On The Box

My Philosophy For A Gospel-Centered Life

2012-02-21T10:40:00.000-08:00

My circumstances are God’s context for evangelism opportunities(Philippians 1:12-14).

Christ proclaimed is my joy (Philippians 1:15-18a).

Christ magnified in my life is my expectation and hope (Philippians 1:18b-21).

I will help others progress in the proclamation of the gospel (Philippians 1:22-26).

Living, proclaiming, defending and suffering for the gospel is my life’s work (Philippians 1:27-30).

Have You Left the Love You Had at First? (Audio)

2012-02-18T19:31:00.000-08:00

The following audio is of the sermon I preached this morning during the Calvary Chapel Downey's men's breakfast. If you are unable to use the above player, you can listen to and/or download the audio, here. A lower quality version (smaller file size) can be downloaded, here.

Have You Left the Love You Had at First?

2012-02-17T21:50:00.000-08:00

The following is the text for the sermon I will preach tomorrow at Calvary Chapel Downey. The occasion is the church's monthly men's breakfast. Lord willing, I will post the audio for the sermon later in the day, tomorrow.

Scripture Reading:

Revelation 2:1-7

Introduction:

This morning I have a very important question for each of you—a question that also serves as the title of this morning’s message. Have you left the love you had at first?

To help all of us answer that question we will first determine to what “first love” Jesus is referring. The answer is what (or who) you might think, and it is also what you might not think. Once we’ve identified our “first love,” we will look at Jesus’ commands in our passage—commands we must obey if we are ever to recapture that all-important “first love.” We will focus our attention this morning on Revelation 2:2-5.

But before we do, before we identify the “first love,” or more literally “the love you had at first,” and answer this morning’s important question, let’s spend a little time looking at the Church in Ephesus.

It’s important to consider this. Picture any modern-day city in the world—a city known for its decadence and depravity—cities like San Francisco, New Orleans, or Rio de Janeiro, and you have the City of Ephesus two thousand years ago. In addition to all of the various lusts of the flesh, the people of Ephesus were steeped in the worship of false gods. Ephesus was a center for the most illicit forms of idolatry you can imagine.

Sadly, some of the false teaching associated with the idolatry of the day was beginning to make its way into the Church at Ephesus, through a few false teachers. Paul sent Timothy to Ephesus, in part, to restore order to the church. It was a difficult time for the young and timid Timothy, hence Paul’s writing of the two letters we have in Scripture that are addressed to Timothy.

Commendations for the Church at Ephesus:

By the time of John’s writing of Revelation, some thirty to forty years after the writing of Paul’s letters to Timothy, the battle with false teachers, namely the Gnostics, still raged. Yet, in spite of the turmoil over teaching, Christ saw much that was good in the Church at Ephesus.

I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. – Revelation 2:2-3

Jesus Christ, the omniscient God of the Universe, knew everything there was to know about the Church at Ephesus—just as He knows all there is to know about every local assembly within His Body, the Church. Yes, God is watching. He knew there was much to commend about the Church at Ephesus and, as the loving Lord that He is, He chose to let the Church at Ephesus know, via his letter to the church, that their good works had not gone unnoticed by Him.

Jesus commended the church for the manner in which it toiled. The Greek word, here, is “kopos,” which literally means to engage in excessive labor of the type and intensity that produces grief and sorrow. The church did more than work hard in their ministry. They worked to the point of physical and emotional exhaustion.

Jesus commended the church for the way they patiently endured. The Church at Ephesus not only patiently endured the laborious task of ministry in a Christ-hating world, but they also endured the attack of the Enemy by way of false teaching outside the church, and the false teachers who, from inside and outside the church, tried to steer the church away from the truth of God’s Word.

Jesus commended the church for their integrity, in that the church refused to abide evil people and evil behavior. The Church at Ephesus set themselves apart as a holy congregation, struggling to remain unstained by the world. The American Church seems to be struggling a great deal, right now, in this area.

Sadly, more and more otherwise solid teachers and shepherds are setting aside wisdom and discernment when it comes to contemporary false teachers and their unbiblical doctrines. They are literally embracing false teachers as brothers in an unbiblical attempt to establish unity with whom the Lord would have us separate, for the sake of the purity of the Church. In doing so, otherwise good pastors and teachers are allowing evil doctrines such as modalism to have an open door to the true Body of Christ. It is like they are turning a pack of elephants loose on a daycare center.

Jesus commended the Church at Ephesus much the same way the apostle Paul commended the Bereans.

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble then those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. – Acts 17:10-11

According to Revelation 2:2, the Christians in Ephesus “tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.”

Sadly, there are those, today, who tout themselves as “apostles.” They claim to have new revelation from God that supersedes and contradicts His Word. They claim to be miracle workers, yet every hospital remains full. The miracles seem to be reserved only for those who pay top dollar to attend an event at an arena or stadium; or the miracles are reserved for those who give most generously to their “ministries.” They claim to be prophets who, it would appear, are not required to maintain the same level of accuracy as the God-ordained prophets of old.

Jesus commended the Ephesian believers for their testing of the false prophets. Jesus has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will no less commend His church today for testing, exposing, and confronting the false prophets of our age. And I believe the flipside is also true. Our Lord is not pleased when we do not do more to protect His Church by testing, exposing, and confronting today’s false prophets who are, in every sense of the word, blasphemers of our God.

Then, in verse three, we see that Jesus once again commends the Ephesians for their patient endurance and their toil (or grief-causing labor). Typically, in ancient Jewish writing, to repeat a word, phrase, or thought is to give that which is being repeated a great deal of emphasis. So, the Ephesians’ patient endurance and toil must have been extraordinary, at the time.

But this time, Jesus adds to the commendation that the Ephesians toiled and patiently endured “for [His] name’s sake.” I appreciate what John Gill, the great theologian of the 18th Century, wrote concerning this verse.

And for my name's sake hast laboured: which may refer either to enduring sufferings for Christ's name's sake, for his Gospel's sake, for righteousness sake, for the sake of the elect, and for the sake of the honour, glory, and interest of Christ; or to labouring in the ministry, not for filthy lucre sake, nor for party sake, but for the honour of Christ, and the good of souls; and there never was an interval in which this was more true.

I believe, based on my study of the passage, that Gill’s second suggested interpretation is likely the more accurate of the two. And I’ll explain why a little later. The Church at Ephesus was to be commended not only for the positive labors through which they endured much, but also that they entered into and maintained such labor for the honor, glory, and praise of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Yet, unfortunately, as is the case with a growing segment of the Body of Christ in America, something was missing—something important—something essential to the life, growth, and effectiveness of the Church at Ephesus.

The Ephesians Abandoned the Love They Had at First:

Jesus said the following, as written by the apostle John, in Revelation 2:4:

But I have this against you, that you abandoned the love you had at first. – Revelation 2:4

There is little debate as to what the “first love” to which Jesus is referring represents.

The fact that Jesus commended the Church at Ephesus for several godly characteristics indicates that the level of abandonment mentioned in verse four was not tantamount to apostasy. The church had not abandoned Christ altogether. Nonetheless, the rebuke is a harsh one.

What Jesus is describing, what we’re seeing in verse four, is that the believers in Ephesus had a love for Christ and a love for their Christian brethren that had and was continuing to diminish over time. The love the Ephesian believers were abandoning, the love the Ephesians were leaving behind was a love for the One who saved them from their sins and the ones with whom they enjoyed the most intimate spiritual fellowship—Jesus Christ and His Church.

And nothing has changed during the last two thousand years.

Like the American Church of today, the Church at Ephesus excelled at ministering in the name of Jesus Christ, but they found themselves too busy and weary to spend any time with or to enjoy wonderful fellowship with Jesus Christ. The Ephesian Christians were doing the right things, but they were doing them in such a way as to reveal to Christ a cold, repetitious obedience instead of a joyful, loving obedience. They became and were continuing to become redeemed creatures of habit.

I know that has been true more than once in my life.

Like growing portions of the American Church of today, the Church at Ephesus loved Jesus and loved His Church, but, over time, that love had grown cold. The Church at Ephesus, over time, replaced vibrant orthopraxy (the application of their faith), which was built upon solid biblical orthodoxy (the doctrines of their faith), with lifeless orthopraxy and orthodoxy. In other words, the Church at Ephesus was going through the right motions in the name of Jesus; but they were doing so without the zeal, the fire, the passion, and the love they once had as newborn babes in the faith—as those with the wide-eyed exuberance and joy of the Lord that so often marks the newly regenerated lives of those who are in Christ.

Their love was not gone. Their love had grown cold. Has yours?

For those of you, here, who are genuine followers of Jesus Christ—born-again children of the Most High God—I want to ask you a few important questions.

Why are you here this morning? Are you here because of your love for Christ and your love for your Christian brothers? Are you here because of your love for the unbeliever you may have brought with you this morning? Or are you simply here because this is what you do one Saturday morning each month. Are you here already thinking about the other things you have planned for the day?

How is your time in the Word of God? Are you reading it every day? Are you reading it occasionally? Are you reading it at all? Ray Comfort taught me an important lesson when he said, “No Bible, no breakfast. No read, no feed.”

If you are reading the Bible, why and how are you reading it? Are you reading it as if it were a classroom assignment or homework? Are you reading it simply because you know you should? After all, that’s what Christians do, right? They read their Bibles. Or do you read your Bible as one who is deeply in love with the Author and can not wait to share with others, believer and unbeliever alike, what God has taught you in His Word?

Are you involved in ministry of any kind? Usher? Children’s Sunday school teacher? Bible study leader? Administration? Outreach? Youth Ministry? Maintenance? Parking lot attendant? Security? Prayer ministry? Pastoral ministry?

Why? Why are you involved in ministry, today? Do you love serving the Lord and His Church as much as you once did?

Is your service an expression of your love for the Lord?

Is your service an act of worship unto the Lord?

Or has your service to the Lord become more of a vocation than a ministry?

If you are in full-time ministry, do you refer to coming to the church or office as “going to work?”

If you serve on a voluntary basis, do you now serve to justify your hobbies and interests that have nothing to do with Christ? Do you see your hobbies and interests as something you deserve, since you have given your time, talents, and resources to the church?

Speaking of church: why will you come to church, tomorrow? Before you answer the question in your mind, take a moment of pause. Before you quickly say, “to worship the Lord,” stop and think.

Will you fill a seat tomorrow morning because you want to express your love to the Lord and worship Him in spirit and in truth? Or will you come because that’s what you’ve grown accustomed to doing on Sunday morning?

How far into the pastor’s sermon will your mind begin to drift toward how you anticipate spending your Sunday afternoon—a well-deserved nap? A little “Linsanity” via the NBA? Watching the final round of this week’s PGA Tournament? The “honey-do” list?

My brothers in Christ, have you left the love you had at first? Has your love for Christ and His church grown cold, even a little? Have you become like the believers in first century Ephesus? Do you serve Christ well, but love Him less?

Be honest with yourselves. Be honest with your brothers in Christ who should be here this morning not just for themselves, but to edify you and hold you accountable, in love.

Have you left the love you had at first?

Jesus’ Three-Fold Command:

Having commended the Ephesian Church for its ongoing and tenacious work for Christ, and having chastised the same church for possessing a now-diminished love for Christ and His Church, Jesus gives the Ephesian Christians a three-fold command to right the wrong—to return to the level of love and devotion they had when Christ first saved them.

Look again at Jesus’ words in Revelation 2:5.

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

The three commands in this verse are “remember,” “repent,” and “do.”

Remember

Jesus’ first command is for the Ephesians, and for those today whose love for Christ has grown cold, is to “remember therefore from where you have fallen.” The verb in this command is in the present tense. In other words, Jesus is commanding the Ephesians to keep on remembering, or to never forget.

And what is it Jesus wants them to never forget? He never wants them to forget from where they had fallen.

The phrase “you have fallen” is in the perfect tense, which means the fall about which Jesus is referring began quite some time before the command was issued. This is an old problem.

Now, it’s important to keep in mind that the apostle Paul organized the Church at Ephesus during his third missionary journey. While no one knows with absolute certainty, most agree that Paul’s third missionary journey lasted about three years and took place during the early to mid-50’s A.D.

Paul was martyred in Rome sometime around 68 A.D.

The apostle John penned the “Book of Revelation” in or about 95-96 A.D. So, presuming these dates are accurate, and since Jesus said the Ephesian’s love for Christ and His church began to wane long before Jesus gave the letters to the seven churches in Revelation; then it is not unreasonable to conclude that the Ephesians had maybe 10 years (give or take) of healthy, intimate fellowship with Christ and His Church before their love began to grow cold.

I find this so very interesting because this seems to have held true for the last 2,000 years. So often I hear Christians who have been believers for a decade or more wax nostalgic of their adventures and devotion as young Christians. And they do so as if they’ve outgrown the childlike love and zeal that marked their walk with Christ during those early years of faith.

Jesus commanded the believers in Ephesus, as means of recapturing their love for Christ and His Church, to remember and remember often who they were in Christ so many years ago. The apostle Paul encouraged his son in the faith, Timothy, to do the same thing. Turn to 1 Timothy 6:11-12.

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things [sins]. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Timothy was somewhat timid and discouraged. Paul wrote the letter, in part, to boost Timothy’s morale and to correct his timidity. This first letter to Timothy was likely penned by Paul shortly after his release from his first imprisonment in Rome, which would put the time Timothy received the letter somewhere around 63 A.D.

By this time, the Church at Ephesus was already embroiled by conflicts with false teachers—inside and outside the church. These conflicts were of the type for which Jesus commended them in Revelation 2:4. And the timeframe of Paul’s first letter to Timothy, coupled with the struggles the church was then facing, gives even more credibility that the falling Jesus references in Revelation 2:5 could have begun within ten years of the church’s formation.

Paul encouraged Timothy, in 1 Timothy 6:12, to take hold, look back, remember, the day he was saved and his subsequent baptism in front of many witnesses.

It’s important we keep in mind that baptism two thousand years ago was not practiced the way it is, today. There was no waiting period. There was no class to take. There was no waiting to send out invitations and to plan a church barbeque to coincide with the baptism. There was no waiting until the Smith’s pool could be heated.

When you came to faith in Christ two thousand years ago you were, more often than not, baptized immediately as an outward and public profession of your repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. And two thousand years ago, as is the case in certain parts of the world, today (not America, mind you), it actually cost a person something to make a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ. In the first century, making a public profession of faith in Christ could cost you your friends, your family, your home, your job, and often times your life.

Paul encouraged Timothy (and us as well), in times of timidity and discouragement, to look back to the zeal with which he not only turned to Christ, but also courageously and unashamedly testified to the free gift of salvation the Lord gave him. Paul encouraged Timothy to look back to the love he had for and the love he publicly expressed about his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Paul exhorted Timothy to remember these things.

And again, it was the start of the fall from their fervent love for Jesus and His Church that our Lord wanted the Ephesian believers to remember often. And if there is anyone here this morning whose love for Christ and His Church has been diminished over time, God likewise commands you to remember from whence you came.

Repent

Jesus’ second command to the Ephesian Church was just one word—one very important word—repent.

The fact Jesus issued the command with just a word can be seen as Jesus issuing the command with a great deal of force and authority—tantamount to a police officer commanding a suspect to “freeze!”

The command to repent is in the aorist tense, which means it was a command to be obeyed once and for all times.

According to theologians Bratcher and Hatton, the word “repent” in Revelation 2:5 can be rendered “change your ways,” “turn from your sins,” “turn your back on sinning,” “change your attitude,” and/or “turn back to God.”

Repentance is not merely a change of mind. It is a complete turning of one’s actions and mind, and moving in the opposite direction. Repentance is not a 90-degree turn, with an eye on two different directions—where you have been and where you hope to go. Repentance is not a 360-degree turn, moving in the opposite direction only to return to where you once were. No, repentance is a 180-degree turn. As Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:11, repentance is a fleeing from sin and, instead, pursuing Jesus Christ and Christ-like character.

Failing to love Jesus and His Church the way He and His Church ought to be loved is a sin. God commands His people to repent of sin, of missing the mark, of falling short of His glory, of violating His holy standard—His Law. He commands His people to repent of thinking, saying, doing that, which is inconsistent with His character and His Word. He commands His people to stop disobeying His commands. And what are the two greatest commands of God?

And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?”

Jesus answered, “The most important is this, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall 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: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:28-31

If your love for the Lord and His Church has waned, Jesus commands you to remember from whence you came, from where you have fallen, and to repent of the sin of letting that special, essential love for Christ and His Church grow cold.

Do

The third command Jesus gives in Revelation 2:5 is to “do.” The fact that Jesus follows the command to “repent” with the command to “do” or perform shows that repentance is more than a change of mind. Genuine repentance always brings forth works or fruit in keeping with repentance. The forerunner of Christ, John the Baptist, says as much.

But when he [John] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of Vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” – Matthew 3:7-10

And James, the half-brother of our Lord who once denied Him only to later become a leader of the first church in Jerusalem, makes it clear to the believers dispersed throughout the known world that faith without works is dead.

For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. – James 2:26

Now, let’s be clear. The fruit we bring forth in keeping with repentance and the good works we do are not works that in any way lead to or earn salvation. The opposite is true.

Any good spiritual fruit and any works that bring honor and glory to Christ occur as a result of salvation. We can only do that which is pleasing to God because we are saved. For the Christian is saved by the grace of God alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. And the person, who is truly born-again, will bear good fruit and will do good works. The person who does not bear spiritual fruit and good works, or cares not if they do, should examine himself or herself to see if they are even in the faith (see 2 Corinthians 13:5).

And what is it that Jesus commands the Ephesians to do? He commands them to “do the works they did at first.”

The command to do what they did at first points back to the “first love” in verse four. But here’s where it gets really interesting. You see; the Ephesians’ loss of love was not only for the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church. Their loss of love for Christ and His Church extended beyond Christ and His Church. Their loss of love extended to a specific kind of work and a specific group of people.

Let’s look back for a moment at verse two. Jesus commended the Ephesians for their labor within the church to maintain the purity of the church and her doctrine, for their patient endurance, for their refusal to bear with evil and those who perpetrated evil, for the way they tested false teachers and exposed them, for the way they bore the brunt of persecution because of the name of Christ, and for the way they tenaciously didn’t quit. They did not grow weary in doing what was good. These things the Ephesians had done from the beginning and continued doing.

But there is something missing from the list of positive efforts. Sadly, it is yet another reason why the American Church, by and large, resembles the Church at Ephesus, of two thousand years ago.

G.K. Beale, in his commentary on Revelation, put it well when he wrote:

Although they were ever on guard to maintain the purity of the apostolic teaching, the Ephesian Christians were not diligent in witnessing to the same faith in the outside world . . . The idea is that they no longer expressed their former zealous love for Jesus by witnessing to Him in the world.

The Ephesian Church, like so many segments of the American Church, stopped evangelizing. Their love for Christ and their love for His Church had grown cold, which was evidenced by the sad reality that they no longer had a fervent love for reaching the lost outside the church, with the gospel of Jesus Christ. They had made the slow downward slide of violating the two greatest commandments. Their diminished love for God and their love for people were evidenced by their lack of desire to tell other people about the love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy made available through the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ—the God-Man.

Jesus gave no commendation to the Church at Ephesus for the winning of souls. He did not commend the church for its evangelistic efforts.

Maybe the following example will help drive the point home.

Earlier this week the odometer on my 2003 Toyota Corolla crossed the 200,000-mile mark. I’m the original owner. I’ve had the car, now, for almost ten years. The car runs well, but the paint is all scratched up. There’s a big dent in the right side of the front bumper. The rubber steering wheel is starting to deteriorate. The carpets are stained. And sometimes I climb into the car wishing I had something newer. The only time I talk about my car is when I have to spend money on it to repair it, or when complaining about my long drive to the office.

Go back in time with me to the spring of 2003 when I bought my Toyota Corolla. It was a beautiful economy car—bright red, spotless interior, purred like a kitten, everything in the car was tight. Had Facebook and Twitter been popular in 2003, I would have tweeted photos of my new car. I would have told the world how thankful I was to God for providing me with new and reliable transportation.

But, even without Facebook and Twitter, I still managed to boast about my new car. Friends, family, co-workers—they all heard about my new car. Not only did I show them the car, but I also shared with them why I thought a Toyota Corolla would be a good car for them.

Whereas I once talked often and with joy about my car, today I rarely if ever talk about my car, just hoping it gets me to and from the office, without costing me too much money.

Think about it, my friends. Think back to your very first car—whether a jalopy or brand-new. Did anyone have to pull your teeth to get you to talk about your car? Or, if you’re married, how about the day you proposed to your future spouse? Did anyone have to pull your teeth to get you to talk about the wedding to come? Or how about the birth of a child? Did anyone have to beg you to share pictures of the baby? Come on! Be honest with yourself and with Christ!

We do what we care about and we talk about that which we love. We cannot honestly say that we love Jesus and love reaching the lost with the gospel if we’re not doing anything about it. And to say otherwise is to argue in favor of hypocrisy, not evangelism.

Is this you, today? Has your love for Christ, love for His Church, and love for the lost who, apart from repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, will spend eternity in Hell colder than it once was? When was the last time you shared the gospel with someone and pressed the issue to the point of losing a friend because you were more concerned for the soul of the friend than the personal benefits you derive from the friendship?

Your actual love for Jesus and your actual love for His Church is measured, in part, by the time, effort, and love you put into reaching the lost with Christ’s love. If you truly love Jesus you will tell others about Him—not begrudgingly, not to put a notch on your spiritual belt, not to merely check a box on your list of spiritual things to do. No. You will tell others about Jesus because you love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. You will tell others about Jesus because you love people—not simply as much as you love yourself, but because you love people more than you love yourself.

The Ephesians were engaged in the faithful study and defense of the Word of God. They were willing to toil and persevere for the name and cause of Christ. There are many churches that could say the same thing, here, in the United States. Yet many of these same churches have left their first love. Many of these same churches are no longer doing that which they likely did during the early days of the life of the church. They now love Jesus and His Church less because they no longer speak outside the four walls of the church about Jesus.

And their love for His Church is likewise diminished because they no longer care as they once did for seeing the Body of Christ built up and sustained through the conversion of lost sinners into saved saints. The concern of too many churches, today, for filling the seats and the pews is not out of a love for Christ, His Church, and the lost. Rather the motivating factor for filling the seats and the pews is to keep the lights on and the salaries paid; or to keep up with the mega-church down the street.

Of course, this sad description does not apply to all churches in America. The remnant of the Lord’s Church is alive and well in America. The Bride of Christ remains beautiful and continues to prepare for the Bridegroom’s return. But whether churches number in the tens of thousands or merely in the tens, too many churches have allowed their love for Christ and His Church grow cold because of their failure and lack of desire to build the Church by reaching the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Too many churches, today, build with brick and mortar instead of with love for people and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Exhortation: Remember, Repent, and Do!

Beloved: as the Lord commanded the Church at Ephesus to remember, repent, and to do the works they did at first; so, too, do I command you—not by my own authority, but by the authority of the Word of God. If you have left your first love; if your love for Christ and His Church is not what it once was, then you must remember, repent, and do the works you did at the first.

As Paul exhorted Timothy, as Jesus commanded the Church in Ephesus, so do I exhort and challenge you—to look back to the early days of your walk with Christ. Can you remember? Can you remember the zeal you had for sharing your newfound faith in Christ with others? Can you remember the risks you were willing to take to share the gospel with the lost? Can you remember how little you cared about what others thought of you, because you were more concerned with where people will spend eternity?

If you cannot remember those days because it was so very long ago, then your love for Christ, His Church, and the lost might be much colder than you think.

If you cannot remember those days because they never happened, then with love in my heart I encourage you to examine yourself to see if you are even in the faith. You may not be saved. You may have never come to genuine repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Oh, you may have made a profession of faith, and you may now be a well-respected member in Club American Christianity, but you may be a false convert. You may still be lost and bound for Hell. Examine yourself.

For my Christian brethren gathered here: remember from where you have fallen! Get back to that place, for the love and glory of Christ! Get back to the place you once were—the place where nothing but the Lord calling you home could stop you from sharing the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ with those who need to hear it most. Get back to that place where your love for Christ and His Church found its greatest expression—evangelism.

As Paul exhorted Timothy to flee from sin, and as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ commanded the Ephesians to repent of their diminished love for Him; so, too, do I call you to repent—not by my authority, but by the authority of the Word of God.

Don’t simply change your mind about reaching the lost with the gospel. Thinking about it and then doing nothing about it is not repentance. Repent of your diminished love for Jesus and His Church by re-engaging in the God-ordained, God-glorifying work of evangelism.

That’s right. Do the works you did at first. Continue to study and defend the Word of God. Continue to labor hard for the glory of Christ. Continue to test every teacher and expose those who are false and blasphemers of Almighty God. Continue to bear up under the wait of every trial for the sake of the Name that is above every name. For “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). And may every effort be fueled and motivated by a renewed love for Jesus Christ and His Church!

But doing these noble works, as essential and God-glorifying as they are, will be rendered incomplete if you are not actively engaged in reaching the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Love Jesus, His Church, and the lost so much that the gates of Hell will not prevail against any of your efforts to herald the gospel!

A Warning:

We will close with this. In the second half of verse five, we read: “If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”

Again, nowhere in this passage does Jesus talk about the Ephesians losing their salvation if they do not obey these commands. In fact, Jesus affirmed the genuineness and assurance of their faith in verse two by commending them. Had the Ephesian believers been apostate, false converts he never would have commended them for anything.

Remember, this passage is Revelation 2 is not about gaining or keeping salvation.

However, Jesus does make it very clear that there will be serious consequences if they do not repent. He would remove their lampstand. In other words, if the Church at Ephesus did not obey Jesus’ commands to remember, repent, and do the work they did at first, they would cease to be a light in the world, for the glory of Christ. He would remove the church from the churches that faithfully represent Christ in the world. They would continue on in dead orthodoxy until the church, as an organized body of believers, would fade out of existence. Sadly, that’s exactly what happened to the Church at Ephesus.

And just as sadly, this is happening to churches around America. They are fading from existence because they have allowed their love for Christ and His body to diminish, which resulted in a diminished love for the lost. As their love for Christ has grown cold, so has their love for His gospel. And as their love for the gospel has grown cold, so has their love for bringing His gospel to a lost and dying world. Many American churches, today, have either had their lampstand removed, or soon will.

