OFFENDED NO MORE!!!

Woulkd really appreciate your comments on this. Go to the bottom of the post Click on Comments.

How about we remove the word "OFFENDED" from our Christian vocabulary. That way, we who are brothers in Christ can say what's on our hearts. Those who hear it would know that we are loved and what is being said is just their observation or opinion and we should examine it from their point of view.

If we are to be Christ like then we need to love our enemy...pray for them, maybe even listen to what's being said, as it may be something the Lord wants you to hear. So let’s not get offended when we hear something we don’t like! Check out 2nd Cor. 13:5. Christ wasn't offended when His own disciples denied Him, abandoned Him, and didn’t trust in Him, did He get offended…NO! And when at His trial He was falsely accused, stripped naked, brutally beaten, and then nailed to the cross, was He offended… NO, he stated, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do!”

Jesus was teaching us that some of us are blind, which means they can’t see. Some of us have a deficiency in our hearing. So I ask you, would you get mad a blind man who bumps into you? If someone were deaf would you get offended because you had to repeat yourself several times to be understood? I hope not, I hope you would have compassion for them.

Here’s one example where one might get offended. I got a forwarded email from a good friend who attends worship, Bible studies and is very involved with going on retreats with other Christians. The email contained a video.

In this video a man throws a glass bottle out his front door and it hits a skateboarder, knocking him off his board. The skate board hits another teen, who had a basketball and it knocks him out. You then see a woman being dragged through the streets by her dog, who is chasing the basketball. An old man with a hearing problem continues to ring a house bell because he couldn’t hear it, which distracts another person who is about to shoot a bow and arrow. The archer completely misses his target and hits the first man (who threw the bottle) in the arm. The man staggers into the street in pain from the arrow, where in a nano-second you see him smashed by a passing semi. Caption at the end,

“There will be consequences if you voted Democrat!”

So I ask you, if you have any Christian friends who will admit that they voted for Obama, or claim to be a Democrat, do you think that this video would offend them?

Here’s another example.

I went to help a friend and his family move his household goods that were in storage in to his rental truck.. After a few times of him speaking to me he asked me if I had my hearing aids on and I said no. He stated that I should have because he was finding difficult getting across what he wanted to say.

I agreed that I should have, but explained that because he was moving all his stuff I didn’t want to take the chance of getting them dirty. I then mentioned that this would be a good time for him to learn how to communicate with someone who has a hearing problem. From my experience many people who need them are not wearing them. Maybe we should get out of our comfort zone and adjust our volume and make sure we face them when we speak.

Paul states in Philippians 2:3, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;"

So I hope you can see from this example we each could have been offended…Am I right? He could have gotten frustrated and asked me to leave or I could have been hurt by his comment and left..

But as this man and I claim Christ as Lord of our lives, we know that speaking what we believe to one another should not be offensive. Being able to say what we think gives us the freedom to be honest.
Prov. 24: 26, "Honesty is like a kiss on the Lips" (NIV)

So would you agree that those of us who claim Christ as Lord, and truly understand what He went through to save a wretched soul like you and I, that we cannot and will not be offended by another brother or sister who has been genuinely adopted into His Glorious Kingdom for eternity! What we should do is as Paul reminded us in 2Cor. 13:5, "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?"

In other words if there is something that the Lord wants me to hear from a fellow believer, I should humble myself and listen. I heard this years ago from my Pastor, Darryl DelHousaye, “Remember don’t shoot the messenger, listen to the message.”

Now for those we encounter who are, lost, who think they are righteous... you meet some of them in church. Remember we are either lost or saved, there is no in between! We need to treat them as if they are blind, which they are. I don’t think you would get offended if a blind man bumped into you,  would you? So the same should apply to them as well. We would need to ask for forgiveness if they were offended, oh and by the way, that group (the lost) will be offended, that’s all they know.

But we, having the Grace of God bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit should recognize that and pray for them. But please, never, never minimize the whole truth of the Gospel. They need to hear how they have violated a Holy God by breaking His Commandments; you only need to go through 4 to get the point across. Once they realize that they can’t save themselves by doing good works, or by saying the so -called sinners prayer, then they should be ready to repent. They would turn away from that life style, be “Born Again “, and then place their trust in Jesus Christ alone.

