in the conversation intermittently – I believe they too were Mormon. All five of them were basically arguing that “faith without works is dead.” I shared Eph 2:8-9 & Gal 3:10-14, explaining that they are trusting in their own works. Before it was over with, this encounter turned into a min-open air – we preached the true Gospel to these five Mormons. Praise God!

Matt continued speaking with Elder Beath and Shipley. I began speaking with Marina, asking her how they can know for sure if their “prophets” are speaking for their god. While we were talking, another guy walks up to Matt and the elders and begins to chastise the young Mormon missionaries for their physical stance. Note in the picture how they were standing with their arms folded. They also were standing up on the curb, Matt was standing down in the street. This guy, whom we never met before, began to tell these Mormon guys that they were standing over Matt with a posture of self-righteousness. Wow! He was a bit harsh, but I think it humbled these two young Mormons. We all shook hands, exchanged tracts and departed.

However, we spent the next forty minutes or so with this guy who chastised the Mormons. His name is Brigtion. He is a very intelligent, articulate, religious young man. He grew up attending a Baptist church but over the last couple years began attending an Eastern Orthodox Church. Brighton was passionate about his beliefs. He quoted Scripture, OT & NT. He also quoted Jonathan Edwards, Church Fathers, C.S. Lewis, and others whom I’ve never heard of. We disagreed on much. Brighton’s motive was to debate doctrine and had high and lofty thoughts - but he had a man-centered view of God. Matt and I enjoyed our conversation with Brighton. Please pray for these individuals who heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I’m sorry to say that I didn’t get a recording of any of these encounters. However, I have something better. Have you ever heard of Paul Washer? If you have, you MUST listen to this. If you haven’t, you MUST listen to this. It’s a sermon that brother Paul preached on Romans 1:14 “I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.” It blew me away – you will not be disappointed. You can hear more of his sermons here: http://www.heartcrymissionary.com/ I highly recommend all of his sermons – I trust this will be for your edification.

Posted by Ambassador at 2:06 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Friday, Jul 20, 2007

Asking the Four Big Questions in Life

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If you’ve ever wanted a good way to start a witnessing encounter, here it is. Just ask a person, “Hey, can I ask a couple of interesting questions?” I know this may seem way too up front and in your face but I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised as to how many people respond positively.

They may say, “What are the questions?” You can then say something like “Well, these are the four big questions in life.” Then ask the first question.

These questions are really cool because they relate to everyone, no matter who they are. They are inoffensive questions that most people have thought about and don’t mind sharing with you what they believe. Here are the questions:

The Four Big Questions in Life
1. Where did you ultimately come from?
2. Why are you here?
3. What is your standard of living?
4. What will happen to you when you die?

This podcast is an encounter I had with nice lady named Chris. I sensed that Chris might have ended the conversation quickly had I used the Law the way we normally would – the “Good Person Test”. “Have you ever told a lie? Yes. What does that make you, etc.”

I believe it is equally effective to use my personal testimony to take a person through the Law. You can say something like, “When I first started reading the Bible, I read that God sees looking with lust as adultery of the heart. I also read that God hates lying and stealing. The Bible also says that if you hate your brother you are a murder at heart and that God takes great offence when we use His name in vain. I began to understand that I was in trouble on the day of Judgement because the Bible says all liars will have their place in the lake of fire. It also says that no thief, adulator, or blasphemer will inherit the kingdom of God.”

In our fallen nature mankind interprets sin as ‘hurting one another’ – violating mankind. When we sin against man, Who’s Law are we breaking? God’s Law!

Christian, we must help them to see that sin is primarily vertical – God being the offended party and that He is infinitely just. He must punish because justice is in accordance with His own nature – His character.

Christian, you can do this! Please lift Chris and her family up in your prayers.

Posted by Ambassador at 5:19 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Friday, Jul 20, 2007

Lacey in the Courtroom

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This is an encounter I had with a young lady named Lacey. She was sitting on a bench in Pismo when I asked here if I could talk to her about spiritual things. I knelt down and we had this conversation.

I know there are many of you that don’t have the time to listen to each encounter. In order for you to see how important it is to use the Ten Commandments when you evangelize, I am going to give you some quotes from Lacey.

