The Gospel Soul Winning Script

During my early days with evangelism, I developed an approach called the Survey Technique. By asking short direct questions, you can maintain control of the conversation and find out quickly what a person’s spiritual beliefs are. Although the Survey Technique has helped me lead thousands to the Lord, I’m still open to utilizing new methods in reaching people with the gospel.

Rodney Howard-Browne's ministry uses a tool called the Gospel Soul-Winning Script, which originated during their Good News New York campaign in 1999. I became familiar with it a few years later during evangelism outreaches with Rodney’s church in Tampa, Florida. At first, I resisted using the script. I found it restrictive and thought sinners wouldn’t be receptive to me reading the whole thing to them.

Then while taking part in a 2009 outreach with Rodney’s ministry in Washington, D.C., my team leader asked me to “stick with the script.” Wanting to maintain unity, I complied with his request. Initially it felt awkward, but soon I realized the Soul-Winning Script is particularly helpful for those new to evangelism. It minimizes distractions by helping soul winners stay focused on leading people to Jesus. The first time I used the Script, I prayed with 17 people that included an entire Hispanic soccer team. Another time in a different part of Washington, DC, I led another 21 people to the Lord.

Since then, I’ve incorporated parts of the Soul Winning Script when approaching people with the gospel. Regardless of the tools you use for witnessing, the important thing is to go out and make yourself available. More of God's people need to open their mouths so sinners can hear and receive the Good News.

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” - Romans 10:14

Close Doesn’t Count

Last weekend I went to a gathering at a friend’s house. There we sat around a bonfire eating food and also played some games. One of them was bean bag toss. The object is to toss bean bags across the yard and into a hole. The game’s similarities to horseshoes reminded me of an old saying: “Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.” A close loss is still a loss. 

When it comes to receiving eternal life, close doesn’t count. Jesus told one man who answered a question wisely, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” (Mark 12:34) Shortly after I became a Christian in 1991, my sister commented on how our parents were so close to being saved. They were raised in traditional churches but drifted into New Age beliefs. One can know a lot of spiritual truths without knowing “…the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) Fortunately, I had the privilege of leading my mother to the Lord before she passed away.

Over the years I've ministered to numerous people who came close to praying with me to receive Jesus in their heart. Suddenly, they were distracted by a ringing cell phone or a friend who insisted on them leaving. Hopefully, other laborers have since led many of them to salvation. Regardless, we won’t see people who almost made it into heaven. One must be born again before they die to pass through the Pearly Gates. You are either in or lost for eternity.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” - Matthew 3:2

Why I Stand with Rodney Howard-Browne

When preachers take a stand against religious tradition or government tyranny, there will be believers and nonbelievers that won’t like it. Such is the case with Rodney Howard-Browne, a South African-born revivalist who also pastors The River Church outside Tampa, Florida. Initially, Rodney became known for holy laughter manifestations at his meetings. While that still occasionally happens, the focus of Rodney’s ministry is seeing souls saved.

The first time I saw Rodney Howard-Browne was in Toronto in August 1996. God mightily touched me at those meetings. A few weeks later, Rodney started his church. I never got to visit there until 2002. In the meantime, I attended more Rodney Howard-Browne meetings at my home church in Minnesota and one in Pensacola, Florida. Contrary to popular belief, Rodney wasn’t part of the Brownsville Revival but did pray for Randy Clark, the minister God later used to spark the Toronto Blessing.

For almost two decades, I’ve made seasonal moves to Tampa and attended many services at The River plus went evangelizing with them a few times. In my opinion, this church is more committed to the Great Commission than any other I’ve been to. Every student at their Bible school is trained to be a soul-winner. Pastor Rodney is aiming to complete a 300-city tour before the end of the year. The purpose of this is to preach the gospel and equip believers to do the work of an evangelist.

Another thing I respect about Rodney Howard-Browne is his generosity. Every Sunday morning, his church sends out buses all over the Tampa Bay area to pick up people needing a ride. The River also provides free bags of groceries. After one Christmas Day service, Pastor Rodney fed the entire congregation a lamb dinner. Another free meal was offered the following week on New Years Day.