So now that I've said it... isn't it great that I don't have to state,

“Please forgive me if I offended anyone. “

This next part is amazing! Chuck Johnson, a good freind of mine, wrote the following poem after he read the above. I hope you read it, and comment about it.

POEM FROM A FRIEND

DON'T BE OFFENDED

Now all of us that have heard the “Word”, know that we've been told,
That truth to one another is a virtue that is as valuable as pure gold.
We know that our words can hurt, when lacking kindness and His love.
So show your faith to those who hear, and use our teaching from Above.

We are taught to love each other, and avoid those hurtful unkind words.
Be aware of those who can't hear, and repeat again what wasn't heard.
For this is the behavior of a Christian, who shows consideration in his acts,
He's not “offended” to repeat his words, for he's considerate of the facts.

To be offended most often shows, one who's mind is closed and won't hear,
This is a Christian who will not learn, and who lives within himself in fear.
We each need to test ourselves against His teachings to be loving and true,
For if we pass the test that He provides, then His blessings He'll give to you.

Charles T. Johnson

5/27/2010

Just Another Blessed Day!

When I came home this morning after meeting with Alan & Dale at McDonald's for our weekly Bible study, Catherine asked if I would make a deposit because a small check came in. She set it up so I could go through the drive through, but for some reason I told her I didn't want to go that way. She asked why, what’s wrong with doing it as she set it up? I asked if she could fill out a regular deposit slip, as I felt I needed to go inside.

I hope you all understand, this is NOT about me! This is about learning a simple Biblical principle on how to reach out to those who may be lost. How many times have you been in a bank, dept store, grocery store, hair dresser, had work done on your car, and didn’t say a word or didn’t have something in writing that you could leave with them.

 Maybe your not comfortable speaking to strangers, well using these unique tracts makes it easy. Remember everything that we know how to do is because we learned, by practice. The same applies to reaching the lost…the more you do it the easier it becomes.

Wouldn't it be great if it was you who responded to the Lord like in (Isa 6:8)
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."

So here is the rest of the story.

As I walked into the bank a lady approached me with a warm hello which is what they usually do when you go in. I didn't notice anyone in line so I was surprised when she asked if she could help me? I told her I only had a small check to deposit, she said come with me. She took me to one of those cubicles, and as I was sitting down she asked me how was I doing? I said I'm blessed, how about you? She put a big smile on her face and said, “That must be nice!” and then said, "it’s not that bad."

I then asked her if she were to receive a million dollars would that help make her day? She said, “YEA, but that's not going to happen!” With that I reached into my back pocket and handed her one, telling her, "You never know what God has in store for you!"

She now was laughing as she held a million dollars in her hand. I then explained to her that the real value was not the million dollar bill, as I'm sure she knew that it was fake, the real value was what was written on the back. It's going to ask you, “are you Good Enough to get into Heaven?” I then asked that she not read it now as I know she is working and I didn't want her to get into trouble. This part is amazing, almost every time I tell someone not to read it, guess what, they do!

She is now sitting down reading the back and saying that she liked the message and was thankful that I gave it to her. Just then another bank employee came into our cubicle, as I'm sure what I was saying was not quiet. Those of you who know me no that I have a hearing problem and tend to speak louder than I should.

Well this man who just walked in started to look at the million dollar bill in her hand and stated that he had one of these at home and remembers me giving it to him several months ago.

I asked what did he do to deserve getting one, he said, “Nothing!” I then explained maybe he should be giving his away as well, so that someone else can read the truth that none of us is Good Enough to get into Heaven. With that I gave him a few more so he could share them with others…his response, “Thank you, I'll do that!”

I'm not done yet, or should I say correctly that the Lord had more for me to do, no sooner after he left, another lady from the bank came into the cubicle and stated she heard us talking and wondered if she could have a million as well. So of course I gave her one with the same story.

In front of me was a large silver calculator, and I asked her did she see anything strange about the calculator? She said she didn’t! I showed her that nothing was in my hand and while I was touching the calculator, with two snaps of my finger pulled out the Ten Commandments coin. You should have seen the look on her face! I then asked her if she knew the Ten Commandments because one day she would be judged by them and would be better to know now, then at judgment day, when it would be to late.

