The Sunday Special ~ “Free Beer and the Gospel”
Last night, A few of my friends and I went to the party at Riverwalk Stadium to spread the Good News. Problem was that it was not accepted as good news to everyone. I arrived earlier than my buddies and began witnessing by passing out some gospel tracts. The line was long and I was surprised at exactly how many people had showed up on a Sunday afternoon.
More than once, the tracts were either thrown back at me or all together simply refused. I had elderly ladies of all people raising their voice at me about the sheer volume of tracts that were littering the sidewalks. Apparently the tracts were being thrown on the ground as well.
The party had been hosted by a popular jewelry store in town that partnered with the Flora-Bama Lounge and Package Store that is a popular attraction on the gulf coast. One of the main attractions to this year’s event was the promise of “Free Beer.” 
One man began to curse me out as well as make profanities using God’s name. He accused me of being a Jehovah Witness. I assured him that I was not a JW but a Christian that believes in Jesus and that we should share out faith. He continued to rant and yell, calling me a JW. I told him that he needed to turn from his sin and place his trust in Christ. He flared up then getting in my face telling me that I was this and that. He did attract the attention of others and I heard a few make comments that he does need Jesus.
I moved on and continued what I planned to do, share the Gospel. I spoke to an Angela that was drunk and was sure she would go to Heaven that cared little for what I had to say, as well as an atheist that has the same motto as other atheist, “I will do it my way!”
I decided to preach so I set my mic up across the street. As I preached, I watched people’s reaction to what I was saying. My words did not seem to go over well with everyone. I saw a few older men wave me off and I told them that they looked like they were up there in the years and that they may not have another thirty years left, they might want to listen.
I kept my message simple. What if today was your last day, where would you spend eternity? Then into the Law and Gospel. I moved on into the things that God hates and that as believers, we should hate what He hates and love what he loves. I must have said something offensive, I saw a bike policeman ride my way and ask me to stop preaching. I was not breaking any laws and was in my constitutional right to share my faith.
He said that people did not come out hear to hear me preaching. That if they want preaching they could go to church. I asked him some questions and he had no desire to discuss his beliefs. I checked my time and it was a few minutes pass the time I planned to leave, so I packed up and moved on.
Later that evening, I spoke to a few buddies that had got out there after I had left. They had similar experiences. My friend Kevin was confronted by an angry man that took the Gospel offensive and tried to fight. Kevin just stayed calm and fought back with the Word of God. With the help of a persistent girlfriend, the angry man moved on. Rob was another friend that was out there with Kevin. He discussed with me about a few conversations with some people.
A couple that he witnessed to had struggled with adultery in their relationship. The two came out to the event and after seeing all the drinking and parting, were convicted and decided to leave and take no part in the festivities. Rob shared his testimony with them and as he put it, they took it well.
My friends, opportunities are countless to share your faith. Everywhere we go. Not all people you witness to will take it well. If they accept what you say or reject it, it is still a win win situation. The Gospel gets preached, God gets glorified. We are not called to convert people, just to tell them.
Go light the darkness,
David
Do you have time to “Tighten Up & Get Right?”
Let me ask you something, how many days to you have left to live? You can’t answer that question can you? Truth is, no one knows the future or when their time is up and they die. But if you knew you have one week left to live, how would you live it? Would there be some things you could say you need to tighten up on before you go from this life to the next?
I have spoken to many people that if you asked them, ” Where would you go when you die?”, without hesitation tell you Heaven. They would also tell you that they are not perfect and that there are a few things that they need to tighten up on or get right.
A young man named Lorenzo that I ran into this past week was no exception. He was sitting outside a local business on his break playing with his phone. I approached him and asked him just those questions. What happens when you die, where would you spend eternity? What is the most important thing to you?
Lorenzo told me that when he dies that he would hope to go to Heaven. I asked him if he considered himself to be a good person. “There are a few things I need to tighten up on, but yes I am a good person,” he said.
I asked,” If God were to judge you by the Ten Commandments; do you think you would still be pretty good?”
His reply was yes and so I continued to discuss with him the Commandments and how Paul the Apostle called them a “schoolmaster” and mentioned that he” did not know sin, except by the Law.”
If you want to know where you would go when you die, look at the Ten Commandments, and with that’s said, one by one we went over them.
