For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He night redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. (Titus 2:11-15 NKJV)
Many tracts and Bibles were given out.
A tourist, no doubt, this fellow paused to record one of the local landmarks, namely our brother Mark.
Vahagen brought along a special guest, his daughter, who enjoyed watching as her father gave away many "Million Dollar Bill" tracts.
Truth Proclaimed
A heckler's eye view of the preacher.
A crowd is usually a good thing to have, but the greatest benefit is in the many conversations that spring up within the sound of the preacher's voice.
The Holy Spirit was hard at work. Many one-to-one discussions took place.
Encouragement was provided by CBC members Sean and his wife Shelbi. Sean is one of 8 men soon to be installed as Deacons at CBC.
Optical Illusion
Our brother Razmik has developed the skill of presenting the gospel in an entertaining way using the Curved Illusion tracts from Living Waters. Here is a video showing our good friend Tony Miano demonstrating this tract.
A Great Day for Heckling
Dean's first heckler, named Heymon, asked a thoughtful question, describing a hypothetical girl living in Afghanistan. "14 percent literacy rate. The girl grows up in Islam, knowing nothing else, and if she wanted to leave her religion she would be ostracized and probably killed. How is a girl like that supposed to find Christ?"
Answer: Dean quoted Jeremiah 29:13 - "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." The Evidence Bible links this passage to 1 Chronicles 28:9 - "All who seek God with a sincere heart will find Him." Ray's commentary: It is true that children do tend to adopt the religion they learned about from their parents. In all other religions, one automatically becomes a follower by birth, by being baptized as an infant, or by observing certain religious practices. For example, a child is a Jew if born to a Jewish mother, or is considered a Mormon or Muslim if born into a Mormon or Muslim family. But one becomes a Christian only by personally repenting of his sins and placing his trust in Jesus Christ alone for his salvation. It is an individual decision, regardless of the religion practiced by the parent. Many people raised in other cultures decide to leave their religion and become Christians. God knows those whose hearts are truly seeking Him, and He ensures that they hear the gospel no matter where they are located. He can reveal Himself to people even in the midst of Hindu, Muslim, or animist cultures, so that they can put their trust in the Savior.
Also, keep in mind that believing something doesn't necessarily make it true. Other religions are not equally true just because people were raised to believe them. Only Christianity is backed up by objective, historical, archaeological, and experiential evidence to verify that it is true. (Evidence Bible p. 554)
Dean recommended a website called MoreThanDreams.org which has produced a series of beautifully made docu-dramas that depict the stories of faithful Muslims who have come to faith in Jesus Christ through dreams and providential circumstances. One of these films is about a man named Khalil. Although we cannot vouch for the veracity of these claims, we found the film to be very well made, and deeply moving. Most importantly, the film seems to be solidly biblical in its use of scripture and its depiction of true repentance. Unlike other popular books and films which claim to depict journeys to heaven, the Bible does include many examples of God communicating truth to believers and unbelievers through dreams. Most notably, Joseph's dreams in Matthew 1:20,21, and Matthew 2:13,19, As well as, Pilate's wife who "suffered many things in a dream because of Him." (Matthew 27:19)
Sometimes a listener will insist on a one-to-one discussion with the person on the box, away from the heckler mic. Ignoring the bold and well-drawn chalk line, as well as the clearly labeled "Got Questions?" heckler mic, this young man, named Thomas, came uncomfortably close as Dean shared the gospel. His question concerned Lucifer and fallen angels. Dean cited Isaiah 14, and Ezekial 28. When Thomas asked about gay marriage, Dean replied: "God designed marriage. We don't have the right to change that. He created life. This is His universe. When we create our own universe then, I guess, we can make our own laws. But we are living in God's universe and He created marriage to be between one man and one woman, period."
Everything worked out okay, as evidenced by this picture taken later.
Steve was blessed with several hecklers who posed some classic questions.
"If God can do anything, can He create a sandwich so vast that He could never finish eating it?"
Answer: This question is an amusing variation on another question: Can God create a rock so heavy that He cannot lift it? The question itself pre-supposes a logical fallacy. Also, there are many things that God cannot do because He cannot do anything that is against His holy nature. He cannot lie. He cannot deny Himself. He does not change in any way, since He is eternal, perfect and perfectly righteous.
This young man, named Abel, was very concerned about God's fairness and so he asked, "Are little children born with sin and then judged for their sins and cast into hell if they die?"
Answer: This is not as simple a question to answer as one might think. This link provides a helpful article on the "age of accountability." John MacArthur's book, "Safe in the Arms of God" provides a helpful perspective. Basically the answer involves God's mercy, His justice, and His sovereignty. Yes, we are all born under the curse of sin. No, a little child who cannot understand their sinful state before God will not be cast into hell. It is interesting to note that skeptics often question the mercy and love of God for children, while neglecting to question the mercy and love of men with respect to the horror of "civilized" man's practice of abortion.
A young woman named Abbie, asked another classic question: Where did Cain get his wife?
Answer: Here is a good article from Answers In Genesis, and a shorter one from another great website called Creation.com.
Abortuary Duty 4/22/2014
This morning we were joined by a lady named Pauline who shared her testimony about the regret she still feels today after having had multiple abortions as a young woman. Our prayer for Pauline is that the Lord will continue to give her the courage to speak out, and to stand with others at the entrance to this sad factory of death. This is difficult duty. Yet, as the Apostle Peter said, "But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving an example, that you should follow in His steps. . " (1 Peter 2:20,21 NKJV)
The Morning Shift 4/23/2014
Tony Miano joined Paul, Ken, and Steve at NoHo Metro Station for a blessed morning of Gospel proclamation.
Our friends, the Jehovah's Witnesses, felt the need to call the constables on us, as Tony proclaimed the truth about Jesus Christ's Godhood from the first and second chapters of Hebrews.
But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than your companions." (Hebrews 1:8 NKJV)
Disarmed by the truth, however, there was nothing they could do.
JOIN WITH US!
Please see our schedule of upcoming outreaches in the right hand column.
PLEASE NOTE: CBC Evangelism Team will be on hiatus Saturday, May 10th. There will be no official CBC team activity that day.
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