ShareYourFaith.org

Duluth's Bentleyville must allow preachers under first amendment, judge says

2011-12-20T20:21:00.001-06:00

Not all court battles are decided in favor of Christian preachers, but this one was. The case was handled by the Alliance Defense Fund. I don't know Jankowski's or Scott's beliefs, but pray for them and this effort.

The city of Duluth can't interfere with or prohibit speakers from engaging in free expression or peacefully distributing literature and displaying signs at the 2011 Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Duluth's Bayfront Festival Park.

Do you love the "old" gospel?

2011-11-26T10:36:00.000-06:00

Kevin DeYoung presents the "old gospel" vs. the "new gospel." Which is closer to what you try to tell others?

[A] part of the New Gospel is an invitation to join God on his mission in the world: “It’s a shame that Christians haven’t shown the world this God. But that’s what we are called to do. God’s kingdom is being established on earth. On earth! Not in some distant heaven after we die, but right here, right now. Even though we all mess up, we are God’s agents to show his love and bring this kingdom. And we don’t do that by scaring people with religious language or by forcing them into some religious mold. We do it by love. That’s the way of Jesus. That’s what it means to follow him. We love our neighbor and work for peace and justice. God wants us to become the good news for a troubled planet.”

So what's wrong with that? Read the full article--it isn't too long.

When traveling, reach out to meet new Christians

2011-04-21T18:45:00.001-05:00

I am traveling for work, and I just wanted to post a quick note recommending that when traveling, consider reaching out to find Christians wherever you go. At a conference, I met a fellow believer also attending, and I am going to visit a church tonight. It has been very encouraging. God made us with a need for fellowship with other Christians, so look for opportunities to get it!

Essentials of the Faith: The Incarnation

2011-03-03T22:07:00.003-06:00

God became a man? How is that possible? I joined Echo Zoe Radio for another podcast, this time on the Incarnation. You can listen from the main link, download it, or play it in a window.

Essentials of the faith: the atonement

2010-02-21T19:42:00.000-06:00

I recently was interviewed on Echo Zoe Radio on the atonement, one of the essentials of the Christian faith are in this article posted earlier here. Have a listen to the streaming webcast or download the MP3.

Lord, forgive my idolatry!

2009-11-17T22:21:00.000-06:00

ShareYourFaith.org's Mike just posted this great short prayer. Pray this now, and if you care to, every so often in the next few weeks.

Lord, forgive my idolatry--for thinking you owe me anything. I owe you everything. I hunger and thirst for you. Turn my ungratefulness into contentment. Continue to change me until you're enough. Amen.

Evangelism event: witnessing at Joel Osteen, May 29, 2009

2009-05-29T23:19:00.001-05:00

Just added an event to the calendar. If you are near Minneapolis, come join us this Friday, May 29, 2009, for witnessing at the Joel Osteen "A Night of Hope" event. I expect to meet Christians, non-Christians, and non-Christians who think they are Christians.

Also, we'd love for everyone reading this to pray for us. If you do, please leave a comment letting us know; it would help a lot!

UPDATE: I got one recorded conversation, and it's a long one. Listen to the first several minutes at least, and pray for Kev!

(download)

Todd Friel on the sex trade: Christ is not just your support system

2009-03-09T20:52:00.001-05:00

Here's a short clip of Todd Friel witnessing to Jared, a young man who was working to raise awareness against the illegal and henious sex trade industry. Jared confessed to being a Christian, but seemed to have a weak reason for his faith--that Jesus would be his helper, his supporter, and his friend. Jared confessed that he had little to offer someone who doesn't think their sin is a problem or who doesn't seem their need for a Savior. Todd then demonstrates how we can show the need for a savior to the rich or confident person that Jared might meet.

Have you, like Jared, thought, "I can't relate with someone who's extremely wealthy, so I don't know what I would do..."? Todd answers that question well.

(download)

St. John's church wants to avoid the frightening cross

2009-01-07T19:45:00.000-06:00

Ewen Souter and the leaders of St. John's Church in Britain come to us proclaiming the "testimony of God" with lofty speech and wisdom; they have decided to do away with the knowledge of Jesus Christ and him crucified--according to this from The Guardian:

A statue of the crucifixion has been taken down from its perch on a church in Sussex because it was scaring local children and deterring worshippers, a vicar admitted today.

The Rev Ewen Souter, the vicar at St John's Church in Horsham, West Sussex, ordered the removal of the 10-foot sculpture of Jesus on the cross just before Christmas, branding it "unsuitable" and "a horrifying depiction of pain and suffering".