Like Lacey, I to before God converted me, was extremely man-centered (selfish). I to had the, “hey, hey, it’s all about ME” attitude. Oh, I would use language to make someone think I was concerned for others, sensitive, and loving, but inside, it was all about me. Lacey’s statements are very revealing.

Allen: Why are you here? What’s your purpose for being on earth?

Lacey: “I’m here to learn. I’m here so my soul can gain the knowledge and information to be more perfect in the other world?”

Allen: What if I was to tell you that there was a Creator and He decided before the world was even formed that He would form and earth and a universe and place mankind here so that we could reflect who he is and that we would worship Him – how would you feel about that?

Lacey: “I think if there is a god, that it’s not about him it’s about us. If he made us perfect and he made us in his image, he didn’t make us to worship him. I don’t think that he wants us living our lives for him, he wants us living for ourselves and for our souls and to better us, not him.”

Lacey was indeed intense and feisty. You can hear it in her tone of voice. However, I believe it’s just her personality. In addition to being feisty, Lacey is very self-righteous. Here are a few of Lacey’s statements that queued me in on her self-righteousness and the need to stay in the realm of the conscience – pressing her with the Ten Commandments (Rom 7:7, Gal 3:24).

Lacey: “I’m here to live my life and do good as far as I see as good, I don’t hurt people, I lie and I steal but I don’t do it to hurt people.”

Lacey: “The majority of people on this planet are not very good people.”

Lacey: “I’ve found what works for me and what helps me be a good person everyday and that’s all that I need.”

Lacey also didn’t like the doctrine of Hell. Like an atheist, the one thing that throws them into a mad frenzy is the doctrine of eternal punishment. Why do you think that is?

If a criminal is convinced of his innocence – punishment is unreasonable to the max. To them the thought of throwing an innocent person into prison is highly offensive and wrong, and so it is.

However, if the person is guilty of breaking the law, they deserve punishment. Mankind – Allen, Lacey and the atheist alike have committed “cosmic treason” against a Holy God. We deserve His wrath, judgement, and Hell for eternity. Here are a few more of Lacey’s statements:

“…I don’t believe that if I’m a decent person inside, whether I’ve committed sins or not, I think that the overall soul of a person is what is gives. I don’t think I would go to hell.”

“I don’t think our god is evil. I don’t think our god is mean like that were he’s going to send us there.”

Don’t you see? Lacey’s greatest problem is that she sees herself as innocent or at least that she is “overall” good.

She didn’t like the courtroom analogy either. Why? Because it helps them understand justice and in conjunction with the Law, it makes punishment reasonable. I trust that even though Lacey resisted, the Holy Spirit will have His way with her conscience.

When a person like Lacey begins to feel the weight of their sin, they often will try to justify themselves as you have seen above. The other thing that they will try to do is set up the proverbial straw man; doing their best to dodge the real issue their sin. They want to take you down a rabbit-trail. Some of these arguments we should be prepared to address and others simply ignore. Here is a rabbit-trail that Lacey brought up that I purposefully didn’t address.

“Organized religion is very bad for our population.” Christian, you can go down that road and prove to the lost person why religion isn’t bad. But it will not help the individual you are speaking with understand their personal sin before God. It will not get them to a place where they see Jesus Christ paying the price for their sin and making the only way for them to be reconciled with their God.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t ever answer these types of questions. I think we should, if we recognize the question as legitimate and sincere – instead of something for the individual to hide behind, trying to dodge the real issue at hand.

Here is another rabbit-trail that a self-righteous person will try. “The Bible was written by man.” With Lacey, I did my best to address this issue. I didn’t do such a good job, but I felt I needed to try and knock that straw man down so she could see that she couldn’t hide there. Apologetics are awesome. I think Christians should spend some time leaning ways to defend our faith and to be ready to give people answers. But, I believe that next to prayer, the Law of God is our greatest weapon when we share our faith.

Please pray for Lacey. Pray that God would overcome her self-righteousness and help her see her need for our great God Jesus Christ.

Posted by Ambassador at 2:56 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Wednesday, Jul 18, 2007

A Day of Fishing

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My brother Josh and I decided to “cast our nets” on Pismo Pier on Sunday. As we walked out on to the pier, we noticed a large group of people congregating out at the very end. By the time we were two-thirds of the way down there, we heard people saying things like, “that guy has something big on the end of his pole.” As we drew nearer, it was obvious that one of the fishermen did in fact have something large on the end of his line.