In recent years, Rodney has talked more about political matters during his services. At first, I wasn’t fond of listening to what sounded like conspiracy theories to me. Soon I realized God was using Rodney to warn Americans about our freedoms being lost if the wrong people are elected. Earlier this year, he gave me a copy of his latest book “Socialism Under the Microscope.”

During the current coronavirus pandemic, most pastors have gone to live streaming only. Rodney’s church had continued public gatherings but added the following precautions...

1) Enforced a six-foot distance between family groups in the auditorium as well as overflow rooms.
2) All the staff wore gloves.
3) Every person who entered the church received hand sanitizer.
4) In the farmer's market and coffee shop in the lobby, the six-foot distance was enforced with the floor specifically marked (even though farmer’s markets and produce stands are expressly exempted).
5) The church spent $100,000 on a hospital-grade air purification system that provided continuous infectious microbial reduction rated to kill microbes including those in the coronavirus family.

All this wasn’t good enough for Hillsborough County. This past Monday, Sheriff Chad Chronister issued a warrant for Rodney Howard-Browne’s arrest. This is the same sheriff who was honored on January 12th during a Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at The River (I was there for that service). Nevertheless, Rodney turned himself in and was released 30 minutes later after posting a $500 bond.

Some have criticized Pastor Rodney for “endangering” his congregation. I find this accusation ridiculous. Pastors cannot force people to attend their churches. Churchgoers come at their own volition. Rodney and his wife Adonica advised congregation members who were sick or fearful of the virus to stay home and watch services online.

Pastor Rodney has also been accused of being a lawbreaker. Many Americans have never taken an oath to defend the Constitution, which is the highest law of the land. Rodney and Adonica did that when they became naturalized citizens of the United States. The First Amendment clearly states our government has no right to prohibit the free exercise of one’s religion and to peaceably assemble.

Christians are to obey authorities except when it would cause them to violate God’s commandments. An example can be found in Acts chapter 5 when the apostles were commanded not to preach in the name of Jesus. Peter responded in verse 29, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” If Jesus, the Apostle Paul, John the Baptist, Esther, Daniel, and other prophets followed every man-made ordinance, none of them would have fulfilled their divine destinies.

I have questions for believers who have judged Rodney for not obeying the laws of the land. Would you have reported Jews in hiding to the Nazis had you lived under their regime during World War II? What if you reside in a Muslim or Communist-controlled nation where it’s against the law for Christians to have gatherings? This conflicts with Hebrews 10:25, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Rodney Howard-Browne is not the only pastor who has been prosecuted for exercising his First Amendment rights. Last Sunday, a church service in Fort Lauderdale was shut down by four armed policemen. Another pastor in Louisiana was charged with misdemeanors for having services. The mayor of New York City has threatened fines and permanent closure against churches and synagogues (notice he didn’t mention mosques) who don’t practice social distancing. These could set precedents for politicians to come up with other excuses to close down churches. How many Christians are willing to put up with no public meetings if this continues beyond Easter?

Last Wednesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a 30-day stay-at-home order but classified religious services as Essential Activities (many politicians have labeled liquor stores, marijuana shops, and abortion providers “essential“). Hours later, Pastor Rodney announced a temporary cancelation of services to protect his congregation from death threats his church received and false arrests by authorities. The next day, the Hillsborough County Council reversed its stance and recognized churches as essential despite opposition from the mayor of Tampa who is openly gay.

Whether or not you agree with Rodney Howard-Browne’s ministry, all believers should be supportive of him and other preachers standing up for their Constitutional rights. It’s often been said, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.”

I choose to stand with Pastor Rodney.

“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” - 1 Corinthians 12:26

Must We Baptize?

Shortly after I came into this world nearly 56 years ago (tomorrow is my birthday), I was sprinkled as a baby at the Lutheran church my parents attended. It’s one thing to dedicate your children to the Lord. However, there are no examples of infant baptism in the Bible. Even Jesus was an adult when He was dunked in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.