"It wasn't a suitable image for the outside of a church wanting to welcome worshippers. In fact, it was a real put-off.

"We're all about hope, encouragement and the joy of the Christian faith. We want to communicate good news, not bad news, so we need a more uplifting and inspiring symbol than execution on a cross."

O foolish Anglicans! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified, and yet you now refuse that image--not because you fear it may be blasphemous, idolatry, or too close to Catholicism, but because it might frighten, shock, or disturb someone? Did you receive the Spirit by observing positivism? Or by believing what you heard from God's word? Are you so foolish? Having been offered the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the world's expectations (Galatians 3)?

It seems that some churches today demand signs and others demand kindness be supreme, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block and folly to these, but to those who are called, in any denomination or none, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men (1 Corinthians 1).

Without an execution on the cross, we have no good news, nothing that can uplift us and inspire us (Galatians 6:14). It is only through the cross--and the suffering that occurred upon it, which was much worse than a statue could ever depict--that we can be reconciled to God (Ephesians 2:12-18). We must not refuse to "look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).

St. John's church, see with what strong words I write to you with my own hand! It is those want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to remove such a symbol of suffering, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are ordained vicars do not themselves keep the word, but they desire to have the most meaningful aspects of it stripped away from your church meeting places. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither symbols nor a lack of symbols count for anything, nor denominational ordination, but a new creation (Galatians 6:11-15).

See also: the crucifix in question.

Essentials of the Christian Faith one-hour podcast

2009-01-03T09:30:00.001-06:00

My frend Andy produces a monthly Christian podcast as part of his site Echo Zoe, and I am his guest for this month (January 2009), discussing the essentials of the Christian Faith, a crucial topic for all Christians. Please take a listen via Echo Zoe site web link or iTunes podcast. I've also posted an article with all the basics here on ShareYourFaith.org. Enjoy, and please leave your comments!

Albert Mohler, Pew Research, and attitude toward God

2009-01-01T22:15:00.001-06:00

A follow-up on the Pew survey posts: Albert Mohler wrote a commentary article on the beliefs of self-proclaimed Christians, many of whom reject core Christian theology:

This survey cannot easily be dismissed. The specificity of the responses and the quality of the research sample indicate that we face a serious decline in confidence in the Gospel. When 34% of white evangelicals reject the truth that Jesus is the only Savior, we are witnessing a virtual collapse of evangelical theology.

There is also additional cause for concern. As Cathy Lynn Grossman reports, "Pew's new survey also found that many Christians (29%) say they are saved by their good actions; 30% say salvation is through belief in Jesus, God or a higher power alone, which is the core teaching of evangelical Protestantism; and 10% say salvation is found through a combination of behavior and belief, a view closer to Catholic teachings."

So next time someone responds to your witnessing efforts by saying "I am a Christian," probe a little deeper. Rather than asking theological questions like "do you believe Christ is the only way to be saved," I often use questions like "what does it mean to be a Christian" or "do you consider yourself to be a good person?" The answers will reveal much about their attitude toward God, which is more telling, but often in agreement with, the theology they profess or can recite.

American teens cheat, lie, and steal; 93% are satisfied with their character

2008-12-02T09:15:00.000-06:00

An alarming yet unsurprising survey finds that many, many teens admit to cheating, stealing, and lying often. Furthermore, 26% admit that they lied about cheating, stealing, and lying! (Makes me wonder how many are lying about their lying about cheating, stealing, and lying...)

The real alarming statistic is that 93% are satisfied with their own character, and 77% proclaim themselves above average (a statistical impossibility).

God explained this would be so passages such as Proverbs 20:6, Proverbs 30:12, and Luke 16:15. O, how many sinners think themselves righteous!

Teens need to be shown the law more than ever! God is working through Christians to show these teens that he is not satisfied with their character; in fact, because they have broken his law over and over and over again, they are storing up wrath for themselves.

Only Christ can cancel our sin and remove guilt due to our lying, cheating, and stealing. Teens, pray that God would show you your sin and your sinful character, and then run to him in repentance!

Read more in this story from the AFP news service.

Paul Washer on asking Jesus into your heart

2008-11-27T11:37:00.000-06:00

Paul Washer last year, in the following message expositing Matthew 7:13-23, called out to the "Christians" in the United States to beg them to examine their own salvation (2 Cor 13:5), repent and trust in Christ (Luke 13:3), and to do works in keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:8). This is an hour-long video; if you don't have the time, skip to 9:55 and watch as much as you want starting there.