There were many skeptics saying, “it’s probably an old boot or some sea weed.” I think I may have also been thinking that. But as we watched this guy, I found my skepticism was about to be proven out of line – pardon the pun.



Whatever was on the end of this guy’s line was pulling him from one side of the pier to the other. He went where the fish went. He even got tangled up in the lines of other fishermen – this guy wasn’t giving up.



His tenacity paid off after approximately 45 minutes. IT WAS A THRESHER SHARK! 7 FEET LONG! As this monster from the deep broke the water's surface, everyone gasped. Men, women, and children shrilled with excitement and fear. It took three full-grown men with rope gaffs to pull this fish up. We couldn’t believe it.



The three fishermen wrestled this fish up over the railing, and on to the pier. One of the guys grabbed it by the tail to pull it out away from the edge of the pier. It took all this guy had to move it. Once out in open, where everyone could look at it, we were astonished – this beautiful animal was caught! It was neat to look at; but at the same time sad to see such an awesome creature gasping for it’s last breath – doing it’s best to stay alive.



This reminded me what Christians are called to do. We are to be fishers of men!



From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:17-20



Where is your “net” Christian? Where is your “pole?” Is it ready with good strong line on it? We must be persistent. We must have tenacity when it comes to fishing for the souls of men. We need to go where they go or your never going to catch any. Christian, are you willing to get “tangled up” with other Bible-believing Christians and go fishing and cast the gospel line? There are many skeptics to street evangelism. “It’s too much in your face,” they say. Our society is, “in your face.” Turn on the TV, walk down the street, do you hear the conversations that teens are having these days, do you see the bumper stickers, and T-shirts, it’s all about shock and awe – blasphemy, sexual immorality, covetousness – IN YOUR FACE!



Very few people take great offence to street evangelism. They may take offence to the gospel, but that is to be expected. They didn’t receive our Lord’s gospel preaching either.



Let’s “GO” fishing Christian! Let’s exert ourselves and drag them to the cross that they may die to themselves. Let’s help them to see their eternal destiny without Christ Jesus; pleading with them to trust in His blood alone for the forgiveness of sins.



Christian, when you intentionally go out to share the good news with people, your heart’s desire must be to do nothing more than to glorify God, out of gratitude and with a deep sense of compassion for the lost.



While we were fishing, I met a nice lady named Cammey (spelling?). Cammey is a pastor’s daughter. She briefly shared here story with me and told me in no uncertain terms that she was not born-again. The audio of this podcast stops abruptly. My battery died! I couldn’t believe it. I thought about not posting this but I want you to hear Cammey’s voice, keeping in mind, this very nice lady isn’t saved. She understands the gospel – we chatted about it for some time. Cammey also understands what her response should be. Namely to die to herself, repent of sin, turning to Christ in faith. She understands! I asked her why she hadn’t called on God to save her. It sounded like she wanted what she wanted and that is that. Cammey is very tender towards the truth of the Bible, the gospel, and God so please, please lift her up in your prayers.



Here are a couple more names you can lift up in prayer:

A family of three: Keith, Tracey, and Breanna. Keith is in the Air Force and has served our country in the Middle East. He and Tracey both have a ‘buffet’ sort of belief system. A bit of everything - not holding firmly to any one religion. Claiming the old standby: “there are many roads to God.” They gave me 10 or 15 minutes of their time and I was grateful. Even though they resisted the idea of Jesus being the only way to God, they seemed open minded and they took tracts. Please pray for this young family.



In the previous podcast, I talked to a Jehovah’s Witness named Miranda. Right after that encounter, I met another Jehovah’s Witness and we began to chat. While we were talking, an oriental man came up and began listening intently to our conversation. After our conversation ended, I asked the man, “what do you think about Christianity?”



Chandler was in his sixties. He told me he grew up in Cambodia. Both his parents are Buddhist. He indicated that he lived most of his life as a Buddhist. He told me where he grew up and how he had to live in wartime in Cambodia – wow, make the hair stand up on the back of your neck. During our conversation, I did my best to weave sin, righteousness, judgement, the Cross-, repentance and faith. By the end of our conversation, Chandler said that he better understood the Christian message. Please pray for Chandler as well.