Some Christians insist water baptism is necessary to be saved. One Scripture often quoted by them is 1 Peter 3:21, “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Many other verses such as Ephesians 2:8-9 make it clear salvation is not based on our works. The getting-wet part doesn’t save us but appealing to God for a good conscience. The thief on the cross couldn’t get water baptized when he cried out to Jesus but still received eternal life (Luke 23:40-43). 

Then there are Christians who argue if you lead someone to salvation, then you are responsible for baptizing them. The Book of Acts has examples of people being baptized immediately after getting saved. In spite of that, John 4:2 says, “…Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples.” 

Look at what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1…

14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name.

15 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. 

16 Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. 

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

Notice Paul said, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…” As a street evangelist, my focus is sharing the Good News and leading people to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. When there’s time, I encourage newborn believers to get connected with a Bible-based church. Once they have done that, their pastor can provide them the opportunity to get baptized.

After getting born again at 27, I was confident of spending eternity in heaven despite not receiving a full emersion baptism until a few months later. The church I attended at that time only conducted baptisms during their annual summer picnic. In the meantime, I experienced much growth as a believer.

Getting baptized is an important part of the Christian life. The Lord has commanded us to do that as well as take communion. However, we do those things because we are saved, not to become saved.

“not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” 
- Titus 3:5

Dead Raisers Come Forth!

One of the worship leaders at Bethel Church in Redding, California recently experienced a tragedy. The two-year-old daughter of Kalley Heiligenthal suddenly died. For a while, Kalley and her husband Andrew plus the leadership of Bethel asked everyone of faith to pray that little Olive would be raised back to life. Unfortunately for them, that didn’t happen. I was disturbed to see mostly nasty comments in response to a CBN News article about the Heiligenthals. If those critics had a child that just died, wouldn’t they want to see him or her come back to life? 

Raising the dead is mentioned several places in the Bible. However, many Christians scoff at the idea of modern-day resurrections. A few years ago, I got together with an old friend for coffee. Her interest in going to Germany prompted me to show her photos from the times I went there. Some were from a Reinhard Bonnke meeting in Berlin. During which, a Nigerian pastor testified of being raised from the dead. My friend’s attitude suddenly changed as she called that “satanic” and said, “I’ll bet you a million dollars this is not true!” When I mentioned Jesus’ commandment in Matthew 10:8 to “raise the dead”, she said that was for the Jews only.

I found out my friend believed “Paul’s gospel” and claimed the apostle didn’t raise anyone from the dead. I reminded her of the incident of Eutychus falling out of a window. My friend insisted it was Peter who brought that dead man back to life. Not wanting to debate doctrine with my friend, I changed the subject but later at home read the following verses in Acts 20…

9 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 

10 But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.” 

11 Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. 

12 And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.

The next day I got together with my then-pastor for a prayer meeting. When I told him what happened the night before, he reminded me of Paul himself coming back to life in Acts 14…

19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 

20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Raising the dead was also done by Elijah (1 Kings 17:17-22) and twice by Jesus (Mark 5:41-42 and John 11:43-44) not counting His own resurrection.

This past June, a man I knew spent the night in the same house with me in Massachusetts. The next morning, Michael was found dead in his bedroom. He was only 52 years old. Our host encouraged me and another man named Thomas to pray over Michael’s body until the police and paramedics arrived. We called for life to come back into Michael. Thomas thought he felt something but no resurrection happened. Our host soon heard from the Lord that Michael was with Him now.

Just because some Christians don’t receive their healing doesn’t mean healing isn’t for today. Likewise, there are reasons why dead people don’t come back to life despite others praying for them. Individual wills are involved. Once you experience the glories of heaven, you wouldn’t want to stay on earth. Then again, I’ve heard testimonies of people the Lord sent back from heaven because their work on earth wasn’t finished. Jesus said in John 5:21, “For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.”

