Hi Everyone

Present today: Mike, Di, Frances, Maree. Pastor Jarryd met us down at the shops.

I opened to day with Romans 3:

“What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” “Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”; “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways; And the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” (Rom 3:9-20)

I emphasised the true purpose of evangelism: to have the listener stop in their self-justification, aware of the danger they are in if they died without Christ – and to be then able to share with them the glorious Good News. I also talked about all their earthly needs, how we can spend our time fulfilling them, but neglecting their spiritual needs.

We prayed, giving thanks to God for His sovereignty, love for the people we talk to, and boldness to tell the truth. We also prayed for hearts receptive to the Gospel.

Today was a typical Naenae spring day – not warm, but not too cold if you kept moving. I started out as usual handing out $1m tracts. As usual, people were gobbling them up. 

I couldn’t engage with anyone until I spotted Matt, sitting eating his hangi (traditional NZ Maori prepared food). He was eager to chat while eating. He believed there was a heaven, and was pretty sure he was going there. But he admitted that was by his own standards. So I asked him if he wanted to test himself by God’s standards. He said OK. It transpired that he was a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart. He admitted that he would be guilty and go to hell if judged. Then I told him that God didn’t want him to go there, and did something to prevent that. He asked what it was, so I shared the beautiful Gospel with him, explaining how Christ took his hell punishment for him, and he needed to place his trust in Christ for the forgiveness of his sins. He understood, and I asked him when he was going to do that. He said tomorrow. I asked what if he didn’t wake up tomorrow? He changed his mind and said as soon as possible. I thanked him and shook his hand, giving him a Good Person tract as well. Please pray for Matt!

Maree shared with me of a discussion she had with Abbie & Josh, a young couple and family ingrained in the LDS. She said the conversation almost brought her to tears, how they understood all she was saying with regards to who Christ really is. Please pray for them, that they would realise the danger they are in!

I bumped into a few people today who professed to be Christians. One gentleman named Don, who I gave a tract to said he had been a Christian for 12 years. I tested him, asking what he would say to God if he asked him why He should let him into heaven. He said because Jesus paid for all his sins. Good answer! I asked him if he shared the Gospel with anyone. He says he tries. So I gave him a few tracts and pointers on how to break the ice. He was very thankful!

I thought I recognised one of the market vendors selling plants. It was the son of a family I knew from a previous church I attended. He did say that he had a few people give him tracts, and witness to him – so it’s good to know we are doing our job!

So it was an awesome day out, with everyone saying they had some great conversations. Please pray for all the seeds sown and watered, that if it is God’s will, He grant the increase!

Blessings

Craig.