She thanked me for sharing with her and she was definitely going to read what I gave her when she got home.

I’ve been using this Biblical principle for about 5 years now, and have spoken to probably over a thousand people. Jesus Himself stated in (Mat. 5:17) that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill the Law. So by saying what Jesus said in (Luke 18:20) they can have a true understanding of why they need a Savior. Remember it’s the only scripture written with the Finger of God, and you also get a chance to place His Word in their hands.

I can’t remember anyone who accepted the Way of the Master Gospel Tracts getting angry or being offended, even those I took through the Good Person Test. I mean what are they going to say, that it’s okay to lie, steal, and lust?

In (Psa 19:7) The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: and, in (Gal 3:24)
Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

So I pray that you desire to be a laborer for the Lord and consider learning this principle.

I wait for your comment and reply.

Vera's Testimony and Catherine reaching out

Watch as my sister in Christ gives her heartfelt testimony, without
revealing what religion she came from. The church she attends
edited that part out. She was told that they did not want to offend anyone.

So tell me after watching it was she an Episcopalian, Mormon, or Catholic?
To me it sounded like or new government...political correctness!
We can't call a terrorist a terrorist, he is an enemy combatant.
They are no longer illegal aliens they are undocumented, killing the baby
of someone who is pregnant is not murder, it's an abortion.

(2nd Tim 4:3) states: For the time will come when they will not endure
sound doctrine; wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate
for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires. So is that time
now and in our churches? Am I wrong? I would really like your comments on this, just click the word comment on the bottom of this blog.



Here is Catherine reaching out to those in the streets who may be lost.
Think of it she is possibly reaching more lost souls in one night then most
churches in a year. Why not join us, who nows who you may save!



I thought I'd put this one in for fun, I couldn't believe it. When I came to
our favorite fishing hole on Mill Ave, there was this man with an accordion.
An accordion! Who in there right mind would admit that they could play one!

Well I'd have to admit I was one. It had been fifty years since I had played
that instrument! Fifty years! I couldn't resist, the temptation was to great.

I told the man my story as how when I was seven years old my father got me
one, hired a teacher and I learned how to play. I even appeared on the
Ted Mack's Amateur Hour on T.V.

Phoenix Art Fair May 7th 2010

Tonight followers of Christ gathered on 3rd ST and Roosevelt Ave. Among the group was Alan, Catherine, Pastor Jon, Jayson, Valerie, Sean, David who a few months ago came back from Japan where he lived for about 6 months. Phil, Marcus his sister Jennifer and Walter also were there.

Here are faithfull seed sowers passing out Gospel Tracts (Million Dollar Bills )

 

Here's something to think a about:

Do you think a wantabe surgeon was confident the first time he cut open a cadaver? Think of it, slicing though the meat of flesh that was once a living human being! I'm sure he was apprehensive, fearful to actually do it!

The point I'm trying to make is it takes practice with everything we do. I'm not suggesting that everyone can be a surgeon, the reason one becomes one is they have a desire to be one, is that not true?

So lets parallel that with followers of Christ. If you have been called out from the lost of the world, He commands us to GO! (Mark 16:15), (Acts 1:8)(Acts 10:42) To only attend worship, which is a sign of obedience, acceptable, but then just be a part of home fellowship, Bible studies, retreats and not do all that Christ commands us to do...that should produce the deisre! If it hasn't, then maybe read 2nd Cor. 13:5, about examining yourself.

Charles Spurgeon, who was called the "Prince of Preachers", stated that, "If your not seeking to save the lost then your not saved yourself, you can be sure of that!"

Paul stated that we are to be all things to all people so that we may win them to Christ. I'm sharing this with you, with the intention of not offending you, but like Paul to win you over. This sounds like what Spurgeon was referring to, doesn't it?

In Col. 1:28, Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Doesn't this sound like we should be speaking to EVERY MAN , not just our family and friends?

Wouldn't it be pleasing to our Lord to do that?