After reviewing them, he admitted that he had lied, stolen, used blasphemy, lusted therefore committed adultery, and been angry making him guilty of murder and dishonoring his parents. With this, I told him that he had broken the first commandment as well by not putting God first in his life.
Everything came together for Lorenzo. He realized as Paul had, that the Law showed him his sin.
With the knowledge of sin, he understood that he would not go to Heaven as though he hoped he would, but Hell, because he had broken God’s laws.
After the Law was discussed we went on to talk about Grace. I let me know that God does not want to send anyone to Hell, that it is His will that, “none perish, but have everlasting life“
He knew of Jesus and that he had died on a cross for our sins, but I still painted a picture for him to describe what really took place on that cross.
Imagine being in a courtroom, you are guilty of a serious crime. Someone said something bad about your mother and you pushed them and they fell to the ground hitting their heads on the curb, killing them.
Now you know what you did was wrong, you confessed and all the evidence and witnesses are there in the courtroom. The judge looks at you and ask is you have anything to say.
You tell that judge that you know he is a good judge and a forgiving judge. You apologize for your actions and are sincere in your apology and tell him that you have never done anything like this and will never do it again.
The judge looks at you and tells you that he is a good judge, that you need to be sorry for what you did and to never do it again, and because of his goodness, he sends you to prison for a crime you committed.
I asked Lorenzo if that sounds fair and he said yes. I said, “If that that judge lets you go because you said you were sorry and that you promised to never do it again, he would not be a good judge would but crooked?” Lorenzo agreed.
God is much the same way, He can not simply let us free because we said we were sorry and promised to never do it again, that His ways are much higher that ours.
Lorenzo, I said. The only way that judge on earth can let you free is if you pay the fine for the crime you committed. But here it is, the fine is so great, you will never be able to pay it.
I told him that as he was being lead off to prison for a long time, that someone comes into the courtroom and tells the judge to wait. He goes on to say that he had sold his house, car, and everything he owned, just to pay your fine, so that you could be set free.
How would you feel toward that guy? I asked. “I would feel good, grateful,” he said.
I expressed to him, that when Jesus died on the cross, what took place was a legal transaction, It was Jesus paying the fine for the crime we committed.
In the same way, we should be grateful as we would with the man that sold all he had to free us from prison.
I went on to discussed with him the importance of righteousness and living a holy life before God. How the Bible tells us to be born again and that He would make us new creations. That his tightening up and good works mean nothing, they are like filty rags as the Bible says. . That we need to place all our trust in Christ alone and to turn from all sin. I shared with him a few more scriptures and made sure he had a Bible and encouraged him to read it everyday, that it would help him be more Christ like.
Before I left him, I shared one last thing. That I had met a guy named Shawn over a year ago that I had told the exact same things to. He said he had things he needed to tighten up on as well, but was not ready. He had things in his life he was not willing to give up just yet.
On January 1, 2009, Shawn became the first murder in Montgomery Alabama. He was shot and killed in a place known for drugs and prostitution. Somewhere he should not have been. Shawn did not listen to what was said to him, he was not ready to give things up. What will you do with the words I have said?
A few more words and we shook hands and off I went.
We never know who we are speaking to. The words we say to someone could be our last or the last words someone else hears. For the follower of Christ, engage in conversation with people and share your faith, for the one who says that have things to tighten up on, today is the day of salvation. Trust in Christ and turn from sin. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.
To read about Shawn in my note, “24 Weekends To Live“click the link.
Now go light the darkness,
David
Sharing Christ in the City Part 2 – Wednesday November 4, 2009
Part 2 of 2 of Sharing Christ in the City Wednesday November 4, 3009
Once downtown, I set up my sound box near the fountain in the court square. After some more prayer, I introduced myself and what my intention were. Many people turned to look. I read from the Book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 3. This chapter was the assigned text given to me to read as part of Project Ezra. When I finished reading the text, I went into the Law and the Gospel. I spoke about two things most people would agree are certain, death and taxes. Some will try to get away with paying taxes and many in the world will never pay them. But everyone will die. So the question was where will you go?
As I delivered this message, I saw a guy across the street fixed on me. So I used him as the one I would preach to. I shared with him the Law, taking him through the Ten Commandments. In this, showing him what he has done wrong that has offended God and therefor why he deserves Hell, like the rest of us. Then the Gospel. That only through Jesus are we saved. That when Jesus died on the cross, he was paying a legal transaction, paying the fine for a crime we committed.
