The Real Tragedy

This Tuesday will be the 24th anniversary of the car accident in Paris that killed Princess Diana and her companion Dodi Fayed. This tragedy resulted in outpourings of grief from all over the world. At Diana’s funeral, Elton John sang a revised version of his hit “Candle in the Wind” as a tribute. That recording went on to become the second biggest selling single in history (behind Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas”).

However, the real tragedy is that Diana might not be in heaven right now. In his book “Good or God”, John Bevere wrote about how he spent much time grieving over Diana’s death until the Spirit of God instructed him to read Revelation 18. Verses 5 through 7 stood out…

“In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’ Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her…”

The Lord later told John, “She [Diana] flaunted her defiance to authority and her adultery to the world. She wasn’t submitted to Me.” John then brought up all the good works Diana had done. He eventually heard the Spirit of God say, “There is a good that is not of Me.” As Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

I’m not judging Diana. I’d rather think of her making it through the pearly gates instead of being tormented in hell. Regardless, we must always be ready for eternity and not depend on our good works for salvation.

“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” - Matthew 7:22-23

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

How Do You Read the Bible?

Some people have a problem with Christians reading the Bible electronically. One time while doing street ministry, I witnessed to a man who wanted to see for himself a Scripture quoted to him. I had a Gideon’s New Testament on me but opted to take out my smartphone to find the verse he wanted to see. This man immediately dismissed me as a “false evangelist” for not showing him God’s word on paper. 

I’ve seen preachers claim “real Christians use real Bibles.” While I do have a Spirit-Filled Life Bible plus numerous New Testaments and Gospels of John (to give to those who don’t have a copy of God’s Word), I mostly read Scripture on my smartphone, iPad, or laptop. That allows me to quickly locate verses in different translations with larger fonts that are easier to see. The small printing in some Bibles almost requires a magnifying glass. At night, I often fall asleep to an audio Bible. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

During Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, there’s no record of Him reading from a document while He quoted Scripture to the devil. God’s word was originally written on stone, scrolls, and then paper put into books. Now we have electronic devices available. No matter how you spend time in the Bible, it must get in your heart and come out of your mouth to produce results. 

“But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.” 

- Deuteronomy 30:14 

Let God Be God

How do you respond if a fellow believer proclaims something that’s in error? There are times we need to rebuke others. But no matter how you speak the truth in love, some people won’t receive correction. In those situations, it’s best to back off. God can send someone else who will possibly get through to them. You have to let God be God.

A Christian writer I met a few years ago recently posted a quote on his Facebook page supporting his belief in universal reconciliation. First, I responded by reminding him of Revelation 20:15, “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” Later, I posted a quote about the reality of eternal punishment for the unsaved and then added the comment: “Love warns.” This writer repeatedly defended himself by posting links to blog articles he wrote. I glanced at only one of them. I’m cautious not to absorb teachings that misinterpret the Bible. I could have posted more corrective comments but opted not to. I cannot be someone else’s Holy Ghost. You have to let God be God.

This past week, another minister wrote many critical posts against a well-known worship leader for saying certain things. I was more disturbed by this minister’s ongoing attacks. So I wrote a comment on his Facebook page asking if he tried reaching out to this worship leader. This minister wrote a response asking me to clarify what I meant. I then questioned him having (at that time) eight posts against this worship leader. He defended his right to post whatever he wanted and then told me to “Scram Bro.” So I unfollowed this minister to avoid seeing his critical posts in my newsfeed. You have to let God be God.

When evangelizing, I often meet followers of other religions promoting ideas that conflict with Scripture. As a general rule, I’ll share two Bible verses countering their errant beliefs. For example, Muslims believe Jesus was only a prophet and that God has no sons. So I often quote to them John 14:6 and John 3:16. Usually, that won’t result in an immediate conversion. Still, I planted a couple of seeds. More laborers will hopefully water those seeds so the Muslims will someday recognize their need for salvation. 1 Corinthians 3:6 says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”

Once again, you have to let God be God.

“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him…” - Titus 3:10 (ESV)

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

Casting Out Devils

Mention the Great Commission and most Christians only think of “preaching the gospel to every creature.” Yet Jesus gave other commandments in the sixteenth chapter of Mark. One of which in verse 17 is to cast out devils. That commandment must be important. It is listed before speaking in tongues and laying hands on the sick.

Many churches in Western nations don’t do deliverance ministry at all. Some ministers believe Christians cannot have a demon. I can testify that this is not true. Over the years. I’ve witnessed numerous devils cast out of God’s people. I’ve done my share of exorcisms.