My brethren, don’t let it happen here. May the lampstand of Christ be firmly rooted here, and may the light of Christ shine bright as His church, here, in this community fulfills the two greatest commandments, by fulfilling the Great Commission.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20

My beloved brethren: remember, repent, and do the work.

Remember how hot your love for Christ and His Church burned during the early days of your faith in Christ. And remember with what love for Christ and zeal for His Church you shared the gospel with the lost.

Repent. Repent of a love grown cold. Repent of failing to love the lost—whether friend, neighbor, co-worker, family member, or stranger on the street. Repent of not glorifying Christ in your life by allowing your gospel light to be hidden under a basket. Repent of not loving the lost enough to be willing to lay down your very life so that others might be saved.

And do the work. Proclaim the gospel. As Jesus exhorted His apostles, so I exhort you.

So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Hell. – Matthew 10:26-28

May the words of Christ in Revelation 2:2-5 continually sound in your heart and mind until you obey. And may they continue to sound in your heart and mind, once you have obeyed, serving as a constant reminder of what Christ commands of you. Remember! Repent! Do the work!

Does the Bible Tell Us Enough?

2012-02-11T21:03:00.000-08:00

Pictured, here, is Matt Johnston. Matt is from Australia and is a second-year student at The Master's Seminary (TMS). Matt and I have communicated via Twitter and Facebook, but today was the first time we met in person. It was a blessing to spend the afternoon getting to know another open-air preacher and to hit the streets with him. Matt joined me and the rest of the Third Street Herald team on Third Street Promenade, in Santa Monica.

Crowds were good, today. We were able to get several people throughout the afternoon to engage us in conversation, as we preached the gospel in the open-air.

As I preached for the first time, I noticed a man listening intently. When I finished, Matt began to preach. The man continued to listen. In fact, when Matt finished preaching and continued to engage a group of young teens in conversation, the man moved closer so he could hear what Matt was telling the youngsters.

A few minutes later, the man walked up to me and asked if he could talk to me. What followed was a wonderful, thirty-minute conversation with a man who was concerned about the state of his soul, wanting to know what he must do to be saved. By the end of the conversation, the man asked me where I went to church and, if he follows through, I expect to see him in church in the morning.

Early in the conversation, it became obvious to me that the very polite, respectful, and sincere man was not saved. He denied the deity of Christ, for one. He didn't do so in an antagonistic way. He did so as someone who lacked knowledge about the Messiah.

As our conversation turned to the Bible, the man raised an objection about the completeness of God's Word. When I referenced something Jesus said, as cited in Scripture, the man said, "Yeah, but the Bible doesn't have everything Jesus said. He could have said a lot of other things--things that are not in the Bible."

"It's true that the Bible doesn't contain every word Jesus spoke. He lived for thirty-three years and the Bible focuses on the last three years of his life. But the Bible tells us everything we need to know about who God is and what He expects of us." I said "Let me explain it this way.

"Jim (not his real name). I'm forty-eight years old. What if you were walking toward a 500-foot cliff and didn't know it. I see you and I know you are walking toward the cliff. I yell to you, 'Jim! Turn around! You're about to fall to your death!'

"Jim. Would it matter to you that you didn't know everything I ever said, over the last forty-eight years? Or would it be enough to know that what I told you about the cliff was true?"

"I see your point." He said.

"You see, by warning you about the cliff and telling you to turn around, I told you everything you needed to know to avoid death as a result of falling off the cliff." I said. "The same is true with the Bible. While the Bible doesn't tell us everything about Jesus or every word Jesus spoke in His life, the Bible tells us what we need to know to receive forgiveness for our sins against God and how we might enjoy eternal life with Jesus Christ, in Heaven."

The above analogy came to mind as I talked to Jim. I had never used it before this afternoon. While the analogy was by no means new revelation, I was very encouraged that the Holy Spirit allowed me to share the analogy with Jim.

I chose to share it in this blog post hoping it would be an encouragement to you, my Christian brethren who share the gospel with the lost, and that you might find it useful the next time someone presents the argument that the Bible doesn't contain all the words Jesus spoke during His lifetime.

Please pray for Jim (again, not his real name). Pray he does come to my church tomorrow morning. More importantly, pray he comes to genuine repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Oh. And yes, the Bible tells us enough.

An Honest Atheist

2012-02-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

Sergio is an honest atheist. He, unlike so many atheists, willingly admits to why he doesn't believe in the existence of God. He doesn't want anyone telling him what to do. While most atheists will hide behind the smoke screen of secular humanism, naturalism, or intellectualism there are those like Sergio who will not shy away from the heart of the matter, which is the matter of the heart.

Sergio doesn't want God telling him what to do because Sergio is an idolater. Sergio worships himself. He wants to be the god of his existence. In doing so, he, like other atheists, validates the truth of God's Word. Sergio loves his sin. Sergio is suppressing the truth of the existence of God and the reality of sin, judgment, and Hell. He is suppressing these truths by his unrighteousness (Romans 1:18).

Super Bowl Outreach Video Montage

2012-02-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

I can't stop thinking about and praising God for what He did at the Super Bowl Outreach. It was a magnificent weekend of fellowship and gospel proclamation.

UCLA Student Explodes

2012-02-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

Sadly, Clarence is an example of a young man who grew up in the church as the son of a pastor--a young man who may have heard the gospel his entire life, but (if his behavior in the video is any indication) has never come to genuine repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There are so many young men and women like Clarence on college campuses around the United States. They are the byproduct of modern evangelism messages and methods that lack the truth and power of the authentic gospel of Jesus Christ.

Instead of churches looking inward to assess why so many people of Clarence's generation go to secular colleges and "walk away from the faith," churches blame the schools for luring Clarence's generation away from the church and Christ. The problem is not that young people are going to secular colleges and losing their faith. The problem is that young people are going to secular colleges having never truly repented and trusted in Jesus Christ for their salvation. Then, once they are exposed to the secular humanism taught on campuses of "higher learning," they sadly grow more comfortable in their sin and unbelief.

I will never forget my encounter with Clarence and how it motivated me to spend as much time as I can proclaiming the gospel on college campuses.

If you are not already aware, I would like to introduce you to the best college evangelistic ministry in the world--Change Collegian Network (CCN). If your heart is burdened as mine is for reaching lost souls on college campuses, please visit the CCN website and see how you might get involved with the organization.

Six Objections to and Misconceptions about 'The Way of the Master' (Part 6)

2012-02-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

Objection #6 -- Living Waters (WOTM) is just stuck in the Law and don't understand the teaching of Grace.

Objection #6 is an example of the logical fallacy known as the "Straw-Man Argument." According to Dr. Jason Lisle, with Answers in Genesis, "The straw-man fallacy is when a person misrepresents his opponent’s position and then proceeds to refute that misrepresentation."

Here, in Objection #6, the misrepresentation is that Living Waters focuses too heavily on the Law (Ten Commandments). Having set up the straw man, the objector then proceeds to knock it down by errantly concluding that those who serve in the ministry or subscribe to the principles taught by the ministry therefore do not understand the beautiful doctrine of God's amazing grace.

I find that those who are most offended by the use of the Law in evangelism are those who have never looked at themselves in the mirror of God's Law.

Now, we must be careful, here. We must be careful not to assume that all who bristle at the use of the Law in evangelism are, therefore, false converts. I believe there are genuine followers of Jesus Christ who--although the Lord brought them to the recognition of their sinfulness before a holy, righteous, and just God and their violation of His Law--because they have been poorly taught, have been led to believe that the same Law that convicted them should not be shared with others. I can make such an observation because I was once such a Christian; and so was just about every other Christian I know who now uses the Law in evangelism.

However, with the above qualifying statement in mind, I also believe that many professing Christians who bristle at the use of the Law in evangelism are false converts. They bristle because they've yet to be brought to true repentance, because no one has ever explained to them the sinfulness of their sin. Oh, they have no problem referring to themselves as "sinners." Sadly, we can thank modern evangelicalism for this. We can thank modern evangelicalism for making sin against God a small thing in the minds of unregenerate people.

How is this done? This is accomplished by pastors, teachers, and evangelists who try to take the edge off of God's just and holy wrath, who try to take the bite out God's righteous judgment, by telling the unsaved that God wants people "just the way they are;" by saying things like, "hey, we're all in the same boat--we're all sinners;" and by not making any mention of judgment, punishment, and Hell so as not to offend the sensitivities of listeners who already hate God.

I understand that there are "evangelists" (and I shudder to even use the term with people like this) out there who are truly "stuck in the Law." They are pharisees--unloving legalists who prop themselves up, by tearing other people down, by using the Law of God as a hammer instead of a mirror. But the objector who sees any use of the Law in evangelism as being "stuck in the Law" are, themselves, the one who is "stuck in the Law." And they are likely "stuck in the Law" because they have yet to come to terms with their own sinfulness before God Almighty. They see themselves as a good person--one who is worthy of God's forgiveness, mercy, and grace. It is this kind of objector who doesn't understand grace. They cannot understand grace because they've tainted and cheapened God's grace with their own self-righteousness.

No, the Christian who employs God's Law in evangelism in a loving and biblical way is probably more intimately aware of God's grace than most other Christians--certainly more aware than the false convert. For it was and is the Law of God that brings the Christian to his or her knees, leaving him or her with only one response--to look up from their lowly position--to look up and gaze upon the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. As they gaze upward, they see their crucified Savior shedding His innocent blood to make propitiation for their sins. They also see an empty cross--a cross where the most loving and sacrificial of all work was finished. The cross could not defeat Him and the grave could not hold Him. For He defeated sin and death by the power and majesty of His glorious resurrection.

And it is the Law of God that brings the unregenerate sinner to the understanding that it is a broken and contrite heart that God will not despise. It is the Law of God that God Himself uses to break the lost sinner's heart of stone so He can replace it, by His grace, with a new and Spirit-filled heart of flesh.

If you are reading this and you find your heart hardened toward the use of the Law in evangelism, it just may be that your heart is still made of stone. It may be that you have yet to receive a heart of flesh promised to those redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb. If this is the case, please repent. Repent and truly receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

To those who hold to one or more of the objections addressed in this series, please set these objections aside and join those engaged in biblical evangelism in the most loving work any Christian can do. Bring the Law to the proud and Grace to the humble, with love in your heart, love in your eyes, and love in your voice.

Perspective Regarding Persecution

2012-02-06T14:24:00.000-08:00

Persecute - to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; specifically : to cause to suffer because of belief.

The above video is comprised of clips from a much longer open-air. The location: the southwest corner of Meridian Street and Washington Street, in downtown Indianapolis, IN. The date: Saturday, February 4, 2012. The occasion: the Super Bowl Outreach, for Super Bowl XLVI.

I was blessed to participate in this year's Super Bowl Outreach, organized by Sports Fan Outreach International, which is very well-led by Bill Adams. Eddie Roman and Brad Snow, from Living Waters, joined me on the trip. I was further blessed to be given the opportunity to speak to the 110 evangelists who had gathered for the outreach.

Eddie, Brad, and I spent a total of twenty-two hours on the streets of downtown Indianapolis distributing tracts, engaging people in conversation, and heralding the gospel in the open-air with some of the most faithful evangelists in North America.

Saturday night was wild. Drunkenness and other forms of depravity were rampant in the massive crowd. And the later it got in the evening, the more depraved the behavior of the people became. Some of what we saw and heard would be inappropriate to post, here. And the idolatry. The worship of man and matter was palpable among the fanatic throng. The intensity of the situation in which we found ourselves preaching is evidenced in the video by my brothers standing in front of me to provide a human shield from the crowd.

At one point in the video, you will see me turn to look behind me, call out to a person, and cite Matthew 10:28. I had just been hit in the back of the head with a small rock or dirt clod. Shortly thereafter, I am stuck in the face with a large, wrapped burrito.

I was dazed for a moment (it's not every day one gets hit in the face with a burrito while preaching). Once I regained my balance and realized I wasn't injured, I continued preaching. My first thoughts when I finished preaching were of the persecuted church around the world and, sadly, the lethargy and apathy of far-too-many segments of the American church.

While I was harassed and physically assaulted for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, I struggle to call what I experienced that night "persecution"--especially when I am aware of brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who have and will suffer so much more than I did on a cold, rainy night in Indianapolis.

Some will make much of the above video, while others will mock. I will watch the video and remember Christians who have been truly persecuted for their faith--martyrs like Pastor Manuel in Colombia, who was murdered by FARC guerrillas. I will watch it and remember martyrs like Graham Staines and his two young sons who were burned alive in their car as they slept, by a Hindu mob. And I will remember the untold number of former Muslims around the world--people like Ugandan Hassan Muwanguzi--who face real persecution every day of their lives for daring to convert from the false religion of Islam to genuine faith in Jesus Christ.

My hope is that Christians will watch the video and not be entertained. I hope Christians will watch the video and not think of me. I hope Christians will watch the video and think of their brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who are suffering and dying for refusing to deny Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. And I hope Christians will watch the video and ask themselves: "What am I doing to further the gospel of Jesus Christ? Am I really willing to suffer for His name? Would I lay down my comfort, my reputation, even my life for the cause of Christ?"

What happened to me the other night does not make me worthy to be counted among the likes of the people mentioned above. But it did give me more perspective regarding persecution. And for that I am thankful to my Lord. SDG!

Review of the Waterproof Bible

2012-02-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

The following review is the opinion of Tony Miano and does not necessarily reflect the views of Living Waters. Tony's review should not be seen as an endorsement of this product, by Living Waters.

For Father's Day 2011, I received the gift from my wife of an ESV Waterproof Bible (produced by Bardin Marsee Publishing).

Since June of 2011, I've used my Waterproof Bible as my primary Bible for open-air preaching. I have hesitated to write a review of this Bible because the weather in Southern California is beautiful just about year-round. There hasn't been enough adverse weather conditions by which to give the Bible a thorough test.

That is...until last weekend.

In the above picture, I am standing atop a box and open-air preaching on the southwest corner of Meridian Street and E. Washington Street, in downtown Indianapolis, IN. In my hand is my Waterproof Bible. The occasion was the Super Bowl Outreach, for Super Bowl XLVI.

While we had beautiful weather on Friday and Sunday, Saturday was another story. The temperature dropped to about 42 degrees, with the wind chill bringing the temperature below 40. While this may be a balmy winter day for most who live in the Midwest, for a Californian it was just plain cold. Add to the cold a steady misting rain and, well, you get the picture.

Before I share how my Waterproof Bible held up in these cold and rainy conditions, let me give you some specs for the Bible.

Specs

754 pages
5 7/8" x 8 3/4"
8 pt font
Material: 100% Waterproof Synthetic Paper and Binding
Weight: 2 lb. 9 oz. (with waterproof cover)

Durability

The synthetic paper used in the Waterproof Bible makes the pages tear-resistant. Bibles take a pounding when used for street evangelism and open-air preaching. My Waterproof Bible has shown very little wear after months of frequent outdoor use.

The only damage thus far to my Waterproof Bible is a pulled and slightly separated seam stitch between pages 710 and 711. This likely occurred when I dropped the Bible from about 5', with it landing open-faced, on a wet concrete sidewalk.

In addition to being waterproof and tear-resistant, the pages of the Waterproof Bible are designed to hold ink from note taking, without smudging or smearing when the pages get wet.

I use fine-tip Sharpie pens (multiple colors) in my Waterproof Bible. The ink, when dry, will smudge if you wipe it with considerable pressure with your fingers (you have to work at it). And if you have suntan lotion or other similar substance on your hands, you can damage the pages. But regular, normal handling of the Bible does not seem to cause any smudging or smearing of either the Bible text or the additional hand-written notes.

As previously mentioned, Saturday was a cold day with a steady, light rain. The Bible was exposed to the elements for most of the nine hours I was on the streets, and it was used by a few different people on my team.

After letting my Waterproof Bible dry for about six hours, I went through the Bible to check on the condition of my hand-written notes. With the exception of a little smudging on the very last blank page of the Bible (and this just on a couple of lines of text), my hand-written notes were in tact.

Six hours was not quite enough time for my Waterproof Bible to completely dry. However, as I found wet pages within the Bible, all I had to do was gently dry them off with a cloth. In doing so, I was able to wipe the cloth over some of my hand-written notes without smearing or smudging the notes.

All-in-all, I would say the Waterproof Bible has lived up to my expectations regarding durability.

Convenience and Portability

At 2 lbs. 9 oz. (with waterproof cover), the Waterproof Bible is a bit heavy for street evangelism and open-air preaching. Obviously, the type of material used to make the pages is what adds to the Bible's weight. While less than three pounds may not seem like a lot of weight, your arms may get tired after holding it for 30-45 minutes during an open-air; or carrying it in a backpack for several hours on the streets.

However, what one loses in portability one quickly makes up in the Waterproof Bible's other positive features.

The pages of the Waterproof Bible are very bright, which makes the Bible easy to read in low-light conditions. Even though the pages are shiny due to the material of which they are made, the pages do not produce any unreasonable glare in direct sunlight.

The 8-point font size is large enough to allow for the reading of lengthy passages of Scripture in virtually any lighting situation.

Price/Value

Currently, the Waterproof Bible is priced at $39.95; and the Waterproof Bible Jacket is currently priced at $19.95. At approximately $60.00 for the Bible and cover, it may be a bit outside the budget of some. But I believe the Waterproof Bible and cover is a good value, especially for those who are on the streets sharing and preaching the gospel.

Conclusion

The Waterproof Bible lives up to its name and the assertions of the manufacturer/publisher. It is durable enough to withstand the rigors of street ministry. It is reasonably priced for what the buyer receives. I'm not only well-pleased with my Waterproof Bible, but I recommend it to any brother or sister in Christ who hits the streets to herald the gospel, regardless of the weather.

Six Objections to and Misconceptions about 'The Way of the Master' (Part 5)

2012-02-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

Objection #5 - Living Waters (WOTM) is anti (against) Pentecostal churches

While the specific objection regarding Pentecostal churches is not all that common, it does speak to a more common category of objections.

First, Living Waters (WOTM) is not anti-Pentecostal. As I thought about this objection, two people immediately came to mind who are part of the Living Waters family/staff. They attend a Pentecostal church. And they are dearly loved by all in the ministry.

I don't think more needs to be said regarding the Pentecostal issue; but I would like to take some time to address the category of objection in which the Pentecostal issue falls. For the purpose of this article, I will call the category "Doctrinal Determinism."

"Doctrinal Determinism" is the practice of determining particular doctrinal positions of Living Waters (or other ministries and churches), without Living Waters ever taking an official position on those particular issues. There are certain theological issues about which Living Waters will likely never take an official, public position. And any official doctrinal positions taken by the ministry are determined by leaders in the ministry who are above my pay grade.

Silence by Living Waters regarding various theological or philosophical issues should not be seen as a position in favor or against those various theological or philosophical issues. And all members of the Living Waters staff are free to believe, study, worship, and fellowship according to their personal convictions and preferences, without compromising their deeply held spiritual beliefs, so long as those beliefs, convictions, and preferences are consistent with the ministry's Statement of Faith.

Aside from the easy-to-answer Pentecostal question, I will not discuss the doctrinal positions of Living Waters, in this post. If you want to know what Living Waters believes, as a ministry, please read the ministry's Statement of Faith.

There is yet more to gain by addressing the "anti-Pentecostal" objection; and that's helping Christians make the distinction between "non" and "anti" positions. "Non" means "not;" and "anti" means "against." It is possible for a Christian not to hold a particular doctrinal, philosophical, or methodological position without necessarily being against that doctrinal, philosophical, or methodological position.

Here are a few examples I hope are helpful.

A Christian can be non-Charismatic without being anti-Charismatic. Personally, I do not hold to a Charismatic position regarding the more extraordinary spiritual gifts (tongues, healing, prophecy, etc). But I have nothing against my brothers and sisters in Christ who disagree with my theological position on the subject. I can (and do) enjoy wonderful fellowship and ministry with brothers and sisters in Christ who would label themselves as "Charismatic."

A Christian can be a non-Calvinist without being anti-Calvinist in their doctrinal positions; just as a Christian can be a non-Arminian without being anti-Arminian.

A Christian can be a member of a ~~non~~-denominational church without being anti-denomination.

Unfortunately, there will likely always be those within the Body of Christ who will try to determine what another Christian, or church, or ministry believes based on what they don't talk about instead of making the determination based on what they have actually said on any given issue.

Six Common Objections To and Misconceptions About The Way of the Master' and Biblical Evangelism (Part 4)

2012-02-01T17:38:00.000-08:00

Objection #4 - Living Waters (WOTM) says that this is THE ONLY way to preach the gospel.

To my knowledge, neither Ray Comfort nor anyone on staff at Living Waters has ever made such a ridiculous statement. Even so, it's amazing how often this objection is levied against the ministry.

More amazing still is how often I have personally heard this objection from people who don't share the gospel or from people who follow a model of "friendship evangelism," which all-too-often is neither friendship nor evangelism.

The reason for the above statement regarding "friendship evangelism" is this. As it is most often practiced, "friendship evangelism" rarely results in the unsaved friend hearing the gospel. The Christian invests a great deal of time and energy developing a relationship with a lost person; but if/when the opportunity to share the gospel presents itself, the Christian often balks. Sadly, the reason is often that the Christian doesn't want to do or say anything that would jeopardize the friendship he or she worked so hard to cultivate. So, in the end, maintaining the friendship with the unsaved person becomes more important than the state of the soul of the unsaved friend.

I, for one, don't believe that standing on a box and loudly heralding the gospel is the only way to evangelize the lost. I also don't believe that every witnessing encounter must include the "Good Person Test." Nor do I believe every Christian must distribute gospel tracts. I believe the Law and the Gospel must be faithfully and biblically proclaimed no matter what particular methodology the Christian chooses to employ.

I think those who levy Objection #4 do so, in part, because they confuse methodology with theology. They confuse practice with doctrine. While theology does and should influence our methodology, and while doctrine most certainly should influence our practices, there are distinctions to be made between theology and doctrine, and methodology and practice.

Saying evangelism should be done "the way of the Master"--the way the Master did it--is to say that evangelism should always be done biblically--not "Ray's way" or "Tony's way;" but the way see evangelism happen throughout the Scriptures. While methods can vary, Christians should not stray from biblical evangelism principles in order to accommodate unbiblical evangelistic methodology.

At Living Waters (WOTM), while we do employ methods to communicate truth, the emphasis of the ministry's teaching is biblical principles not human methods.

The gospel is a communicated message (Romans 10:14-17), in either verbal or written form. Evangelism must include the verbal or written proclamation of the gospel or it is not evangelism. Without the proclamation of the gospel, the activity may be an act of service, but it is not evangelism.

Should Christians feed the hungry, clothe the poor, shelter the cold, and treat the sick? Of course. These activities are, by definition, "loving thy neighbor." But if you put food in a person's stomach, clothes on their back, a roof over their head, and medication in their body; but you do so without also proclaiming the gospel to that person; then, if they die after the Christian has served them, the Christian is merely making the unsaved person's journey to Hell more comfortable.

Should the Christian serve and help people? Yes. And that service and help should always be a means by which opportunity is created for the proclamation of the gospel.

So, in conclusion, there is only one way to proclaim the gospel. Biblically. My Christian brethren, if you are doing that, if you are proclaiming the Law and the Gospel biblically, I have very little concern for your preferred methodology--so long as that methodology enhances and does not detract from the proclamation of the Law and the Gospel.

The Laws of Logic and the Glory of God

2012-02-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

Laws of Logic

1. Identity – Something is what it is.
2. Non-Contradiction – Something cannot be itself and not be itself at the same time, in the same way, and in the same sense.
3. Excluded Middle – A statement is either true or false.

Characteristics

1. Immaterial – You can’t go to the fridge and pull out a pound of logic.
a. God is spirit – “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

2. Absolute – Not limited by restriction or conditions; independent; perfect in quality of nature; complete
a. God is perfect – “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he” (Deuteronomy 32:4). And “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him” (2 Samuel 22:31).

3. Universal – Related to, extended to, or affecting everyone, everywhere.
a. God is omnipresent - Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me” (Psalm 139:7-10).

4. Eternal – Being without beginning or end; existing outside of time.
a. God is eternal – “For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isaiah 57:15).

5. Unchanging – Remain the same; constant.
a. God is immutable – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17).

6. Impartial – Unbiased or unprejudiced.
a. God is impartial – “For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe” (Deuteronomy 10:17).

7. Transcendent – preeminent; surpassing in degree or excellence; supreme.
a. God is sovereign - I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:13-16).

Six Objections to and Misconceptions about 'The Way of the Master' (Part 3)

2012-02-01T09:41:00.000-08:00

Objection #3 - It makes YOU look like a fanatic.

So.

If you are not engaging in biblical evangelism because you are concerned about how you look in the eyes of people, saved or unsaved, please repent of your self-love.

This is one of those common objections that doesn't merit a significant amount of time.

Six Objections to and Misconceptions about 'The Way of the Master' (Part 2)

2012-01-31T07:55:00.000-08:00

Objection #2 - It scares people off.

I can understand this objection/misconception in light of some of the "bad" open-air preaching taking place on streets around the world these days. There are some "preachers" on the streets who live for confrontation. They rarely get to the gospel during their preaching because they spend the bulk of their time inciting people with uncharitable rhetoric and, once they've raised the hackles of their listeners, they spend the rest of their time defending themselves instead of contending for the faith.

Those described above are often referred to as the "hellfire" preachers. An unbiblical "hellfire" preacher is not one who simply talks about sin, judgment, and Hell in a biblical and loving way. An unbiblical "hellfire" preacher is one who uses the threat of Hell and judgment to justify self-righteous, mean-spirited talk and condescension toward their audience. There is little or no grace in their tone of voice or rhetoric. And again, they rarely get to the cross of Christ and the beauty of His sacrifice in their preaching. Sadly, there are times when "hellfire" preachers do little more than call people names, under the auspices of confronting them about their sin, and command people to repent.

With the above in mind, I can understand why some might conclude that all open-air preaching "scares people off."

But let's not forget that there is a biblical model for what is commonly referred to as "hellfire" preaching. I can say without equivocation that I know several biblical "hellfire" preachers--one in particular. His name is Jesus Christ. Jesus said:

"But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire" (Matthew 5:22).

"If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell." (Matthew 5:29-30).

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28).

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves" (Matthew 23:15).

