"Far Right" Extremists

You should read this article from the Washington Times:
West Point center cites dangers of ‘far right’ in U.S.

An interesting part to make note of:
“While liberal worldviews are future- or progressive -oriented, conservative perspectives are more past-oriented, and in general, are interested in preserving the status quo.” the report says. “The far right represents a more extreme version of conservatism, as its political vision is usually justified by the aspiration to restore or preserve values and practices that are part of the idealized historical heritage of the nation or ethnic community.”

Gee... I wonder who the "progressive oriented" culture will start to equate "far right" extremists with?

Preach the "past-oriented" GOSPEL of the old rugged cross while you still can!

Pastor Saeed- 8 YEARS!

Breakfast Anyone?

The Sword of the Spirit 1/26/2013

It was great to have Forrest back on the team tonight. He is still recovering from a knee injury that has kept him out of action for many months. Praise the Lord for His gracious work of healing in all our lives. Our dedicated group also included: David, Mark, Sharon, Debbie, Ruth, Dean, Sai, and Steve.

It was a chilly and uneventful night in Burbank. Displaced from our usual spot by a cacophony of "musical" efforts by disparate instrumentalists, our hearty band of diehards set up on the sidewalk at the busy intersection of Palm and San Fernando. The Truth was proclaimed. Many Bibles and tracts were given out.

David had a lengthy discussion with our friend, Roger, "the Nemesis." It is not slanderous to say that Roger holds fast to, and contends vigorously for, every "wile of the devil" one can imagine. At the root of it is the lie that man is god. And, of course, that is true for those who exalt their own intellect above the revealed Truth of God's Word, the Bible. Although he is familiar enough with the Bible, Roger has a false interpretation for every word of it. And yet, ironically, Roger is drawn to dialog with us, dine with us, and fellowship as well. Would it be inconsistent with God's sovereign grace to consider that our entire team effort has been, all along, to fulfill God's plan by witnessing to this one man? Please pray, with us, that the scales would fall from his eyes, and those of all who rebel against the plain and true meaning of scripture.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."  (Ephesians 6:10-13)

The Holy Spirit at Work 1/19/2013

This evening's team, including Mark, Sharon, Debbie, Dean S & Dean C. , Clint, Jack, Elder Bob, and Steve, were joined by first-timers and long-time CBC members, Wayne and his son Dylan.

Things started quietly, with several one to one opportunities, including one couple who were seeking a new church home.

Dean S. initiated several conversations by conducting a "survey," which he says he learned about from Tony Miano. He approached people with a sign showing 3 unidentified verses (Isaiah 53:4-6). Participants were asked to read the verses aloud and identify who they thought was being described. Most people correctly identified Jesus as the one clearly described. Then a follow-up question is posed. "Would you be surprised to learn that the prophet Isaiah who wrote this lived over 700 years before Christ was born?" This naturally leads to a discussion of the Bible and how hundreds of fulfilled prophecies, such as this one, demonstrate that it is the Word of God.

As the movies let out the crowds grew and several stopped to heckle the preacher. Dean C. was confronted by a young man who claimed to have studied the Bible, and also claimed to have prayed many times, but was disappointed and cynical, saying: "He has never answered any of my prayers. I think God is just an idea like Santa Claus. I believe in evolution, that's how we came to exist." When answering this type of question we have found that it is best to present a short response, which addresses the science issue, and then to re-direct the conversation to the Law and the issue of our sin before a Holy God. All the best and truest answers to the issue of origins are rooted in a solidly Biblical worldview. Evolution, as a scientific theory, is hopelessly inadequate and incorrect. Here is an excellent resource for explaining some of these problems. But until the conversation addresses the conscience, there is little hope for reaching people who have been thoroughly indoctrinated by the secular educational system. This is why we use the "Good Person Test" to challenge the assumption that we are all "good enough" to go to heaven.

Elder Bob had his share of heckling on the box. A young man named Paul, expressed dissatisfaction with the idea of predestination, which the Bible clearly teaches. Although he was unwilling to stick around long enough to hear the full answer, (i.e. that both God's election [Romans 8:29-30] and man's need to respond to the gospel [John 3:16] are taught in scripture) Bob did manage to share that predestination is the view from God's perspective, since God alone has this knowledge.

The chief competitor (sound-wise) for the hearts and minds of the souls of Burbank, this evening, was an affable man named John who claimed to have been born-again 4 months ago. After giving "thumbs up" to Mark's gospel message, he boisterously and proudly displayed his medical marijuana card and confessed to being "high as a kite." He generously offered to sing a song ("Day by Day") from the musical "Godspell" into our heckler mic. Mark politely declined, cautioning him about his need for true repentance.

Unaffected by such counsel, he set up shop across the way with his aquarium-sized tip jar, and began singing along with the music in his head, supplied by the headphones connected to his laptop computer. He accompanied himself by using a crutch, not as a means of ambulatory assistance, but as a pretend guitar. Please pray for John's deliverance.

Pray for Pastor Saeed

Trusting the Holy Spirit 1/5/2013

"But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me." (John 15:26)

It was a quiet night in Burbank as team members David, Mark, Sharon, Debbie, Ruth, Nathan, Dean, Sai and Steve, gave out tracts and the gospel was preached. Sometimes we are tempted, when there is little or no outward response to the our efforts, to assume that the "tree" is bearing no "fruit." However, scripture teaches patience: "Therefore be patient, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain." (James 5:7)

The Bible also shows that the saving work of the Holy Spirit often involves the efforts of several unrelated workers: "And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together." Perhaps this is so that many laborers will be blessed by each soul who is won to Christ. "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise." (Proverbs 11:30) "Say to the righteous that it shall be well
with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings." (Isaiah 3:10)

It is worth noting that the fellowship that is shared each time the team goes out, is another clear fruit of the Spirit. The prayer time when we gather before hitting the street, is a time of comforting ministry and exhortation. It's been likened to a small campfire upon which each one adds a log, resulting in a huge bonfire. Jesus describes, "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him or knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:17)

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