During the mid-1990s, I became close friends with “Stacy” (not her real name), a middle-aged woman often placed on my team during our church’s evangelism outreaches. Despite her faithfulness in sharing the gospel, Stacy was often oppressed. One particular afternoon while I prayed for Stacy, these words came out of her mouth: “You can’t have her! You can’t have her!” I recognized this as Satan speaking through my friend and commanded him to come out in Jesus’ name. Stacy fell over and was motionless on the floor for several minutes.

Sadly, my friend didn’t stay delivered as she continued giving place to the devil through bitterness. One night after an outreach, Stacy burst into the church yelling accusations against the evangelism pastor. She had to be forcibly removed from the premises. The last time I heard from Stacy was when a mutual friend handed me a note from her laced with profanity.  

Christians can become “repossessed” by being disobedient to God’s word. After healing the man by the pool called Bethesda, Jesus told him in John 5:14, “See, you have been made well.  Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”  Jesus also warned in Matthew 12…

43 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 

44 Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 

45 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”

Every human is full of something. One must feed on God’s word to stay strong spiritually especially after receiving deliverance. Otherwise, that leaves room for the devil to get in. 

Last Sunday, my friend Gretchen and I ministered to a woman who “lost her faith” due to terrible things that happened to her and her eight children. Mercedes insisted the devil has more power than God. Gretchen and I spent about twenty minutes testifying how God will provide and protect those who put their trust in Him. Mercedes’ countenance changed after she prayed to recommit her life to the Lord.

I like what Jim Kaseman says: “If you talk more about what the devil is doing than what God is doing, then you are a devil worshipper.” We don’t need to be demon hunters looking for demons behind every doorknob. But when they manifest, then we must be ready to deal with them.

 “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” - 1 John 4:4

A Vent About Lent

Whenever visiting the Washington, DC area, I usually stay with a friend who’s a retired government worker. Shortly after meeting Jim at Calvary Campground nearly thirteen years ago, he invited me to live at his home in Northern Virginia for a season. During that time, I got to lead him in receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Since then, we’ve gone to various church services and revival meetings together.

Jim is still a member of an Anglican Church that’s more traditional than I prefer. Nevertheless, I’ve gone to a few of their bible studies and other gatherings. This past Tuesday, we went to an all-you-can-eat pancake dinner. On our way there, I noticed a sign in front of a Methodist church doing the same thing. Soon I learned this is a tradition with some denominations the day before Ash Wednesday, which signifies the start of Lent.

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines Lent as “the period preceding Easter that in the Christian Church is devoted to fasting, abstinence, and penitence in commemoration of Christ's fasting in the wilderness.” The Lutheran church I attended as a child posted announcements in their bulletins such as “1st Sunday in Lent.” However, I don’t recall my family ever observing Ash Wednesday or Lent.

I know Christians who observe the original Jewish feasts. One can argue there is Biblical precedent for that. However, I don’t see anything like that for Lent. There are no commandments for the New Testament church to fast and pray over a specific period. Romans 14:5 says, “One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.”

Observing Lent can be a good thing if it helps a believer draw closer to the Lord without becoming a religious duty. One practice associated with it that I find degrading is someone marking their forehead with ashes on Ash Wednesday as a sign of penance. This promotes sin consciousness. Jesus already took the punishment we deserve. Christians need to have the mindset that once they repent, they can confidently walk as children of God.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9

Wisdom for Witnessing

Street evangelism is a continuing education as long as one remains teachable. We can always learn new ways to approach people and how to handle objections. When certain situations don’t turn out well, it’s good to examine ourselves in case we can do things better next time. A few days ago, I had one of my most challenging experiences as a soul winner.

One afternoon while standing outside the missionary house I’ve been staying at, three boys were slowly walking by. Immediately, I thought of offering gospel tracts to the boys but had left them in the house. So I rushed inside to grab some tracts and then returned outside. As I started talking to the boys, four adults from across the street ran up to confront me. They were alarmed to see me running toward the boys. One man accused me of being a child molester. I replied, “I rebuke that false accusation in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” and then walked away.

I went inside the house but heard the four adults come onto the property. I returned outside and explained that I simply wanted to share the gospel with the boys. I admitted to a lack of judgment, apologized, and asked for their forgiveness. The one woman in the group calmed down a bit but threatened to call the police if this happened again. Two of the men were still fuming and spewed profanity at me. As I went back into the house, one of them followed me into the kitchen since the back door is usually left open during the day. I told this man I could call the cops on him for trespassing. He finally left me alone.