Posted by Ambassador at 11:15 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007

A Young Jehovah’s Witness Named Miranda

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I met a sixteen-year-old girl named Miranda on Sunday in Pismo. At the beginning of our discussion I found out that Miranda had a Jehovah’s Witness background. When she told me about her religious background I thought to myself, ‘here we go.’ I thought for sure we would have to go around and around about the deity of Jesus Christ.

I was wrong. I didn’t seem that Miranda was indoctrinated or convinced with the Watchtower Society teachings yet. Please pray for this little girl. Ask God to protect her from Satan. Ask God to bind the Devil and enlighten her mind and obey the gospel.

Posted by Ambassador at 2:27 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Friday, Jul 13, 2007

Gay Pride in the Plaza 2007 Part 5

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This is a witnessing encounter where I found myself just pleading with two young ladies named Toby and Breezy. I tried to avoid addressing their sexual sin but they continued to bring it back into the conversation. I did my best to help them understand that even if they were not lesbians, they are still in big trouble with God on Judgment Day unless they repent. Bottom-line, Toby and Breezy just love their sin more than they do God – they are bound up in their selfish desires (self-worship). They worship the created instead of the Creator.

I show how much of a bag of hammers I am in this witnessing encounter. In my head I knew that Toby was female. But I kept calling her, “dude.” Please forgive me Toby.

My heart aches for these two young girls. They are passionate about their lifestyle. They feel “free.” I understand their agitation with the truth of the Bible. They finally “come out” with how they really “feel” – and their sexual sin is the one thing that they love above everything else in life. They understand what the Bible teaches. Deep down inside they know that they are suppressing the truth in unrighteousness and they prove it by their defensiveness towards the truth of their sin and God’s righteous Judgment.

Please pray for Toby and Breezy.

Posted by Ambassador at 7:05 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Thursday, Jul 12, 2007

Gay Pride in the Plaza 2007 Part 4

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Here is another interview that my bro Andy did. He spoke with two ladies named Melisa and Sylvia about eternity. As Andy began to share the Good News, one of them said, "This is getting too much for me" and it was over. The seed was sown. Please pray for Melisa and Sylvia.

Posted by Ambassador at 5:33 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Jul 10, 2007

Gay Pride in the Plaza 2007 Part 3

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After the nice conversation with Daniel, Andy felt led to approach a flamboyantly dressed man named Thomas. I asked Thomas if I could take his picture - he agreed. But when Andy stepped up to get his picture taken with Thomas - Thomas, in no uncertain terms made it known that he liked Andy. Andy, Josh and I quickly became so uncomfortable with Thomas that none of us really wanted to interview him. Maybe we should have just backed out of it, but Thomas needed to hear the truth too.

Like I said, I was extremely uncomfortable – so if it sounds like I’m rushing, I am.

After the interview, I was reminded of a C.H. Spurgeon sermon I heard a few years ago. It’s entitled, Spiritual Resurrection. In it he talks about three individuals that Jesus rose from the dead: 1) the daughter of Jairus, 2) the widow's son, 3) and Lazarus. His text is Ephesians 2:1. He talks about the fact that man is born into the world spiritually dead. And that it is only through the Holy Spirit that one can be made alive. Listen to the distinctions that Spurgeon makes between these three individauals. Thomas is a Lazarus – God may give him life too. Please pray for Thomas.

If you want to read the sermon check this out:
http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0127.htm

If you would rather listen to it, check this out:
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=6210194638

Posted by Ambassador at 11:42 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Jul 10, 2007

Gay Pride in the Plaza 2007 Part 2

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The Mission Plaza and Creek side stage area was bustling with activity. It was a bit noisy with the music. So Andy, Josh and I decided to find a quieter place to meet people. We were just commenting on how hot it was in the direct sunlight when a young man named Daniel approached. One of the three of us gave him and his pal a tract and asked if we could interview them – Daniel agreed. My buddy Andy (the guy on the right in the picture)is the one sharing with Daniel (the guy on the left of the picture). Please pray for Daniel.