Afterward, when I had finished sharing this message, I looked at the guy and he was listening as was many others. I encourage the guy on some things and closed. He waved to me and saying thanks and walked away .
I read another chapter from the Bible from the book of Psalms. I was approached by a young man of fourteen named Hunter. He said he was home schooled and lived near downtown. Speaking with him, I asked him if he lived at the Salvation Army shelter. He said he lived nearby. Are you homeless, I continued. With a brief pause that left me guessing he said no.
I asked him about what he heard me say and he only heard a brief part. I gave him a tract and spoke to him about being a good person and would he still be a good guy if looked at through the 10 commandments. Still pretty good. He gave me an OK to take him through them. Very quickly as we went through them and he realized he was not that good of a person, he demeanor changed. It was time to go. As we were speaking another young man approached that he was with and called him away. I gave him some info to contact me if need be and to think about what we talked about.
I packed my gear up afterward and made my rounds through the downtown area.
Located in Downtown Montgomery is the luxurious Renaissance Hotel & Conference Center. Built into one of the corners of the building is a new eatery called “Wintzell’s Oyster House. “ I mentioned that I have been trying to be more bold and not just pass out tracts but engage people in conversations. So right outside of Wiintzell’s was were “Michael” heard the Law and the Gospel from an unexpected stranger.
As I was walking down the street, I saw him heading my way and as he approached where I was at, I offered him a tract and told him what it was. We got into a conversation about this topic of the tract, “Are you a good person?” After going over the tracts and giving him the Law and Gospel, I discussed with Him since he said he was a follower of Christ, on how important it is to share your faith. That if we as believers in Christ really believe in Jesus and what the Bible teaches, that if a person dies without turning from their sins and places all their trust in Christ that they would spend eternity in Hell. How much would I have to hate someone not to warn them of it and tell them about Jesus? He agreed with me. We talked about a few more things and shared some personal stuff and he shook my hand and we went are separate ways.
I did not make if but a few feet before I was involved in yet another conversation. This time with a Mrs. Crenshaw. I believe she said she was in her 80’s and from Greenville, Al. I gave her a tract and we discussed some of the contents. She shared her faith with me among other things. She was in town for a doctor’s appointment and came downtown for a bite to eat.
After that encounter, I went to the Hotel for a break and some water. Standing near the restroom were about five employees of the Hotel. I went into the restroom and dropped some tracts off and when I came out, I engaged the employees . I had been given some “Curved Illusion Tracts” by a friend and used these as an ice breaker. I simply asked them if I could show them something. They had no problem with it. Which one is bigger? I asked then as I held the tracts near each other. The red, they replied. I moved the cards and asked again which was bigger? The blue one, one lady said. Once again, I moved the cards around. One lady accused me of switching cards. I told her I did no such thing. I showed them the trick and that they cards were actually the same size. Their eyes seemed to be amazed.
I then discussed briefly with them that not all things are the way they seem. It is so easy to be deceived. I told them that many people think they will go to Heaven when they die, but Jesus said that many will call to Him, “Lord Lord” and he will say to them,” Depart from me I never knew you.” Matthew 7:22
I encouraged them to know for sure where they will go when they die. I gave them each an illusion tract and told them to enjoy their day. I left them were they were at and went and got a drink of water. I returned to find them reading and trying to figure out how to do the trick. I confronted them about trying to figure it out and some laughed. I told them who I was and what I was doing- Sharing my faith. I discussed with them as well on the importance of doing this. They let me take a picture of all of them with their cards for this blog, but as I took the picture, my camera’s battery failed.
I exited the Hotel and made my way back to my car about 4 blocks away. 4 blocks is a long way and a great opportunity to pass out tracts. I did just that.
If you are reading this post, I hope you are encouraged to go and share your faith with others as well. We have such a great message, why keep it to yourself. Be bold, go and bring some glory to God. If any you have any questions or wish to accompany others or myself on the streets to proclaim the Gospel, contact me my posting a reply.