Although I was a bit shaken by this incident, another missionary who’s been my roommate reminded me that this was an attack of the devil. Still, this conflict might have been avoided had I remembered to follow these basic guidelines…

1. Always carry gospel tracts. 2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Be ready in season and out of season.” I once read that Ray Comfort has offered $1,000 to anyone who ever catches him without a tract even if he’s by a swimming pool. There are times when it’s best to just hand someone a tract without engaging them in a conversation.
2. Always be prayerful on who to approach with the gospel. Had I asked the Lord beforehand, He probably would have told me not to talk to the boys. It’s usually best to seek parental permission before witnessing to young children.
3. Be mindful of how gospel tracts are presented. I like giving million-dollar tracts to kids because they are very receptive to them. When I approached the three boys, I only had one money tract on me but kept having thoughts of getting more of those. Instead, I showed off the one money tract. One of the men who swore at me complained about it not being real. Jesus said in Matthew 10:16, “Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

Always remember we are in a war for souls. No matter how you share the gospel with people, there will be those who won’t like it. Nevertheless, Christians can minimize the amount of persecution against them by using wisdom and common sense.

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

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

Christmas Traditions vs. Truth

Christmas has many traditions associated with it. Unfortunately, there are religious ideas about the holiday without Biblical foundations. One reason for that is certain Christmas carols. For example, “The Little Drummer Boy” sings “I am a poor boy, too.” Jesus temporarily gave up heavenly riches but that doesn’t mean He was born poor. His stepfather Joseph had the resources to travel to Bethlehem and would’ve spent money on lodging if there was room for them at the inn. Meanwhile, a group of wise men brought treasures to the Messiah.

Speaking of which, most people assume there were three wise men as in the song “We Three Kings of Orient Are.” Matthew chapter 2 doesn’t mention the exact number of wise men but refers to three types of gifts they had: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Notice these gifts were presented to a “young Child”…not a baby. Verse 11 also mentions them coming “into the house”…not before a manger. Therefore, the wise men didn’t see Jesus at the same time as the shepherds as depicted in nativity scenes.

Another popular Christmas carol “Away in a Manger” contains the lyric “But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes.” Recently it occurred to me there is no Scriptural proof of that. I can’t imagine any baby not crying at all especially when he is hungry and needs his diaper changed.

This article isn’t intended to dampen your holiday but inspire you to study the Scriptures more for yourself. It’s important for believers to be Biblically correct when ministering to others especially regarding the reason for the season.

Have a Merry Christmas!

“Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” - 1 Timothy 4:13

Making God Famous

On this day thirty-nine years ago, musician John Lennon was shot to death outside his apartment in New York City. Years before as a member of the Beatles, John made the infamous remark, “We are more popular than Jesus.”

To some people, the Beatles are still more popular with them because they don’t know the real Jesus. That’s why God needs His people to go into the world and share the full gospel with others. Unbelievers need to hear about a Jesus that will heal their broken hearts, cure their diseases, and of course, forgive all their sins.

There was a time when John Lennon had a genuine interest in Jesus. According to Steve Turner’s book The Gospel According to the Beatles, John became a regular viewer of that era’s most influential TV preachers. In 1972 he sent a letter to Oral Roberts that the evangelist later shared publicly. Here are some of the comments Lennon wrote…

“The point is this, I want happiness. I don't want to keep on with drugs. Paul [McCartney] told me once, ‘You made fun of me for taking drugs, but you will regret it in the end.’ Explain to me what Christianity can do for me. Is it phony? Can He love me? I want out of hell.”

Five years later, Lennon told friends he had become a born-again Christian and went so far as to write several Christian songs. Unfortunately, that disturbed his wife Yoko Ono who eventually influenced John to abandon his newfound faith and embrace New Age practices.

I heard one minister say his goal in life was to make God famous. Let that be your daily mission as well. Open your mouth. Tell others about what the Lord has done in your life and that He loves them as well. Then Jesus will become more popular with them.

“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

A Matter of the Heart

The Internet has been flooded lately with articles and posts regarding the conversion of Kanye West. Last week the rapper’s new album “Jesus Is King” debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Two days ago, Kanye performed at men's and women's jails in Houston. He stated, “This is a mission, not a show.”

Still, many believers are questioning the legitimacy of Kanye’s faith. One Facebook friend commented that if Kanye becomes part of a particular megachurch, he’ll dismiss him as a false Christian. Who is he to judge where God wants His people to plug into the body of Christ? (1 Corinthians 12:18) We are to work out our own salvation (Philippians 2:12).

A question I’m occasionally asked is if someone who prays with me to get saved means it. That issue was brought up one time by my former pastor after we attended a prayer meeting at the YMCA. There I saw a woman smoking outside and felt led to witness to her. Chelonda wasn’t sure of her eternal destiny but believed the gospel. I invited her to pray with me and she received salvation.

Minutes later as I got a ride home, the pastor commented that sinners must feel convicted of their need for salvation. He had seen me lead other people to the Lord and questioned if there was genuine repentance. I replied by pointing out that when people don’t want to get born again, they will let me know (some get defensive even if they claim to believe the gospel). It’s also worth mentioning my salvation prayer begins with, “God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need your help.” Doesn’t that sound that repentance?

There have been rare incidents when I led people in the “sinner’s prayer” and then discovered they didn’t mean it. That prompted me to start using a tactic learned from my friend Clint. Whenever suspecting someone might be praying half-heartedly, I close the prayer by having that person confess, “I pray this prayer with all sincerity in the name of Jesus.” My mentor Nick Kinn offers this response to Christians critical of him leading others to the Lord, “Didn’t you mean the prayer when you said it?”

While God certainly wants to see all newborn believers go on to fulfill His plan for their lives, the fact is some will drift away. Jesus talked about this in the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:14-20). On the other hand, some babes in Christ won’t bear much fruit until years later. Once while visiting Canada, I led a friend’s mother to the Lord. Because her mother continued living with her boyfriend and wasn’t attending a church, my friend questioned the legitimacy of her mother’s salvation. Eventually, her mother got married and became part of a fellowship.  

I believe the majority of people who are willing to pray with me publicly and confess Jesus openly are sincere. Whether their prayers are genuine or not, that’s not for me to judge. Only God knows the status of a man’s heart.

“For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7

Rewards for Winning Souls

If you’re a parent and your children do something worthwhile, wouldn’t you want to reward them? Our heavenly Father is the same way. While doing the work of an evangelist, I’ve seen unexpected blessings manifest.

Back in 1994 when I first committed to being part of my church’s evangelism ministry, the pastor gave me clothes he no longer needed. A woman who was a leader in that ministry often offered to buy me dinner. The day after Christmas, one of the other evangelism leaders offered to give me his Chrysler Laser. This was the exact type of car I had been praying for!

Years later, I was at a library in Tampa, Florida and perceived it was time for me to leave. I started walking home but suddenly felt led to stop and turn around. Eventually, I ministered salvation to a young woman at a bus stop. Then I approached a man standing at the bus stop directly across the street. Aaron was already saved and wanted to give me an offering. He then  handed me a $20 bill. At the time I was almost out of money.

Another time back in Minnesota, I stopped at McDonald's to use the bathroom. Afterward, I started witnessing to two skateboarders sitting in a booth. They immediately invited me to sit down and talk with them. After the two prayed to receive salvation, the McDonald's manager handed me a $50 gift card someone bought for me anonymously.

Then one Sunday, my roommate and I went to U.S. Bank Stadium to pass out gospel tracts prior to a Minnesota Vikings game. One man I approached was a homeless man holding a sign asking for help. After offering him a bag of chips, this man (who was already saved) offered me a ticket someone had given him. I hadn’t planned on going to the game but got to see the Vikings win that day.

Of course, the greatest reward of being a soul winner is seeing people receive eternal life and avoid spending eternity in hell. A crown of rejoicing awaits those obedient to the Great Commission. Will you have one?

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” - 1 Thessalonians 2:19

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

Wondering Where the Lions Are

Recently while hanging out at Panera Bread, I heard a variety of songs playing on their sound system. One of them was the 1980 hit “Wondering Where the Lions Are” by Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn. For the next few days, that song kept going through my mind. Soon I got to thinking about lions in Scripture.

The lion is often called “The King of the Beasts.” Its furious roar can be heard for up to five miles causing other creatures to freeze in their tracks. Contrary to popular belief, lions abide in the woods or fields, not in jungles. Nor will you usually find them walking around in cities and towns. That’s why it’s ridiculous for the lazy man to claim in Proverbs 22:13, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!”