Here are a few more individuals to pray for:

John has head-knowledge of the gospel. He has a grip on the doctrines of Christianity. However, John said he didn’t think it was necessary to repent regularly from sin. He indicated that he was a worship leader for 10 years at a Four Square church. Josh and Andy very gently walked John through the Ten Commandments. Somehow the topic of drunkenness was brought up. Andy shared with John what the Bible says and John didn’t like it one bit. He accused us of judging people. We didn’t talk about his homosexuality but he was definitely waiting to pounce on us. We did our best to lovingly but firmly help John understand that one can claim be a child of God – but one also can prove they are not by their lifestyle, among other things (doctrine 1 & 2 John).

While we were talking with John, a young chap named Miguel walked up. Miguel was one of John’s friends. Miguel wanted to let us know that he too had a male partner and wanted to know if he was going to Hell because of it. Miguel was painfully blunt in the language he chose to use. He didn’t, ‘beat around the bush.’ The more you talk with these people the more you are saddened how sin has such a tight hold on them (like us before conversion). Bottom line, Miguel is not willing to turn from his sin – even if it means Hell for all of eternity. He claimed that he didn’t believe there was a God.

Tammy and Nicole were two young ladies we met almost immediately upon entering the festival area. I think they were volunteer staff for the event and wanted to see what we were passing out. While Andy was talking with another couple that you’ll hear in Gay Pride in the Plaza 2007 Part 4, I was talking with Tammy and Nicole. Nicole was the talkative one. She was educated. She held to the old stance, “there is no God.” She seemed to enjoy debating. I did my best indulging her intellect. Andy finished the interview and turned around and got into the conversation. Several times during our discussion, we pressed them to God’s moral standard – the Ten Commandments. Not sure who was the target, but both Tammy and Nicole listened to us talk about sin, righteousness and judgment. Our conversation ended abruptly and Andy, Josh and I prayed that God would have mercy on them and open their hearts to receive the truth. Please pray for these individuals.

Posted by Ambassador at 11:28 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Monday, Jul 09, 2007

Gay Pride in the Plaza 2007 Part 1

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It was Sunday, July 8 at Mission Plaza, SLO. The event is called “Gay Pride in the Plaza.”

It was an afternoon featuring music and drag. There was a children’s play area, climbing wall, bounce house, dunk tank, mechanical bull, face painting, and arts & crafts for kids. There were many vendor booths selling different trinkets and rainbow paraphernalia, in addition to the food and alcohol.

I want to be really honest with you – I didn’t want to go. I found out about this event on Friday. I began praying. Even then, I was fearful at just the thought of going. I share this with you because I believe it’s healthy to be fearful. Our fear causes you to pray that God would give you compassion for all people, pray for strength, and most importantly, pray that God alone would receive all the praise, glory, and honor.

So needless to say, this event was out of my comfort zone for sure – but a good learning experience. I had never been to anything like this before. My flesh was saying, “no!” But I was compelled to go. It’s not about me having a new experience or being uncomfortable. It’s about allowing compassion swallow my fears and reach out to these people.

I thank God for my brothers Josh and Andy. We arrived at the Pride event at 3pm. As we walked in to the festivities, I began to tremble – literally. I guess all three of us knew deep down inside that this was not going to be easy. But praise be to God, He got us there. As we walked through the crowds of people, I began looking at there faces, and praying, ‘Father, open their eyes, help me to love them, be glorified, bind the “strong man”’.

Andy pulled out these blue WOMAN+WOMAN & MAN+MAN tracts above.

You can purchase these tracts at: http://www.evangelismteam.com/

The front of the tract catches their eye for sure. People were asking us for more. It was nice to have something that they seemed to be interested in. At least it helped break the ice and get into the all-important conversation. Below is the message on the back of the tract:

Homosexuality has been under attack for some time now. Since the 1990s, when same sex marriage became an issue, the media ridiculed and publicized it in such a way, they forced us to take sides. As this caused such a stir in society, an even more important issue was being overlooked because we allowed ourselves to be caught up in the here-and-now. The more important issue is, what happens in the “there-after?” And because the here-and-now is only temporary, the there-after is worth looking into. Listen to what the Bible says. “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” When you die, you will stand before God and be expected to give a detailed account of your life. On that day, how will you do? Here is a quick test. Have you ever told a lie (even once)? Have you ever stolen anything (the value is irrelevant)? Have you ever used God’s name in vain (this is called blasphemy)? If you have done these things, you have sinned against God and He sees you as a lying, blasphemous thief. On Judgment Day, you will be guilty of breaking His laws, the 10 Commandments, and end up in hell. But God doesn’t want that. The Bible says, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Simply put, you broke the law and Christ died to pay your fine. Then He rose from the dead and defeated death. If you will repent (turn from your sin) and put your trust in Jesus Christ, He will forgive your sin, take your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh to desire the things of God and grant you the gift of everlasting life. Isn’t that amazing? So, repent today. God will never let you down. Then read your Bible every day and obey what you read. See John 3:16 and John 14:21. God bless you!

We met a group of nice young ladies near the Creekside Stage. It appeared that there was at least 6-7 in the group. I regret we didn’t get all their names. However, Jen was sitting on the grass, Hilary and Sarah was standing near her. When Andy initially asked if they would be interested in being interviewed they said no. But Jen seemed very interested. Thank you Jen! In this Podcast and a few others, you'll hear Andy leading the interview.

I took a picture of the group but my lame camera lost it - I’m sorry ladies.

Christian, please pray for these young ladies.

Posted by Ambassador at 11:36 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Thursday, Jul 05, 2007

Do You Think Jesus Is An Idolater?

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Pismo Beach was hot on Sunday. The beach is typically 65-70 degrees. This day the temperature was probably near 80 degrees. It was beautiful.




My son Sawyer, my buddy Robert and Andy showed up to sow the seed of the Gospel. Robert did an open-air outside of Splash Café. There is usually a long line of people waiting to get in for clam chowder. The line is often wrapped around to almost to the backdoor. During this time of day, nearly 20 people standing there. Robert is a passionate preacher and he likes to take advantage of this captivated group. I thank God for my brother Robert. This guy is out almost every day, to do nothing other than get the Gospel out. When he’s not passing out tracts, witnessing, or preaching, he is praying for those whom he shared with.



After we were all warmed up, we did an open-air in the plaza area. During the open-air, Robert cruised through the crowed and witnessed 1-2-1. When someone is preaching, all you need to do to start the conversation is say something like, “hey, what do you think about what that guy is saying?” And away you go.




Please pray for the individuals in the pictures. In the first picture, Robert (the guy in the wheelchair) is witnessing to Rob (one of the local young people). In the second picture Robert is witnessing to a guy named Randy and a girl named Nemo (like the orange, white, and black fish).




The other pictures are of Andy and I preaching. Note the picture were the Pismo Beach Police is directly behind me while I’m preaching. Christian, look at the freedom we have. Let’s take advantage of it and tell this lost and dying world of the Savior Jesus Christ. Let’s not be fearful of what man can do or say to us. Let’s be bold in the Lord and tell of His wonderful attributes, and His plan of salvation through the Cross. Teach them who God really is. There is so much idolatry in our country. If you witness often you’ll hear, “My god is a god of love. TO ME,” they say, “god is forgiving and loving.”




The last three pictures are of my brother Andy preaching to a good-sized crowd that God drew in to hear the Gospel. Isn’t that awesome? Many of these people may never darken the doors of the church. So Andy stands and lifts his voice that God would be glorified. I thank God for Andy and Robert. There is nothing like partaking of the Gospel together in this way.




After the open-air preaching we went back to 1-2-1’s. Listen to this podcast. I met a man named Jesus. Like the rest of us before conversion, he has a pet sin that he’s not willing to repent of - IDOLATRY. Listen to his responses early on in the interview. He picks and chooses the attributes of God that he likes. Later in the interview, Jesus makes it even clearer when he says, “for me” (in regard to the type of god he has). Sad to say, this is pretty common. You’ll also notice that I didn’t share the Good News with him. I sensed his self-righteousness – this is why I continued to try to gently press the Law. Jesus “went away sad,” (he is in sad shape outside of Christ). The interview ends quite abruptly. It may sound like I end it, but he just turned away while we were talking and I thanked him for his time. I think it was because his conscience was getting to him. Please pray for Jesus. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.