One minister involved in numerous resurrections during the early 20th century was Smith Wigglesworth. His wife Polly passed away around the time the Englishman began full-time ministry. Smith immediately rebuked the death and her spirit briefly came back. The Lord spoke to him saying: “This is the time that I want to take her home to Myself.” So despite a breaking heart, Smith released his wife to be with the Lord.

Currently in Mexico, there’s a missionary named David Hogan who has raised many people from the dead. Reinhard Bonnke’s ministry produced the video “Raised from the Dead” featuring the Nigerian pastor’s testimony. There’s also a documentary titled “Deadraiser” that explores resurrection stories from around the world (portions of which can be seen on YouTube). Among those interviewed was a medical doctor named Chauncey Crandall who made this powerful statement: “Christ doesn’t sit with the sitters. He goes with the goers. So put down your Starbucks and go to the front line of battle in Jesus’ mighty name!”

Those who claim raising the dead is satanic seem to have more faith in the devil doing supernatural things than God Almighty. Although Revelation 13:12 suggests the Antichrist will experience a resurrection, his power is inferior to God’s. Raising the dead may not be the norm in contemporary Christianity but I believe we will see more of that before the Lord returns.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”  - John 11:25

Heaven on Earth

An objection that sometimes comes up when sharing the gospel is “heaven is here on earth.” Recently I heard that from a panhandler who wanted money from me (I handed him a snack and a gospel tract but he soon gave them back). It later occurred to me there is no need to beg in heaven. I could have also asked this man where one could find the Pearly Gates and the streets of gold on earth.

That beggar might have been a Jehovah’s Witness. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society teaches that only 144,000 people will get into heaven while all other Jehovah’s Witnesses will live forever on earth. Before the latter could happen, Jehovah’s Witnesses left behind after the rapture will have to suffer through a tribulation period and avoid taking the mark of the beast. That certainly won’t be heaven on earth.

Back in 1987, Belinda Carlisle had the #1 hit “Heaven is a Place on Earth” (from an album called “Heaven on Earth”). The lyrics talked about a couple enjoying each other to where it’s almost heavenly. That is God’s intent for marriage. However, the Bible makes it clear heaven and earth are two separate places. The very first verse mentions God creating two separate realms. Genesis 28:12 describes Jacob’s ladder reaching from earth to heaven. 

This is coming a time when a city in heaven will relocate to earth. Revelation 21:2 talks about the New Jerusalem “coming down out of heaven from God.” This occurs after the millennial reign of Christ and the Great White Throne Judgment. 

In the meantime, God wants His people on earth to live as citizens of heaven. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus said, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” As ambassadors of Christ, we can bring increase to the number of people who will have a heavenly home by being a witness for Him and fulfilling the Great Commission.

“May you be blessed by the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” - Psalm 115:15

The Day the Music Died

While many Americans today have their minds on the Super Bowl, pop music historians remember this being the anniversary of “The Day the Music Died.” Originating from Don McLean’s classic hit “American Pie”, that phrase summarized a horrific event that happened sixty years ago. 

On February 3rd, 1959, a chartered airplane crashed in a frozen field near Mason City, Iowa killing rock stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper. This tragedy has been of particular interest to me since their next concert would have been in Moorhead, Minnesota, the city where I grew up. The concert site was only five blocks from the house I would spend most of my childhood. One of the performers who filled in for the deceased musicians was Robert Velline, who went on to a successful career as Bobby Vee. My late father went to high school with Bobby and shared an art class with him. Vee himself died a couple of years ago due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. 

Technically, the music of all these musicians hasn’t died. Their songs continue to be heard on oldies stations and other outlets. Sometimes I played their music during my years as a disc jockey in nightclubs and at wedding dances. Now as an evangelist, I’m more interested in where these musicians are spending eternity. 

Shortly after that tragic plane crash, a tribute record was released called “Three Stars.” In this song, Tommy Dee talked about Buddy Holly singing for God now. That’s a likely possibility since Buddy grew up attending a Baptist church. Hopefully, he got born again prior to his death.