Lions are mentioned in prophecy. In Ezekiel 38, the “young lions” refer to countries birthed from the U. K. including the United States. The first of the four living creatures in Revelation 4:7 is “like a lion.” Revelation 5:5 refers to Jesus as “…the Lion of the tribe of Judah.” When He returns to set up His millennial kingdom, Isaiah 11:6-7 talks about “…the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them…And the lion shall eat straw like the ox.”

Lions have also been used to mete out judgment. One killed a prophet who disobeyed a commandment of the Lord (1 Kings 13:24). Proverbs 19:12 and 20:2 compare the wrath of a king to a roaring lion. In Roman times, Christians were often thrown to the lions.

On the other hand, men of God who walked in divine authority were victorious over lions. Samson tore up one in Judges 14:5-6. As a young shepherd boy, David overcame a lion as well a bear (1 Samuel 17:34-35). Saul and Jonathan “...were stronger than lions.” (2 Samuel 1:23) Hebrews 11:33 talks about people who “…stopped the mouths of lions.” That included Daniel who was supernaturally protected during a night in the lion’s den. His accusers were then devoured by the animals (Daniel 6:24).

In his book “The Believer’s Authority,” Kenneth E. Hagin wrote about a dream he had in which he and another minister were walking on a ball field and saw two ferocious, roaring lions…

“The man started running. I started running with him. Then I stopped and told him we were too far away from the stands to reach safety. We'd never escape those lions.

“I stopped dead still, turned around, and went back to meet the lions. They came toward me with their fangs bared, roaring.

“I was trembling. I told them, ‘I resist you in the Name of Jesus. In Jesus' Name you can't hurt me.’ I just stood there. They ran right up to me like a couple of kittens, sniffed around my ankles, and finally frolicked off, paying no attention to me.”

The dream reminded Brother Hagin of 1 Peter 5:8-9, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith…” Christians shouldn’t be afraid of the devil. His roar is worse than his bite. As I heard another minister point out, “he’s a gummer…Jesus pulled all of his teeth out.”

I’m sure the Lord is wondering where many of His lions are today. Instead of acting like the cowardly lion in “The Wizard of Oz” and staying in self-imposed cages, believers knowing who they are in Christ can change people’s lives through sharing the gospel. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “Never mind about defending Deuteronomy or the whole of the Pentateuch; preach Jesus Christ and him crucified. Let the Lion out, and see who will dare to approach him. The Lion of the tribe of Judah will soon drive away all his adversaries.”

“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” 

- Proverbs 28:1

Don’t Put It Off

Last weekend, I flew up to New England where I’m staying with a minister and his wife. Earlier this week, a man sleeping in the room next to mine unexpectedly passed away. Michael was only 52 years old. We previously met in 2012 at a house church in Haverhill, Massachusetts where he was living at the time. Like myself, Michael was a former nightclub disc jockey. 

Michael and I hooked up again this past Monday when he and another man came over to work on my hosts’ house. Eventually, Michael offered to buy us all dinner and also got us coffee at Dunkin Donuts. Later that evening, my hosts were praying and worshipping the Lord with Michael in the living room. I mostly stayed in my bedroom working on my laptop until it was quiet enough for me to get to sleep. Michael went to bed sometime after midnight.

The next morning, my host knocked on Michael’s door but there was no answer. Michael was then found lifeless on top of his bed. Paramedics and the police arrived a few minutes later. They spent the next couple hours investigating and asking questions. A coroner later removed Michael’s body for an autopsy. A memorial service was held yesterday in Windham, New Hampshire. 

Michael’s death should serve as a reminder that we must be ready for eternity. Many people think they have all the time in the world and yet their lives can suddenly end without warning. Perhaps one of the policemen who showed up at the house thought about that as I led him to the Lord. James 4:14 says, “Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” 

Too many Christians allow worldly activities to consume their attention. Those who proudly believe in “once saved, always saved” face the risk of backsliding and missing the Second Coming. Look at this passage in Matthew 24…

48 “But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’

49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards,

50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of,

51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

In response to the Apostle Paul’s preaching, the Roman governor Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” (Acts 24:25) There’s no record of Felix ever repenting. When the philosophers at Athens “…heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, 'We will hear you again on this matter.’” (Acts 17:32) It’s possible some of the “others” never had another opportunity to respond to the gospel.

Hell is full of people who kept procrastinating the decision to be born again until it was too late. Michael was saved and is now in heaven. What about you? Are you ready to meet your maker if your life ended right now? If not, I urge you to make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior right now. Don’t put it off!

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” - Matthew 24:42