Repentance is Necessary for Salvation and for Loving God

2008-11-16T11:22:00.001-06:00

The law of God, good sense, other people, and our own conscience testify against us that we are in rebellion by nature and by practice, living a life that falls short of God's perfect standard. Given that we have offended him so in thought, word, action, and inaction, the natural reaction is to do better in the future, make up for it by doing works of righteousness, search for sacrifices or religious practices to appease God, or give up and resign ourselves to a life of sin.

All of these approaches end in damnation--eternal punishment from God. Our attempt to do righteous acts in penance is a pathetic attempt by a guilty man to grab on to the thinnest thread of hope, one that doesn't exist (Isa 64:6-7). Our attempt to live a live free of sin is both futile (James 3:2) and insufficient due to our past sins (Rom 3:23). Our religious acts earn us no merit with God (Psa 51:16-17). And to give up and live a life of sin is to run as fast as possible away from God (Rom 1:26-32).

The only option that offers genuine relief is to come to God in repentance! (Psa 15:17, Act 3:19-21, Luke 13:1-5) Run to the cross! Turn from your life of sin, be contrite and humble before God, and turn to him who is willing and mighty to save you! (Zeph 3:17) If you are humble, he will save you, lift you up, give you a new life and new desires, and best of all, you will have the righteousness of Christ earning you favor with God. All the punishment due your sin will be washed away, and you will be with God forever.

I've posted a simple verse list of many verses related to repentance, so please study these verses. At least, please read through them and consider them. Be overwhelmed by the volume of God's words on repentance. After you do, I am confident you will be refreshed by the Spirit to emphasize preaching repentance in all your evangelism efforts. The Lord's repentance moves me to praise, thank, and love God whenever I consider it!

Article repost: The Essentials of the Christian Faith

2008-11-08T15:22:00.000-06:00

I've reposted a long article that we always used to have online (and now do again): The Essentials of the Christian Faith. I will be on a future episode of the Echo Zoe podcast (find it in iTunes) to discuss this content; it is crucial theology for all areas of study and experience, especially evangelism.

You can find it along with other articles (only two so far!) in the "Articles" menu on the bottom of the left-side menu.

Update: I've also added the Basic Evangelism lesson outline. Enjoy!

Pushing against resistance when witnessing

2008-11-08T15:15:00.000-06:00

Laurance reports this about a recent witnessing effort. Please pray for us as we look for evangelism opportunities during the winter!

Late in October, I went out with Jeremy. I tried to record some stuff but my recorder was acting up. Had a few encounters that seemed to go well but it was pretty quiet downtown last night. We talked to a Muslim guy who moved here from London. He knows about the cross but he just could not understand, or accept the blood atonement of Jesus. I tried to share with him how Christians have assurance of salvation; Jeremy argued with him about the Bible vs the Koran.

We also had a long discussion with a nice, professional looking, young man from South America, who has lived here for quite some time, I imagine. He was raised Catholic but has since departed from going to church due to hypocrisy and inter-denominational bickering and other complaints. We took him through the law and tried to show him that his opinions about organized religion mean nothing; all that matters is the fact that he has broken God’s laws and will have to answer for them on judgment day. We seemed to make a connection but I had a feeling that the conversation ended with him reverting back to his self-righteous position. I wasn’t sure if we should have pushed him harder.

Witnessing with humility and trembling

2008-10-16T09:17:00.001-05:00

This is from Jeremy, who went street witnessing last Tuesday. Praise God for their efforts!

How did the witnessing go? We were faithful in planting and watering the seed of the precious Gospel. Now it is up to the Holy Spirit to bring it to growth. As with every time that I go out to witness my faith in Christ, I am reminded again and again that it is not about me, but about God and what He has done for me; even when I did not deserve His love, He lavished me with it. The main verse that I had in mind last Tuesday was 1 Corinthians 2:2, "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling." As my partner pointed out, our experiences that night were humbling, I would like to add that we were edified by being witness to the Holy Spirit at work and the presence of other like minded Christians from ShareYourFaith.org and those bold souls from Piper's congregation (Bethlehem Baptist Church) proclaiming God's truths perched on five-gallon buckets.

My prayer is that God will use our weaknesses and fears to His glory, and that the people we spoke with and those nearby listening in will come to realize their need of the Savior and bask in His love for eternity. Amen.