“Three Stars” also mentioned God “calling” Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper to heaven. Considering these two singers were 17 and 28 years old respectively, this is inconsistent with Scripture. While some martyrs have laid down their lives for the gospel at a young age, God desires to satisfy us with long life (Psalm 91:16). In addition, we cannot assume Ritchie and the Big Bopper are in heaven. They needed to have called on the name of Jesus while alive in order to pass through the Pearly Gates.

What about you? Are you certain of your eternal destiny? You can be sure of singing with the angels in heaven (and possibly the singers previously mentioned) if you know the Lord.

“I heard a sound like massed choirs in Heaven singing, ‘Hallelujah! The salvation and glory and power are God’s—'" Revelation 19:1 (The Message)

The Watchtower’s “Kingdom of God” Examined

One thing I will commend Jehovah’s Witnesses for is their persistence in spreading their beliefs. Every Saturday morning, many of them go door to door in various neighborhoods. In recent years, I’ve seen JW’s standing by portable displays of their literature near libraries, stores, restaurants, bus stops, and on street corners. Unfortunately, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society promote another gospel based on works (Galatians 1:6-9). Their teachings can put undiscerning followers into religious bondage, eventually resulting in them being lost for eternity.

Recently after I led a young man to the Lord at McDonald’s, a Jehovah’s Witness who overheard our conversation placed a brochure on my table as she was leaving. “What is the Kingdom of God” lists several Bible verses and then asks, “What will life be like under the rule of God’s Kingdom?” That question is answered by referring to two passages of Scripture…

“The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever.” - Psalm 37:29

“They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; They shall not plant and another eat; For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, Nor bring forth children for trouble; For they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, And their offspring with them.” - Isaiah 65:21-23

I agree life on earth will be wonderful when the Lord sets up His millennial kingdom. However, this brochure doesn’t instruct a person how to become part of God’s kingdom. This is probably to lure potential converts into having home Bible studies based on Watchtower doctrine and attend Kingdom Hall meetings. Jesus said in John 3:3, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

This same brochure makes reference to Matthew 24:3, 7 and declares, “Jesus foretold that just before the Kingdom brings peace to the earth, our world would be plagued with wars, famines, and earthquakes…We see those very conditions today. So we can be confident that God’s Kingdom will soon bring an end to all such problems.” Jesus also said in Matthew 24:13, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” I’ve never heard Jehovah’s Witnesses talk about how they plan to survive the seven-year tribulation period prior to Christ’s return. How will JW’s respond when the Antichrist pressures them to take the mark of the beast?

Thank God I’m already part of His kingdom…as a joint heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). My citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). While the earth is tribulating, I’ll be enjoying the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. An invitation is waiting for you as well if you haven’t already accepted it. All you need to do is receive the free gift of salvation.

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” - Mark 1:15

Defenders of the Faith

Today is Veteran’s Day in America (known in other countries as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day). It was exactly 100 years ago when World War I ended. Since then on November 11th, military men and women have been honored for defending freedoms we often take for granted. Having spent time in the Army National Guard myself, I get to enjoy perks some businesses offer.

Many of you may have never served in your country’s armed forces. But if you’re a Christian, then you’re a soldier in the army of the Lord and called to defend the faith. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” The New Living Translation of this verse reads, “if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” 

The apostle Paul faced many situations where he found himself “…in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:7) While evangelizing, I regularly run into folks who oppose Christianity because they follow an alternative belief system. A good technique I learned from Frank Turek to avoid wasting time is asking non-believers, “If Christianity were true, would you become a Christian?” If the non-believer replies, “No”, then they are not sincerely seeking the truth.

Whenever possible, I give those opposing the gospel at least two Scriptures to counter what they believe. If that person is still resistant, I usually back off. Titus 3:10-11 commands, “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” Nevertheless, I end such a conversation by saying, “Jesus Loves You.”