"You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell" (Matthew 23:33)?

To characterize all open-air preaching as being the same as what can be deemed unbliblical "hellfire" preaching would be a mistake. And to lump any mention of Hell in either open-air preaching or during one-to-one conversations into the category of unbiblical "hellfire" preaching, is to lump Jesus into the same category; for Jesus talked more about Hell than anyone else in Scripture.

There is also a misconception held by those who raise this particular objection. It is the misconception that confronting people regarding sin and bringing them to the stark reality of the consequences of sin (namely eternity in hell) is somehow going to scare people away from coming to faith in Jesus Christ.

Before a person will come to an understanding of their need for salvation, they must first come to terms with why they need to be saved (they've sinned against a holy, righteous and just God) and from Whom they need to be saved (that same holy, righteous, and just God). Talking about the Law of God, sin, judgment, and Hell--whether during open-air preaching or one-to-one conversations--won't scare a person away from Christ; certainly not the humble sinner who recognizes his or her need for the Savior. No, if the Holy Spirit is working on the person's heart, hearing about sin, judgment, and Hell will rightly prepare the sinner's heart to hear about the grace, mercy, kindness, and love of God.

Frankly, such a point of view, as expressed in Objection #2, is a sad minimization of the power and sovereignty of God. Salvation is of the Lord. There is nothing finite, sinful man can do to thwart the plans of God. This does not give Christians license to run amok, intent on offending people for the sake of being offensive. But the gospel is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). God can, does, and will use the proclamation of His gospel to draw sinners to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whether or not that gospel is, at times, marred by the sinful behavior of the one proclaiming the gospel.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is more powerful to draw sinners to Christ than sinful man is in repelling sinners away from Christ.

When confronted by a Christian with this objection, I will gently ask, "How do you think I should proclaim the gospel?" The all-too-common response is a wide-eyed stare and silence. Such a response often comes from the sudden realization that while they criticize me for the manner in which I proclaim the gospel, they are doing nothing to proclaim the gospel. It's as if the person leveling the objection is trying to justify their failure to share the gospel by criticizing how I share the gospel.

At the moment, I can't remember who said the following; but I agree with the sentiment. To the Christian who objects to biblical evangelism while, at the same time, not personally evangelizing the lost: "I would rather do what I'm doing than what you're not doing."

But I won't close this installment with a swipe at my Christian brethren who find biblical evangelism too confrontational and scary. Instead, I would like to leave them with this exhortation. Please be more concerned about where the lost will spend eternity than what the lost will think about you if you lovingly confront them about their sin. And trust more in the sovereignty of God and the power of His Gospel to save than in the perception of man's ability to scare others away from Christ.

Six Objections to and Misconceptions about 'The Way of the Master' (Part 1)

2012-01-30T12:55:00.001-08:00

A gentleman named David, from Victoria, Australia, recently emailed Living Waters. His email was long, but well-worth the time it took to read. I learned that David and I share a background in law enforcement.

For the purpose of brevity (not one of my strong suits), I will only share David's questions and then try to answer each one as best I can. I will also address each objection/misconception in individual blog posts.

My exact questions:

How do I answer my minister;
How do I answer my church friends;
How do I answer the people I contact with this message(the good test);
-----When they say:

1. This is too confrontational
2. It scares people off
3. It makes YOU look like a fanatic
4. Living Waters (WOTM) says that this is THE ONLY way to preach the great commission.
5. Living Waters (WOTM) is anti pentecostal churches
6. Living Waters (WOTM) is just stuck in the Law and don't understand the teaching of Grace.

First, I would like to address how David or any other Christian faced with these objections should answer pastors, other Christians, or unbelievers. The answer is simple, really. Answer each person with kindness, respect, and love. Oh, it will be tempting at times to answer sarcastically, since objections such as these are often (but not always) presented sarcastically and self-righteously. But it is important that the adherent to biblical evangelism does not respond in kind. Don't let your frustration get the better of you and lead you down the well-worn path of sinful talk and behavior.

Take it from someone who has blown it more times than he can count. Sarcasm born out of frustration regarding these issues does not make one's case stronger; nor does it endear one to your opponent. It often has the opposite affect, especially upon one who already carries the presupposition that biblical evangelism and those who practice it are "judgmental."

Objection #1 - This is too confrontational.

I highly recommend Jon Speed's book, Evangelism in the New Testament. Jon does an excellent job giving a very concise treatment of this common objection, by showing that the vast majority of Jesus' and the apostles' evangelism encounters were, by definition, confrontational.

This notion that biblical evangelism (presenting the Law of God to the proud and the grace of God to the humble; using the Law of God lawfully, as God intended--as a mirror to show the unrepentant sinner how they appear before a holy and just God; and then presenting Jesus Christ and Him crucified as the propitiation for those who God has caused to be born again, resulting in their repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ) is too confrontational, is a position and mindset held by some as a result of a fear of man.

If the evangelism employed and taught by Living Waters (Way of the Master) is consistent with the evangelism principles taught and/or described in Scripture, the the use of the adverb "too" with the word "confrontational" is inappropriate. While it may be confrontational, if it is biblical it cannot be "too" confrontational. Therefore, those who hold that the application of the biblical use of the Law prior to the biblical proclamation of the Gospel is too confrontational should better qualify such a position and statement this way: "It is too confrontational for me."

Many people, Christians included, are uncomfortable with confrontation. This is not to say that those engaged in biblical evangelism should seek confrontation when confrontation is not necessary for the furtherance of the Gospel. Confrontation for confrontation's sake is not evangelism. It's a fight. However, one's personal discomfort with confrontation does not in any way invalidate confrontation, when approached and engaged biblically, as a means of helping a person to understand their sinfulness and their need for the Savior.

What is unbiblical is the avoidance of confrontation because of either a fear of man ("What will this person do to me or think about me?") or a desire to please man ("I won't confront this person because I want him to like me.") Such an unbiblical avoidance of confrontation shows not only an unbiblical love of self, but also an unbiblical lack of love for God, His Gospel, and the lost.

S.T.O.P. Wrong Thinking

2012-01-30T12:49:00.000-08:00

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8).

Fear. Anxiety. Worry. Depression. Anger. Bitterness. Jealousy. Covetousness. Pride. Envy. All are more than negative emotions. All are sinful thoughts. I've heard some refer to such emotions, such patterns of thought, as "stinkin' thinkin'."

Earlier this year, a wise, younger brother in the Lord shared with me a biblical and effective way to fight off sinful thinking. He taught me the acrostic "STOP." The acrostic represents the following spiritual disciplines: Seek the Lord; Think of things above; Other-mindedness; and Perseverance.

The verse that best represents the "T" in the "STOP" acrostic is Philippians 4:8 in which Paul encourages his readers to think rightly by thinking about that which is pleasing to God and consistent with His holy character.

So when negative thoughts invade your mind and you begin to dwell on them, stop! Seek the Lord in prayer. Having done so, dwell on those things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. If you seek the Lord in prayer and dwell on the before-mentioned things, not only will the sinful thoughts fade and disappear; but you will also find yourself thinking more of others. And, by God's grace and the leading of the Holy Spirit, you will be better equipped to persevere through the trials of life.

Of Whom The World Was Not Worthy

2012-01-22T16:38:00.000-08:00

Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—-of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. ~ Hebrews 11:35-38

I turned on my computer this morning to find the above photo and the following posts on my friend, Shawn Holes, Facebook page. Shawn is presently in Nepal to open-air preach with missionaries in the area.

Please pray. We just returned back to the house after fleeing from a mob of people that erupted at us, and nearly getting killed. I took this photo just moments before the crowd turned. Jesse was preaching the ten commandments and quoted Jn 14:6. They went crazy picking up rocks and 2x4's and hitting Jesse. Ricky jumped in and stood the gap. More details to follow. Jesse is hurt but ok. We are all safe...

Jesse and Ricky took some hard core punches, had lumber slammed against them, and rocks were thrown at us and hit us. I have no injuries. I am so proud of the men. Jesse and Ricky did not punch or hit anybody and could have at any time. Praise the Lord for His protection. If we hadn't escaped out of the park by running form the pack of people to the police station across the street it would have been a sad ending to the story. Jesse and Ricky both have injuries so they will need healing. I can't but help but believe that your prayers are giving us the courage to be protected and able to share the cross with a lost and dying world. I am still praying for a great awakening here but it will only be by God's grace...

This comment was just posted on Jesse's Facebook: Both Project Jagerna & FPGM websites have been temporarily taken down for security reasons. We are trying to figure out what to do. Jesse & Ricky were stoned and sustained multiple injuries to the head, back, legs, etc as trees were literally torn down and they were pelted with logs, water jugs, fists, feet, big rocks, poles, etc. Benches were torn apart and the pieces used to attack. Thankfully, nothing serious, we think, but too risky to go to the hospital right now. After the adrenaline has simmered, lots of pain. This thing will probably be in the papers as a riot broke out after we left and Bishnu also narrowly escaped. No personal information was given out, but their faces are on lots of cell phones and video cameras. Trying to decide whether or not to leave the country or just to got out tomorrow to another location and keep preaching. The people in that crowd were monsters, made for hell, as is this country. Jesse was simply preaching grace to the humble and law to the prideful. After the apostles were persecuted in Acts 4, they prayed for more boldness and then kept preaching boldly. Perhaps that is the answer. Please pray.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews described some of the soldiers of the Lord, from centuries past, as those "of whom the world was not worthy." Shawn Holes, and many of the open-air preachers I have come to know, respect, and love can likewise be counted among those of whom the world is not worthy.

The world is not worthy of my evangelist brethren who leave the comfort and safety of home, whether for an afternoon at a local fishing pond or to travel half-a-world away, to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The world is not worthy of my evangelist brethren who love the lost so much that they willingly face violent hatred and physical attacks from the very people they seek to save.

The world is not worthy of my evangelist brethren who love God so much that they deny themselves in authentic and tangible ways, take up their crosses and follow Jesus Christ.

The world is not worthy of my evangelist brethren who are often mocked more by Christians who do nothing to reach the lost than by the lost my brethren are trying to reach.

No, the world is not worthy of my evangelist brethren who worship the Lord in spirit and in truth as they herald the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, in the open-air.

A Fool For A Client

2012-01-21T06:49:00.000-08:00

Who Can Tell Me?

2012-01-20T07:01:00.000-08:00

Who Can Tell Me?

“Who can tell me where I came from?”
The little boy would ask.
His question was a good one
Yet he faced a trying task.

Each man had different answers
As he was soon to learn.
This brought him great confusion
And it caused a deep concern.

He first went to his schoolmates
And they spoke with one another.
“I know,” said the brightest one,
“You came from your mother.”

Now this had satisfied him,
Yet only for a time.
For as he grew, year by year,
His thoughts began to climb.

He then looked all around him
At all that he could see.
And his mind began to wonder
How it all had come to be.

He thought about the universe,
The span of outer space,
And every star and planet
That exists in every place.

He thought about the rounded Earth,
Its tilt and its rotation,
And all the seasons that occur
In yearly circulation.

He thought about the darkness
And he thought about the light.
He thought about the sun and moon
That rule the day and night.

He thought of all the creatures
Of the land and sea and skies,
Of all the different species
And their variance in size.

He thought of all the plants and trees
And all that each provides,
Each growing from a tiny seed
With roots the soil hides.

He then looked at humanity
The sea of different faces,
Varied tongues and characters
From many distant places.

He thought of mortal bodies,
With features so profound;
And the sense of taste and touch
And smell and sight and sound.

He thought of reproduction
And the miracle of birth.
He thought of human life itself
And all that it is worth.

He then considered human will:
Both the weak and strong.
He thought about the conscience
That discerns the right from wrong.

He thought about emotions
And feelings that arise.
He thought about the love and hate
And tears that flow from eyes.

He thought about the anger
And the joy that’s all around
He thought about the happiness
And sadness that is found.

And filled with curiosity
This boy would daily strive,
In hopeful expectation
That his answer would arrive.

He spoke with scientific men
Who claimed his question solved.
They told him of a real big bang
And that all things evolved.

He then spoke with philosophers—
Heard some of them insist
That there’s no true reality
And we do not exist.

He spoke with many people
From different groups and sects,
And heard the vast opinions
Of various intellects.

Now baffled by confusion,
A very troubled youth,
Unable to discern
What is error, what is truth.

He almost gave up looking
But he took a second look.
And very unexpectedly
He found a special Book.

As he gazed upon the first page,
He knew his search was done.
His questions all were answered
In Genesis chapter one.

With a nod of understanding,
He smiled, so elated.
For now he surely knew—
“In the beginning, God created. . .”

By: Emeal ("E.Z.") Zwayne

God Is Faithful, So You Can Endure It

2012-01-18T14:15:00.000-08:00

Each year we are blessed with new neighbors. Michelle took this picture a couple years ago. Michelle features some of her photo artwork on her new blog, Through A Different Lens.

One of the few pairs of nesting Canada Geese gave birth to some cute little fuzz balls. One of the nesting pairs of ducks are likewise proud parents.

As a man whose home is filled with the high-pitched squeals of a lovely wife and three beautiful daughters, I've grown accustomed to such verbal reactions to the sight of something adorable--something like goslings and ducklings. "They're sooooooo cuuuuuuute!" And, as a man relatively secure in his manhood (my man card has not yet been revoked), I must admit the little critters are cute.

You'll notice in the picture that the goslings are nestled close to their mother. There are times when the mother goose will draw her goslings completely under her wings, shielding them from view of predators and from the dangers of the world around them.

The picture reminds me of Psalm 36:7. "How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings."

The other day, when Marissa first discovered the goslings and chicks, we took a walk around the lake to enjoy the little, beautiful evidences of God's creative power. And as the waddling balls of fuzz put smiles on our faces, we realized that the likelihood was they would not all survive to adulthood. Cats, coyotes, and other dangers would surely make life difficult, even perilous for them. Life for the little ones would require endurance. But, for now, we knew they would be safe under the shadow of their mother's wings.

Life does require endurance, doesn't it? And there are times in the life of the Christian when he or she feels as though they have no strength left. "Endurance" becomes not a word or concept that invokes encouragement, but rather it is a word that merely adds to the weight of one's physical, emotional, and spiritual burdens.

Friends and family encourage, admonish, even command you to hang in there. They say, "Don't quit! Don't give up. God will see you through the trial." And often times those same loved ones will point you to 1 Corinthians 10:13--a verse well known to most Christians. They tell you, "God will never give you more than you can handle."

You hear the words of encouragement. You crack a smile to acknowledge the love with which the words are spoken. But inside you might be saying, "You don't understand. How could you understand? You have no idea how heavy my burden is. I'm dying inside. The physical pain is too great. The despair is too deep. And I feel farther from God than I've ever felt." You teeter on the brink of blasphemy as you think to yourself, "For whatever reason, God has chosen this time to not keep His promise and instead has given me way more than I can handle."

When a person reaches such levels of despair they tend to see and hear things differently. The lens of life through which they see the world is clouded by pain, depression, and sin. For example, if a friend or family member were to quote 1 Corinthians 10:13, they might hear it this way.

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. And God will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape."

Now, if you are familiar with the verse maybe you've already identified the problem. Yet this is how many Christians recite the verse from memory. What I've written above is not the entirety of 1 Corinthians 10:13. Two key phrases are missing. Here's the verse again. The changes will likely jump off your computer screen, but I will emphasize them so that no one misses them.

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

The two phrases most often left out of recitations of this well-known verse are the two phrases that provide the greatest hope in the midst of troubled times. "God is faithful . . . that you may be able to endure it."

I used to lead a Discussion Group at the church we previously attended. I patterned the group after the discussion groups led by the great preacher and teacher, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, more than 60 years ago. People came to the group with questions that stemmed from their personal study of God's Word, conversations they had with others, and then-current events that challenged their Christian worldview. Together, we opened the Word of God and searched for the answers to our biblical and life questions. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and study.

One night I started our time together by leading a devotional study of 1 Corinthians 10:13. Allow me to share some of that study with you now.

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man..."

"My situation is unique. No one has struggled as I have struggled these last several months. Sure, lots of people experience pain and suffering, but nothing like this. I know I'm loved and I've got lots of support, but I am utterly alone in this trial."

Have you ever thought this way? Have you ever thought that your situation is unique--that the biblical adage "there is nothing new under the sun" somehow doesn't apply to you? You're not alone. Many people have thought this way; are thinking this way right now.

The fact that many people have and are thinking this way doesn't change the fact that to think this way is to believe a lie. That's right. It's a lie.

The Word of God makes it clear that your situation is not unique. It may be unique to you. It may be unique to those around you and those who are helping you through the trial (the same Greek word translated here as "temptation" can also be translated as "trial"). But according to the first phrase in 1 Corinthians 10:13, whatever you are experiencing right now, whether its origin is physical, emotional, spiritual, or a combination of the three, is not unique."No temptation (or trial) has overtaken you that is not common to man."

There is great encouragement in this truth, if you are willing to receive it. You are not alone. People, saved and unsaved, have experienced every aspect of your particular trial to one degree or another. Some have experienced similar circumstances, but to a lesser degree. Others make your present situation look like the proverbial walk in the park. Still others may experience circumstances that seem to mirror your own. In any case, you are not alone. Whatever your present trial may be, others have walked where you walk. Others will walk where you walk.

But there is far greater encouragement to draw from this verse than the reality that others have experienced and will experience trials as great or greater than your own. While misery loves company, majesty is an even greater companion than shared experiences with other people.

I'm about to share with you a sizeable portion of Scripture for a blog post. Please, I beg of you, even if you are familiar with the passages, take the time to read every Word. There is nothing I will say to you in this post that will carry more weight or bring more encouragement and correction that the very Word of God.

He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His stripes we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

He was opressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, se he opened not his mouth. By opression and judgment He was taken away; and as for His generation, who considered that He was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made His grace with the wicked and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, and there was no deceit in His mouth.

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush Him; He has put Him to grief; when His soul makes an offering for guilt, He shall see His offspring; He shall prolong His days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. Out of anguish of His soul He shall see and be satisfied; by His knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant make many to be accounted righteous, and He shall bear their iniquities.

Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the many, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His sould to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore the sin of many and makes intercession for the transgressors. ~ Isaiah 53:3-12

Therefore He had to be made like His brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. ~ Hebrews 2:17-18

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. ~ Hebrews 4:14-16

"And being in agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground." ~ Luke 22:44

Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you many not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. ~ Hebrews 12:3-4

Not only have other people, like yourself, endured times of great hardship and trial; but Jesus Christ, the King of kings and the Lord of lords suffered in every way you have suffered, yet without sin. He is intimately familiar with your trials--not only as the omniscient God of Creation, but as One who has experienced and endured your trials.

If you are in Christ, you are not alone. No temptation or trial has come your way that is not common to man. And no temptation or trial has come your way that Christ Himself has not endured. Your situation has not taken Him by surprise.

And "God is faithful."

Yes, God is faithful. Even if we, in the midst of a trial, "are faithless, He remains faithful--for He cannot deny Himself" (2 Timothy 2:13). Yes, God is faithful. He is faithful to forgive our sins (1 John 1:9). He is faithful in all His words and in all the works of His hands (Psalm 145: 13). He is faithful to guard His beloved children from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3). He is faithful to keep every one of His promises (Hebrews 10:23). And, in the context of 1 Corinthians 10:13, God is faithful to not allow you to be tempted or tried beyond your ability.

What great encouragement! What great encouragement, if you will receive it. When you find yourself in the midst of a trial, it is so very easy to lie in bed, during an anxious and sleepless night and shout to the ceiling, "I can't take it! I can't do it any more! This is just too much, Lord! The physical pain hurts too much. The cloud of sorrow and despair is just too thick--so thick I cannot see or hear You, Lord. The guilt and shame for sinning against You, Lord, by having so little faith is unbearable. Lift this burden or take me home!"

Take heart. Be encouraged. You have the ability to see the trial to the end. Why? God has promised in His Word not to give you anything that, in Him and through Him, is beyond your ability to endure. Therefore you will make it. As a follower of Christ, God has not given you a spirit of fear. Rather, He has given you a spirit of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). And it is through that God-given spirit, through that very precious gift of power--power to fight, love--love for God and love for others, and self-control--self-control over your thoughts, words, and deeds; that you can endure whatever trial the Lord allows to come your way.

If what we have seen in 1 Corinthians 10:13 thus far is not enough to bring encouragement in the midst of a trial, our great and gracious God has yet more to offer. Not only does God promise not to allow any temptation of trial in our life that we cannot endure; but He also promises a way out.

"But with the temptation (or trial) He will also provide the way of escape."

While these words are indeed an encouragement, they come with a sobering and challenging reality. Yes, God provides a way of escape from every temptation and trial. God says it in His Word, therefore you can believe it. But the way of escape is not always the way we might expect or even want. The letter to the Hebrews makes this clear.

"And what shall we say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets--who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escapted the edge of the swortd, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight" (Hebrews 11:32-34).

Yes, God has proven Himself, time and time again, to be faithful in sustaining, healing, protecting, and prospering His beloved children. All of the saints mentioned in Hebrews 11 experienced trials--everything from barren wombs to lion dens. And God was faithful to provide each of them with relief--with a way of escape from their God-ordained circumstances. But physical, emotional, financial, and relational relief is not the way of escape for everyone.

"Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated--of whom the world was not worthy--wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth" (Hebrews 11:35-38).

Now, that second passage may seem discouraging at first; especially if you find yourself in the midst of a significant trial. I understand. No one wants to hear that trials sometimes end unpleasantly. But that's the reality of the life we live in a fallen, sin-stained world. That is, sometimes, the reality of the life we live in sinful flesh. Everything doesn't always work out as we planned. Health doesn't always improve. Finances don't always recover. Relationships dont' always mend.

Sometimes the way of escape the Lord provides isn't instantaneous relief from pain, suffering, or sorrow. Sometimes the way of escape He provides requires you to simply, tenaciously, patiently, and faithfully endure whatever trial He has allowed in your life.

"...that you may be able to endure it."

But take heart! Be encouraged! Have hope--real hope! God is faithful, so you can endure the trials of life! He will see you through to the end. And remember, the Christians hope is ultimately a future hope (1 Peter 1:3-9). The Christian's hope is to one-day be with the Lord forever in heaven. In the meantime, our lives are to be spent doing that which brings God the most glory; and that is to be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus Christ.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order thay he might be the firstborn among many brothers" (Romans 8:28-29).

One way we bring ourselves, by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, into conformity with the Lord Jesus Christ is to follow in His footsteps, even in (especially in) times of suffering. Again, there is nothing we have endured, are enduring, or will endure that Christ has not already endured. "He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8b).

Oh, thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! Not only has God provided a way of escape through His Son Jesus Christ during times of temptation and trial, but God also lovingly provided the only way of escape from sin and spiritual death through the same Lord and Savior--Jesus Christ.

Do you find yourself in the midst of a trial? Be encouraged. Don't lose heart. God is faithful, and so you can endure it.

The Gospel

2012-01-18T10:16:00.001-08:00

It's About the Cross

2012-01-15T18:06:00.000-08:00

It's not about the size of the crowd,
It's not about the next YouTube video,
It's not about the next blog post,
It's not about the next Tweet,
It's not about that.
It's about the cross.

It's not about apologetics,
It's not about philosophy,
It's not about logic,
It's not about science,
It's not about that.
It's about the cross.

It's not about starting a new ministry,
It's not about starting a new team,
It's not about the next gospel tract,
It's not about the next DVD,
It's not about that.
It's about the cross.

It's not about popularity,
It's not about celebrity,
It's not about nicknames,
It's not about notoriety,
It's not about that.
It's about the cross.

It's about the cross.

Evangelism and the P.I.T. Maneuver

2012-01-15T18:02:00.000-08:00

This story was originally posted on another blog, on May 24, 2008.

By now, most of you have probably heard of the P.I.T Maneuver, also known as the "Precision Immobilization Technique." The fundamental purpose of this maneuver is to bring a dangerous vehicle pursuit to a quick and safe resolution. The maneuver is accomplished when one car pursuing another can force the pursued vehicle to abruptly turn sideways to the direction of travel, causing the driver to lose control and stop.

Yesterday, I went to Hollywood Boulevard with Ray Comfort, Kirk Cameron, Mark Spence (Dean of the School of Biblical Evangelism, and other members of The Way of the Master team to film some interviews for Season Three.

Ray rode with me. We followed the suspect vehicle driven by this man (pictured left)--Mark Spence. I use the term "suspect vehicle" because whenever I follow Mark anywhere in a vehicle, he makes his mission to try to "lose me" (as he says). Mark will readily admit that to this point he has been unsuccessful.

During our drive to Hollywood, Ray remarked that I appeared to be following Mark "very closely." I explained to Ray how Mark likes to try to "lose me."

"Tony, do you know how to do a pit maneuver?" Ray asked.

"Why? Would you like to see me 'pit' Mark?" I asked.

Before Ray could answer, I snuggled up to Mark's right rear quarter panel, and then quickly ducked in behind him, before I came too close.

("Close" can be a subjective term, which may be defined differently, from one person to the next, depending upon one's perspective. Note: no evangelists were harmed or in any danger during the making of this story. And no vehicle code violations occurred.)

Ray gasped and chuckled. I think his reaction was a combination of surprise, fear, and humor. Ray immediately picked up the phone and called Scotty, who was riding with Mark.

"Scotty, did you see that? Tony almost did a pit maneuver on Mark?"

Apparently, both men were aware of the "close call." (Again, "close" is both a relative and subjective term.)

Had I followed through with "the pit," it would have been a beautiful move. But I digress.

As we continued our drive to Hollywood, Ray likened the P.I.T. Maneuver to the Law, and how the Law is a wonderful gift from God to show sinners their true spiritual condition and to literally spin them around--causing them to turn from their sin, in repentance and faith.

One of the very special blessings of serving with Living Waters is the time I am allowed to spend with Ray. Quite frankly, his mind is beautiful. I think it is safe to say that I learn something during every conversation I have with my mentor. I can listen to him talk about God and evangelism all day long.

I told Ray that I was going to expand on his analogy, in a blog article. So, here it goes.

Why Use a P.I.T. Maneuver in Evangelism?

So many times I have watched as fellow evangelists get bogged down in lengthy conversations with people who would characterize themselves as intellectuals or "free thinkers." Typically it is the skeptic, agnostic, atheist, or false convert that falls into these usually self-assigned category.