Just like soldiers who have been fighting for ours and others freedom around the world. Does the solider sign up or be drafted and then state he doesn't have the gift of fighting for his country? I don't think so! He is sent to boot camp to learn. So if you have not had a chance to learn how to effectively share with everyone, please come to the next crash course on:
Saturday June 5th (You must register)

I was able to give a few open air messages by asking trivia and giving away money to draw a crowd. The final question is can anyone prove to me that they are a "Good Person" (someone always raises their hand)

This place was like a salmon stream, where they swim upstream to spawn... fish everywhere! The Lord said if we would follow Him, go out into the streets like He did, He would make us fishers of men! (Mat. 4:19)

I was able to do several that night, and those who took the "Good Person Test" and laughingly they admit that they are liars, thieves, and fornicators when I then ask where they would spend eternity, Heaven or Hell, the most common response, Heaven.

I ask how can that be and they tell me how they have been told that, "God is a loving and forgiven God" With that I respond with true, but that He is also Holy, Just, and Righteous God and cannot be in the presense of a sinner. And because He loves us He must punish those who violate His laws. I wish you could see the reactions on their faces as they go from smiling about their sinfulness to a humble, somber reflection. Now their heads are drooping down, no more smiles, as they realize the severity of what they have done.

Once they realize they will be convicted I ask if they know what God did for them so they wouldn't have to go to Hell and most don't or they just say he died on the cross.

I then tell them that God became flesh, by becoming a man with the name of Jesus Christ, and He took the punishment for my sins and their sins. His blood wiped clean all the sins I had committed, and if they REPENT and place their TRUST in Jesus Christ alone, then all their sins wold be forgiven and they would now be BORN AGAIN ! WOW!

I now tell them about 2nd Cor. 5:17, they are a new creation the old has gone and the new has come. So what they used to desire is no longer a desire, now they will want to serve their Lord who saved them from the hands of Satan and will desire to share that free gift (Eph 2:8-10)with everyone they meet...just like I have.

So if you wold like comment on this in any way please do so below this post.

Post a comment below

Another night sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ

This Saturday was another Day for the Lord!

Give thanks for Al, Alan, Leigh, Joe and Doug on Mill Ave. Looks like the Sowers of God's word is growing, Praise the Lord! Later on Marcus, Phil and Walter showed up. Satan and his demons didn't stand a chance this night!

Al and I started out with our light show, where we use red lights attached to our finger and pretend to toss them back and forth to each other. To our surprise this drew a group of people to stop and watch. First was Michael, his wife and two children.

The young boy had on red shorts so I approached him and gave the illusion that I was removing a red light form his paints. After explaining this was an illusion and how our eyes can fool us we were able to ask them about violating God's Law the Ten Commandments. The father, Micheal didn't participate as much as his wife did, but when we were finished his demeanor changed and he thanked us for sharing with him and his family.

A few minutes later Theodora, Peter and Gelly and a few friends stopped for the lights also. They were Greek Orthodox. Again by using the Law it helped them understand that their religion was not what was going to save them from the wrath of God. (Gal. 3:24)

What amazes me is that with this method you can share with anyone, anywhere and it only takes about 5 minutes. We gave them several tracts and the booklet from Ray Comfort , "Save yourself some PAIN." They were very grateful for us taking the time to share with them.

Watch as Al shares with three young guys - Gens, Gordon and Corey. First he draws them with trivia questions and a chance to win some money. He now has their attention and can go from the intellect to their conscience. CON-SCIENCE: Con is with and SCIENCE is knowledge. By speaking to their conscience he can now reach the part that needs to be addressed and by doing this it eliminates (as Ray Comfort pointed out) intellectual arguments. This is what Jesus did in (Luke 18:20) to the rich young ruler. So I ask you, "if Jesus used this approach why shouldn't anyone who calls himself a follower of Jesus Christ,do the same?"




Below I'm talking to young man named Chis, who was brought up Catholic and now is hearing the truth about salvation and is thankful for hearing it. He was with his girlfriend when we started but she tried to pull him away stating that she was, " LEAVING!" Much to my surprise he stayed! Remember he was now admitting that he was a liar, thief, blasphemery, and an adultererat heart, as Jesus explained to us that if you just look at another person with lust you have committed adultery in your heart! (Mat 5:28) He now realized he was headed for Hell! Anyone would have thought he would have followed his girlfriend. I believe the Holy Spirit was holding him there so that he would get the glorious message of what he needed to do to become a child of God... Repent and Trust in Jesus Christ alone! (Luke 13:3)



As always your comments are welcome. Just click on the comments label below.