We went out yesterday evening from 3:30-8:30 down in the Canal Park area. It was an amazing "coincidence" that there just "happened" to be a scheduled air show in that area. So as the day progressed, the area around us was being flooded with people. Several hundred people were within reading distance of the sign.
The day started relatively "slow" in that we did not get much, if any conversations going. As always, there are those who walk by and give a "thumbs up" and there are those who walk by and shake their head and/or same some "nice" comment about our sign. Either way, BOTH are a blessing! The Holy Spirit does wonders in people we never see happening.
Our first conversation was really just a continuation conversation with a guy I had talked to last time out. His name is Art. He's a self-professing atheist, who seemingly hates ALL religions, thinks we are all deceived, and really hates us because we are "dumb enough to stand out here showing the world how foolish our 'god' is." He's a really nice guy! Actually, the conversations have been "good" in a sense. Although he thinks we are complete idiots, he also says how "nice" we are and he thinks we are pretty good guys, it's our beliefs he hates.
When he first came up to us, I told him how great it was to see him, with all these people around. I told him I would get the conversation going, he'd get mad and a little loud, and that would bring the crowd in. He ASSURED me that he wasn't going to talk to us and "help us out." An hour later he was still talking to us! You can't resist the Holy Spirit! Seemingly the conversation goes no where. He wants to argue against the existence of God, faith, etc. And is pretty defiant against any argument you present to him. I try my best not to get into "philosophical arguments" but it's hard. Josh is much better and staying within the scriptures, staying out of arguments, and letting the word of God do his thing.
Hebrews 4:12-13
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
As the day progressed and the air show ended, things started to pick up. While I was talking to a professing christian who despised our sign, Josh was having a conversation with another professing christian. Both of these gentleman, not associated with one another, believed a person could put their faith in Christ, renounce their faith, practice another religion yet still be saved because "at one time they trusted in Christ". WRONG ANSWER! What saith the scriptures:
1 John 5:13
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
Mark 13:13
...he who endures to the end shall be saved.
When these conversations were over it was about 7pm. I was pretty whopped from my conversation with the atheist and the professing christians. Several things about witnessing. It challenges your faith, it challenges your patience, it makes you really dig into the scriptures to see why you believe what you believe, and it is both mentally and physically draining.
We decided to pack up and head to the area in front of Little Angies, knowing that it is a hot spot for people eating, drinking, and hanging out. It wasn't long before we set up that people started to come and talk to us. The conversations were short, but the gospel message was presented. Josh was talking to a couple of girls while I was talking to a few skate boarders. As I finished my conversation, a lady pulled up in a car FURIOUS that our sign had the word "men" on it and not "women". I assured her it was only for scriptural faithfulness and the scripture we were referring to. It didn't matter to her. She believed men should not be in authority over women. Once she calmed down a bit, we discussed the issue a little and I learned she was a Chaplin at St. Mary's hospital. Although she said she believed the bible, every scripture I presented to her, she rejected and said, "oh, I don't believe that." I didn't give her my interpretation, I just read the scripture to her.
When I got done with my conversation, Josh was engaged with a man from Russia, Val, and the same two girls. Turns out Val is a believer who seems to be ON FIRE for Jesus. To make a long story short, he wants to get together with us, fellowship with us, and come out with us to open-air preach/street witness. We ended up talking with him for a while and discussed his conversion story, his fleeing from Russia to America, and our vision for the city of Duluth. At this point, we are very encouraged by his zeal and willingness to step into the battle for lost souls.
After a short conversation with two professing christians (one wearing a HOOTERS tank top, the other...well...I'm not sure if she was wearing ANY clothes) who pulled up to talk to us, we ended our conversations and went home.
GOD IS GOOD!
Acts 18:9-10
Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city."
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1 comment:
This reminds me of a conversation I had with Mormons. I had them come back to my house the next day. It was very strenuous, but it sparked me to dig into scripture in an intense manner. People will keep you on your toes. I had a conversation with a coworker about "paranormal" activity last night. Thankfully it led to the sharing of the gospel later. You never know what to quite expect when you talk to people. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory!
Sam
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