Round and round the Christian goes, debating everything under the sun, making hardly a dent in the proud-hearted unbeliever.

In law enforcement, the longer a pursuit lasts, the more dangerous it becomes, and the more likely the end result will be tragic. The longer the pursuit, the more brazen and over-confident the suspect may become. The longer the intellectual argument, the more self-righteous the unbeliever may become. The longer the pursuit, the more fatigued, careless, or even discouraged the pursuing officer may become. The longer the intellectual argument, the more discouraged and even frustrated the evangelist may become.

Again, the P.I.T. Maneuver is effective when properly applied because it can shorten an otherwise prolonged pursuit, with minimal risk to the officers involved, the general public, and even the suspect. The Law is effective when properly applied because it moves the conversation from the intellect (the place where the unbeliever justifies his or her self-righteousness and unbelief), to the conscience (the place of the knowledge of good and evil, and the existence of God). See Romans 3:19-20; 7:7; Galatians 3:24; 1 Tim. 1:8 for further study.

When involved in a pursuit and contemplating using the P.I.T. Maneuver, an officer will pick the best time and place to make his or her move. The officer will wait for the suspect to make a mistake--wrong turn, change in speed, or any one of a number of lapses in judgment (not that running from the police isn't enough of a lapse).

The same can be said for applying the Law when engaged in spiritual conversation with an intellectual. It really doesn't take much to take such a person off their game. For instance, instead of going several rounds with an atheist about evolution, simply ask, "So, how did life begin." They can't answer that question. And while their wheels are turning as they grope for an answer, you "P.I.T." them with the Law.

"Okay, since you don't know how life began; and since in the vast sum of what you do not know there is, at the very least, room for the possibility of God's existence; what do you think happens to someone when they die? Would you consider yourself to be a good person?"

There are many other examples I can give. But, for the sake of brevity (not necessarily one of my gifts), allow me to reiterate this. Don't feel compelled to engage in lengthy, intellectual conversations with unbelievers. Listening carefully and look for that opportunity to move the conversation from the intellect to the conscience. And then "P.I.T." them with the only thing that can spin them around--cause them to repent and turn to Christ--the Law and the Gospel.

Thanks, Ray, for helping me to apply yet another law enforcement analogy to evangelism.

O 'Me' of Little Faith

2012-01-13T09:19:00.000-08:00

One reason Christians fall into sin, whether short-term or prolonged, and miss blessings from God is because they sometimes lack the requisite faith to stave off sin and to experience the oft-missed blessings from Him. Jesus had much to say about this.

When Christians have little faith, they can fall prey to the sin of anxiety and miss the blessing of contentment that comes with knowing that God is faithful to meet the needs of His people in times of want (Matthew 6:25-43).

When Christians have little faith, they can fall prey to the sin of fear and miss the blessing of peace that comes with knowing that God is faithful to be with His people in the midst of the storms of life (Matthew 8:25-27).

When Christians have little faith, they can fall prey to the sin of doubt and miss the blessing of assurance that comes with knowing that the Lord can be trusted in any circumstance (Matthew 14:28-32).

When Christians have little faith, they can fall prey to the sin of self-reliance and miss the blessing that comes with seeing the Lord use them for His glory (Matthew 17:19-21).

Several times in the gospel, Jesus rebukes his disciples with these words: "O you of little faith." I experienced such a rebuke, today.

I had the honor and privilege of going to Cerritos College, today, with my friend and mentor, Ray Comfort.

Initially, things did not look promising. As we walked onto the campus, we saw a lot of people (it's the first week of the new semester), but we also heard loud music. Loud music and open-air preaching without amplification are not typically a good mix. But I was with Ray Comfort.

Ray walked up to the DJs who were playing the music and asked them how long they planned to play. Ray came back and said with a grin, "They'll be done in four minutes."

And, true to their word, the DJs soon said their good-byes, packed up their gear, and left.

We set up in one of our usual spots. Things were looking up. Ray climbed atop the box and began to ask trivia questions in an effort to give away "180" DVDs and draw a crowd.

Nothing.

Ray and I have preached on the campus of Cerritos College for a few years, now. Neither Ray nor I could remember a time when the people on the campus were more apathetic. And we've seen some tough days on the campus. Any good open-air preacher can handle being ignored by the masses. But this was almost embarrassing.

I began to feel uncomfortable--discouraged--almost anxious. I began to think: We're wasting our time. There's plenty to do back at the office. We should just call it a day, and come back some other time. I hope Ray doesn't ask me to get up there.

My thoughts were interrupted when Ray said, "Tony, do you want to give it a try?"

I got on the box and began to ask some trivia questions. Again, nothing. We were on a college campus, with students walking from class to class and milling about, but you could have heard a pin drop. It had been a long time since I felt like a "freak show" standing on the box. I didn't like it.

Defeated, I stepped off the box.

Ray, with a look of determination and a tone of voice to match, said, "We're not going home defeated!"

I half-wondered if Ray had read my mind and didn't like what he was reading.

We waited ten-to-fifteen minutes, hoping the student presence in the area would increase. It didn't. But that didn't deter Ray. He hopped back on the box, determined to find someone to climb atop the heckler box and engage him.

The time it took Ray to find someone seemed interminable, but in reality it was probably only a few minutes. I can't think of any other evangelist who has the tenacity of Ray Comfort. Decades of experience, a passion for the preaching of the gospel, and a love for the lost--it was both humbling and convicting to watch Ray draw the crowd with the grit and determination of a battlefield commander and the skill of a master tactician.

I stepped away to pray. I ask the Lord to forgive me, O me of little faith.

Because of my little faith, I fell prey to the sin of discouragement, as well as the before-mentioned sins, to one degree or another. And had the Lord not brought me to confession and repentance, I would have missed some wonderful blessings.

Ray finished preaching the gospel. Before he could ask me if I wanted to preach, I was climbing atop the box. For the next thirty minutes (or more--I lost track of time), I engaged both sincere hecklers like Carmen, and disingenuous hecklers like Benjamin. And I preached the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.

Although scattered throughout the general vicinity, the crowd numbered over fifty--and people were listening. The eyes of two culinary arts students never seemed to leave me. Students to my left and my right--some with arms folded, some nodding their heads--were listening.

Before stepping down, I let the crowd know that if anyone wanted to talk, I would be happy to do so.

As Ray got back on the box, I walked into a grassy area behind us. I was immediately met by a young man (who will remain nameless). He looked downcast and worried. "Can I talk to you?" He asked.

"We've met, before." He told me.

The young man began to pour out his heart, confessing sin and his lack of assurance of salvation. So demoralized was he, fleeting thoughts of suicide had crossed his mind.

He told me that for the last year he had been involved with the International Church of Christ campus group. The ICC is a cult. The ICC focuses much of their attention, on college campuses.

When he told me he was involved in the ICC, I remembered the circumstances of our first meeting. Several months ago, after preaching on the campus, I believe the same young man approached me. He was very friendly and began by thanking me for preaching. But it didn't take long for me to see through the facade to his true agenda. He wanted to argue with me about the ICC's belief that baptism was required for salvation. I rebuked him for sharing a false gospel and called him to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Now, several months later, he came to me broken and contrite. I spent some time counseling him, sharing the gospel with him, and listening to him. I prayed for him and gave him my contact information. I'm waiting to hear from him so I can help him find a solid, Bible teaching church in his area.

O me of little faith.

Because I didn't see the Lord working during that first long hour on campus, I assumed He wasn't working. O me of little faith.

Because my thoughts were more about me and what people thought of me, I let that negatively impact my concern for the lost people on the campus. O me of little faith.

If I had followed my sin-stained heart and mind, I would have left the campus without preaching the gospel and therefore would have missed the opportunity to minister to a hurting young man. O me of little faith.

I learned some hard lessons during the two hours Ray and I spent on the campus of Cerritos College, yesterday. I learned I need to have and exercise more faith when I take to the streets to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I learned that I need to pray specifically and more diligently against the sins of pride and selfishness before I hit the streets.

And I learned that I need to pray specifically and more diligently, asking the Lord to deepen my love for the lost and to fashion me with more perseverance and greater awareness of His presence.

I was reminded that "faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1).

I was reminded that "without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

And I was reminded of how blessed I am to have Ray Comfort as a friend, leader, and teacher. "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith" (Hebrews 13:7).

Thank You, Lord.

Shadow of the Almighty

2012-01-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

While on vacation, I had the opportunity to do quite a bit of reading. One book I read, one that I received as a Christmas gift from Mahria, was Elisabeth Elliot's "Shadow of the Almighty - The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot" (Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1958).

Elisabeth Elliot tells the remarkable story of her martyred husband's life by using his journals and letters to serve as the foundation for her narrative. Jim Elliot was only 28-years-old when he and four other missionaries died at the hands of murderous Indians, in the jungle of Ecuador.

In "Shadow of the Almighty" the reader is given so much more than a cursory sketch of Jim Elliot's life. The depth of his love for Christ and his commitment to deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Christ pours from his letters and journal entries chronicled in the book. On several occasions, I found myself reminding myself that Jim Elliot was only in his late teens and early twenties when he wrote some of the journal entries I read. His hunger for the things of God, the development of his worldview, his ability to mine the deep riches of the Word of God, and his awareness of and battle with his own sin speak of a soul much older and more mature than his earthly years should have indicated.

I could not help reflecting on my own walk with Christ as I read the testament of Jim Elliot. While difficult not to put such a hero of the faith on a pedestal, reading the book didn't drive me to be more like Jim Elliot. It did, however, motivate me to strive to be more like Christ--to pursue with greater passion Christ-likeness in my own life.

I highly recommend "Shadow of the Almighty" for every follower of Christ who desires a closer walk with Him and who want to step outside of their comfort zone, for the glory of Christ.

Producer of "Fireproof" and "Courageous" Endorses 180!

2012-01-03T13:53:00.000-08:00

"I am so glad I took the time to watch '180.' It is gutsy and very powerful. May God continue to use this mightily to open they eyes of millions for the sake of the unborn and the cause of Christ!" Stephen Kendrick – Producer of Fireproof & Courageous

The Fear of Displeasing Dad

2012-01-02T16:37:00.000-08:00

I was six years old and in the first grade. I learned more than reading, writing, and arithmetic that year. I also learned some rather colorful adjectives from some of my classmates.

One day, during lunchtime, I decided to try out my ever-increasing vocabulary during our daily conversations over our lunch boxes. To my chagrin, one of the lunchroom monitors overheard me as I waxed eloquently with profanity-laced phrases.

The lunchroom monitor told me to stop swearing and that she would be telling my teacher about my "dirty mouth."

"That's not good." I thought.

I returned to my classroom after lunch and awaited a scolding from my teacher. But it didn't come. For a brief time I thought I was off the hook. Maybe the lunchroom monitor turned her attention to some other student with more heinous behavior and had forgotten about my little verbal faux pas.

Ahh.....nope.

Just as I began to relax and think the incident in the lunchroom was behind me, the door to my classroom opened. And who walked into the classroom? Not a student late to class. Not another teacher. Not a school administrator.

My mom!

She scanned the classroom, obviously looking for me. When our eyes met, she gave me a smile (if it could be called that), which carried with it a dual meaning. "Tony, I love you." And, "Tony, you're dead meat."

My mom talked but a few moments with my teacher. Once or twice she glanced my way. The dual smile seemed a little less loving and a little more ominous. My mom turned to walk out the door. She made sure to smile at me one more time.

Needless to say, I didn't learn much the rest of the day.

I'm sure I walked home from school slower than usual that day. I didn't hesitate to walk in the door of my house. I figured the best course of action was to face the wrath that was sure to come and take whatever punishment my mom would give me (I anticipated a few good whacks on the backside).

I found my mom in the living room. "I called your dad. He will deal with you when he gets home from work."

That was all my mom said. That was enough. I made my way upstairs to my room, and I waited.

The wait felt eternal; but when I heard my dad walk into the house I wished I could have waited a little longer. I walked downstairs. I didn't wait for the inevitable call from my dad's strong, baritone voice.

I fought as hard as I could not to let my fear show. My lower lip desperately wanted to quiver, but I wouldn't let it.

"What happened at school, today?"

My dad already knew the answer; but he wanted me to give an account of my actions. I dared not dodge the question by reminding my dad that he knew what happened. I told my dad what I did. A summary of the incident was insufficient. My dad wanted to hear exactly what I said.

Repeating the words that earlier in the day seemed like fun to utter now left an awful taste in my mouth. I felt like a poor excuse for a son saying the filthy words in my dad's presence. Spewing the words was no longer fun--not with my dad listening.

Once my confession was complete, I waited for my punishment. My dad rarely spanked me (not that I didn't deserve it far more often than I received it). I thought for sure that this would be one of those rare and painful occasions. But when my dad had passed sentence I would have preferred corporal punishment.

"You're grounded for two weeks." My dad said.

"That's not too bad." I thought.

"You will go to your room as soon as you get home from school."

Again, I thought I was getting off easy. That is, until my dad further explained my punishment.

"And that means no baseball for two weeks. You and I will not so much as play catch."

I was devastated. So displeased was my dad that he was taking from me not only what I enjoyed the most in life, but what my dad loved, too--our time together tossing a baseball to each other.

My greatest fear was realized. My fellowship with my dad was broken. Even though it would only be two weeks, it was two weeks too long.

I was miserable for the next two weeks. Using the foul language my other six-year-old friends found to be so "grown-up," had no appeal to me. All I could think about was the next time my dad and I would play catch again.

This morning, I shared this story with a small group of men I have the honor and privilege of discipling. I appreciate R.C. Sproul's thoughts chronicled in his modern-day classic, "The Holiness of God," which reminded me of the incident that occurred almost forty years ago. Sproul writes:

Martin] Luther explained it this way: We are to fear God not with a servile fear like that of a prisoner before his tormentor but as children who do not wish to displease their beloved Father. We come to Him in confidence; we come to Him in boldness; we have access. We have a holy peace (p. 154).

The fear I had of displeasing my dad was not born from a dread that my dad would punish me too harshly. I was wrong and I deserved whatever punishment my dad decide to mete out. No, my fear was that of a son who loved his dad and hated the thought of disappointing him.

Those who are genuine followers of Jesus Christ live everyday with a holy fear of displeasing God while, at the same time, live with a holy peace that comes from knowing that like an earthly father who disciplines his children out of love, his or her heavenly Father does the same.

"It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but He disciplined us for our good, that we may share His holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:7-11).

So, my brother or sister in Christ, fear God as a young boy all those years ago feared displeasing his dad. Live as a legitimate child of God who loves his or her Father so much that the thought of displeasing Him breaks your heart. When you do fall short of His glory (and you will), know that the Father will discipline you for your own good, because He loves you, and in order to draw you ever closer to sharing in His holiness.

Nervousness: An Evangelist's Silent Friend

2011-12-20T21:03:00.000-08:00

What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. ~ Matthew 10:27-29

Hundreds of times in the Word of God, the child of God is encouraged, warned, and commanded to not be afraid. The Christian is not to fear life, death, persecution, tribulation, people, consequences, or circumstances. But Christ came to save sinners; and even redeemed sinners fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23) and sin against Him by being fearful, from time to time.

As an evangelist, I find great comfort and encouragement in Jesus' words, in the above passage. The most common fear among evangelists, the most common fear among Christians in general, is the fear of man. And Jesus makes it clear that man is not to be feared because the worst thing one man can do to another is take his physical life. The only one to be feared is God, for God alone is the Lawgiver and Judge (James 4:12). God alone will judge both the living and the dead (Revelations 20:11-15). That being the case, the Christian has nothing to fear, for there is no condemnation awaiting the Christian (Romans 8:1-2) and nothing will ever separate the Christian from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus their Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

While I encourage Christians every day not to be afraid to share the gospel with the lost, while I encourage Christians to allow their love for the lost overshadow their fear of the lost, I also encourage them to welcome a bit of nervousness. The reason: nervousness can be and often is an evangelist's silent friend.

This morning I went to the Los Angeles County Superior Courthouse, in Valencia. I went there to open-air preach. Having spent almost twenty years in and out of this particular courthouse during my career as a deputy sheriff, I know the courthouse and the surrounding complex very well. Back in the days of "The Way of the Master Radio," the courthouse in Valencia was one of my favorite fishing holes for the reoccurring "Street Fishing" segment, with Ray Comfort and Todd Friel. But, prior to this morning, I had never open-air preached at the Valencia Courthouse.

When I arrived at the courthouse the line of people waiting for the doors to open was relatively small. I sat in my car for a few minutes and watched people get out of their cars and make their way toward the courthouse. I prayed, asking God to grant me the courage to preach the gospel to the people in line.

I got out of my car and walked toward the courthouse. I could feel my heart pounding as I reached the front of the courthouse and the line of people. And there I stood, for several minutes, trying to muster the courage to do what I had come to do.

The minutes quickly ticked away and I knew the doors to the courthouse would open soon. So, I prayed again; and then I handed our Million Dollar Christmas tract to everyone in line.

"Each of you just received a million dollar bill. I would ask you the million dollar question..."

I preached for about ten minutes, thanked everyone for their patience and for listening to me, and walked back to my car. As Ray Comfort often says about his own evangelism efforts, such was the case for me. I went to the courthouse dragging my feet, but left the courthouse clicking my heals.

I sat in my car for a few minutes thanking God for the opportunity to preach His gospel and praying that some who heard would be drawn to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I was nervous as I approached the line of people. How would they respond? Would they be angry? Would deputies come out of the courthouse and ask me to stop and leave? I was nervous--more nervous than usual.

I thank God for this kind of nervousness. I thank God that every time I open my mouth to share the gospel, whether as I hand out tracts, engage people in conversation, or preach in the open-air I am nervous.

Nervousness is like a silent friend, one that causes me to look to Jesus Christ and to seek His help in prayer.

Nervousness is like a silent friend, one that reminds me not to rely on my own fleshly strengths and abilities, but to rely on God the Holy Spirit, lovingly given to me by Jesus Christ as Helper and Intercessor.

Nervousness is like a silent friend, one that needs not be feared or despised, but one that is welcomed for spiritual accountability and one that encourages humility.

Far better to be an evangelist who is nervous in the application of his cherished responsibility and (for some) ministerial office and vocation, than an evangelist who is self-confident, self-assured, and self-reliant. For the former will trust in the Lord with all of his heart and lean not on his own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6), while the latter will eventually begin to lack meekness and begin to grow in selfish ambition (James 3:13-15).

So, if you are nervous when it comes to evangelism don't worry. Instead, thank God for the nervousness. Seek His face and His guidance in prayer. Trust the Holy Spirit will answer your prayer by giving you the words to speak when it is time to speak. Go and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15) and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) in spite of the nervousness.

Pray the Lord will never completely relieve you of nervousness during your evangelistic endeavors. Over time, you will find nervousness is not your enemy, but a silent friend.

Fishless Fishermen's Fellowship

2011-12-20T20:23:00.001-08:00

Twitteneutics - Day 30

2011-12-20T17:12:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since my last Twitteneutics post. Since I'm on vacation for a couple weeks, I'm going to try to catch up on some blogging.

The price with which my salvation was purchased is incalculable. Lord, thank you seems insufficient, but that's all I have (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

According to the Bible, those who twist Scripture, for sordid gain or to justify their unbelief, are ignorant an unstable (2 Peter 3:14-16).

God actually told Job to "man up!" Job must've been terrified. I would be (Job 38:1-3). Yet Job would receive abundant grace and mercy. SDG!

Sadly, a Friday or Saturday evening trip to any mall in America would find 13-yr-old girls who fit this description (Proverbs 7:10-12).

Oh, that more Christians would disturb their cities with the gospel (Acts 16:20)!

Lord, may I be content living the life you've given me, not seeking to live my life according to the life you've given someone else (1 Corinthians 7:17).

While the "sinless perfectionist" turns to 1 John 1 to support his theological construct, the truth is 1 John 1 is the death-nail to the same.

Some would use Proverbs 8:17 as a proof text for the idea that lost people have the capacity to seek after God. The verse is about seeking wisdom

In spite of the high false conversion rate in the American church, tare hunting is not the answer (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). Preach the gospel!

Liberty has limits and, unrestrained, can hurt others. Legalism does not bring anyone closer to God and often hurts others (1 Corinthians 8:1-13).

There are Christians who declare brethren "unsaved" so they can justify their hatred of the same and thus avoid John's teaching (1John 2:9-11).

Only the Christian can understand why fearing God is so important (Psalm 103:11-14).

Don't like to be corrected? There's a word for that (Proverbs 12:1).

Not every heckler's question warrants an answer (Matthew 21:25-27).

There's a reason why God gave me 2 ears and only 1 mouth (Proverbs 18:13).

Genuine faith is, at times, made manifest as true courage (Acts 27:21-25).

Who but God knows perfectly the thoughts and hearts of me? Jesus is God (Mark 2:6-8).

Who but God alone can forgive the sins of men? Jesus is God (Mark 2:9-12)!

Jesus not only saved me; He IS my salvation (Psalm 118:14).

The Christian's most effective offensive tactic against his enemy is love (Proverbs 25:21-22).

Yes, God is angry with the wicked every day (Mark 3:5).

The NT speaks nothing of tithing [as a mandate for Christians]. Rather, it speaks of cheerful and generous giving 2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

In light of Peter's rebuke of Simon, I shudder at the thought of what prosperity preachers will face when they stand before God (Acts 8:20).

The Grand Renovation

2011-12-13T09:49:00.001-08:00

180: Lives Saved, Minds Changed

2011-12-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

The following video shares some of the many emails we have received at Living Waters, in which people share how the documentary changed their mind from a pro-abortion to a pro-life position.

God Alone is 'Awesome'

2011-11-20T15:54:00.000-08:00

"Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, 'O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules'" (Daniel 9:3-5).

"The great and awesome God"--that is how Daniel described his God, the one and only God, Creator of everything, Master of the Universe, the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

God is awesome.

Modern dictionaries define the term "awesome" this way:

1. inspiring awe: an awesome sight.
2. showing or characterized by awe.
3. Slang. very impressive: That new white convertible is totally awesome.

I found it interesting that the word "awesome" doesn't appear in Noah Webster's 1828 edition of the "American Dictionary of the English Language." However, Webster defines the word "awe" (from which the word "awesome" is derived) this way"

"To chastise or correct. To be astonished. Fear mingled with admiration or reverence; reverential fear. Dread inspired by something great or terrific. To strike with fear and reverence; to influence by fear, terror or respect; as, his majesty awed them into silence."

The English Standard Version translation of the Bible uses the English word "awesome" only 33 times. Every occurrence is in the Old Testament. The only reputable translation of the Bible in which the word "awesome" is found in the New Testament (Acts 2:20) is the New King James. It's interesting to note that the King James version of the Bible does not have a single use of the word "awesome" in either the Old or New Testaments.

In the English Standard version of the Scriptures, with the exception of two verses in the Song of Solomon (6:4, 6:10) in which Solomon compares the beauty of his wife to an army with colorful banners, every use of the word "awesome" is in reference to either God Himself, where He is, an aspect of His character, or something He has done (Genesis 28:17; Exodus 15:11; 34:10; Deuteronomy 7:21; 10:17; 28:58; Judges 13:6; 2 Samuel 7:23; 1 Chronicles 17:21; Nehemiah 1:5; 4:14; 9:32; Job 37:22; Psalm 45:4; 65:5; 66:1, 3, 5; 68:35; 89:7; 99:3; 106:22; 111:9; 145:6; Isaiah 64:3; Ezekiel 1:18; Daniel 9:4; Joel 2:11; 2:31; Zephaniah 2:11; Malachi 4:5).

God clearly describes Himself in His Word as awesome. Scripture also makes clear that God is unique. There is none like Him.

"For this time I will send all my plagues on you yourself, and on your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth" (Exodus 9:14).

"There is none holy like the LORD; there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God" (1 Samuel 2:2).

"There is none like you, O LORD, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears" (1 Chronicles 17:20).

"There is none like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is great in might" (Jeremiah 10:6).

During episode #221 of "On the Box," at the 8:15 mark, I referred to Mark and Brad as "awesome." I quickly corrected myself before moving on to the next segment. At the 20:50 mark, someone in the chat room asked, "Why is it wrong to use the word 'awesome?'" I learned later there was at least one person in the show's chat room found my position legalistic.

Words have meaning. The meanings of words change and multiply, over time. "Bad" can mean "good." "Sick" can mean "impressive." And "awesome" can be and is often applied to anything we enjoy, appreciate, and about people and things we describe with amazement.

I understand unbelievers find many things, other than God, awesome. And I understand Christians use the word "awesome" much the same way unbelievers do, with no intention of acting irreverently toward God, or placing anyone or anything above Him. I don't think it is automatically a sin when Christians ascribe the word "awesome" to people, places, and things other than God.

However, considering how the word "awesome" is used in Scripture, coupled with the dictionary's definition of the term, the question I must ask my Christian readers (a question I asked of myself and answered some time ago) is this. Should Christians use the word "awesome" to describe anything other than that which can be directly attributed to the person, nature, character, and work of God? For me, the answer is no.

The word "awesome" has, as part of its definition, an evocation of fear. God and God alone is to be feared. Is this to say Christians do not become afraid at times? No. Christians, like everyone else become fearful at times. But whatever Christians fear other than God is a result of sin. Fear of man, fear of circumstances, fear of the unknown, fear of the future--all such fear is birthed from a lack of trust in God. All such fear is birthed from a lack of reverence for God. All such fear is birthed from a failure to recognize God as omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, and sovereign over all He has created. When we are afraid, whatever we fear is, at that moment, what we are worshiping.

God is awesome. He alone is to be feared, reverenced, and worshiped. And those who fear the Lord, those who recognize that He is awesome, are those who are wise. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever" (Psalm 110:10)! How comforting to know that God keeps a protective, loving, fatherly eye on those who understand He is awesome--on those who reverently fear Him. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine" (Psalm 33:18-19).

God is awesome. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork" (Psalm 19:1).

"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth" (Psalm 57:5)!

"Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it" (Job 38:3-5)?

The image of the sunburst over the Earth is beautiful, but it is not awesome. The God who created the heavens, the God who instilled in man a desire to discover and who enabled man to develop the technology to view the heavens--He is awesome.

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27).

"Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture" (Psalm 100:3).