Oh, sing to the LORD a new song!
Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, bless His name;
Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.
Declare His glory among the nations,
His wonders among all peoples.
For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the LORD made the heavens.
Honor and majesty are before Him;
Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
Give to the LORD glory and strength.
Give to the LORD the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come into His courts.
Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns;
The world also is firmly established,
It shall not be moved;
He shall judge the peoples righteously.”
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
Let the sea roar, and all its fullness;
Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.
Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the LORD.
For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth.
He shall judge the world with righteousness,
And the peoples with His truth.
Psalm 96:1-13 (NKJV)

Posted by Ambassador at 2:55 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Jul 03, 2007

Gene & Mary

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Gene and Mary is a very nice couple I met in Pismo on Sunday. I believe they said they were from Bakersfield. They were sitting outside in the plaza, enjoying the cool beach weather and each other’s company. They graciously gave me almost forty minutes of their lives – we talked more after the audio interview. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation.

Please Lord, Keep Satan and his demons from the minds and hearts of Mary and Gene. Mary and Gene’s foe is powerful. But You are all powerful. You alone can save them Father. Cause them to understand that their sin is exceedingly sinful in Your eyes. Cause them to fear Your Holy Name. Glorify Yourself! You alone deserve the praise! Gene and Mary’s need is great Father. You alone are good. So I ask that You do good to them Father, and save their souls. AMEN

Posted by Ambassador at 12:06 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Monday, Jul 02, 2007

What Do They Hear From The Church?

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Breanna and Nicole are two very nice young ladies that I had the privilege of interviewing Sunday afternoon. They both have a Christian background and both attend churches. In the short period of time we spent chatting about the things of God, I wasn’t able to ascertain whether or not they were born-again. I hope so! Please pray for all five in the picture below. Breanna is in the front left. Nicole is in the front right.

If you listen on a regular basis, you've probably noticed a common thread in many of these witnessing encounters. Listen to this podcast and see if you can pick up on it.

It’s sad to say, but the message that many people receive in a Sunday worship service, Sunday school, or youth group is man-centered. Modern Evangelicalism has forsaken the full council of God. The modern church has selected ONE characteristic of God over all the others – LOVE. Here is the essence of the modern message – “GOD LOVES YOU AND HAS A WONDERFUL PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE.”

The THREAD…that you’ll hear in many witnessing encounters is this, “yea, I have sinned against God but I ask God for forgiveness.” When a person has been taught that “God is love,” to the exclusion of the rest of Scripture, they get a twisted idea of Who God is. That is what is happening to many church attendees – “seekers.” The message being heralded by many modern churches, nurtures an attitude that, “God has to forgive me – He’s all loving.”

Week after week, as we share the Gospel we hear this: “if god is as loving as what he’s supposed to be, then he will forgive me.” Oh Christian, do your best to teach the lost. They need to know the truth about who God is.

…when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power 10on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 (NIV)

I am so encouraged by something I heard from Pastors Tim & Steve at Grace SLO. You’ve got to listen to this conversation they recorded (also download the other resources). It’s is entitled, “Centrality of the Gospel.” As I’m listening to this today on the way home from work, I began to cry. They were tears of joy and thankfulness to God for faithful churches. There are stinkers out there but there are many faithful churches who desire Jesus Christ and Him glorified. Thank you Father! You are so good!

Check this out: http://mp3.graceslo.org/grow/life_together_conversations/conversations_new.htm

Posted by Ambassador at 5:51 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Monday, Jul 02, 2007

Bob & Justin

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Bob and Justin were enjoying the sunshine in Pismo on Sunday. Bob had a Catholic background and Justin had a Christian background – both were very receptive to the Gospel. Please pray that God would illumine their hearts and minds that they would obey the Gospel and receive forgiveness of sins.

Father, that your great Name would be praised for all of eternity, save Bob and Justin. Lord God, you alone are the Savior – there is no one else to rescue them. Hear my cry merciful God! Blot out the sins of Justin and Bob with the blood of Your perfect Son Jesus – remove the curse of the Law that they might worship You for who You are and what You have done. Receive glory, praise, and adoration from Your creation. Help Bob and Justin feel their guilt. Grant them to fear You Father, that they might turn from their sin and turn in faith towards Jesus Christ. AMEN

Posted by Ambassador at 5:30 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT