God Wins, Paganism Loses 12/22/2012

In a stunning rebuke to the enemies of God, the apocalyptic predictions of the world's demise, based upon an ancient Mayan calendar, were proven false. The Bible shows mankind that life on planet earth has not yet reached the fullness of time. 12/21/12 came and went without cataclysm, proving once again that man's wisdom, no matter how precisely measured, is foolishness compared to the wisdom of God.



Team members Mark, Jack, David, Elder Bob, and the two Steves hit the quiet streets of Burbank to share the Good News of the Lord's birth, His provision for our sin on the Cross, and His soon glorious return. The Lord promises that "whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." (Romans 8:29) Indeed, there were several who, having heard the proclamation of the Truth, engaged team members in extended conversations in which they gladly heard the testimonies of lives redeemed by the shed blood of Christ.



"Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed." (Acts 13:48)

Several believers also stopped by to encourage the team.

The CBC Evangelism Team wishes you a blessed New Year.

L'Chaim (To Life) 12/15/2012

"I am the way, the truth, and the life . . ." Jesus said (John 14:6). And it was a lively time at Burbank Media Center as team members, Mark, Dave, Sharon, Dean, Sai, Nathan, Jack, and Steve, as well as some friends from Grace Community Church shared the Way and the Truth.

 

The raw shock of the tragic Connecticut shooting incident was still fresh in everyone's mind from the day before. Several observed the sad irony of the even larger tragedy of 2,000 innocent children having perished in the same 24 hour period, due to abortion, and yet going unnoticed by the press.

In addition to the "Are You Ready" Cross, carried by Sai and Dean, Dave introduced the new Prayer Stand (www.prayerstand.com). This will be a great way for team members to minister to those whom the Holy Spirit draws to be blessed with saving faith and spiritual provision. At least 40 or 50 Bibles were requested and provided, as well as countless tracts.

 

The Burbank chapter of Chabad conducted a menorah lighting ceremony, which presented an interesting contrast to the "fire and brimstone" of the Gospel preaching. Curiously, the Rabbi spoke of the goodness of people, and wished those assembled "lots of luck" in the coming year. As it was in the days when Jesus walked the earth, the Jewish leaders still teach a system of salvation by good works and self-righteousness.

In a gesture of good will to our Jewish friends, Dave decided to pause our proclamation from the box for the duration of the menorah candle-lighting service. As the Rabbi was assembling the giant menorah, one of the glass shields for the flames, fell and shattered. Dean rushed to sweep up the broken glass using the empty cardboard box which had held the New Testaments which we were handing out. Later the Rabbi brought a plate of glazed doughnuts to our team as a gesture of thanks.

 

After the ceremony, Dave resumed the preaching, drawing several hecklers and a sizable crowd. Heckler Nick, who professed a self-styled "Judeo-Christian" system of belief, contended with David for at least 20 minutes. He claimed that the Bible was a distortion of the truth, which, Nick went on to say, was something that God had revealed to him directly. Nick then attempted to rhetorically paint David into a corner by repeatedly asking the deliberately provocative question: "Doesn't the Bible say that it was the Jews who murdered Christ?" He posed this question loudly and repeatedly, not listening to the answer, in an attempt to incite a hostile reaction from the mostly Jewish crowd who were enjoying the post-ceremony refreshments. David explained that it was the Jews, and the Romans, and by extension all evil men, because we all have sinned against God. It was for our sins that He was placed upon that Cross.

After this a young woman, claiming to be a Christian, challenged David with questions which cast doubt upon the fairness and justice of God for not saving everyone except for those who have heard the Gospel. David's response covered many issues such as the sovereignty of God, the sinfulness of all men, the pride of men who hear the Gospel and yet refuse to believe. As often happens, the heckler did much more proclaiming than listening, as evidenced by the same question asked and then answered numerous times. David concluded by cautioning her to examine her faith and be sure she has indeed repented and placed her trust in the Savior.

 

Several lively discussions took place. It was a special evening, alive with the presence of the Holy Spirit. If you are feeling the tug of the Spirit urging you to get involved with the proclamation of His word, or prayer, or giving out tracts, please join us.

Merry Christmas from the entire CBC Evangelism team!

Connecticut Shootings

Praying for the families and friends who lost loved ones.

Al Mohler had a great article he wrote about the shootings in Connecticut HERE.

Meditate on what the Word says about our sovereign God:


"But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases." - Psa 115:3 

"A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps." - Pro 16:9

"The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up." - 1Sa 2:6

"Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,'" - Isa 46:9-10

BAM!

The Christmas Gospel 12/8/2012

The Holy Spirit was abundant in blessing the proclamation of the glorious Gospel. Debby, Sai and Sharon were joined by Ruth, David, Mark, Elder Bob, the two Deans, and the two Steves.

"The Reason for the Season" was the recurrent theme as the Word was preached with passion and clarity as shoppers and moviegoers passed by the "Holiday" tree.

 Back in full voice, Mark emphasized the "happy holiday" known as Christmas, and told of how Jesus' birth provided the ultimate gift of a Savior to reconcile sinful men with the perfectly righteous God.

The Lord provided many witnessing opportunities. Sharon and Steve always seem to excel at sharing the Gospel with complete strangers in lengthy conversations. Many Bibles and tracts were given out, as well as invitations to the Christmas Concerts at CBC.

 Elder Bob boldly preached from Romans chapter one, while it is still legally permitted.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. . . because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools." (Romans 1:18-22)

 Dave joined up later, proclaiming the Gospel straight-forwardly, and engaging in several one-to-one sessions.

Elder Bob took his turn contending with our friend Roger "The Nemesis." One of many who embrace the spirit of the age, Roger asserts that one can only know God through intellectual pursuit of esoteric wisdom. He rejects the plain meaning of scripture, choosing to re-interpret the Bible according to the insights of "enlightened" men who put their faith in personal experience rather than the inspired and inerrant Word of God.

The Apostle Paul said of these men, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.' Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." (1 Corinthians 18-21)

Genius the Movie

Burbank Aglow 12/1/2012

This evening's team included: Mark, Sharon, Dave, Dean, Sai, Ruth, Jack & Steve. Setting out to Burbank in the rain expecting it to be a slow night we were pleasantly surprised to arrive seeing Downtown Burbank aglow with the Christmas spirit as the city celebrated its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony!

Thousands crowded the outdoor mall enjoying the costumed entertainers and artificial snow.

Ice Sculptor w/ Chain Saw

Brave kid trusts these jugglers

Santa's Accountant presenting an object lesson on the state of the economy

Twinkle and Twinkle

In a festive environment people clamored for the Million Dollar Bill tracts!

Our friend, Roger "The Nemesis", has practically become a member of the team. Indeed, he is a model of faithful attendance and passionate evangelism (of his own brand of idolatry). Would there were more BELIEVERS who were so eager to share the GOSPEL. We continue to pray for his salvation. Clearly though, God has used his antagonism to the Gospel to encourage and challenge us to continually study the Word of God to be equipped to give an answer for our hope.

Indeed, the glorious Gospel was proclaimed!  Not without resistance, of course. This season includes our annual "hasseling" from Burbank Ambassadors who requesed that we turn off our small P.A. David politely declined to do so, citing the long history of such requests by the City, and the equally long history of the Burbank P.D. telling us that it is O.K. for us to continue doing what we are doing.  Predictably, after the Ambassadors left, a Burbank P.D. Officer stopped by. Dave met with him, as the preaching continued. The officer left after confirming that we were doing nothing wrong.

Is there "no room at the inn" for the proclaiming of the Gospel amongst the celebration of the Lord's birth?  For the time being, at least, the answer is still yes.

As always happens, the team experienced the joy and presence of the Holy Spirit in countless moments of God's gracious provision.

It was a divine appointment to pass out over 1,000 tracts and several dozen Bibles.