Albert Pujols* is arguably one of the greatest major league baseball players of this or any other era. It is easy to mistakenly describe his varied skills as awesome. But neither Albert Pujols nor his skills are awesome. The God who made Albert Pujols is awesome. The one who knit Albert together in his mother's womb (Psalm 139:13) is awesome. The God who numbered Albert's days before he was born (Psalm 139:16), He is awesome. Every talent Albert possesses is a gift from God (James 1:17), the awesome God.

I could give other examples, of course. But suffice to say God alone is awesome. And His awesomeness is plainly seen to all who do not suppress this inescapable truth by their unrighteousness (Romans 1:18-23).

As a Christian, it is important to me that I declare the glory of God whenever I have occasion to do so. One way I do that is by trying never to give glory to or take any glory for anything made or accomplished. Rather, I try to give all the glory to the Maker and the One who enables His creation to accomplish anything. One way I try to do this is by seeing to it I assign the word "awesome" only to that which can be directly attributed to the person, nature, character, and work of God.

Some may see this as a legalistic restriction on a commonly used and universally accepted word. I see it as an act of worship. Again, I am not saying a Christian sins by assigning the word "awesome" to someone or something other than God. I am not saying that Christians who use the word "awesome" as just another slang term are less worshipful than I am.

However, as Christians, we are called to love the Lord our God with all of our being (Mark 12:29-31). We are to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Our worship of and love for Him should make our affections for anything and anyone else to appear as hatred by way of comparison (Luke 14:25-27). And for me, referring to God alone as awesome is one small way I have determined to love and worship Him.

"Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man" (Psalm 66:5).

God alone is awesome!

*Photo of Albert Pujols taken by Dave Herholz, September 2006, and used with permission.

'180' Saves Unborn Baby's Life as Mother and Father Change from Pro-Choice to Pro-Life After Watching

2011-11-18T11:14:00.000-08:00

This just in! We've received word that another unborn baby has been saved as a result of an expectant mother and her boyfriend watching "180." The couple is no longer pro-choice because of the compelling arguments made in "180." And once again, the Lord has used Alicia, who is interviewed in "180," to help change people's hearts.

Here's the story:

"Just wanted to share with you that a young girl (20 years old) I work with announced that she was pregnant and was a little worried about my reaction once she told me. Probably because I'm an assistant pastor at a local church. I wasn't upset with her, but rather more surprised that she was pregnant when she had told me previously that she broke up with her boyfriend, [then to] learn he's the father.

"Well, they both saw this movie and are both firmly convicted about not having an abortion. She kept saying the blonde girl in the film really brought it home for her, to really understand that it was wrong to murder a child like that. [The young girl] recently had an ultrasound and heard her baby's heartbeat too and she's committed to delivering this baby, and that she and her boyfriend will raise the child together. Thank you for making this compelling film and what it has done to change the hearts and minds of many people, especially the power of the Gospel that makes all the difference, for time and for eternity."

Model Uses '180' to Bring the Truth about Abortion to TV Show Producer

2011-11-18T10:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we received the following email from a young women who works as a model. Read, now, how she used "180" to bring the truth about abortion to a TV show producer.

"Hi. My name is Christina Boudreau. I am a 21 year old eating disorder survivor who became a plus size model to help change the unrealistic image that the world calls beauty for Jesus Christ. God has called me to influence those in the media who have great influence for HIS GLORY. Today I had the opportunity to model for TJ Maxx on a fashion segment on the 'Good Day L.A.' TV show.

"Yesterday as I was praying about how God wanted to use me today on set, he put it on my heart to give a copy of the 180 video to the producer at 'Good day L.A.' My mission usually when going on set for a modeling job is to share the gospel with the models, and to point them to the only perfect beauty in this world--Jesus Christ. But today he had a different mission for me. It was to influence the influential in the media by showing them, through the 180 video, that abortion is wrong.

"'Good Day L.A.' is a very worldly, secular, liberal TV show. But today I know that God used an ordinary person like me to influence those who speak into the homes of millions of people for HIS glory.

"Thank you Ray and EZ for inspiring a young person like me to make a difference in my generation. Please be praying that God will use that video, and this campaign on the TV show, so that more people will know the truth."

Thank you, Christina, for having the faith, hope, courage, and love to bring the life-saving, life-changing message of 180 to the secular model and television industries.

9th Grader Uses '180' in Speech Class to Sway Fellow Students to be Pro-Life

2011-11-18T09:02:00.000-08:00

More reports are coming to Living Waters from high school students who are using "180" to make a pro-life stand for the unborn, in their schools. This just in from a young lady who is taking a speech and debate class.

"I'm a 9th grader, and I am in the speech and debate class in my school. We are required to give a monthly speech, and for this month I chose to do my speech 180 Movie style. I used tactics similar to Mr. Comfort's in the movie, of course making it work as best I could for a speech. Even after watching the movie many times, I was surprised at how effective it was. Needless to say, my whole debate class is pro-life now. Tomorrow, I will be giving this speech at an actual debate tournament. Dozens of people will hear it. 180 Movie is an amazing resource, and it's tactics are the best I've used. Thank you for making it and sharing it with us. God bless."

Our hope and prayer is that many more high school students around the world will follow this young lady's lead (again, she's only in 9th grade) and courageously bring the life-changing, life-saving message of "180" to their schools.

Comparing Abortion to the Holocaust: Public High School Class Sees 180!

2011-11-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

I was very excited to receive the following email, yesterday:

I gave my history teacher a 180 movie card and a couple days later he showed the video to the class. He introduced the video as a video [comparing] the holocaust and abortion. After watching the video, we had a class discussion on how it changes your perspective on both the holocaust and abortion.

I had a phone conversation with the high school student who sent the above email. Here are a few more details.

The student attends Northridge Academy High School, which is a public high school that operates under a cooperative effort between the Los Angeles Unified School District and California State University Northridge. Northridge Academy is a relatively new high school, opening its doors in 2004. Presently, 1,070 students are enrolled at the school.

As the student stated in her email, she handed her 11th grade history class teacher a 180 business card. Two days later, and to the student's surprise, the teacher announced to the class that he was going to show them a documentary that compares the Holocaust to abortion. According to the student, the teacher told the class of 40 students that "180" was the best documentary about the holocaust he had ever seen.

The teacher proceeded to screen the entire documentary to the class, which means every student in the class also heard the gospel!

According to the student, a good and spirited conversation about the holocaust and abortion followed the screening of the documentary.

Are you a high school student? Can you, will you follow the lead of this courageous young lady and give the "180" DVD or business card to your teachers? How about to your fellow students?

We need the help of high school students everywhere to get the life-changing, life-saving messages of "180" to the students and faculty of every high school, in the world.

Let's get to work!

180 is Saving Babies from Abortion

2011-11-15T16:25:00.000-08:00

At Living Waters, we are very excited to receive emails from young, pregnant women who, after watching "180," decide not to have an abortion. Here is one of those emails. I've previously posted it on the blog; but it's worth repeating.

My Name is Vanessa. A couple months ago while at Santa Monica Pier. A brother in Christ approached my brother and I while we were listening to another brother give the word on a speaker box. After speaking to us he gave us this DVD. At that point no one knew I was expecting. After seeing this video I made the solid decision to proceed and keep my baby. I have since went to live at a maternity home for futher help and to help me be in a safe enviroment for myself and the baby. I have also showed my family the video as well.

My family is happy and supportive. I am 22 weeks along now and trusting in God for my baby's life.

Thank you for your ministry. I have also attached a picture of my most recent ultrasound picture.

Our hope and prayer is that more young, pregnant women like Vanessa will see "180" and decide to give their babies the precious gift of life.

180 is Changing People from Pro-Choice to Pro-Life

2011-11-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

"The proof is in the pudding," as they say. The hearts and minds of people around the world are being changed! People are moving from a pro-choice to a pro-life point of view, as a result of "180."

Here's just one example:

A month ago I was assigned a research paper. The topic was, Should Abortion be legalized? I was "Pro Choice" when I started this paper, I accepted abortion in cases of rape and incest or if a woman's health were at risk. I was introduced to this movie by way of my Pastor's wife. I watched hoping I would find material for my paper supporting "my views". I never thought I would have to re-write my entire paper from a "Pro Life" point of view. This movie changed my views halfway through!!! Four points my Professor wanted four points she got. (1) An unborn baby in alive from the moment of conception. (2) Religious people find abortion "unethical". (3) Women seek abortion for selfish purposes. (4) "180" -- The movie that changed my opinion on abortion. I e-mailed her the link to this movie. I also recommended it to a classmate who is Pro Choice.

The young lady who sent the email to us, via 180movie.com, changed her mind. But, as you can see from the email, the impact of "180" did not stop with one student's research paper. Her classmates and teacher have now also been exposed to the life-changing, life-saving message of "180."

It is critically important we get "180" into the hands of high school and college/university students. The young people of this present generation are being indoctrinated to believe that abortion is not only ethical, but laudable. We can change that by distributing "180" on college and university campuses, and outside of high schools.

Join the effort!

180 Exposes the Dark Side of the Pro-Choice Movement

2011-11-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

We've received literally thousands of emails in response to "180," via the 180Movie.com website. the overwhelming majority of them have been positive. But there have also been hundreds of negative responses. Most of the negative ones make the same, old, tired arguments in favor of killing unborn children in the womb. Some are so disgusting that one cannot read them and deny the depravity of man. Still others just leave you scratching your head to the point that the only response I can muster is, "I'm so glad your mother didn't think the way you do when she was carrying you in her womb."

Today, however, we received an email that is best described as chilling. It's an email that exposes the dark side of the pro-choice movement.

Let me begin by saying I was raised catholic and even had a confirmation. Went to church every sunday with my parents, and have been a good person all in all, I saw your 180 video and must say I completely disagree, heres why: Its OK to kill a baby in the womb when... There are 7 billion (or 7 thousand million) human beings in the world, the majority of which are living unsustainably. Abortion is at least slowing the human population growth (US population would likely be over 400million without Roe vs Wade).Genocide and war also help lower the population but it should never have to come to that.The difference is that a baby hasnt experienced life, hasnt felt love or happiness, all it is higly evolved endoparasite with undefined potential. Genocide and war involve killing, which is robbing people and their loved ones of life (and the feelings associated with it), this is not right, but it does help reach the final goal. Hitler had the right Idea, but he was too Machiavellian with his "ends justify the means" mentality, and did not the chose the right method (too impatient if you ask me). Selective breeding of people with high IQs, strong immune systems, and athletic abilities, and sterilization of the rest, would create a new raze of super-human beings and lower natality rate. Smarter stronger humans would work more efficiently and a world economy could be supported without such a high population and toll on the earth. We are a pest to this planet and all those who dont realize that, or who value human life are simply naive and blind to reality. Argue with that... Think about it, you can save all the immature lives you want... ultimately youre accelerating the deaths of many many more mature lives. Preach abstinance,thats time better spent... or change circumscision into castration... I dont know, I feel if everyone got on my bandwagon the world would be a better place: Only the smart and strong would bear the economic burden (rewarded with the blessing of having a child/genes passed on), the dumb and weak would slowly fade off, being able to work and spend their money on themselves. Polution, consumption, poverty, animal cruelty, among other world problems would eventually disappear, especially with greater minds being able to takle these problems.

This is the side of the pro-choice movement the pro-choice movement doesn't want you to see.

Based on the wording of the email, it is obvious the person who wrote the email considers himself among the "greater minds" who would be part of a master race bred, in part, by the murder of millions of unborn children. Interestingly, even a cursory look at the email reveals no less than nineteen grammatical mistakes. So much for "greater minds." (Note: I'm sure there's a few typos in this post. But I don't claim to be a "greater mind.")

What I do appreciate about the email is the candor with which the writer articulates his Eugenics/Planned Parenthood worldview. Most pro-choice people who think this way do not have the courage of their convictions to express them publicly.

It's emails like the one above that deepen my resolve to make sure "180" finds its way into the hands of as many high school and college students as possible. And here's how you can help.

Twitteneutics - Day 29

2011-11-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

Here's what I gleaned from God's word, over the last few days.

God is so long-suffering and patient. That God gives anyone the opportunity to repent is one more chance than anyone deserves (Jeremiah 15:19-21).

Jesus is coming back. He said it. It will happen. That's all there is to it (John 14:3).

Jesus asserted time and again that He was/is God. He made this truth abundantly clear to Thomas and Philip (John 14:5-9).

The Holy Spirit is not a "force." He is the third Person of the one and only triune God (John 14:16-17).

Only a living God can give life. Only a living God can give eternal life. Jesus is He! All other gods are dead and demonic lies (John 14:19).

God's Word is always timely. Found not only wisdom, but encouragement for today in this proverb (Proverbs 20:22).

I've read the Bible for 23 years and today I decided to look up the word "goads" (Acts 26:14). Every word of the Bible is important.

Paul hated Jesus as much as on ox hates being pricked by a goad. Paul did not seek/choose Jesus. Christ chose to save him (Acts 26:14-18).

Jesus did not give Paul an option. By His own perfect will Christ called Paul, saved Paul, commissioned Paul, and sent Paul (Acts 26:14-18).

Paul knew nothing of the gospel-less testimonies so common among professing Christians, today (Acts 26:19-23).

Like the common heckler, Festus could not make a logical argument against Paul's testimony, so he resorted to an ad hominem (Acts 26:24).

Any ministry that is quick to say their goal is not conversions, would not receive Paul's support (Acts 26:25-29).

I can do nothing God-glorifying, Christ-exalting, or Spirit-honoring apart from genuine God-given faith in Jesus Christ (John 15:5).

Authentic, lasting joy comes from abiding in the love of Christ. Lord, by your sovereign grace, help me to abide in Your Love (John 15:9-11).

I did not choose Jesus. He chose me. Such great comfort in knowing my salvation has nothing to do with my choices, but His grace (John 15:16).

If the unsaved world loves you, your ministry, or your church are you sure you, your ministry, or your church is in Christ (Jn 15:18-19)?

Are you a Christian trying to live under the God-hating world's radar? Then you might be seeking to be greater than He who save you (John 15:20).

Seeing the full glory of God will kill any earthly, sinful man (Exodus 33:18-23). By His grace, I will one day see Him face-to-face! SDG!

Peace with God ONLY comes through justification by faith, through the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).

Endurance, character, and hope--these are the blessed fruits of suffering (Romans 5:2-5).

If you don't speak to others about sin, righteousness, and judgment, then your evangelism is not led by the Holy Spirit (John 16:8-11).

Real peace comes by way of agreement with God (Job 22:21).

Instead of just asking God for good things, may I walk uprightly before Him so that He may choose to bless my obedience (Psalm 84:11-12).

Taking "180" to High Schools!

2011-11-11T09:02:00.000-08:00

That's right. While our college/university campus distribution for 180 was a huge success, we're not stopping there. Our next stop is high school campuses around the world. High school campuses are are the front lines of the battle for the hearts and minds of this generation. Kids are being lied to about life in the womb. Students are being told by various sources that a child growing in the womb is not a human being deserving, as much as they are, the right to life. It's time to help high school students hear and see the truth about abortion--the murder of unborn children.

We are calling all Christians everywhere to join us in the fight to stop abortion and to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ top this lost generation.

Here's how you can join the effort to bring 180 to high school students.

Let's get to work!

Twitteneutics - Day 28

2011-11-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

Here's what I gleaned from God's word, over the last several days.

Yes, I believe by faith. So does the atheist. The difference? My faith is in the Creator. There's is in creation (Hebrews 11:3).

This world never has been, isn't presently, and never will be worthy of Christian martyrs (Hebrews 11:35-38).

Allow me to testify about my Lord (1 Timothy 3:16).

Paul did not shrink back from the public, open-air preaching of the gospel. Sad that so many churches have shrunk back (Acts 20:18-21).

Pastor: do you preach sermon series about Star Wars and personalized license plates? Then the blood of your people is on your hands (Acts 20:26-27).

Jesus was speaking of Gentiles who would repent and believe the gospel, not Mormons who would blaspheme God by their idolatry (John 10:16).

What blessed assurance to be numbered among His sheep (John. 10:1-20)!

One reason why unbelievers hate Christians is because they are undeniable testimonies of the power of Christ (John 12:9-11).

Sadly, too many Christians will not testify about Christ for fear of being put out of the synagogue of the world (John 12:41-43).

God-given power, love, and self-control are the remedies for the sinful malady of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

Christian isolationism is an oxymoron and dangerous to the spiritual health of the believe. Christians need other Christians (Proverbs 18:1).

I need to be a better listener in conversations with both believers and unbelievers. Sometimes I answer too quickly (Proverbs 18:13).

Mahria is evidence of the truth of this verse. I am blessed beyond measure by my wife (Proverbs 18:22).

Paul wouldn't find acceptance among many evangelicals, for he dared to speak of righteousness, self-control, and judgment (Acts 24:24-25).

Oh, Lord! Forgive me for every time I have lacked humility and for every time I have put myself before others (John 13:12-15)!

To love is Jesus' overarching command to His people (John 13:31-35). But love must be biblical and not simply based on selective definitions.

It cannot be any more clear. Sola Fide (Romans 3:28)!

When I need strength for the moment, for the situation, for the day I must meditate upon the grace of God (2 Timothy 2:1).

I must die to self and endure every day--not as a means of salvation, but as fruit of salvation. He is faithful when I am not (2 Timothy 2:11-13).

Lord, cleanse me from anything dishonorable in your sight, and help me, by Your Spirit, to cleanse myself (2 Tim 2:20-21). I want to be holy!

I KNOW that my Redeemer lives (Job 19:25)! His name is Jesus!

If there are times when you think integrity is all you have, thank God for how rich He has made you (Proverbs 19:1).

While fear and rest my seem paradoxical to the unsaved, to the believer it makes perfect sense. Fear God and rest in Him (Proverbs 19:23).

Twitteneutics - Day 27

2011-11-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

Here's what I gleaned from God's word, over the last several days.

Jesus didn't practice what is referred to as "friendship evangelism." His evangelism would be deemed "confrontational" today (John 4:1-26).

So very thankful God is compassionate (Exodus 22:26-27).

Jesus is the King of righteousness and peace. He is the Great High Priest and the eternal Son of God (Hebrews 7:1-3).

As the Eternal High Priest, Jesus is able to save sinners to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:22-25). Blessed assurance!

Job's life is a testimony to the fallen nature of the most righteous among us, as well as the great patience and mercy of God (Job 10:1-22).

I humbly ask you pray for me as they prayed for Paul (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2).

It is indeed good to be near God (Psalm 73:25-28)!

My Lord, my Savior, my Manna (John 6:32-34). Lord Jesus, please give me this bread always.

Do you think you can help God save you by doing anything--anything at all? Then you contradict what Jesus said about salvation (John 6:63).

Yes, Christians are to judge. They are to judge with righteous judgment (John 7:24).

Jesus is my favorite open-air preacher (John 7:37-39).

This is why the Roman Catholic mass is unbiblical. Jesus Christ suffered ONCE to put away sin--not repeatedly (Hebrews 9:25-28).

No human priest can forgive/absolve anyone of their sins against God. There is only one Great High Priest. His name is Jesus (Hebrews 10:11-14).

Those who mire themselves in and enjoy vain discussions have deviated from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5-7).

Paul, one of the most learned men of his day, came to recognize that his unbelief was a result of his former ignorance (1 Timothy 1:12-14).

Forgive me, Lord, for the many times I, like Job, sinned by arrogantly and self-righteously believing I can argue a case before You (Job 13:3).

Postal Proselytizing

2011-11-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

I think it's time for Christians around the world to take the phrase "going postal" and turn into something very positive and God-glorifying. Christians can do this by engaging in what I like to call "Postal Proselytizing."

Postal Proselytizing is an excellent way for those who may not be able to hit the streets, due to physical limitations or other circumstances, to share the Law and the Gospel with lost people in their community and around the world.

Too cold or rainy to hit the streets? Having a hard time finding good fishing spots in your neighborhood? Always wanted to share the Law and the Gospel with that particularly unfriendly or cranky neighbor, but you just haven't been able to work up the courage to do it? Postal Proselytizing may be the answer. It's easy. It's fun. It's as inexpensive as you want it to be. And it just may have your neighborhood talking for some time to come.

Just follow these simple steps:

1) Go to http://www.whitepages.com/

2) Click on Reverse Lookup.

3) Enter your phone number (if it is listed), or any residential number from the phone book, into the "phone number" field; and click "search."

4) A box will appear that will include the name and address associated with the listing. Beneath the listing, you will see several buttons. One reads: "Find Neighbors."

5) Click the "Find Neighbor" button. You will be redirected to a page that will tell you how many listed numbers are in close proximity to your entry.

6) Click the "View The First Ten Results" link and in an instant you will have the name, addresses, and phone numbers for every phone book listing in close proximity to your entry.

7) Copy and paste each address into either a Word document or a label program.

8) Create a nondescript e-mail account through gmail or one of the many free e-mail services. I will explain why, shortly.

9) Buy some Million Dollar Bill gospel tracts.

Now that you've easily and legally collected some addresses, it's time to write your letter. Allow me to help with that, too. :-)

The tone of your letter is extremely important. After all, you want the people who receive the letter to read it. To the extent it can be communicated in a letter, you want to try to convey genuine care and concern for the recipient. Be thoughtful. Be kind. Let the recipient know how you obtained their address to put their mind at ease.

Here's the letter I use. Please feel free to use some or all of this letter, if you like.

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you for not throwing away the envelope in which this letter was contained, before opening it. I’m sure it struck you as odd to receive a letter addressed to "My Neighbor." I obtained and selected your address randomly through the White Pages.

I assure you that this is not a solicitation or a scam of any kind. I do not want to sell you anything or sign you up for anything.

My hope is that you will continue to read the letter. My hope is that, in the end, you will see this letter as so much more than "junk mail." I am writing to you because I care about you--one member of the community to another.

By now, I am sure you've come to realize that the Million Dollar Bill you are holding in your hand is not legal tender. But what if I had sent you a million dollars--real, cold, hard cash? What would you do with the money? Buy a house? Buy a car? Take a trip around the world? Invest or save it? Put yourself or your kids through college? Give to charity? Would you do all of the above, or something different?

Now I would like you to consider this. What if I told you that you could keep the million dollars if you donated one of your eyes to science? Your eye would be replaced with a beautifully matching prosthetic eye; but, of course, you wouldn't be able to see out of it. Would you sell me your eye for a million dollars? Would you sell me both of your eyes for, say, five million dollars?

If you are a reasonable person, you would probably say no. Why? Well, because you would likely agree that your eyes are precious to you. You would rather go through life poor and able to see than to go through life rich, but blind.

With the above in mind, I would like share with you something very fascinating that someone once said. "If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell."

Jesus said those words (Matthew 5:29-30). Jesus also said, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul" (Matthew 16:26)?

Thank you so very much for taking the time to read this. I have but one more very important request. Please read the back of the Million Dollar Bill. The text asks and answers the "million dollar question."

It is not by mere coincidence that your received and read this letter, today. While you do not know me, and the likelihood is that we will never meet; please know that I am praying for you and I care about you. My motive for sending you this letter is simply this. "For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'" (Galatians 5:14).

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at: [enter your nondescript email address here]

With care and respect,

Your Neighbor

More Tips:

1) The reason for obtaining a nondescript e-mail address is so that you can make yourself available to any recipient for questions or further discussion, without identifying yourself. Remember, Jesus said that if people hate the followers of Jesus Christ it is because they hated Him first. While the Christian should always be willing to lay down his or her life for the furtherance of the gospel, the Christian should also be a good steward of the life God has given them. So, use a reasonable amount of care and caution when identifying yourself to strangers.

2) Address the envelope "To My Neighbor." Even though White Pages provides the name of the resident along with the phone number and address, there is no way to be certain if the name given represents the people presently living at the residence. If you put the wrong name on the envelope, the recipient may not open it.

3) Do not put a return address on the envelope. Again: the thought, care, and goodwill you put into the letter may not be shared by the recipient. Not everyone who receives your letter will appreciate it. You do not want to have an angry, God-hater knocking on your door one night. :-)

So, there you have it--Postal Proselytizing. Now, go get some million dollar bills, envelopes, and stamps. Collect some addresses, write your letter, and make sure to put a million dollar bill in every envelope.

And pray. Pray for each and every person to whom you send a letter. Pray that the Lord will use something that may seem silly to the world (and, sadly, to some in the Church) to bring Himself glory, as He uses your proclamation of the Law and the Gospel to draw sinners to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

About the Word 'Do'

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

I love this photo. Frankly, I love any photo that includes my beautiful wife, Mahria. I love this photo because it was taken before Mahria and I served side-by-side, distributing 180 DVDs to our neighbors.

The documentary has been viewed more than 1.3 million times on YouTube. 180,000 copies of the DVD were distributed on college and university campuses throughout North America, on Tuesday, October 25, 2011. And we are trusting God to provide the financial and human resources to distribute as many as 500,000 copies of the DVD to high school students across the country.

To date, the documentary has been subtitled in 14 different languages: Albanian, Dutch, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Latvian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, and Swedish. The documentary has been subtitled in these languages by request. The message of 180 is literally being heard around the world.

Instructions for accessing subtitles in the above-listed languages, are found in this instructional video.

The full impact of 180 is yet to be determined. Most recently I blogged about Vanessa, a young woman who, after watching 180 decided not to abort her baby.

We've received many emails from people who have changed their mind not only about abortion, but about how they decide for whom they will vote in the future--emails like this one:

I have been pro-life since I was a teenager. When I was faced with an unplanned pregnancy, the father and my friends advised me to get an abortion. I didn't listen to them and [now] have a 16 year old son. I had voted [for a] pro-life presidential candidates just because they were pro-life. My husband asked me if that president stopped abortion from happening, and I said no. We both voted for a pro-choice president the last election. After watching this documentary he said to me in tears that he was wrong. We have had our minds changed about who we vote for.

Both men and women have emailed us, broken over their sin--the sin of encouraging, forcing, or having and abortion. One woman simply wrote: "GOD, GOD FORGIVE ME!"

And another young woman wrote this:

I grew up in a christian home. I'm a pastors kid in fact. But I made a horrible mistake. I had a boyfriend for over a year. I thought I was going to marry him, so I slept with him. And as a result I got pregnant. I didn't know what to do. And out of the fear of being found out I had an abortion. As a result I lost everything. I lost my child, I lost my boyfriend. I lost his family. I have felt nothing but anguish and guilt every since. After seeeing the promotional video for 180 I knew I needed to write to you. People need to know. They need to not make the choice I made. There is no excuse for what I did. I knew what abortion was. I knew it was wrong. Yet I did it anyways. The world needs change. And it needs it now.