We should look for opportunities to initiate discussions about the gospel in the marketplace. One time in Hannover, Germany I encountered three women who set up a table promoting the Green Party. One of them displayed a hamburger and a veggie burger in an effort to discourage people from eating meat. After I ate one of each, this woman commented how we need to be careful of what we eat. I replied, “That’s why we should pray over our meals first.” That sparked a lively conversation where I was able to plant a lot of spiritual seeds.

Another time in Virginia, I was with a friend at a coffee shop where we overheard another customer say, “I’m not good at guessing things” (referring to a taste test that was being done). Immediately I asked this man, “Can you guess where you will spend eternity when your life ends?” This man didn’t think anyone could know his or her eternal destiny. I referred to 1 John 5:12-13 but this man wasn’t too open to discussing spiritual things. He still took a gospel tract from me.

We are commanded to “put on the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11) and “be ready in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2) God wants His people prepared for evangelism opportunities that suddenly come up without warning. Will you be ready?

“I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.” - Psalm 119:46

Redeeming the Time

This morning marked the end of daylight savings time for 2018. According to Wikipedia, “Daylight saving time in the United States is the practice of setting the clock forward by one hour during the warmer part of the year, so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less.” A phrase often used to remind people how this works is “spring forward, fall back.”

Most of America observes daylight savings time except for Arizona (minus Navajo tribal lands), Hawaii, and overseas territories. There have been various debates regarding this practice. I personally prefer having an extra hour of daylight in the evening especially when doing street ministry.

The Bible has an account of a supernatural extension of daylight. Look at what happened in Joshua 10…

12 Then Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: “Sun, stand still over Gibeon; and Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.”

13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, Till the people had revenge upon their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. 

14 And there has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the Lord heeded the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel.

Have you ever wished you could go back in time and reverse bad decisions? While we cannot undo the past, God has ways of redeeming our future if we do our part. Colossians 4:5 says, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”

In addition, when we make Bible reading a priority, it supernaturally gives us more time to do other important things. In her book “God's Will for You”, Gloria Copeland wrote about how when she and her husband Kenneth moved to Tulsa in the late 1960s, she had many responsibilities. Following a suggestion made by Oral Roberts, Gloria made a commitment to read the Gospels and the book of Acts from her Amplified Bible three times within 30 days. As a result, Gloria got more things accomplished in her life than ever before. Proverbs 3:1-2 says, “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.”

Once I heard Kenneth Copeland praying about how much farther he’d be in ministry had he gotten born again at an earlier age. The Lord told Kenneth he would be exactly where he was. This illustrates one of my favorite Scriptures…Joel 2:25, “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.”

It’s often been said if we take care of God’s business, He will take care of ours.

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” - Ephesians 5:15-16

I'm on Fire

This morning I had a dream of asking rock singer Bruce Springsteen what inspired him to write his classic hit “I’m on Fire.” When I woke up, I immediately thought about how God wants us on fire for Him. In Matthew 3:11 and Luke 3:16, John the Baptist prophesied the coming Messiah “…will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” The Greek word for fire is pyr (pronounced “poor”). That same word is used in Hebrews 12:29, “For our God is a consuming fire.”

Many people get fired up for the wrong things. One of them is “saving the planet.” 2 Peter 3:12 says we should be “looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?”

So how does one become “on fire” for God? One way is to speak Scriptural promises over yourself instead of death and destruction. James 3:5-6 says, “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.”

1 Peter 1:7 talks about our faith being “tested by fire.” We can either get on fire for God in this life or suffer the consequences of eternal fires. Some Christians will discover their worldly pursuits won’t produce any everlasting legacy. Look at 1 Corinthians 3…

13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 

14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 

15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Even more tragic is many lost people will find themselves suffering in a lake of fire for eternity because they rejected the free gift of salvation. 2 Peter 3:7 says, “But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” The Good News is you don’t have to be one of them. Receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and live a life burning for Him.

“Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord.” - Romans 12:11 (New International Reader's Version)

Was Jesus Born Again in Hell?

