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)

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

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

Take Time to Listen

Fans on the comic strip “Peanuts” might recall today being Beethoven’s birthday. The German composer born on this day in 1770 was heavily admired by the toy piano playing Schroeder. Beethoven is perhaps best known for his Fifth Symphony (a disco adaptation of that piece became a #1 song 40 years ago). He wrote prodigiously despite increasing deafness.

A few people suspect I have a hearing problem when I ask them to repeat something they said. Sometimes I heard them accurately the first time but want to make sure I did so. Other times it’s more of a listening problem on my part. I made the mistake of letting my mind wander while other people are speaking to me. Another bad habit we need to avoid is thinking more about how to respond to someone while they are still talking to us. Proverbs 18:2 says, “A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart.”

It’s often been said that God gave us two ears and only one mouth because it’s more important to listen than to talk. Sometimes evangelists need to approach sinners cautiously instead of just blasting them with the gospel. There are individuals who built up barriers in their hearts because of mistreatment by professing Christians. In those situations, we would be more effective ministering to them if we take time to listen. It reminds me of an old saying, “People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Many times I’ve heard individuals claim that God is not listening to them. The truth is the Lord is always talking to us. The question is…are we willing to quiet our minds and listen to what He’s saying? 

A brokerage firm once had a famous slogan, “When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen.” When Jesus Christ talks, people should listen. He has the words of life.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” - Revelation 2:7

Little Preachers

Among the greatest tools for spreading the gospel is the printed page. I praise God for organizations like The Gideons who distribute Bibles throughout the world. Sometimes I give away their New Testaments to people who don’t have a copy of God’s word. Other times I give out gospels of John produced by the Pocket Testament League.

Still, I believe the greatest evangelism tool is a simple gospel tract. This handy “little preacher” is able to do what many of us often fail or are unable to do. Consider the following advantages of using gospel tracts…

• The gospel tract never stumbles over words or forgets important Scriptures.
• The gospel tract can be given during extremely brief encounters (when making a purchase, passing someone on the street, etc.).
• The gospel tract never gets sidetracked or caught up in an argument. It just gives the message of salvation, plainly and clearly.
• The gospel tract is never intimidated or fearful.
• The gospel tract is never tempted to compromise the message of Christ.
• The gospel tract can wait on someone’s door until they get home.
• The gospel tract can be left in public places and wait until someone’s curiosity causes them to pick it up and read it.
• The gospel tract never gets tired and gives up.
• The gospel tract never gets discouraged or disheartened.
• The gospel tract is inexpensive to produce.
• The gospel tract travels easily in letters, purses, and pockets as it goes into communities we could never personally reach. 
• The gospel tract will speak over and over when read and reread, whereas our verbal witness is usually only heard one time. 

Adolf Hitler’s personal bodyguard came to Christ as a result of reading Dr. Ford Porter’s famous tract “God's Simple Plan of Salvation.” After Hitler’s death and Germany’s defeat in World War II, Kurt Wagner’s life was in shambles. Everything he had owned was gone. Everything he had believed in was destroyed. With his life ruined and his future bleak, Wagner wandered the streets of Frankfurt penniless, hungry, and downcast. With thoughts of ending his life ringing in his mind, he turned into a YMCA for a free meal.

Wagner sat down in a chair and happened to pick up Dr. Porter’s tract printed in the German language. As he read the tract over and over, deep conviction set in. Wagner sought out a godly pastor who then led him to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. His life was transformed and eventually became a pastor himself.

No doubt stories like this are more than we could ever document. Communists and cults are aware of the power of the printed page and use them to advance their poisonous ideas. 

It seems like such a simple thing to hand someone a gospel tract or leave one in a restroom, on a table, in a waiting room or phone booth. We will never know this side of heaven how God will use our efforts to get His word to lost sinners unless we step out. Only eternity will reveal the exact number of souls saved and lives impacted by these “little preachers.”

Prayerfully consider setting a goal to give out a certain amount of gospel tracts. It wouldn’t take much time and effort to give out at least three tracts a day. By consistently doing so, you would reach over a thousand people within a year. All of us can do that regardless of our age or background. 

The “little preacher” will remain faithful and true presenting the gospel beyond our circle of influence…but only if we give Him out and make Him available.

“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

Sowing the Seeds of Love

God often uses secular songs to minister to me. This past Wednesday I had a dream in which I was watching a revised music video of the 1989 Tears For Fears hit “Sowing the Seeds of Love.” One of the lyrics had been changed by mentioning the Lord. When I woke up, I perceived this dream was direction to go evangelizing that day (I had stayed home the previous two days fasting and praying). Later that evening, I got blessed with a huge amount of gospel tracts.

I also recalled a prophetic word I received five years ago in which I was compared to Johnny Appleseed. This 19th Century missionary lived a nomadic lifestyle planting apple orchards in Pennsylvania, Ontario, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, as well as the northern counties of present-day West Virginia. A popular legend is that Johnny randomly planted apple seeds without seeing the fruits of his labor.

Although I’ve prayed with thousands of people to receive salvation, I’ve also planted countless seeds through gospel tracts. Many times I will hand someone a tract without engaging them in a conversation. I’ve also placed tracts on bulletin boards, in bus shelters, telephone booths, ATM machines and other places for someone to read later. Tracts are like “little preachers” that can reach people in places we otherwise wouldn’t have access to.

In the Parable of the Sower (Mark chapter 4), Jesus compared the word of God to natural seeds. Not all of them will eventually produce a harvest. Man has a free will and can still choose to reject the gift of eternal life. Nevertheless, our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58) as long as we speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Even if you're not yet comfortable sharing the gospel one-on-one with people, you can at least do your part in obeying the Great Commission by handing out gospel tracts. One piece of literature could initiate a change that would alter a person’s eternal destiny and deliver the reader from hell to heaven. Even simply telling people “Jesus loves you” is a seed that can bear fruit. 

Go sow some seeds of love today!

“having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” - 1 Peter 1:23

Too Much Information

It’s often been said the gospel is so simple it takes man to complicate it. While evangelizing with other Christians, I’ve seen some try to give out too much information. One night I hit the streets with a woman who literally preached a sermon with everyone she approached. This wasn't necessary considering some of these people were already saved.

Another time prior to an outreach I was asked to lead, the pastor suddenly handed us large flyers promoting the church plus devotionals to give away. Although two people still got saved during this outreach, we could have seen more if our focus hadn’t been diverted by the pastor’s instruction to hand out all the extra literature. We already had gospel tracts, Bibles, and business cards from the church.

Then just recently, a man showed me booklets he hands out when witnessing. In response, I showed him the “Good News” tracts I've been carrying with me. I was politely pointing out my tracts are much simpler. In our fast-paced society, many people are in a hurry and won’t take time to absorb lengthy theological explanations. Gospel tracts should take no more than a couple minutes to read.

One exception would be the cartoon tracts put out by Chick Publications. While I don’t agree with some of Jack Chick’s doctrine (especially his “King James Only” stance), I do agree with his website’s assertion that “Chick tracts get read.” One time I went evangelizing at a college fair with a friend who brought a huge variety of Chick tracts. Some of the students came back to us asking for more tracts. They were collecting them like baseball cards.

Nevertheless, a fisherman wouldn’t put a bunch of lures on a hook just to catch one fish. Likewise “fishing for men” doesn’t require overloading people with information. Unless the Lord leads otherwise, it’s best to find out quickly what their spiritual beliefs are, review the gospel if they aren’t born again, and then lead them to salvation if they are ready. 

Evangelism should be kept as simple as possible.

“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” - 1 Corinthians 2:2

Keep Planting...and Watering

A Canadian pastor named Oswald Smith was famous for saying, “No one has the right to hear the gospel twice, while there remains someone who has not heard it once.” Certainly, I agree everyone should have the opportunity to get saved. God is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Still, there are multitudes that need to hear the Good News numerous times before they will respond favorably to the call for salvation. Four years ago while ministering at a church in Illinois, I took a survey during the morning and evening services. I asked the congregation how many times they heard the gospel before they got born again. Most people didn’t raise their hands until I counted up to five or six times.

I’m also a living testimony of this truth. While attending Sunday school and going through confirmation at a Lutheran church, I was never taught I must be born again. It wasn’t until I was sixteen when I first truly heard the gospel. In the winter of 1980, my best friend David invited me to a Bible camp. There a group of Christian musicians told a story illustrating how God sacrificed His Son to bridge the gap between us and eternal life. The story planted a seed in my heart that bore fruit years later.

In June 1981 while attending a Young Life meeting another friend invited me to, a drama sketch was performed showing various individuals trying to talk to God but He wasn’t responding to their prayers. A minister then explained man became separated from God because of sin. Our prayers cannot be heard unless we make Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I thought to myself, certainly I want God to hear my prayers. So I stood up along with a few other teenagers and publicly announced I asked Jesus to come into my heart. Back then I didn’t fully recognize the importance of what I had just done. 

Various factors influenced me to drift away from Christianity. One of them was a strong love for secular music. Twice I attended seminars put on two preachers crusading against the evils associated with rock music. Dan and Steve Peters recommended listening to “Christian rock” and gospel music only. The Contemporary Christian Music I heard back then sounded lame and outdated compared to the secular stuff I enjoyed. I thought to myself; if I have to be a good little Christian by listening to this wimpy stuff all day long, then forget it!

In 1985 I enlisted in the Army National Guard. During my active duty time, my grandparents sent letters encouraging me to go to church but I resisted attending services at the army base. I also had a fellow platoon member named Cleveland who kept urging me to get God into my life. One night while our platoon camped out in the field, some of the men talked about spiritual things. I heard one of them claim the devil is real and initially comes across as a beautiful person. At the time I didn’t believe there was such a person as the devil.

In early 1989 while I worked at a music store, a pastor and his wife stopped in to buy a synthesizer. They informed me Prince’s former bodyguard “Big Chick” Huntsberry attended their church and offered to introduce me to him. Eventually, I heard Big Chick speak at a different church. After ex-Prince guitarist Dez Dickerson sang a couple Christian songs, Chick gave his testimony. I was pleased to hear he got delivered from drug addiction but couldn’t relate to his declaration of loving Jesus Christ. I thought, how could you love somebody you can’t even see? I still had a hard time believing in the supernatural.

A year later while attending Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, I had a classmate who told me I needed God in my life. One morning while giving Robin a ride to school, she shared testimonies of how God provided for her. Robin also invited me to a Friday night gathering that I later realized was Christian-oriented. I was still resistant to the things of God but again more seeds were planted and watered.

Finally on March 19, 1991, I prayed with my sister and her husband to receive salvation. Suddenly I recalled all the people God previously used to minister to me. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The Bible also says that God confirms His word by the mouth of two or three witnesses.

We all can play a part in the harvest of souls regardless if we pray with a particular person. When I’m out evangelizing, God often leads me to people who already believe the gospel but haven’t been confronted with the need to make a decision for Christ. So whenever the Lord prompts you to witness to someone you know has repeatedly heard the Good News, don’t be disobedient. You might be the one to lead that person to eternal life.

“So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” - 1 Corinthians 3:7-8

Bad Evangelism

Back in 2000 while visiting Calvary Campground for the first time, I discussed evangelism methods with another man staying there. He compared my survey technique to Ray Comfort, an evangelist who later became known for co-hosting “The Way of the Master” television series with Kirk Cameron. At the time I didn’t know who Ray was. I had simply adopted a witnessing approach that quickly helps me determine someone’s spiritual beliefs.

Some Christians don’t like The Way of the Master evangelism method because they see that as too condemning. In almost every video I’ve seen of Ray or Kirk ministering to others, people are asked if they ever lied, stolen, taken God’s name in vain, and lusted after someone. One Scripture often quoted to support this type of witnessing is Galatians 3:24: “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”

One minister in Florida didn’t want me handing out cards from his church because he thought my style of evangelism was too similar to The Way of the Master. Normally I use the law only when witnessing to individuals who think they are going to heaven for being a good person. Otherwise I usually just quote Romans 10:9 and then review the gospel with them. I don’t believe it’s necessary to go over a list of sins with people who already recognize their need for a savior. 

Nevertheless, some Christians seem to thrive on pointing out the bad things people do. Perhaps you have seen street preachers calling everyone sinners and saying they are all on their way to hell. Timothy Keller once said, “Bad evangelism says: I'm right, you're wrong, and I would love to tell you about it.” Negative preachers need to remember it’s the goodness of God that leads one to repentance (Romans 2:4). The word gospel itself means “good news”, not bad news.

While I don’t agree with everything taught by Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron, I applaud them for encouraging Christians to share their faith more. Jesus said in Matthew 24:14, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” If every believer obeyed the Great Commission, we might see the return of Christ that much sooner. Regardless of how we witness to people, our labor in the Lord is not in vain as long as we speak the truth in love.

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” – John 3:17

Ministry Starts at Home

In 1985, I moved away from the Fargo, North Dakota area where I was born and raised.  After a brief stint in the army, I relocated to Minneapolis originally to pursue a secular music career.  Six years later I committed my life to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Ironically that happened in Fargo while visiting my sister and her husband. 

In recent years, God has sent me back to Fargo for lengthy visits.  A few times it appeared He wanted me to resettle there.  I wasn’t fond of the idea for I hate the colder winters up north.  Another reason was Jesus’ statement in Mark 6:4, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.”  One day I talked about this with a pastor friend in Fargo.  He responded by asking me, “Are you a prophet?”  I answered “no” because I’m primarily called to be an evangelist.  Even so, God has continued sending me to other cities.

Many people in the Bible were sent to places far from home.  Abraham was called to start a new nation.  Jonah was instructed to go to Nineveh.  Even Jesus spent time in Egypt as a child before returning to Israel.  On the other hand, the delivered demoniac who wanted to travel with Jesus was told, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” (Mark 5:19)  There’s also Jeremiah who continued ministering in Judah despite experiencing much rejection from his relatives and countrymen.

While I’ve had the privilege of leading some of my family members to salvation, others haven’t been as receptive to the things of God.  Nevertheless, He has used me to minister to other people in Fargo.  This past Wednesday during another visit to my hometown, I felt led to do some street evangelizing there.  Eighteen people prayed with me to get born again.  During my outing, a man riding on a motorcycle noticed what I was doing.  He stopped to introduce himself and offered to buy me lunch after I was done witnessing.  Proverbs 28:20 says, “A faithful man will abound with blessings.”

Some Christians say they want to be a missionary on foreign soil but won’t share the gospel with their neighbors and co-workers.  Ray Comfort says, “If you are not concerned about your neighbor’s salvation, then I am concerned for yours.”  We must be willing to minister to those in our immediate sphere of influence before God starts sending us to other cities and countries.  Jesus said in the Parable of the Talents and in the Parable of the Minas that if we are faithful in little, He will make us ruler over much.

Many churches have a sign posted above their exit that says, “You are now entering the mission field.”  Have you entered yours yet?

 “‘Well done!’ the king exclaimed. ‘You are a good servant.  You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.’” – Luke 19:17 (NLT)

Saved and On My Way to Heaven

One afternoon as I got a ride to the Charlotte airport for a flight to New York City, my driver (who’s a student at MorningStar Ministries) admitted that she wasn’t too comfortable sharing her faith.  I can understand where she’s coming from.  As I often say, the hardest part about evangelism is simply getting started.  But once you get used to asking people questions about their eternal destiny, you will look to turn various situations into soul-winning opportunities. 

How many times have you walked into a store and the clerk asked, “How are you doing today?”  My usual reply is, “I’m saved and on my way to heaven.  How about you?”  If the clerk responds with a comment like “I don’t know” or “I hope so”, then that indicates they are giving serious thought about eternity.  At the very least you can offer them a gospel tract.  If the clerk doesn’t seem too busy, you can take time to share the gospel and offer to pray with them.

So the next time a stranger asks how you are doing, boldly tell them, “Saved and on the way to heaven.  How about you?”  That can open up doors for them to find their way to heaven as well.

“A true witness delivers souls...” - Proverbs 14:25

Preaching Without Pushing

Long bus rides are not my preferred form of transportation.  Still they provide evangelism opportunities.  On one such trip from Rockford, Illinois to Minneapolis, I got to minister to a fellow passenger who was going to Rochester, Minnesota.  Originally I approached Ross while he was smoking during a meal stop in Mauston, Wisconsin.  I handed Ross a tract and asked a few questions regarding his eternal destiny but he wasn’t receptive to the gospel.

Later during our bus ride, Ross moved up and sat across from me to initiate what became a lengthy conversation.  I found out Ross grew up Jewish but had since become a pagan.  Although he was still resistant to committing his life to Jesus, Ross thanked me for listening to him and not being pushy like other “religious people” he previously encountered (specifically mentioning Jehovah’s Witnesses).  A final seed was planted when I gave Ross a Mark Cahill book explaining the difference between Christianity and various religions.

Jesus did say in Luke 14:23, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”  Sinners need to be warned of the consequences if they are not born again.  But at the same time, God won’t force people to commit their lives to Him.  When the rich young ruler in Matthew 19 refused to give up his wealth to follow Jesus, the Lord didn’t beg him to stay. 

So whenever you share the gospel with someone who doesn’t want to get saved, you simply need to let that person go.  But if you have spoken the truth in love, that sinner might pray with the next Christian who witnesses to him.  Several people had talked to me about the Lord before I finally committed my life to Him.

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” - 1 Corinthians 3:6

The Right Kind of Bait

Two years ago I started using million-dollar tracts after a fellow evangelist gave me some. These tracts look like real money but contain a gospel message printed on the back. I can honestly say they are effective conversation starters. 

Before receiving a recent order of million-dollar bills, I briefly used tracts that definitely looked like Christian literature. They had crosses and words such as “saved” clearly printed on the front. While many people still took these tracts, a large percentage didn’t. I believe some of the latter would have at least engaged in a conversation with me had I offered tracts that didn’t look so “religious.” Unlike most other tracts I’ve used in the past, people frequently walk up and ask me for a million-dollar bill. Often they will ask for another one to give to a friend.

Nevertheless, I’ve had Christians and non-Christians comment that using million-dollar tracts is deceptive because it’s not real money. I beg to differ. Evangelism is often called “fishing for men.” To catch a real fish, you don’t just place a hook in the water. You need to use some bait. Many fishermen use a device called a lure that resembles a worm or small fish. These fishermen don’t think they are being deceitful for using lures. They simply want to catch fish.

Very few people have complained to me about being “tricked” when offered million-dollar tracts. For one thing, there are no real million-dollar bills in circulation. I also tell people up front, “This is actually funny money but the back of it talks about something that’s real.” Then I ask, “Has anyone ever asked you ‘The Million Dollar Question?’” If the person is willing to continue talking with me, then I proceed with questions regarding their eternal destiny.  

One time while I was in New York City, a man approached me selling candy to support needy children. At the time I had no cash on me but gave Terrell a million-dollar tract. He prayed with me to receive salvation and now has riches in heaven as a child of God. 

When doing one-on-one street evangelism, the right kind of bait can make an eternal difference.

“Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19

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