Emails like this do not go unanswered. We do whatever we can to point hurting people to organizations best equipped to help them through the trauma of abortion. And we also take every opportunity to speak the truth in love to them, by sharing with them the law and the gospel.

And of course, the most wonderful emails of all, are those who, as a result of watching the video, have come to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

This movie has changed my heart! I stopped after the movie and just repented my God for my forgiveness. The movie is just amazing and it really moves you! Thank you very much for the movie.

We have been blessed before and after the release of the documentary to receive endorsements from Christian leaders such as: John Piper, David Platt, Francis Chan, Randy Alcorn, and Ken Ham--just to name a few. And recently we received the endorsement of one of the most respected Bible teachers and pastors of this generation--Pastor John MacArthur.

“This is a powerful, confrontational treatment of abortion that rocks its defenders back on their heels. Don’t miss it!”

I share the above as a rather long preface, before I answer a reoccurring question about the documentary--a question asked by Christians.

In your movie you are telling people what they need to do to get saved. You quote John 3:16 and then you say "what you've got to do is repent, turn from your sins, trust in Jesus, God will give you everlasting life." My question is, do you believe that Christ's blood is enough or do you believe that there is something that we must do?

Some have suggested that by including the word "do" in the gospel presentation, Ray Comfort (albeit unintentionally) is promoting a works-righteousness formula for salvation. By telling people there is something they must do to be saved, Ray is telling people they must complete a work to receive salvation.

Ray Comfort and Mark Spence deal with this objection in the Friday, October 28, 2011 edition of our live, Internet-based program On The Box. You will find their answer to this objection beginning at the 26:14 mark, in the program.

I would like to affirm and add to what Ray and Mark said.

Those who know me well know where I stand theologically when it comes to the sovereignty of God and salvation. I could not and would not serve in any ministry that does not promote and proclaim a biblical gospel. Having now served alongside Ray Comfort for four years I can say unequivocally that Ray Comfort believes and preaches a biblical gospel. And I am hard-pressed to think of any man I know who loves the Lord, His gospel, His people, and the lost more than Ray Comfort. I would gladly charge the gates of Hell with Ray Comfort armed only with a squirt gun.

With that said...

Salvation is by the grace of God alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone, completely separate from any human work or effort. Telling people what they must “do,” (namely to repent and believe the gospel), having given them a clear and biblical presentation of the law and the gospel, is consistent with a biblical presentation of the gospel. After all, Jesus likewise called people to repent and believe (Mark 1:15). By telling people they must repent and believe, the evangelist is not telling them they must work for their salvation. Rather, we are calling them to respond to the gospel with repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

As I thought about my answer to this objection, I was reminded of the scene in Acts 16:25-30.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."

The jailer, fearing for his life, asked a very direct question. "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

Paul, a chosen messenger of God, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ who was commanded by Christ Himself to serve Him as a herald of the gospel, could only respond to the jailer's question one way--biblically. Paul did not say, "There is nothing you must do to be saved." No. Paul said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved." There is no way around it. Paul told the jailer to do something.

Should we therefore accuse the apostle Paul of proclaiming a false gospel of works? Of course not. To do so would be to deny everything else Paul said and wrote affirming salvation by the grace of God alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone (Romans 1:17; Romans 2:4; Romans 4:13-25; Ephesians 2:8-9); 2 Timothy 1:8-10; Titus 3:4-7).

Salvation is of the Lord (Psalm 3:8; Psalm 96:2; Psalm 119:166, 174; Jonah 2:9)!

Regardless of the theological camp in which you find or place yourself, you cannot share the gospel with an individual, you cannot herald the gospel in the open-air without telling people to do something--namely, to repent and believe the gospel. You must inevitably tell them to do something.

A life Saved! - A '180' Testimony

2011-10-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

This morning I received the following email via the 180movie.com website.

My Name is Vanessa. A couple months ago while at Santa Monica Pier. A brother in Christ approached my brother and I while we were listening to another brother give the word on a speaker box. After speaking to us he gave us this DVD. At that point no one knew I was expecting. After seeing this video I made the solid decision to proceed and keep my baby. I have since went to live at a maternity home for futher help and to help me be in a safe enviroment for myself and the baby. I have also showed my family the video as well.

My family is happy and supportive. I am 22 weeks along now and trusting in God for my baby's life.

Thank you for your ministry. I have also attached a picture of my most recent ultrasound picture.

I and the rest of the Third Street Heralds evangelism team were preaching the gospel on the pier that day. I had a small quantity of 180 DVDs on hand, which we distributed to people on the pier.

What a wonderful way to start my Sunday--a life saved by a sovereign God who used 180 to convince a young woman to spare her unborn baby's life!

At Living Waters, we are trusting God to, by His sovereign grace and mercy, save not only many more unborn children, but also the souls of men and women who watch the documentary and come to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Clarence's Collision with False Conversion

2011-10-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a week since more than 1,300 Christians throughout the United States and Canada banned together on a single day to distribute 180,000 copies of the documentary 180, on more than 100 college and university campuses. We continue to receive email responses from students who received the documentary--many good, some bad, and a few ugly. Many have changed their mind about abortion and some have come to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, as a result of the effort.

In addition to shepherding this massive project, I also had the privilege of leading the team that distributed 2,000 DVDs on the campus of UCLA. The team, comprised primarily of Living Waters staff members and members of their families, also included students from UCLA and friends of the ministry. There were approximately thirty people on the team.

We spent four hours on the UCLA campus distributing DVDs, engaging students in spiritual conversation, and proclaiming the law and the gospel in the open-air. It was an amazing time of fellowship and evangelism that I am certain bore much fruit for the kingdom of God.

Here is a photo/video montage produced by Stuart and Carol Scott that provides a snapshot of the effort at UCLA.

As I mentioned, our time on the campus included open-air preaching. Ray Comfort, Stuart Scott, and Mark Spence together preached for a couple of hours, non-stop. The crowd grew to an estimated 500 students, which drew the attention of the school's radio program.

It is likely that more unbelievers heard the gospel during that two-hour period than the total number of unbelievers that will enter any given church in a year of Sundays. Some students dropped by to listen for a few minutes. Others students, presumably missing classes, stayed for the full two hours to listen to the preaching and to engage the preacher. The "hecklers" were literally lining up to take a crack at whoever was "on the box."

One of the first hecklers was Clarence, a fifth-year Political Science major and a pastor's kid (PK). Sadly, some of the most adamant hecklers open-air preachers face on the street, some of the most ardent detractors of the open-air proclamation of the gospel, are people whose first words out of their mouth are "I'm a Christian, too!"

Clarence's mantra was typical. He was opposed to the use of the law (the Ten Commandments), finding it offensive and judgmental to talk about sin. He believed it was unloving and inconsiderate to "shove Christianity down people's throats." Clarence was/is the apparent byproduct of weak preaching that likely focused on only the love of God, with little or no mention of righteousness, sin, judgment, Hell, and repentance.

Ray, as is his custom, allowed Clarence to vent for a few minutes before asking him to give up the heckler's box to someone else with an objection or question. Clarence eventually stepped down but, like so many other students, just couldn't leave.

Toward the end of the day, I saw Clarence still standing in the crowd, looking like he wanted to take a crack at Mark who was preaching at the time. I was sitting on a bench behind Mark and slightly removed from the throng of people who were gathered to hear the preaching.

I called Clarence by name and asked him to come over to where I was sitting. He obliged. I introduced myself, we shook hands, and then I asked Clarence a question.

"Clarence, share the gospel with me. Let's say you're a Christian and I'm your unbelieving friend. Here we are, together on campus. Now's your opportunity. Share the gospel with me."

Clarence told me that he would need his Bible to point out some verses. He said he would ask me if I wanted to know the Lord. And then he paraphrased Romans 10:9-10: "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."

I explained to Clarence that I didn't want to hear how he would share the gospel with me, but that I wanted him to actually share the gospel with me. He couldn't do it. It's not that Clarence didn't want to share the gospel with me. He quite literally didn't know what to say.

I allowed Clarence to stumble over his words for a few minutes and then I said, "Okay. Let's switch. Now I'm the Christian and you're my unbelieving friend. This is what I would say to you.

"Clarence. The Bible says it's appointed once for a person to die and after that, the judgment. One day you are going to die, stand before God, and give an account for your life."

At this point, Clarence was nodding his head in agreement.

"Because God is good, because He is holy, righteous, and just He is going to judge you according to the perfect moral standard of His Law. If you've ever told so much as one lie, He will see you as a liar..."

"No! I don't believe that!" Clarence loudly interrupted.

I asked Clarence to allow me to finish. I was now, sadly, more confident than ever that I was talking to a false convert. Clarence who, if he was a born again follower of Jesus Christ, would have affirmed the truth of God's Word. But, instead, he was adamantly opposed to it.

In the next couple of minutes, I presented the law and the gospel to Clarence and then I asked him what he was studying.

"Political Science." Clarence answered.

"Okay. Let's say I walked up to you and said, 'Clarence, I know all there is to know about political science.' Curious, you say, 'Okay, tell me what you know about political science.' And I respond by saying, 'Well, we have elections every four years. And sometimes we have elections every two years. And we vote.'"

I stood silent for a moment, waiting for the expected response. Clarence cracked a smile, which indicated what I had just said was ridiculous to him.

"Clarence, if I said that to you would you believe I know anything about political science?" I asked.

"No."

"Clarence. I have two daughters older than you. I care about you. But if you wouldn't believe I know anything about political science, based on what I said to you, why should I believe you are a Christian when you can't tell me how to become one? Clarence you can't be saved by a gospel you do not know."

Clarence exploded. What came out of Clarence's mouth during the next couple of minutes further revealed the condition of his heart.

"Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander" (Matthew 15:17-19)

Now yelling at the top of his lungs, Clarence, with threats of violence, called me just about every name in the book--all the while insisting he was a Christian.

I thought for sure Clarence was going to hit me. Later, when I talked to other team members about the incident, they thought the same thing. I tried to calmly call Clarence on his hypocrisy, telling him that he was not exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit. I called him to repent and believe the gospel, but to no avail.

Clarence walked away from me and hopped up on the wall next to Mark, who was preaching. He interrupted Mark and engaged the crowd.

He told the crowd he agreed with much of what was being said. It was as if Clarence was trying to do damage control after his public explosion. With some coaching from me and other members in the crowd, Clarence was able to bring himself to say that people who don't put their faith in Jesus Christ will go to Hell. But no sooner did the words come out of his mouth that he tried to soften what he said by assuring the crowd that no one knows for sure where anyone is going to spend eternity.

Eventually Clarence stepped down and rejoined the crowd. He was soon surrounded by well-wishers and approached by a reporter for the Bruin radio station. Alan Pearson, Living Waters' Director of Donor Relations, sat behind Clarence and listened intently to the interview. According to Alan, nothing Clarence said regarding the Christian faith was remotely close to the gospel and what the Bible teaches.

I was heartbroken. My heart is still grieved for Clarence and for the large number of students like him on college campuses across the country--students who left the fun-filled confines of party and pranks-driven youth ministries for secular college campuses where truth is relative and Christ is maligned. Like so many others, Clarence stepped onto the campus of UCLA believing he was saved, believing he was right with God, having never truly repented and received Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior.

While heartbroken about how it ended, my encounter with Clarence motivates me all-the-more to reach his generation with the authentic gospel of Jesus Christ.

Clarence's collision with false conversion should serve as a wake-up call for Christians and churches everywhere--a wake-up call to treat college and university campuses for what they are--mission fields filled with not only young people who have never believed in Christ, but also young people brought up in weak churches, under weak preaching, who were falsely led to believe they know Jesus when they don't.

Twitteneutics - Day 26

2011-10-30T05:07:00.000-07:00

Here's what I gleaned from God's word yesterday morning.

Scrub all you want with church attendance, good deeds, and morality. Nothing you do will ever wash away your sins (Jeremiah 2:22).

For whom among your persecuted brethren will you pray, today (Acts 12:1-5). Many evangelists will hit the streets, today, and will be persecuted.

How often do I sin against God by praying and declaring my trust in Him while, at the same time, not believing He will answer (Acts 12:12-15)?

No one gives themselves the right to become a child of God. It is given by God alone. God does not need your acceptance. You need HIS (John 1:12)!

Analogies, anecdotes, and apologetics are mere butter knives when compared to the two-edged sword of the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12).

If your evangelism leaves no one feeling uncomfortably exposed then the light you are shining is too dim to have any real effect (Hebrews 4:13).

If in your darkest moments you feel that God does not understand, then you do not understand who Christ is. Repent of your unbelief (Hebrews 4:14-15).

The Christian has confidence more-than-sufficient mercy and grace is available at the foot of His throne. Real needs are met there (Heb 4:16).

Whoever disregards the pursuit of godliness disregards God. Will your day be filled with the pursuit of impurity or Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8).

Open-Air Preacher: Do not forget to herald the imminent return of Christ in your preaching (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

If you confess sin with the frame of mind that you are going to surprise God, then you have a wrong understanding of who God is (Psalm 69:5).

Twitteneutics - Day 25

2011-10-28T13:38:00.000-07:00

Here's what I gleaned from the Word of God the last couple days.

Then they demanded a murderer be released and an innocent Man put to death. Now they elect murderers and vote unborn children put to death (Luke 23:23-25).

Salvation by the grace of God ALONE, through faith ALONE, in Jesus Christ ALONE (Luke 23:42-43)!

No priest, pope, or any other human can or will ever serve as mediator between God and man. Christ ALONE is Mediator (Luke 23:44-46)!

Yes, God the Son had to become the God-Man & the suffering Servant to satisfy the justice of God. To deny this is to deny Christ (Hebrews 2:14-18).

To be "purpose-driven" in a biblical sense is to remain faithful to the Lord and steadfast. Christian: Christ is your purpose (Acts 11:23).

I, too, have seen the empty tomb. He is risen, indeed (Luke 24:1-7)!

Unless the Lord opens the mind and eyes of a person, they cannot see the spiritual truths Scripture contains (Luke 24:45-47).

Every Christian a counselor (Hebrews 3:12-14).

There are times when life can feel unbearable. But God bears up those whom He has redeemed (Psalm 68:19-20).

The answer to the question: "Will God punish a man who steals to feed himself?" (Proverbs 6:30-31)

Twitteneutics - Day 24

2011-10-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

Here's what I gleaned from the Word of God the last couple days.

A Christian testifies to what God did for his soul (Psalm 66:16). Does your testimony speak more about you or Him?

So great is God's love for me that He disciplines me when I sin against Him (Proverbs 3:11-12).

The Lord said nothing to comfort Peter at that moment. Sometimes the American Church is too quick to dry sinners' eyes (Luke 22:60-62).

He is so much more than a prophet (Hebrews 1:1-2)!

He is not merely like God. He IS God (Hebrews 1:3-4)!

Twitteneutics - Day 23

2011-10-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

Here's what I gleaned from the Word of God the last couple days.

To think Christians owe self-righteous unbelievers answers to their questions is inconsistent with how Jesus handled such people (Luke 20:1-8).

Sometimes God's answer to prayer is "Stop your whining and do what I told you to do" (Exodus 14:15).

To lack contentment is to love self and possession more than God. It is idolatry (Colossians 3:5).

Praying for the 1,000+ Christians I will lead, today (Psalm 64:1-10).

Partial obedience is disobedience; and to try to argue your case when you do not fully obey is to heap sin upon sin (1 Samuel 15:1-23).

Yes, there is forgiveness of sin and salvation for murderers (Acts 8:1-3), but only by, through, and in Jesus Christ.

Twitteneutics - Day 22

2011-10-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

Here's what I gleaned from the Word of God this morning.

Yes, Jesus claimed to be God. He NEVER forbade people from worshiping Him (Luke 19:36-40).

Less than 40 years later, Jesus words would perfectly come to fruition. Jesus, the God-Man, was/is omniscient (Luke 19:41-44).

Sinner's prayer, giving 10%, friendship evangelism, seeker churches--all traditions that would leave Paul shaking his head (Colossians 2:8).

THE GREAT EXCHANGE! (Colossians 2:13-15). There is no salvation apart from the vicarious, penal subsitutionary atonement of Christ!

Sadly, many professing Christians insist on living in the shadows, errantly seeing legalism as a means of grace (Colossians 2:16-17).

Contrary to Rob Bellian, Mormon, and Watchtower theology, Hell IS forever (Revelation 20:10-15).

Yes, the Word of God testifies to His triune nature (Isaiah 63:1-19). To deny that God is one God in three Persons is to practice idolatry.

Prayer Stand Journal - Santa Clarita Public Library

2011-10-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm beginning a new, reoccurring blog post that will chronicle some of my experiences while using my Prayer Stand. Because of the sensitive and private nature of some of the things people share with me at the Prayer Stand, no names will be mentioned.

The reason for these posts are two-fold: 1) to share with you, the reader, how the Lord is using the Prayer Stand to minister to others and further His gospel; and 2) to give you the opportunity to join me in praying for the people I meet. I hope you are encouraged by these posts.

You can also watch a video Eddie Roman (producer of Way of the Master Television and 180) and I put together that gives an overview and review of the Prayer Stand.

When out with the Prayer Stand there are times when I am able to pray with people, on the spot. Other times people simply ask me to pray, take some gospel literature, and leave.

I am very careful how I pray at the Prayer Stand, especially with/for unbelievers. I am careful not leave them with the impression that God will definitely meet their temporal needs, as if He were some genie in a bottle. After all, God does not hear the prayers of the unsaved (Job 35:12-14; Isaiah 1:15; Isaiah 59:1-3). The unbeliever does not pray by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And without faith in Christ it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Rather, the unbeliever is double-minded and unstable in all his or her ways, and as such should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-8). For these reasons, I never ask an unsaved person to pray with me, although they almost always assume an attitude of prayer as I pray for them.

When I have the opportunity to pray aloud at the Prayer Stand with/for an unbeliever, my prayers are primarily focused on the condition of their soul. If I pray for their temporal needs it is in the context of requesting that God meet their needs (or not give them what they want) in such a way as to bring Himself glory and to draw the unbeliever to genuine repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I utilize such opportunities for prayer as a means of reiterating the Law and the Gospel they have already likely heard from me during our conversation prior to the time of prayer.

Santa Clarita Public Library - Friday, October 21, 2011 (0945-1145 hrs)

1. A lady asked for prayer for her family in Mexico. Her father is struggling with alcoholism. She received a gospel tract.

2. A brother in Christ who leads a ministry to shut-ins at a local church asked for prayer for an elderly friend who will soon undergo very serious neck surgery.

3. A sister in Christ who is part of a street ministry to youth asked for prayer for fruitfulness in the ministry.

4. Pray for a man who was late to court (the courthouse is in the same civic center as the library) for a "drinking in public" ticket. He stopped by the Prayer Stand to tell me his story. He stopped by again after his court appearance to share with me how it went. I shared the Law and the Gospel with him. Pray for his salvation.

5. A lady who professed to be a follower of Christ stopped by the Prayer Stand after a court appearance. She is on probation for an incident that occurred two years ago. She wept as she shared her story with me. She is battling some serious emotional/spiritual issues (anxiety, depression, and fear) and is not in fellowship at a local church. I gave her an "In Times of Crisis" gospel tract.

6. A young lady with a toddler in her arms asked for prayer for her husband who was arrested for an outstanding warrant. I began to share the Law and the Gospel with her when she was called away by her parents. She received a gospel tract and a Gospel of John before she left. Pray for her salvation and the salvation of her husband.

7. A sister in Christ asked for prayer regarding a change in her court reporter status. A widow, she has been able to work part-time and raise her children for fourteen years, but the county may require her to assume full-time status.

Many other people received gospel tracts. And several people stopped by just to thank me for being there.

Twitteneutics - Day 21

2011-10-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here's what I gleaned from the Word of God this morning.

Any doctrine even remotely built upon the premise that "man is basically good" has no scriptural support and is therefore a lie (Luke 18:19).

Salvation is the monergistic, sovereign, gracious act of Almighty God. Man can't save himself. It is utterly impossible (Luke 18:26-27).

Unlike Smith, Russell, White, Eddy, Camping, televangelists, popes, and Muhammad, Jesus was/is a true prophet (Luke 18:31-34).

Jesus Christ, the Eternal One, is Creator God (Colossians 1:15-20).

Christian: you have not reconciled yourself to God. HE has reconciled you to Himself (Colossians 1:21-23).

Christian: You did not come to know God by your intellectual prowess. He chose to make Himself known to you by His grace and for His glory (Colossians 1:27).

Open-Air Preacher: Which Jesus will you herald, today? A soft Jesus pleasing to the world, or the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16)?

Considering how many Christian parents allow their daughters to dress, I have to wonder if they've ever read this verse (Proverbs 31:30).

Christian Leader: Pragmatism in the name of God is a poor and sinful substitute for obedience to the Word of God (1 Samuel 13:8-14).

Screening of '180' at The Master's College

2011-10-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

On Monday, October 24, 2011, at 7:00 PM, I will be screening 180 at The Master's College, as part of the school's "Movies that Matter" series. Following the screening, I will lead a Q&A session with students and others in attendance. This event is open to the public.

Everyone in attendance will receive a free copy of the 180 DVD. And a copy of Randy Alcorn's book, "Why Pro-Life?"

The screening of 180 will take place in EHC 100, on the North Campus at the college.

Directions:

Turn onto 13th Street from Railroad Avenue. 13th Street will become Placerita Canyon Road. Take Placerita Canyon Road past the main campus and the gymnasium. Turn left on Quigley Canyon Road. Turn right on Placeritos Boulevard. The North Campus is located at the corner of Quigley Canyon Road and Placeritos Boulevard. Park in the main parking lot, via the Placeritos Boulevard entrance.

The English History Center (EHC) is on the northwest corner of the North Campus. EHC 100 is the main room in that building.

Hope to see you there!

Twitteneutics - Day 20

2011-10-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

Here's what I gleaned from the Word of God, over the last couple days.

I will never have as much as Paul did to commend to God, and Paul had nothing to commend to Him (Philippians 3:3-11).

What no religion can offer mankind is what every born again believer has with full assurance--a future hope (Philippians 3:20-21).

No Christian should EVER obey any law forbidding the heralding of the gospel. Such laws must be broken for the glory of Christ (Acts 4:18-20).

Pray not for relief from persecution, but for boldness to keep preaching in the midst of persecution (Acts 4:29-30).

You have no choice but to forgive a brother who repents. To do otherwise is to sin. "Pay attention to yourselves" (Luke 17:3-4).

Take no glory when you are obedient. Let not your heart swell with pride when you live by faith. You are only doing what you have been told (Luke 17:7-10).

Many Christians live like the 9 lepers--expecting much from God and thanking Him very little, taking His grace and mercy for granted (Luke 17:11-19).

Every spiritual battle, every war against sin begins in the mind. Take the offensive! Fight the good fight by thinking right! (Philippians 4:8)

If you don't share the gospel because of the fear of men or because of the rules of men, then you obey men and not God. Repent! (Acts 5:27-29)

Lyle's Lack of Assurance

2011-10-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

I went out with the cross to a new intersection, today--the corner of Newhall Avenue and Main Street (Newhall, CA). I prayed the Lord would bless me yet again for an opportunity to share the gospel with someone. He heard my prayer and answered according to His sovereign will.

His name was Lyle. He was probably in his mid-to-late thirties, but he looked much older. Life on the streets and a lifetime of drug addiction has aged him beyond his years. He carried a large trash bag filled with recyclable items. In his free hand, a cigarette that had been lit then extinguished to conserve it for later use. Dirty and disheveled, Lyle approached me and said, "Look, here. I have a question. Can a man lose his salvation?"

What followed was a wonderful fifteen-minute conversation with a man who seemed contrite and in need of help. I hope you will be as blessed to listen to this conversation as I was to be part of it.

Pray for Lyle.

You can also listen to and/or download the audio, here.

Twitteneutics - Day 19

2011-10-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

Here's what I gleaned from the Word of God, over the last couple days.

What a wonderful model for OA preaching. The Word read/recited, then brief exposition, then the proclamation of the gospel (Acts 2:14-41).

God is sovereign. He shares His sovereignty with NO ONE. He is free to do as He pleases, consistent with His character and nature (Exodus 9:16).

A tragic example of death-producing worldly grief, not repentance-producing godly grief (Exodus 9:27-35; 2 Corinthians 7:10).

Lord, help me to be other-minded, today. Show me how I can serve others--putting others over, above, before myself, for Your glory (Philippians 2:3-4).

The Hypostatic Union: Without it there is no means of atonement, no means of saving grace, no means of salvation (Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 1:3).

Yes, EVERYONE will bow the knee--the atheist, the agnostic, the pagan, the idolater. Sadly, these will bow before they perish (Philippians 2:9-10).

The atheist and the false convert have more in common than a lack of understanding regarding the justice of God (Proverbs 28:5).

Professing Christian: if you scoff at the use of the law in evangelism, beware and repent (Proverbs 28:9)!

God is mighty to save, and He hears the prayers of His people. But if you know not Jesus as Lord and Savior, He hears you not (Isaiah 59:1-2).

True prophets of God make no promises of wealth and take no credit for healing. Today's TV false prophets do the opposite (Acts 3:1-13).

At the Foot of the Cross with Raoul and Oscar

2011-10-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Life has been very busy. The release of 180, which today has eclipsed the one million view mark on YouTube, has kept all of us at Living Waters in a state of perpetual motion. Add to that the upcoming distribution of more than 200,000 180 DVDs on college and university campuses, and overseeing the ministries Transformed and Deeper conferences, well.... Life has been very busy.

As I drove home from Living Waters yesterday, I tried to remember the last time I had taken out the cross. I couldn't. So, I decided to head out with the cross for about an hour or so, before dinner. I went to the corner (Lyons Avenue and Avenida Entrana, Newhall, CA) where more than two years ago I stood with the cross, for the first time.

Within minutes, I watched as a man driving westbound on Lyons Avenue made an erratic turn from the #1 westbound lane to northbound Avenida Entrana. He quickly pulled into the parking lot across the street from where I was standing.