Jeremy
chief of sinners

It is difficult to witness to a rape victim

2008-10-03T23:07:00.001-05:00

Laurance and I went witnessing out in downtown Minneapolis last Tuesday, along with Harlan, Steve, and Paul. It was a night of very unusual witnessing encounters. Eight of them were recorded and they are now up on the bottom of our audio page, so check them out and let us know what you think. Here's a particularly touching one; she almost immediately made a startling confession. Please pray that she gets justice, but more importantly, that she would repent and trust so that she herself would avoid God's eternal justice being poured out on her.
(download)

Politics and witnessing

2008-09-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

This was posted here a year ago. With all the news, I thought it was a good question to ask again for further comments

It is obvious to me that we shouldn't preach about politics while seeking to evangelize someone, because it is a big distraction to the main point of the law and gospel. But, should we use politics as a jumping-off point to preach the main point of the law and gospel?

The presidential election is a year away and politics are on our minds. Like anything in the news or daily life, politics can be used as a good "natural" thing to talk about in order to start a conversation with a stranger and then swing to the supernatural. It seems like everyone has an opinion on the presidential candidates, and to allow them a minute to explain, if they are interested, can be good. However, political issues are also divisive and can sometimes lead to hostility almost as much as the gospel can. Is it better just to avoid politics altogether when witnessing, or should the topics of politics be used just like any other topic when we talk with strangers? Please leave your responses on this post; if you haven't registered, go ahead and do so--it won't take long.

The reply from Ben:

We should us anything that can convict of sin.

Political stances can reveal what people value. In a witnessing encounter, we can use these values to bring the conviction of sin.

At the same time, we need to reallize that the U.S. is a temporary kingdom and prioritize accordingly.

Patrick

But if we use priorities in politics as a value judgment, do we risk offending our hearers--not with the law or gospel, but about political positions which they disagree with? For example, the road to the gospel seems straight-forward. It might look like this:

1. "Shouldn't the president should oppose legal abortions?"
2. "Isn't abortion murder?"
3. "Isn't hateful or insulting speech murder?
4. "Haven't you sinned in this way?
5. "Don't you need a savior?

Won't our contacts be so distracted by their strong opinions on #1 and #2 that they never think about #3, they don't consider #4, and then #5 seems utter foolishness?

Ben:

Hmm...

I don't think it would be wrong to promote a candidate, but I wouldn't go out of my way to do it either. I think of Daniel's service to Nebuchadnezzar. Now granted, Daniel didn't have stump to get him elected, but from reading Daniel it is clear that Daniel had a concern for preserving the reign of this pagan man. Yet He provided a powerful testimony for our God by serving God even more loyally than Nebuchadnezzar.

I just think we need to be careful to understand why a person is voting for so-and-so. If someone knows that God cares about the poor and thinks that a certain Democrats do a better job of taking care of the poor than Repuplicans do of protecting the unborn, then we have several roads we can pursue. I can pursue my appraisal of the weight of these issues and try to push my candidate, which leads to a political debate. Or we can have a gentle discussion knowing that we agree on the issues but not on their priority. Or we can talk about the character of God who cares for the poor and stands up for the helpless. We could also point out opportunities and organizations outside of the government for them to partner with in helping the poor if they don't know already.

Let's say the issue that a person is passionate about is "global warming." Now I know this world is going to be destroyed, but the earth is a legitimate stewardship given to men by God. The state of earth reflects our stewardship over it both morally and physically. A person could go into a diatribe about how global warming is some big liberal conspiracy and come off as a lunatic. Or we could talk about how God does actually care how we "tend the garden" and rule over the things He has created. We can go on to say that we think that the deliberate murder of ~1.5 million unborn babies is a greater moral evil than burning too many fossil fuels (itself partly caused by our greedy self-centered consumer cultures), but that we understand your concern for our stewawrdship over the earth itself - God cares too and He is looking forward to restoring His Universe in the age to come (See Romans 8:20-21).

I think we need to do a better presenting our first citizenship in political discussions. When I don't spin for a party, then hopefully it's the kingdom of God that comes through.

Okay one more scenario. A person is a fiscal republican but disagrees with it's "values platform." (The type of Republican who is amped about Giuliani and Schwartzeneggar). Are we glad they have helped us vote in several pro-lifers, or do we dig into their heart condition. Do they agree with God's morallity, but think it is the churches job to teach it rather than the governments? Then we might respectfully disagree and have a discussion without taking on the burden of persuading. Do they think gays should marry and that abortion helps people get out of bad situations? Then we're talking about a situation where we could turn the conversation to diagnosing the heart.