Thanks, Lighting the darkness,
David
Sharing Christ in the City Part 1 of 2 Wednesday November 4, 2009
Part 1 of 2 of Sharing Christ in the City Wednesday November 4, 2009
I hit the streets on Wednesday morning making my first stop at the abortion mill on Perry Street that is located behind the YMCA . Abortions are done there typically Wednesday and Friday’s between 7 Am till 9 AM. I had planned to stay there the entire length of time and try to speak to the women going in with hopes and prayers that they would reconsider and that the baby inside of them would have a chance a life.
Unfortunately today I had an a situation take place that called for my attention and had to leave around 8:15. Before I left, I did have the chance to speak to two women that most likely were there to get an abortion. I never got the chance to see if they changed their mind. I did however get to witness to one of the umbrellas loomppas as I call them. They are “Clinic Escorts.” They use umbrellas to shield the mothers from us as we try to encourage them to choose life.
There normally are two escorts but only one was there today. They will not talk to us either. I was told that they have taken a vow of silence against us. But that does not keep me from talking to them. So today, when there was no women going in for abortion, I just spoke to the one there today and shared my faith and preached the Law and the Gospel to him. I did not get a word out of him. But his ears heard the Gospel today. Please pray for the workers of the mill and all involved. And yes, not to leave this out. Right across the street a lady was pulled over by the police for some breaking of the law. She received a ticket for the crime she committed. What is ironic and so sad is that she broke the law of not signaling or something and babies were being murdered across the street and it was legal. 
Later this morning, after I had taken care of my situation, I prayed about where to go next. I have taken my sign to many parts of the city, except the far Westside of Montgomery. So I thought about a place to go and to the corner of Mobile Hwy and the Southern Blvd would be it. I parked my vehicle and stood in the middle of the road almost. In a little medium between the turning lane and straight away. I stood out in the road for about an hour. I received the usual honks and thumbs up and stares.
When given the opportunity, I would talk to people at red lights about the importance of knowing where you will go when you die. One police man kept driving back and forth and finally he stopped at a red light near me and I spoke to him as he looked and to him that the sign makes a good point. “Yes it does,” he said, with enthusiasm. Before I knew it, my hour was up and off to preach downtown.
For the rest of the story and read about an illusion I used in the Renaissance Hotel to share the Gospel to a few workers inside, read part 2 of this article on Thursday evening.
For more info On the Law and the Gospel as I mentioned in this article click the link at the bottom to take the same test that I give each individual as I share my faith. Take the test NeedGod.com
Lighting the darkness,
David
“My Name is Lord Amacal”
On Tuesday I took my sign out and stood on the corner of Ann Street and Highland Ave. I picked my time to be out there to coincide with school traffic so the most amount of people would see and read the sign which reads, “Do you know where you will spend eternity. Repent and Believe the Gospel.”
The spot I was standing was logistically perfect to not only hold the sign, but get the opportunity to speak to people as they sat at a red light. Some would look on and I would make mention on how important it is to know where you will go when you die and that people die every day.
Every now and then while holding the sign, someone will come walking down the street. If possible I will try to give them a tract or engage in a conversation. It just so happen that on this day, I would run into and have a very interesting conversation with a one Lord Amacal.
As I held the sign, I saw these two young men walking my way. I positioned myself and my sign so that the two young men would have to walk by me. As they approached, I offered them a “Good Person Tract.” They stopped briefly and looked on it and I asked them both an ice breaker question. “What is the most important thing to you?” One guy said money while the one that would later tell me his name was Lord Amacal said “to be at one with the universe.” I then asked them that on the day they die, what will be the most important thing to you then?
The one that said money did not say anything, but Lord Amacal began to talk about the universe and being with God. Now, there is no way I can share with you all this young man said. I wish I had a camera!
As our conversation progressed, we discussed Hell. Lord Amacal said that Hell was here on Earth. With all the sickness and crime and murder, this was Hell he persisted. Now I said I had prayed for boldness and that was what happened. I told him that Hell is not on Earth, but a literal place. I described Hell to him as weeping and gnashing of teeth, pretty much as the Bible describes it. He disagreed.
During our conversation I learned of what this deceived young man believes. That Jesus did not die on the cross that it was Judas that was transformed into His likeness and that it was he who died on the cross instead of Jesus. That when we do die, that there may be planets that we go and live on. He told me that he was abducted numerous times by aliens and tried to justify aliens in the Bible as the chariots of fire found in 2nd Kings.