The man got out of his car, walked to the corner opposite me, and began to nervously pace back and forth. After a few minutes, he walked across the street to my corner. He slowly walked behind and around me and stood next to the traffic light. I didn't have a very good vibe about this guy, but I tried to engage him by handing him a gospel tract.

He would not look me in the eye and silently responded to my offer with his middle finger. I asked him if that was all he had to say and he responded by grabbing his buttocks. While expressive, he was not very articulate.

When the light turned green, the man darted across the street, but only went halfway before turning around and returning to my corner. He then made his way back across the street to the corner opposite me where he continued his bizarre behavior of pacing and staring at the intersection.

Oh, did I mention the man, in his mid-fifties, had long wild white hair and was wearing a grim reaper t-shirt?

As the man carried on across the street, a car with two young men came to a stop at the light, eastbound on Lyons Avenue. They were at least fifty feet away from where I stood on the corner. Both young men looked over at me, smiled, and asked, "Ready for What?"

I pointed to the parking lot where my car was parked. "There's a parking lot right there! Come on over, and I will answer your questions!"

The light turned green, and the two young men drove down the road.

I was disappointed but not surprised that the two young men didn't stop. What happened next, however, did surprise me.

A few minutes later I saw the same car with the same two young men driving toward the intersection, westbound on Lyons Avenue. The car made the right turn onto Avenida Entrana and immediately turned into the parking lot. The two young men got out of the car, walked past the grim reaper t-shirt-wearing man, and made their way to my side of the street.

There names were Raoul and Oscar.

I introduced myself, shook their hands, and thanked them for stopping to talk to me. The following is the conversation I had with Raoul and Oscar. The audio was captured on my iPhone, which was in my pants pocket, so the sound quality isn't as good as it could be. But if you're patient and listen carefully you will be able to hear the entire conversation.

You can also listen to and/or download the audio of this conversation, here.

What a blessing! What a blessing to be given the opportunity to share the law and the gospel with Raoul and Oscar--two young men I would have never met had I not been standing on the corner with my cross.

Join me in praying that Raoul and Oscar will receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Rightly Divided, with Lane Chaplin: 180

2011-10-18T07:14:00.001-07:00

Twitteneutics - Day 18

2011-10-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

Here's what I gleaned from the Word of God this morning.

The use of tragic events in evangelism is as timely and relevant today as it was when Jesus employed the tactic (Luke 13:1-5).

The truth of God and His Word always puts the hypocrite to shame, whether he or she is ever humble enough to admit it (Luke 13:10-17).

The infinite God has set a finite amount of time during which He will save people. Sadly more will perish than will be saved (Luke 13:22-30).

God hardens the hearts of those He will subsequently judge. That we may not understand or even like it is irrelevant (Exodus 7:3-4). God is God!

God is sovereign and, at the same time, man is responsible for His sins against God (Exodus 7:16). The unbeliever can't comprehend this truth.

Christian: you have no strength. You have no power. What you have is the Lord's strength and His power, which is infinitely better (Ephesians 6:10).

Christian: there is only one piece of armor that is both offensive and defensive--the Word of God. Are you daily training with that weapon (Ephesians 6:17)?

Prayer is the most forgotten and neglected piece of spiritual armor. Train with it daily so you will turn to it an use it often (Ephesians 6:18).

There are no evangelist mimes! You CANNOT share the gospel unless you open your mouth and proclaim the gospel (Ephesians 6:19-20).

Christian: if you don't warn lost people of God's impending, fierce wrath you don't care that His wrath is what awaits them (Revelation 14:17-20).

OA Preacher: Don't respond in kind to hecklers. Kindly and firmly show them their error to crush their arrogance and ignorance (Proverbs 26:4-5).

That America gets what she wants in the electoral process is, in some ways, the meting out of God's wrath against a sinful nation (1 Samuel 8:7-9).

In describing the king's rule over Israel, 5 times Samuel used the phrase "He will take." There is nothing new under the sun (1 Samuel 8:13-17).

Vote pro-choice? Don't go crying to God when u are disappointed by the candidates you put into office. God's not listening (1 Samuel 8:18).

God is omnipresent. He is in Heaven above, and in the contrite redeemed heart below (Isaiah 57:15).

No imputed righteousness, no peace! There is no peace for the wicked unredeemed (Isaiah 57:21). Repent and believe the gospel!

Yes, Jesus Claimed to be God

2011-10-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

One of the many "cut & paste" objections unbelievers levy against God and His Word is this: "Jesus never claimed to be God."

Truth: The Bible does not record Jesus saying these words in a single sentence: "I am God."

Truth: Jesus repeatedly asserted He was and is God, and that is why the Jewish religious leaders sought to murder Him (Mark 14:60-64; Luke 22:66-71; John 8:48-59; John 9:35-41; John 10:30-33).

The Bible is replete with the words of Jesus and the words about Jesus, which clearly show (to those who are not spiritually blind), that God the Father and Jesus (God the Son) are one in essence and character while, at the same time unique in their personage. God the Father and God the Son, along with God the Holy Spirit, comprise the Trinity of God. God is one God in three Persons.

What follows was compiled by Mark Spence and published as part of Lesson 49 of The School of Biblical Evangelism. Feel free to copy and paste this into a Word document and size it to fit inside your Bible. The next time someone foolishly challenges the deity of Jesus, you will be all-the-more equipped to give the reason for the hope that is in you.

Description: YAHWEH; "I AM"

God the Father: Exodus 3:14; Deuteronomy 32:39

Jesus: John 8:24; John 8:58; John 18:4-6

Description: God

God the Father: Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 45:6-7

Jesus: Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1, 14; John 20:28; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:8; 2 Peter 1:1; Matthew 1:23; 1 John 5:20

Description: Alpha and Omega (The First and the Last)

God the Father: Isaiah 41:4; Isaiah 48:12; Revelation 1:8

Jesus: Revelation 1:17-18; Revelation 2:8; Revelation 2:12-16

Description: Lord

God the Father: Isaiah 45:23

Jesus: Matthew 12:8; Acts 7:59-60; Acts 10:36; Romans 10:12; 1 Corinthians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Philippians 2:10-11

Description: Savior

God the Father: Isaiah 43:3, 11; Isaiah 63:8; Luke 1:47; 1 Timothy 4:10

Jesus: Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:11; John 1:29; John 4:42; 2 Timothy 1:10; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 5:9

Description: King

God the Father: Psalm 95:3; Isaiah 43:15; 1 Timothy 6:14-16

Jesus: Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16

Description: Judge

God the Father: Genesis 18:25; Deuteronomy 32:36; Psalm 50:4, 6; Psalm 58:11; Psalm 75:7; Psalm 96:13

Jesus: John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:1

Description: Light

God the Father: 2 Samuel 22:29; Psalm 27:1

Jesus: John 1:4, 9; John 3:19; John 8:12; John 9:5

Description: Rock

God the Father: Deuteronomy 32:3-4; 2 Samuel 22:32

Jesus: Romans 9:33; 1 Corinthians 10:3-4; 1 Peter 2:4-8

Description: Redeemer

God the Father: Psalm 130:7-8; Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 49:26; Isaiah 54:5

Jesus: Acts 20: 28; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12

Description: Our Righteousness

God the Father: Isaiah 45:24

Jesus: Jeremiah 23:6; Romans 3:21

Description: Husband

God the Father: Isaiah 54:5; Hosea 2:16

Jesus: Matthew 25:1; Mark 2:18-19; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25-32; Revelation 21:2, 9

Description: Shepherd

God the Father: Genesis 49:24; Psalm 23:1; Psalm 80:1

Jesus: John 10:11, 16; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4

Description: Creator

God the Father: Genesis 1:1; Job 33:4; Psalm 95:1-7; Psalm 102:24-26; Isaiah 40:28; Issiah 43:1; Acts 4:24

Jesus: John 1:2-3, 10; Colossians 1:15-18; Hebrews 1:1-3, 10

Description: Giver of Life

God the Father: Genesis 2:7; Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:6

Jesus: John 5:21; John 10:28; John 11:25

Description: Forgiver of Sin

God the Father: Exodus 34:6-7; Nehemiah 9:17; Daniel 9:9; Jonah 4:2

Jesus: Matthew 9:2; Mark 2:1-12; Acts 26:18; Colossians 2:13; Colossians 3:13

Description: Lord our Healer

God the Father: Exodus 15:26

Jesus: Acts 9:34

Description: Omnipresent

God the Father: Psalm 139:7-12; Proverbs 15:3

Jesus: Matthew 18:20; Matthew 28:20; Ephesians 3:17; Ephesians 4:10

Description: Omniscient

God the Father: 1 Kings 8:37-39; Jeremiah 17:9-10

Jesus: Matthew 9:4; Matthew 11:27; Luke 5:4-6; John 2:25; John 16:30; John 21:17; Acts 1:24

Description: Omnipotent

God the Father: Isaiah 40:10-31; Isaiah 45:5-13; Revelation 19:6

Jesus: Matthew 28:18; Mark 1:29-34; John 10:18; Jude 24

Description: Preexistent

God the Father: Genesis 1:1

Jesus: John 1:15, 30; John 3:13, 31-32; John 6:62; John 16:28; John 17:5

Description: Eternal

God the Father: Psalm 102:26-27; Habakkuk 3:6

Jesus: Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2; John 8:58

Description: Receiver of Worship

God the Father: Matthew 4:10; John 4:24; Revelation 5:14; Revelation 7:11; Revelation 11:16; Revelation 19:4; Revelation 19:10

Jesus: Matthew 14:33; Matthew 28:9; John 9:38; Philippians 2:10-11; Hebrews 1:6

Description: Hope

God the Father: Jeremiah 17:7

Jesus: 1 Timothy 1:1

Description: Speaker with Divine Authority

God the Father: “Thus saith the Lord…” -- used hundreds of times in Scripture

Jesus: Matthew 23:34-37; John 3:5; John 7:46; Every time Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say…”

Description: He Who Rose Jesus from the Dead

God the Father: "Whom you crucified..." Acts 2:24; 2:31-32; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 6:14

Jesus: "Destroy this Temple..." John 2:19-22; John 10:17-18; Matthew 27:40

Description: Who Gets the Glory?

God the Father: Isaiah 42:8; Isaiah 48:11

Jesus: Hebrews 13:21; John 17:5

Twitteneutics - Day 17

2011-10-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

It's been a few days since my last Twittenteutics entry. Directing this year's Deeper Conference kept me pretty busy this weekend.

During the conference, Ray Comfort shared something I have heard him say many times in the past. They are words that resonate with me and stir my heart every time I hear him say them. "No Bible, no breakfast. No read, no feed."

And this morning I read the following quote from J.C. Ryle: "The Bible is the true lantern for a dark and cloudy time. Let us beware of traveling without its light."

Here's what I have gleaned from the Word of God, over the last few days.

Before Christ, you weren't spiritually sick. You were spiritually DEAD--dead in trespasses and sin (Ephesians 2:1-3).

If you are alive in Christ, GOD made you alive! You are alive because of His mercy, not your merit--because of His grace, not your goodness (Ephesians 2:4-5).

Only God can open the eyes of the Roman Catholics, Muslims, Cultists and today's Pharisees to Sola Fide and Sola Gratia (Ephesians 2:8-9).

If you are God's vessel you did not, have not, and will not determine your usefulness to Him. He determined it all in eternity past (Ephesians 2:10).

Neo-Pharisees have no peace, for they remain unreconciled, unregenerate people hostile to God who scorn the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16).

There is NO access to God, but through Christ (Ephesians 2:18)!

Anyone who takes lightly the weighty responsibility of gospel preaching should not preach, because they've forgotten who they represent (Luke 10:20).

Evangelist: rejoice not in the power of your ministry. Rejoice that the One who gave you your ministry first gave you eternal life (Luke 10:17-20).

If you know God the Son it is Only because He chose to reveal Himself to you (Luke 10:22).

Jesus didn't abide/tolerate Mariology in His day. Those who worship her today must repent, for no idolater will enter the Kingdom of God (Luke 11:27-28).

Sadly, many false Christians work hard to wash the outside of the cup while the inside of the cup is unregenerate and unclean (Luke 11:37-41).

According to the traditions of evangelicalism, Jesus was a failure at friendship evangelism. He cared more for truth and souls [than making friends] (Luke 11:37-54).

To use the excuse "I'm not good with words" to avoid proclaiming the gospel is to sin against the one who gave you your voice (Exodus 4:10-12).

The sin of Moses is the sin of the vast majority of American Christians (Exodus 4:13).

Sadly, those who profess to be Christians while insisting on being pro-choice fall into a dreadful category (Titus 1:16).

Jesus saved me first for his glory, and second for my benefit. He gave himself to save me, I didn't give myself to Him so He could save me (Titus 3:14).

Christians: are your tweets more about Titus 3:4-8, or are they more about Titus 3:9-11?

God has given evangelists to the church to equip His saints to further the gospel. The church without evangelists lacks maturity (Ephesians 4:11-14).

If you deny it is a child growing in the womb, you do not know the Creator (Ecclesiastes 11:5). This includes you if you claim to be a pro-choice "Christian."

The existence of every professed atheist and self-righteous person is validation for the veracity of God's Word (Psalm 53:1-3).

The Christian is not the person who never falls. The Christian is the one who falls and gets back up (Proverbs 22:16). Don't quit! War with sin!

Those who are dead in sin and spiritually blind cannot see the suffering and risen Savior in Isaiah 53:1-12. They are the most pitiful people.

You can't know God like the back of your hand. His thoughts are so beyond comprehension it is enough to sit in the palm of His hand (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Christian leaders who scoff at open-air preaching as ineffective, opting instead for man-pleasing schemes, should spend time reading Acts 26:1-31.

God not only determines if you will die for your faith. He also determines when, where, and how. He is sovereign (Acts 27:22-26).

Do you profess to be a Christian yet refuse to share the gospel? Then why do you think Jesus will acknowledge you before the heavenly host (Luke 12:8-9)?

Have you ever seen a hearse towing a U-Haul trailer? Repent of covetousness (Luke 12:15-21)!

American Church: awake and repent! Billions in building programs reflect how little she cares about Christ's imminent return (Luke 12:35-40).

Those who see men like Gandhi as a Christlike figure know not the Christ of Scripture (Luke 12:49-53).

Before you rail against the sexually immoral, take a look at your checkbook. God feels the same way about the covetous. Both are idolaters (Ephesians 5:5).

A Christian CANNOT vote for pro-choice candidates. To do so is to participate in their wickedness (Ephesians 5:11).

To fear man for any reason is to distrust God. There's just no way around it (Psalm 56:10-11).

The fact that God conceals things makes Him no less God. It simply shows that He is in control and man is not (Proverbs 25:2).

Engaging in gossip is not worth a godly man's reputation (Proverbs 25:9-10).

Confucianism, Creation, and Christ

2011-10-12T14:13:00.000-07:00

Can I Be Pro-Life and Take a Life

2011-10-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

Recently, I received the following "feedback" email via 180movie.com.

Being a US Marine I understand the ability and need to take a life but I am wholeheartedly against abortion. Where does that leave me and people like me?

Having served as a deputy sheriff for twenty years, and having served as a chaplain to my law enforcement brethren for eight of those years, I have been asked questions similar to this many times. "Can I, as a Christian, take a human life in the performance of my law enforcement or military duties while, at the same time, honor God's command not to kill? Can I take a life and remain consistent in my pro-life position?" The answer to both questions is "yes."

For further study: Genesis 9:6; Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17; Numbers 35:11, 15, 31; Joshua 20:9; Matthew 26:47-56; Romans 13:1-5

Twitteneutics - Day 16

2011-10-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've gleaned during my time in God's Word, today.

Abba, thank You for adopting me! I didn't choose You. By Your love, mercy, and grace You chose me, an unworthy sinner, to be Your child (Ephesians 1:3-14).

How foolish for a man to think He is wiser than the One who created him (Proverbs 21:30).

Yes, scoffers, doubters, even the mutilation of Jesus was foretold 700 years before His crucifixion (Isaiah 52:14). Repent and believe!

One of the great benefits of going to Israel in May is how much more I see the Scriptures. I stood where Paul made his defense (Acts 24:10).

Few will respond well to evangelism that includes talk of righteousness, self-control, and coming judgment. Why? It's biblical (Acts 24:25).

Twitteneutics - Day 15

2011-10-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've gleaned during my time in God's Word, today.

Don't quit (Galatians 6:9)!

Gods mercy is contingent upon His character, not mine (Psalm 51:1).

I cannot make myself spiritually clean. Only the washing of God can cleanse me from sin (Psalm 51:2).

While others sometimes suffer the fallout of my sin, God is the One whom I sin against. He is the offended party (Psalm 51:4).

No matter how dark the days, joy can be found in the reality of salvation. Lord give me a willing spirit (Psalm 51:12)!

Helping others to overcome sin and spiritual darkness through your own example of repentance is an act of worship (Psalm 51:13-14).

Brokenness and genuine contrition are the marks of true repentance. Anything less is little more than worldly sorrow (Psalm 51:17).

Oh, Lord. Too often I have not led by example in this area (Prov 20:3). Help me to be more honorable.

Lord, surround me with men of understanding so that through accountability the true intentions of my heart will be brought to light (Prov 20:5).

To refer to any mere man as "Your Holiness" is to blaspheme God. For God alone is holy (1 Sam 2:2)!

I think it's safe to say that the second oldest profession is that of the religious leader that knows not God or His Word (1 Sam 2:12-25).

How sinful for me to fear man, circumstances, or anything in life when the Creator of everyone and everything is my Comforter (Isa 51:12-16).

In light of Paul's response, I wonder if today's Christian can justify speaking evil about our government leaders (Acts 23:1-5).

Twitteneutics - Day 14

2011-10-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've gleaned during my time in God's Word, today.

Jesus had every opportunity to declare Sabbatarianism a requirement for His followers, but He never did (Luke 6:1-5).

The Omniscient One, the Lord of the Sabbath, crushed the legalism of the Sabbatarians (Luke 6:6-11).

If you rejoice because lost people like you and see you as good because of your ministry, your reward in heaven may not be that great (Luke 6:22-23).

If you're a pastor/teacher and lost people love your sermons and books, you're not in the best of company (Luke 6:26).

Every pro-choice "Christian" should heed the words of Christ. Repent or the ruin of your house will be great (Luke 6:43-49).

Your trials are not only about you. How can you minister to others as a result of or in the midst of your trials (Genesis 50:19-20).

Almost every debate about Christian liberty seems to end in Christian cannibalism (Galatians 5:13-15).

O foolish man! How illogical to think the present absence of judgment is evidence there is no final judgment (Ecclesiastes 8:10-13).

The meekness of Christ is foretold 700 years before His incarnation (Isa 50:6). The Word of God is true!

May They Quickly Forget Our Names

2011-10-10T06:06:00.000-07:00

Al Martinez of 22nd Street Ministries shot the following video. We were our on Third Street Promenade, with the rest of the Third Street Heralds, Saturday afternoon.

As you watch the video, you will see that the camera was in a fixed position behind me. From a production standpoint, the video is not much to look at. But as I watched the video, seeing my back to the camera, it reminded me of something I stress to other evangelists, including the members of my team.

If we, as Christians, are faithful to proclaim the gospel on the streets then we should do so in such a way that those who listen quickly forget our names. Those who listen should forget our names, but never forget the name of Jesus. We must decrease so the King of kings and the Lord of lords may increase in the hearts and minds of hearers of the gospel.

May they quickly forget our names.

Vintage Ray Comfort

2011-10-09T14:25:00.001-07:00

From The Archives: 'The Quittance of Quisha'

2011-10-09T14:15:00.000-07:00

Not long ago I realized I was collecting blogs like baseball cards. I had way too many. So, I decided to close several of my blogs and write exclusively, here, "On the Box." From time to time, I will dig an article or story out of the archives of my other blogs and post it, here.

To get things started, here's the story of a witnessing encounter on the campus of Cerritos College, on January 25, 2008.

Allow me to testify about my Lord.

I spent some time at Cerritos College, today. The campus of this community college is quickly becoming one of my favorite fishing ponds.

The Lord blessed me with a new fishing buddy for today's fishing trip. Heather is one of our customer service representatives at Living Waters. She shared with me earlier this week that she is relatively new to biblical evangelism and has been working up the courage to initiate her first spiritual conversation with a stranger. I offered to help.

As we turned down the street of one of the college's several parking lots, I immediately noticed something different from previous trips to the school. There were very few cars in the parking lot. Then it dawned on me. Most community colleges have very few classes on Fridays. We decided to give it a shot anyways. The smaller campus population might be a little more comfortable for Heather, on her first fishing trip.

We made our way from the car to the center of the campus. As we rounded the corner of a building I noticed a young African American lady standing off in the distance. She didn't appear to be in a hurry to get anywhere. She looked lost in her thoughts.

"Heather, let's pray. And then we're going to talk to her." I said, pointing to the young lady.

After we prayed, we walked over to the young lady. I handed her a Billion Dollar Bill gospel tract, which she accepted with a wary look on her face.

"My name's Tony, and this is my friend, Heather. What's your name?"

"Quisha."

"Quisha, this may sound silly; but what if that was a real billion dollar bill and I told you I would give you a billion dollars for your right eye. Heather and I are medical researchers and we're looking for healthy eyes for research. Your eyes look very healthy. We'll give you a billion dollars for one of your eyes. We'll also replace your eye with a glass eye that looks just like the one we removed. You just won't be able to see out of it. Would you do it?"

"No."

"Okay. What if I offered you five billion dollars for both of your eyes. You would be blind as a bat, but you would be rich beyond your wildest dreams. Would you give me both of your eyes?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because without my eyes I wouldn't be able to see my one-year-old son."

"So, your eyes are precious to you?"

"Yes."

'Then let me ask you this. It's said that the eyes are the window to the soul. If your eyes are precious to you, shouldn't your soul that looks out of the windows of your eyes be even more precious to you?"

"I guess so."

"Quisha, what do you think happens to someone when they die?"

"I hope they go to heaven."

"And what do you think a person must do to go to heaven?"

"Do good." She said with some uncertainty in her voice.

"Are you a good person, Quisha?"

"Yes. I think so. I try to be."

Quisha answered the question with very little confidence in her voice.

"May I ask you a few questions to see if you are, in fact, a good person?"

"Okay." A curious smile appeared on her face.

I took Qhisha through several of the Ten Commandments. She admitted to being a lying, thieving, blasphemous, adulterer at heart.

"Qhisha, does that sound like the definition of a good person?"

She shook her head.

"Think of it this way. Let's say that after meeting me and Heather, you invite us to your home for dinner. When we walk in the door, your family asks you who we are. And you introduce me this way. 'This is Tony. He's a lying, thieving, blasphemous, adulterer at heart. But other than that, he's a pretty good guy.' Would your family think I'm a good person?"

"No."

"That's right. In fact, they would probably ask you why you brought someone like me to your house."

Quisha smiled and nodded her head.

"So, if you were to die and stand before God, based on what you admitted about yourself, do you think He would find you innocent or guilty of breaking His Law?"

"I guess I would be guilty."

"You guess?"

"I would be guilty."

"And if God were to find you guilty, would you go to heaven or hell?"

"Heaven?"

"I'm sure that's where you would like to go. But what should God do with you?"

"Send me to hell. But I would ask for forgiveness."

"Quisha, let's say you were in Wal-Mart one day with your little son. You're a good mom. Very careful and attentive. But, for whatever reason, you turn away your attention for just a moment. And during that brief moment, someone kidnaps your child."

I could tell that Quisha's pulse was quickening by the widening of her eyes and the obvious indicators of heavier breathing.

"The man who kidnapped your son is caught before he could harm him. Your son is okay."

I said that to try to help her calm down so she could focus on what I was saying.

"The case goes to trial. He is found guilty by the jury. It's the day of sentencing. You, your family, and your friends are in the courtroom. The man who kidnapped your precious son is standing before the judge awaiting his sentence. The man looks at the judge and says, 'Your honor, I am sorry that I kidnapped that little boy. I know it was wrong. So, since I said I was sorry, I think you should let me go.'

"The judge looks at the man for a moment and smiles. 'Well, since you're sorry, you're free to go.'

"Quisha, what would you and your family expect from the judge?"

"Justice."

"That's right. A good judge will not let a guilty criminal go, just because the criminal apologizes and asks to be let go. A good judge will punish lawbreakers, right?"

"Yes."

"Well, God's standard is much higher than any human court. God's standard is protection. And being good, God must punish sin. He cannot let us go simply on the basis of us asking to be let go. Does that make sense?"

"Yes it does."

"So, does it concern you that if God finds you guilty of breaking His Law that He will send you to hell as the just punishment for your sins against Him?"

"Yes it does."

"Do you know what God did to make a way for you not to spend eternity in hell?"

"Jesus died on the cross."

"That's right. But you know what, Quisha? Many people believe what you just said. And like you, when I ask that question, most people give the same answer with about as much conviction and passion as when they order a double-double from In-n-Out Burger.

I took Quisha back to the courtroom, sharing with her the analogy of someone coming into the courtroom to pay her fine.

"The judge turns to you and tells you that you are free to go--not on the basis of anything you did; not on the basis of your goodness; but on the basis of someone else paying your fine. Would that be good news?"

"Yes."

"What would you think of the stranger who came into the courtroom to pay your fine?"

"I would love that person and want to follow him the rest of my life."

"Interesting that you would answer that way; because that's exactly what God did."

I don't know if Quisha blinked or moved a muscle as I shared the gospel of God's amazing grace with her.

"God sent His Son to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. He was fully God and fully Man. He lived a sinless, perfect life. He died a horrible bloody death on the cross in order to take upon Himself the punishment you deserve for breaking God's Law. Three days later He rose from the dead and forever defeated death.

"But it's not enough to simply believe the truths about Jesus in your head. You must believe in your heart, to the point that you want to repent. That means to turn away from your sins. You must repent and put your trust in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation. There is nothing you can do to save yourself. None of us are good, according to God's standard. You cannot earn or deserve heaven.

"If you turn from your sin and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, when you die and stand before Him, instead of receiving what you deserve for breaking His Law, which is eternity in hell; you will receive what you don't deserve, which is grace and mercy and the free gift of everlasting life with Him. Does that make sense?"

"Yes."

"Quisha, there's one statistic that no one can avoid. Ten out of ten people die."

"I know. Four people who were close to me have died recently."