I think discussion in disagreement is a real lost art in this country, but giving up isn't the answer. I think part of the issue is the overall fragmentation and de-socialization of our culture - prioritizing entertainment over relationship (and engaging in relationship with the barrier of "personal space.") I think, as Christians we need to stand out from the Democratic and Republican spinsters by our humble and gentle political voice (without compromising our deep convictions). Then I think politics and evangelism can co-exist just fine.

I don't think it's a matter of taking the easy or obvious road, but a matter of respecting the person and understanding that even real Christians come to different conclusions concerning who to vote for. As a result, we ought to treat people as individuals who might even have perspectives that we ought to consider.

I do think politics is a more difficult road to evangelism. There are many traps. At the same time, it may be well worth the effort. There are some people who wouldn't talk about religion, who would talk about politics. As with any, evangelism (or discussion really) a lot of discernment is needed.

Spurgeon on death and resurrection--from the Free Grace Broadcaster

2008-09-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

If we can preach the Gospel--which is Christ crucified and resurrected--only partly as strong as Spurgeon did, many will hear the word of God and it will pierce them. Read just this excerpt, from his sermon on April 5, 1863 as recently published in the Winter 2006 issue of The Free Grace Broadcaster (pdf):

The grave is opened! There is found a man able to dash back its bolts and to rifle its treasures. And thus, brethren, having delivered Himself, He is able also to deliver others. Sin, too, was manifestly forgiven. Christ was in prison as a hostage, kept there as a surety; now that He is suffered to go free, it is a declaration on God's behalf that He has nothing against us. Our Substitute is discharged; we are discharged. He who undertook to pay our debt is suffered to go free; we go free in Him! "He rose again for our justification" (Rom 4:25).

The Evangelism Linebacker

2008-09-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

One of the top posts on the old ShareYourFaith.org was the Evangelism Linebacker video. Here it is again; enjoy!

Reliance on the Work of God in Muslims

2008-09-20T14:12:00.001-05:00

Stewart Binns has a good, short article on reaching Muslims for Christ in the latest issue ($5) of The Briefing. In it, he ends with a key principle that applies to all evangelism efforts:

One helpful thing to remember is that you are working in cooperation with God. It is not your job to save; your job is to introduce your Muslim friend to the true Christ. So your behavior must be an example of Christ's love. God will prepare the hearts of those he has called, and his Spirit will convict Muslims of the truth; you are just a worker in the harvest.

This firm reliance on God and his intimate work in the hearts of the lost is crucial; anyone who emphasizes it is someone I nearly always listen to. I hope to read more of what Binns has to say regarding Evangelism.

Wtinessing audio clips now online

2008-09-14T16:38:00.000-05:00

I got the audio clips back online; use the link on the left (or just click here for the list). If you didn't know, we have many audio clips of some of our witnessing encounters. Take a listen and leave your comments here--we'd love to hear your comments, criticisms, and encouragements, even regarding old clips. We hope these encourage you to go out and reach people for Christ.

Strangers quickly admitting their need for a Savior

2008-09-14T15:40:00.001-05:00

Last Tuesday, Laurance and I went downtown witnessing to those who would hear. Much to our surprise and encouragement, nearly everyone we spoke with was willing to talk! Praise God for his faithfulness to give us a field white with harvest (John 4:31-38).

One young woman was kind enough to speak to me for nearly a half hour; she professed belief in Christ, but couldn't explain what the significance of the cross was, why God should forgive us, or what I would need to do to be saved. She simply wasn't sure about these answers. She also had a part of her life that she seemed to know was not in line with what God wanted, but that felt and seemed right to her. I went through several of the Ten Commandments with her to ensure she realized she needed a savior--not just for the area in her life she was concerned about, but also for all her other sins. She was very sharp and quick to digest what I was saying; she acknowledged and admitted that breaking God's law even once made Hell a fair punishment (James 2:10). I explained the gospel to her; she thanked me very much and told me that she had much to consider, and that she was looking for a church. I left her with a "Are you good enough to go to heaven" tract and pointed to my e-mail address on the back. I urged her to read her Bible and find a good church, and to get right with God.

I also got in a conversation with a man at a bus stop who, after I went through the law, confessed a firm agreement with the terms of the Gospel but acknowledged without prompting that he often drank to get drunk. Whether or not he was genuinely saved, I don't know--but I witnessed to him about the grace of Christ for either case. He was very willing to listen, so I outlined the importance of repentance (Luke 13:1-5) and the righteousness of Jesus to take his place (2Cor 5:17-21). I left him with a tract and prayer.

God blessed us to get into these and several other good conversations, so give him praise and thanks, and pray for those we have spoken with.