As Christians, we should stand for biblical truth. Unfortunately, some defenders of the faith are too quick to judge certain ministers as heretics. A few months ago, a Facebook friend blasted a well-known preacher for proclaiming at a local church, “Jesus was born again in hell.” I was at that same service. The “born again in hell” comment generated question marks in my mind. Other than that, I didn’t hear this preacher say anything that would be considered heresy. 

While walking into the bathroom at this church, I pondered the “born again” comment. Suddenly, Romans 8:29 came to my remembrance: “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Jesus is also referred to as “the firstborn” in Colossians chapter 1 verses 15 and 18.

Those of you familiar with the Apostles’ Creed will recall the phrase of Jesus descending into hell. Scriptures supporting that concept include…

“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” - Matthew 12:40

“…he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth.” - Ephesians 4:9

“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades [“hell” in the KJV] and of Death.” - Revelation 1:18

The Greek word Hades and the Hebrew word Sheol are often used interchangeably with hell. One dictionary defines Hades as “the underworld; the abode of the spirits of the dead.” Prior to the Resurrection, Hades had two separate compartments. One was for the wicked such as the rich man in Luke 16. The other (sometimes referred to as “Abraham’s Bosom”) was inhabited by Old Covenant saints such as Lazarus. 1 Peter 3:18-19 says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison.”

I would disagree with some ministers claiming that Jesus suffered in hell. Before they both died, Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) He went on to say,  “It is finished!” (John 19:30) It was on the cross Jesus received the punishment for sin that we all deserve. It also says in Psalm 16:10, “For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.”

Perhaps religious watchdogs think the doctrine of Jesus “born again in hell” minimizes His deity. Personally, I don’t believe this is worth bickering over. Sinners don’t really care about the terminology used to describe what happened to the Lord during the three days following His crucifixion. They need to hear the Good News about the Risen Christ so they don’t have to suffer for eternity themselves.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” - 2 Corinthians 5:21

Remembering Brother Billy

Several decades ago a dairy farmer and his wife in North Carolina held a prayer meeting. One of the things they prayed for was someone in their area who would go on to have a massive worldwide ministry. Their prayers were answered through their own family. On November 7, 1918, the dairy farmer's wife gave birth to William Franklin Graham Jr.  

It is widely believed Billy Graham preached the gospel to more people (an estimated 215 million) than anybody else in history. He was also a spiritual adviser to multiple U.S. presidents. In an era when preachers are not as respected as they used to be, Billy was constantly on the upper rungs of Gallup's List of Widely Admired People.

During the late 1990s, I worked at World Wide Pictures, the film ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. My job there was calling pastors throughout the United States scheduling evangelistic films to be shown in their churches. Although telemarketing work can get tedious, my job at World Wide Pictures was quite enjoyable. Most of the pastors and church secretaries I talked to had great respect for Billy. On rare occasions, I encountered what co-workers labeled “Billy bashers.”

There were a couple of occasions when I got to talk with the Rev. Graham himself. I met him for the first time during the 1996 employee picnic. I told Billy that God had called me to be an evangelist as well. Billy replied, “Make sure you study the Scriptures.”

The following summer at another employee picnic, I told Rev. Graham I had just finished reading his autobiography “Just As I Am” and really enjoyed it. With a serious look in his eye Billy replied, “Every time I read it, I get bored!” He had a unique way of being humorous and humble at the same time.

Billy retired from mass crusades in 2005 but remained active in getting the gospel out. A few years ago, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association led a campaign called My Hope America, combining the impact of video programs with the power of personal relationships. Christians across the United States opened their homes to share the Gospel with friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors featuring life-changing testimonies and powerful messages from Billy Graham.

This past Wednesday, Billy Graham died in his North Carolina home at the age of 99. A few ministers had prophesied that following Billy’s passing, another great spiritual awakening would occur. It will be interesting to see what happens in the days ahead. In the meantime, I’m sure multitudes in heaven are thanking Billy for his Christ-like example and commitment to preaching the gospel throughout the world.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 

- 2 Timothy 4:7