We kinda went back and forth, his belief and my belief. Finally, I just shared the Law and The Gospel with him.
I took him through the Ten Commandments he had broken all I discussed with him. But disagreed that God would send him to Hell for eternity. That God was a good God and if He really loved us, he then could not send us there for eternity. Yes he could I persisted. He has given chance after chance repent and trust on His son Jesus. Chance after chance.
No matter what I said to him, he had his own way of looking at things. I pointed down the street to a cemetery and told him that there are probably many people who had the same belief he does, and did it there way. But assured him that everyone in that graveyard believes on the Lord Jesus 100% today.
I looked at him and asked him where does he come up with this stuff? The Lost Scrolls… Are these the lost book of the Bible? No, they are secret. They need to stay secret, I told him that God has no secrets, he had made all we need to know, known. I insisted that he take these scrolls and throw them away. That all they will do for him was send him to Hell. We discussed a few more things and I told him my name and he told me his. My name is Lord Amacal. Do what I replied. Come on man, be real. Really? But that was what he said. I told him that he needed to repent, turn from his sin and trust only in Jesus as the one who has paid the price for the sins he had committed.
He smiled and laughed.
We shook hands and as I walked away, he blurted out that he was an angel sent to test me. Did I say I was praying for boldness? I quickly turned to him and told him that if he was an angel that he was not one of God’s. You must be one of the Devils then. How do you know he asked? Because one of God’s angels would not be wearing a shirt that said $5 foot long and an arrow pointing to the groin. He laughed and went on, as did I.
This story has a bit of humor but is sad more or lees. How so many are deceived. Many may not have a short circuited reality like my friend in the story, but some just think that God will let them into Heaven because they are good or because they said a prayer once in their life. On good works, there is none righteous, none not one. Romans 3:10. Our righteous deeds, our good works are like filthy rags before the Lord. Isaiah 64:6
The only way we get to Heaven is simply by the merit of another man, Jesus. We should trust in Him alone. Jesus tells us in Matthew 22,37-38, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.
If we are doing this. then why do our lives look so much like that of the world? Why is it that 3000 babies are murdered each day? Why is Homosexual marriage even an issue? Why is it that we do not share this message with all we can? Be Bold this week, engage in conversations with people around you about eternity. Share this message, the Gospel!
Lighting the Darkness,
David
www.EvangelizeYourCity.org
Is the world your security blanket.
As a kid I remember watching the Charlie Brown cartoons on TV. One of the characters on the show was Lucy’s brother and Charlie Brown’s best friend Linus. Linus is almost never without his blue blanket, which he holds over his shoulder while sucking his thumb. It was in fact he who coined the term “security blanket”.
The Bible tells us in John 3:3 that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. Now we know that this is not a born again as to go back into the womb and be born again but a spiritual birth. Because we are spiritually dead, we are blind.
The Bible also tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
If we are born again and new creations, why do we still look and act like the world? To continue in so much of what the world had offered us. As if the world was our security blanket in case this Jesus thing does not work out.
As one that used to call himself a Christian and that held on to so much of what the world had given me. I only changed a few things here and there to make myself more moral and tried to live a good life. Reality was that I was straddling the fence between Hell and this life.
When I was finally tested, I realized that all Jesus was to me was a crutch. I was more or less part of the largest social clubs in America.
Born again? No. Lukewarm Christian or just lukewarm.
For this very reason is why I am grieved on so much that I see before me. I see myself. I see so much of what is supposed to be the Church look so much like the world. You ask me what I mean; I wish I could show you.
I spend a great deal of my time as a spectator, paying attention to the things around me. The majority of the people I know and spend a great amount of time with are not my Christian friends, but lost people. The time I spend with them is not indulging in any sinful activities, but getting to know them and sharing the Gospel with them.
When I see them, and look at the Church in front of me, the similarities between the two are frightening.
Are we not to be different? Set apart, holy and righteous?
If you only saw what I have seen. I have heard more foul language and seen more blasphemous activates from so called Christians than those outside of the church.
To some, I sound harsh and judgmental, legalistic. Maybe I set the standard to high that we are to follow.