"Then you know from experience that what I'm telling you is true. And the time to get right with God is not when you are standing before Him as a guilty criminal waiting to be judged. It will be too late, then. The Bible says that today is the day of salvation.

"Quisha, do you believe that what I am telling you is true?"

"Yes."

"Is there any reason why you wouldn't, right now, turn from your sin and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior."

Tears immediately began to stream down Quisha's cheeks.

"Why the tears? Are you thinking about the people close to you who have died, or are you thinking about yourself?"

"Both. But more about me."

"Is there anything keeping you from repenting of your sin and receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?"

"No."

"Would you like to receive forgiveness for your sins and the free gift of eternal life?"

"Yes."

I motioned toward a nearby bench and asked Quisha if the three of us could sit down. She agreed.

I spent a little more time reaffirming the gospel. I wanted to make sure Quisha understood everything I shared with her. It was clear to me that she did. I also wanted to make sure, to the extent that I am able in my fallibility, that what I was seeing was not simply emotion, but the Holy Spirit working on the heart of this young woman. I believe it was the latter.

I encouraged Quisha to cry out to God, ask Him for His forgiveness, and ask Him to be her Lord and Savior. The three of us bowed our head.

Seemingly in an instant, Quisha was undone. She wept so bitterly that her words were almost unintelligible. But Heather and I understood enough of what Quisha was praying that we, too, were soon in tears.

Quisha cried out to God in a way that I have not often seen. She cried out to Him for forgiveness of her sin. She begged Him to save her. She begged Him to help her be a good mother to her baby boy. She prayed and she prayed--her sobs intensifying with each sentence.

After what seemed like several minutes, Quisha grew quiet. And then I prayed for her.

Heather and I spent another half-hour or so encouraging and counseling her. I explained to her that if she was born again (I never declare anyone saved), she would begin to bear fruit.

"Quisha, if God has truly saved you, then you will begin to love the things that God loves, and you will begin to hate the things that God hates. You will continue to sin; but when you do sin you will run to God for forgiveness--just as a loving little girl runs to her loving father. You will want to spend time with Him in prayer. You will want to read and understand His Word. You will want to fellowship with other genuine followers of Christ. You will want to grow in your faith and in your love for and obedience to Him.

"Some of the changes in your life will be instantaneous. And yet others will take time."

I spent a few minutes sharing parts of my own testimony with Quisha to explain the sometimes instant and sometimes gradual process of sanctification.

Heather gave Quisha her phone number. She wrote it on the back of a billion dollar bill. We both encouraged Quisha to call if she had any questions, needed encouragement, or wanted help finding a good, Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church.

Heather and I said good-bye to Quisha. We walked around the campus for several minutes. At first, few words were exchanged. We were both in awe of what we had just seen God do.

I am not the least bit hesitant to say that I believe Heather and I saw a miracle. We saw the quittance of Quisha. The dictionary defines a quittance as the "release from a debt, obligation, or penalty." And that's exactly what we saw. We saw a young woman who, to us, was a stranger just an hour before her outcry of repentance and faith released from the debt, obligation, and penalty of sin. God, in His sovereign grace and mercy, allowed us to watch Him move upon the heart of Quisha and, we believe, usher her from darkness into light--from death into life.

The quittance of Quisha was beautiful. Pray for her as she grows in her new-found faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Twitteneutics - Day 13

2011-10-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've gleaned during my time in God's Word, this morning.

To occasionally withdraw from the day-to-day pressures of ministry should never be an excuse to withdraw from communion with God (Luke 5:16).

Jesus shed His blood as a ransom for many. Oh, what great comfort there is in knowing He ransomed me, a sinner (PS 49:7-9)!

The isolationist and nomad are outside the will of God, and may be outside of Christ. Repent and return to fellowship with the saints (Prov 18:1).

My life with my wife, Mahria, is evidence of the truth of God's Word (Prov 18:22).

Twitteneutics - Day 12

2011-10-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've gleaned during my time in God's Word, over the last few days.

God does not fill the non-human and non-living with His Holy Spirit. That which is in the womb is a living person (Luke 1:14-15, 39-45)!

I think I know what Paul would think of any church that puts the desires of people first during times of corporate worship (Galatians 1:10).

Jesus didn't call the church in Ephesus pharisaical because they tested those whom they believed to be false teachers (Revelation 2:2).

Biblical evangelism is going where the lost (including strangers) are and engaging them, not waiting for them to engage you (Acts 17:17).

Open-air gospel preaching is not a casual endeavor. With so many false gospels out there, Precision in doctrine matters (Acts 18:24-28).

It appears the apostle Paul did't abide any theological elephants in the room. He confronted error with truth (Gal 2:11-14).

Those who know the Lord can worship and fear Him at the same time. If u only worship Him or only fear Him, u may not know Him (Ps 47:1-9).

God owes none of His children, much less His enemies, an explanation for anything He does (Isaiah 45:9-13).

God and God alone determines what is right. Man's definition of right, if inconsistent with God's truth, is wrong (Isaiah 45:19).

So many man-centered plans r touted by Christian leaders as the means 4 changing the world, when only the gospel has the power (Acts 17:6).

Medi-Cal Will Help You Murder A 'Family Member'

2011-10-07T22:44:00.000-07:00

Now that I have your attention.....

The following was taken from the Obstetrics page of the Medi-Cal website, under the sub-heading, "Abortions (abort)":

The Medi-Cal program covers abortion performed as a physician service.

•Abortion is a covered benefit regardless of the gestational age of the fetus.

•Medical justification and prior authorization for abortion are not required.

And this was taken from the same page under the sub-heading, "Presumptive Eligibility." The following is from Page 5 of that section, under "Definitions of Family Members and Income":

•“Family Members” are persons living in the patient’s household who are either:

-The spouse of the patient,

-The natural, adopted or step-children of the patient,

-The parents of the patient if she is under 21, unmarried and living with her parents, or

-The unborn (also considered a person when determining the patient’s income level).

So, while Medi-Cal (and by default, the State of California) recognizes a pre-born child as a "family member," Medi-Cal and the State also assist in the murder of "family members" by providing abortions at any time during pregnancy and for any reason.

And why would anyone expect God to bless this nation?

"I Don't Have The Gift of Evangelism"

2011-10-07T04:04:00.000-07:00

In response to yesterday's Vlog, I received the following comment/question from Len:

I've been told by many people that I have the "Gift" of evangelism, but they often express they don't share that gift. People in my circle speak of evangelism as if it's a spiritual gift; such as hospitality or teaching. How can I best demonstrate to my brethren that evangelism is not a spiritual gift, but a command? Thanks Tony! God bless you and your ministry!

This belief is common among Christians, especially those who do not share the gospel with the lost. While there are those who are particularly gifted to serve in the office of evangelist in the church (Ephesians 4:11-16), and while the open-air proclamation of the gospel is not for everyone, evangelism is a command placed upon every follower of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8).

That one may not feel "gifted" as an evangelist does not justify disobeying God's command to fulfill the two greatest commandments (Mark 12:28-31), by fulfilling the Great Commission.

180 QR Code!

2011-10-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

Allan, over at EvangeGeek, has come up with a fantastic way to spread the word about 180. Take a look!

The Error of Friendship Evangelism

2011-10-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

Recently, I received the following question from Allen:

Last Wednesday, two of my co-workers and I went to a fair and passed out the Million Dollar Bill tracts. But before we got to the fairgrounds, one of my co-workers and I had a debate about witnessing. He said, "We shouldn't use the law. We should just relate to people so they can come to Christ. If we use the law, we are showing signs of arrogance and therefore, turn people off from the Gospel." And when I said that the law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul, he said, "Only Christ used the law on the rich man because He has the authority to, since He never broke the law. But we shouldn't use the law because we are guilty in it." What should I say?

Sadly, what Allen's co-workers express in their question is a mindset that testifies to what has been taught in many American Churches, for more than forty years. A great injustice has been perpetrated upon American Christians (both professing and genuine), by American pastors and church growth gurus. It is the unbiblical "Friendship Evangelism" model.

The notion (and that's all it is) that Christians have to establish long-term relationships with people in order to "earn the right" to share the gospel with them; the notion that we should let people see the gospel in us and thus making the verbal proclamation of the gospel unnecessary; the notion that "relating to people" (as it is most often taught and practiced by American Christians) is somehow a prerequisite for sharing the gospel has no Scriptural support. None. And any effort to draw such inferences from the text of Scripture is an eisegetical exercise that might make Christians feel better about their evangelistic disobedience, and might make pastors and their ministries more popular, but, in the end, will only prove to be a disservice to the Scriptures, Christians, and the countless number of lost souls who aren't reached by believers who practice such philosophies of ministry.

And to the second object Allen’s friend made—the use of the Law in evangelism: his objection doesn’t hold up to even a cursory reading of Scripture, let alone any close, logical scrutiny.

If a parent stole a pack of gum when they were a child, should the parent then not teach their child it is wrong to steal? If a man has looked with lust at a woman, should the man not teach his son lust and adultery are sins before God? A woman who has had abortion and realizes she ended the life of her unborn baby, should she not admonish and plead with other women to not do the same to their unborn children?

Allen’s friend is also wrong when he suggests that only Jesus used the Law to bring people to the knowledge of their sin. The Book of Acts and the letters of Paul are replete with examples where the disciples confronted people with the Law of God to bring them to the knowledge of their sin, before explaining forgiveness of sin through the penal, substituionary atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Well over 80% of the combined evangelistic efforts of Jesus and the apostles would be characterized as “confrontational evangelism,” in many segments of the modern-day American Church. Sadly, many Christians have bought the lies of extra-biblical traditions and man-centered pragmatism, and no longer preach the gospel as did Jesus, his disciples, and as much of today’s persecuted church around the world still does.

For further study:

Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; John 4:7-30; John 15:13; Acts 8:26-40; Acts 16: 25-34; Romans 2:17-24; Romans 3:19-20; Romans 7:7; Romans 10:14-17; 1Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Ephesians 2:1-3

Twitteneutics - Day 11

2011-10-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've gleaned during my time in God's Word, over the last couple days.

We need look no further than the cross for the reason no one needs to confess to or seek absolution from any man or institution (Mark 15:37-39).

Paul would scoff at anyone who dared preached: "God has a wonderful plan for your life--health, wealth, & prosperity" (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

God's king and prophet new about the Jet Stream long before meteorologists (Ecclesiastes 1:6).

God is sovereign! Everyone He saves, He saves for His glory. For HIS glory. Man has no business taking any credit for salvation (Isaiah 43:6-7).

God alone is GOD! The gods of Islam, JW, LDS, Hindu, and every other idolatrous religion are false gods created by sinful men (Isaiah 43:10-12).

Through my many weaknesses, God shows His grace to be more than sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). Oh Lord, may your power rest upon my today!

The death knell of JW theology regarding their denial of the deity of Christ (Revelation 1:17-18 and Isaiah 44:6).

There are no secrets from God. Repentance, not the delusion of hiding from God, is the answer to wayward, sinful thoughts (Psalm 44:20-22).

Twitteneutics - Day 10

2011-10-02T06:58:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've gleaned during my time in God's Word, this morning.

Like Peter, many churches will deny Jesus three times this morning by not worshiping in Truth, preaching the Truth, or telling the lost the Truth (Mark 14:66-72).

Let no "cut & paste" atheist or practitioner of a false religion ever get away with asserting Jesus never claimed to be God (Mark 14:60-65).

Don't lack wisdom and understanding. Don't measure ur spiritual maturity, gifting, or influence by the ministries of others (2 Cor. 10:12).

The goal for increasing one's ministerial influence must be the furtherance of the gospel. Any other motive is just boasting (2 Cor. 10:15-18).

Billions are spent in America to create Sunday morning recreation centers to house faux-Christians, while missionaries starve (3 John 5-8). Shameful.

True repentance includes the submission to the sovereignty of God and the realization that he owes us nothing, including answers (Job 42:1-6).

If you are not thirsting for the Word, worship, and prayer then you are satisfying your thirst with something other than God (Psalm 42:1-2).

The antidote for every internal struggle is hope in Christ (Psalm 42:5, 11).

Have you ever seen a hearse towing a U-haul trailer (Proverbs 11:4, 7, 28)?

Remember Their Faces

2011-10-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

I spent the afternoon on the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade. My brothers, Pastor Geoff Kirkland and Steve Shafit, were with me. The apathy on both the pier and the promenade was palpable, today. Oh, the gospel was preached multiple times. More than 100 people received the documentary, 180. Several hundred Giant Money tracts were distributed. But there was something in the air and, frankly, in my heart that seemed to make the day less than stellar.

While Pastor Geoff preached, I sat down in the shade and prayed. I asked the Lord's forgiveness for my attitude, for my frustration, for my selfish introspection.

We packed up a little early, today. The batteries in my waist pack sound system wouldn't hold a charge and the crowds were pretty light. And Pastor Geoff and I both sensed the need to be home with our families.

It was in the mid-nineties, today, and yesterday my car's air conditioner decided to die. More frustration, and a reason to shake my head and laugh, on the 45-minute drive home.

I came home and had a wonderful, spiritual conversation with my youngest daughter, Amanda. That helped.

And then, for reasons known only to my Master, I began to think of a video I posted more than three years ago. I began to think of a morning when Amanda joined me as I preached the gospel outside the San Fernando Superior Courthouse.

So, remembering the title of the video, I searched YouTube to find it. I watched it for the first time in I don't know how long. As I watched it, it became apparent why the Lord had brought it to my mind. I hope it will become apparent to you, too, and that it will encourage you as it has encouraged me--yet again.

The faces I will remember from today will include to older, very angry, very profane, very blasphemous women who were not at all pleased that I was preaching the gospel.

I will remember the faces of the residents of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center who were on the pier and heard the preaching of the gospel.

I will remember the face of the man who gave me a one-finger wave as I talked about the Sovereign Creator and Judge of the Universe.

I will remember the faces of the couple from Calvary Chapel Simi Valley who stopped to listen and to give an encouraging word.

I will remember the faces of some of those who received gospel tracts and immediately stopped walking to read them.

Yes, I will remember their faces. And I will pray for them.

Twitteneutics - Day 9

2011-10-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've gleaned during my time in God's Word, over the last couple days.

To the "cut & pasters" who think they have their "Aha!" moment by quoting verses in an attempt to discredit the Bible & believers (Mk. 12:24).

Oh God in Heaven! Thank You for choosing me--one so undeserving; one who is not good and who has never been; one who was dead in sin (Mk 13:20)!

For pastors to guilt their congregations into giving a predetermined percentage, they must ignore what the Bible says about giving (2 Cor. 9:6-7).

Pastors should not expose Christians to false teachers under the auspices of "dialogue," just to put on a conference (2 John 10-11).

Inviting false teachers to join in civil, tepid dialogue is to contradict Scripture regarding how false teachers should be addressed (Acts 13:10).

Salvation is of the Lord! He is sovereign (Acts 13:48)!

Cannonballs Are Not Always Funny

2011-09-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

This morning fellow blogger and friend, Frank Turk, shared a video on Twitter. Here it is:

For the record: Frank did not find the video humorous.

The video, posted just nine hours prior to the writing of this article, already has more than 29,000 views. The person who uploaded the video included this description:

Getting baptized is one of THE most important acts a Christian will make in their life. This little guy was so excited to make this proclamation that he quite literally jumps for joy. While our hearts shall be fixed on Christ, we should all have this kind of enthusiasm and joy when entering the Kingdom of Christ! Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. Luke 6:23

A plethora of first impressions, thoughts, and questions filled my mind as I watched the video--none of them good. And I realize that all of my first impressions could be wrong. It's easy, sometimes too easy, to comment about some of the ridiculous things that are put on the Internet.

So, after taking a little time to calm down after watching the video more than once, I would like to preface the rest of this article with the following:

It's obvious, even to the untrained eye, that the pastor in the video was not pleased with what the boy did. In fact, the pastor makes it clear at the end of the video that what had just happened would never happen again.

The video doesn't show the aftermath of the boy's stunt. Was he disciplined by his parents? Was he counseled by the pastor? One can hope. None of us uninvolved, third party viewers know the answers to these questions.

Many of the commentators on the video's page insist the boy was merely expressing his joy in the Lord. The video is neither an affirmation of the boy's joy in the Lord, nor is it evidence that the boy is a false convert. It may be true that he is nothing more than an immature boy who was expressing the joy of knowing Christ. Or it may be true that the boy is lost and is the product of the "trite, Christless, 'fun & games' mentality of so many churches (not all) youth ministries). Again, having nothing more than the video from which to draw conclusions, viewers who do not know the boy, personally, cannot draw a conclusion either way.

I have no idea who the person is who posted the video or how he came about the footage. Is he a member of the church, or not? I don't even know if the person is a man or a woman. What I do know is this. He (or she) performed a novice's level of interpretation to his citation of Luke 6:23. The interpretation given for Luke 6:23 isn't even a good attempt at eisegesis, which is an errant approach to the Scriptures.

Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. ~ Luke 6:22-23

The verse the person who posted the video cited has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the joy one feels when they come to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The actual context and meaning is rather obvious. In the above passage, Jesus encouraged his disciples to consider with joy the blessing of being persecuted for the Lord's sake (see also Acts 5:41; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 4:14-16).

Sadly, however, so many American Christians handle the Word of God with utter carelessness, concerned not with what a passage or verse of Scripture actually means, but rather concerned only with what they think about the verse and how their chosen misinterpretation makes them feel about themselves. The way many American Christians, from pulpit to pew, handle the Word of God is irreverent--which brings me to the point of this article: the irreverence of the American Church.

Irreverence: "disrespect, impertinence, mockery, derision, lack of respect, impudence, flippancy."

What the boy did by jumping into the baptismal font, whether motivated by a joyful heart or juvenile mischievousness, was an irreverent act. The boy showed a lack of respect toward both his pastor and His Savior (assuming he is, in fact, saved). He also showed both flippancy and mockery toward the ordinance of baptism. And the congregation approved of and participated in the boy's sin with their laughter.

While hindsight is 20/20 and it is sometimes easier to make tough, spur-of-the-moment decisions from the armchair than in the midst of a difficult situation, were I the pastor (and I was thinking biblically at that critical moment of surprise) I would have prevented the boy from being baptized--at least at that time. I would have taken the opportunity to publicly (but gently) rebuke the boy for his public, shameful act and rebuke the congregation (not so gently) for finding it funny. That sad and irreverent moment in the church, during what was presumably a time of worship, should have been a time of solemn teaching to the church family regarding the biblical meaning of baptism and the sin of irreverence toward God.

As shameful and disappointing as the above video is, I thank God that not all churches in America are irreverent toward God, His Word, worship, and His ordinances. I'm reminded of churches like Grace Community Church, pastored by John MacArthur, where many Sunday evening services are dedicated, in part, to the testimony and baptisms of new believers. At churches like Grace, you will never see a child cannonball his way into the baptismal font. The antics of a child would never be the central point of attention, or the memory with which the congregation would be left. No. Christ and Him crucified--Christ and Him glorified through the testimony, obedience, and faith of His people--is what the congregation would remember.

Segments of the American Church need to wake up to the blasphemous levels of irreverence they are presenting to God as worship. They are tantamount to the strange and unauthorized fire offered by the sons of Aaron (Leviticus 10:1-3). While many American Christians are right now "yuckin' it up" over this video now gone viral, what they should be doing is repenting of finding humor in irreverence.

Cannonballs are not always funny.

Twitteneutics - Day 8

2011-09-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've gleaned during my time in God's Word, this evening.

There are times, especially when dealing with unbelievers, that it is appropriate to answer a question with a question (Mark 11:27-33).

To have unbelievers in your "worship band," to serve in the church, or to step into the pulpit is sinful (2 Cor. 6:14-18). Repent American Church!

If the world doesn't hate you it is because what you believe is inconsistent with the Bible, or you are born again and no one knows it (1 Jn 3:13).

Christian author: If the lost, secular world loves your book, then one thing is certain. Your book is inconsistent with THE BOOK (1 Jn 4:5-6).

If you do not hate evil, you do not fear the Lord. And if you do not fear the Lord, you do not know the Lord (Prov. 8:13). Repent!

Too often Proverbs 8:17 is used as an evangelistic verse. The verse is a call to seek wisdom, not an altar call. Be careful with God's Word.

The Lord hears the prayers of His children. He numbers our days. He is sovereign over every aspect of life. God is good (Isa. 38:1-6).

"America: The Modern-Day Valley of Slaughter"

2011-09-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, just before the release of Living Waters' documentary 180, I had the privilege, honor, and blessing of joining the men of Grace Bible Church of Bakersfield, for their monthly men's breakfast. After a wonderful meal and time of fellowship, I preached from Jeremiah 7:1-8:3. The Message: "America: The Modern-Day Valley of Slaughter."

In the message, I point out the parallels between Israel of 2,600 years ago and America of today. One of the most striking parallels is how both nations, with reckless abandon, with wanton disregard for the Word and Law of God, and with depraved indifference to the lives of children, sacrificed their children to the worship of false gods.

America is a modern-day Valley of Slaughter because it murders unborn children at the rate of 1 every 21 seconds. America's love affair with abortion makes our nation no different than ancient Israel who, as an idolatrous and adulterous nation, sacrificed her children to the false gods Molech and Baal.

I hope this message serves the Lord and His people as a word of conviction and encouragement, and a call to both repentance and action in the fight for the unborn.

"What I Do With My Body Is Between Me and My God!"

2011-09-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

At the time of this post, we have received more than 700 emails via the "feedback" feature of the 180movie.com website. The vast majority of the messages are extremely positive, with some of them being so moving as to bring me to tears--messages like this one:

I once thought the same way as the others in this movie but through those like you that planted the seed God took over and has been changing my life ever since. I have had abortions, yes more than one. I wish so much now that it would've been illegal. I was pushed into it by sexual sin. I had so many people tell me it was the right thing to do. Big mistake. I have a wonderful nine-year-old son, now, and just the thought of him never having a voice, never making it into my arms, brings me to tears. God has rules for our own good. God always makes a way for us, and my son has changed me for the better, and he has changed my life. When I had my son I realized what a huge sacrifice God made for us, to send his only Son to be tortured, and made to die on a cross . . . I choose life with the guidance of my Savior, I chose to follow the God that knows my sinful heart and loves me anyway . . . When I'm am asked about my beliefs, my religion, I simply say, "I am forgiven and grateful, thank you Jesus--the only one who died for me."

Or this one:

I've had multiple abortions and I've heard abortion compared to the Holocaust before. But, I've never understood why. I've avoided discussing or advocating on any side of the issue for many years. This video has been popping up all over Facebook. I finally clicked on the link. I am a history buff with a passion for WWII. My attention was immediately grabbed. As soon as the switch to abortion began I wanted to stop watching, but I couldn't. Part of me needed to keep watching. I don't know what to do with this information, but I think it is changing the way I view these things. I might need to watch it again. That's something I never thought I'd say.

Note: when we receive emails like the one above, we make contact with the person via email to provide encouragement and to share the gospel with them.

We also receive messages that leave you scratching your head, as the ignorance of people around the world is brought into plain view. Like this one:

We loved you movie and watched it as it made it's debut all the way over in Thailand. In Chiang Mai, the city where we live and work, a local school created quite a stir when it's students were encouraged to come to school dressed as Adolf Hitler and Nazi soldiers. Thanks for your AMAZING, God honoring work.

And, as expected, along with the "good" messages, we have also received a number of messages that could be categorized as "bad" and "ugly."

We received the following message via the "feedback" feature of the 180movie.com website, from Dee Marrow-Zane:

I am amazed and disgusted that the holocaust is being compared to pro-choice legislation in this country. Really? I'm pretty sure there aren't enough characters available in this box for me to even begin to address the flawed logic in this "documentary." Worse yet - you have advertised it as a piece about remembering the holocaust, and instead it is pro-life propaganda at it's sleaziest. I am a woman, a Christian and a mother. I vote, and I will NEVER elect a person into office who thinks that MY BODY should be legislated by the government. What I do with my body is between me and my God. I am also German - raised by a grandmother who fled Nazi Germany during WW2. This is a disgustingly misleading piece of propaganda. Hitler would be proud of you.

Dee's response is not remarkable when compared to other messages we have received from folks who use the same shrill rhetoric--claiming the video is illogical while refusing to apply any logic in their response. So, I'm not going to address most of Dee's complaints.

What stood out to me in Dee's message, and the subject of today's Vlog, is the following statement:

I am a woman, a Christian and a mother. I vote, and I will NEVER elect a person into office who thinks that MY BODY should be legislated by the government. What I do with my body is between me and my God.

In the following video, I will question Dee's assertions and give what I believe are biblical answers to those assertions.

For further study: Exodus 20:4-6; Isaiah 5:20; Matthew 7:15-20; John 15:1-11; Hebrews 10:26-31; 1 John 2:8-11

Twitteneutics - Day 7

2011-09-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've gleaned during my time in God's Word, this evening.

I can relate to Peter (act/speak now, think later Peter). Sometimes it is better to just be quiet and stand in awe of God (Mark 9:6).

Only the God-Man could have such perfect knowledge of how the Son of Man would die and rise again. Jesus is God (Mark 9:30-32)!

If you are not engaged in persuading others to repent and believe the gospel, could it be you don't truly know the fear of the Lord (2 Cor. 5:11)?

Christian: Have you stopped today to thank God for the great exchange that took place on the cross (2 Cor. 5:21)?

Any man who enters court to defend himself has a fool for a client. So, too, is the man who thinks he will do the same before God (1 Jn. 2:1).

If you believe God is "all-loving," as the term is often used, you know not the God of the Bible. God is love. AND He is Justice (Job 37:23-24).

God does NOT help those who help themselves. He helps those whom He saves and those who take refuge in Him (Psalm 37:39-40).

Twitteneutics - Day 6

2011-09-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've gleaned during my time in God's Word, this evening.

What a benevolent and loving King (Mark 8:1-9)!

Mark 8 is such a wonderful chapter. In it's 38 verses, Jesus is seen as Priest, Prophet, Physician, and King. Worship Him!

Atheists and other unbelievers are not stupid. They are blind and like it (2 Cor. 4:3-4).

More reason to believe "your best life now" and messages like it are not of God and utterly devoid of any real hope (2 Cor. 4:7-18).

Men: Before you like to the right, to the left, and behind you--before you go to a website no godly man should go--take heed (Prov. 5:20-23)!