Why is it too that we try to use so much of the world to draw people to God? Is not just the truth good enough without having to entertain with video games and rock bands to bring the lost in with hopes of making them comfortable. Our intentions may be we want to relate to them, but if we relate to Jesus, isn’t that sufficient enough?
Once again, I write this because I know the world. What it is and what it will do to a person. Its enticements and draw cards nearly turned me into a monster. If not for Christ drawing me to Him, I would be lost today making my bed in Hell.
Lastly, Matthew 22:37 tells us to ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
If we do this, then there is nothing left to give the world. Isn’t this how it is suppose to be anyway?
When I mention church, I am not calling out any particular person or congregation. But if you are reading this, I pray it does not relate to you.
What to Look for in a Pastor, Part 1 (John MacArthur)
Do you have a difficult time making choices, or do you find it easy? Are you indecisive, or impulsive? Do you try to gather up all the pertinent information, or do you simply trust your gut instinct?
No matter how di…fficult or easy it might be, your day is full of choices that need to be made. Some are inconsequential, while others will have repercussions throughout the rest of your life.
One of the key, pivotal decisions that faces every believer is choosing a pastor and church–who will I trust to faithfully and accurately preach God’s truth each week? Considering the impact it will make on your spiritual growth, it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.
So what are the biblical criteria when it comes to making such an important decision? What characteristics should we look for in a pastor, and which ones should we avoid?
John MacArthur has the opportunity to speak at many conferences throughout the year and recently he had a chance to answer these very questions for a few thousand college students and young adults at the Resolved Conference in Palm Springs, CA.
Let’s watch together as he describes in detail what to look for in a Sanctifying Shepherd.
Mark Cahill, Darwin & Nascar… Choose At Least One
Three events that are coming to our area that are well worth being apart of begins to take place within a few weeks.. Please take my advice and check them out and mark your calendars. If you can’t make them all, try to make one.
What is the one thing you can’t do in Heaven? Wonder? Well that is a question given by the author of ” One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven,” Mark Cahill. A graduate of with a business degree of Auburn University where he was a honorable mention Academic All-American in basketball. 
After spending a few years in the business world, he surrendered his heart to Jesus Christ and asked God to place him where he could touch as many lives as possible. Within a year, he was teaching school. Although Mark planned to teach for the rest of his life, God moved him from teaching at a Christian high school to devoting a year to full-time evangelism.
He then embarked on a speaking career. Mark speaks to over 25,000 people per year at churches, retreats, conferences, camps, etc., equipping and challenging the saved to go out and reach the lost. As one of his students noted, he’s still teaching, but in a much bigger classroom.
His true vocation is witnessing, whether at malls, music and art festivals, beaches, sporting events, bar sections of towns—wherever the lost can be found. Mark will be in Wetumpka, Al. at Redland Baptist Church on October 31 @ 6:15 PM and Nov.1st at 11:15 AM and 5PM. Trust me, you do not want to miss his powerful testimony.. Mark’s website is www.MarkCahill.org
Here is a short clip of Mark speaking at an event. If the video fails to appear follow this link and watch it on youtube.
In November, myself and others will be taking part in “The Origin Into Schools Project.” We will be giving away on the campus of Auburn University more than one to two thousand copies of Darwin’s “The Origin of Species”. The copies that are being given away have a special introduction by Ray Comfort.
For more info on this event, watch a short clip by Kirk Cameron that explains and gives you an idea on why these books are being given away. If the video fails to appear click the link to watch on youtube. Check out www.Wayof theMaster.com for more info as well. If you would like to join us in Auburn in November, please email Tony@Livingwaters.com and the person leading the Auburn team is Doug Tollett. Hope to see you there.
Talladega, Alabama NASCAR Outreach
Are you familiar with Biblical Evangelism the way Jesus did it? If not go to Living Waters Ministry Website and listen to the messages Hell’s Best Kept Secret and True and False Conversion.
Would you like the opportunity to present the Gospel to Hundreds of Thousands lost people?
Then you need to come out with Payton Dooley and his team to the NASCAR Race at Talladega, Alabama!!!
Talladega NASCAR Outreach is just around the corner (October 30th – November 1st).
Payton needs to start getting confirmations on who can help out. You can come down for one day, two days or all three days. Any help would be a blessing. Please let Payton know ASAP if you will be able to help out. There will be over 200,000 fans in one area for three days. This will be one of the largest sporting event outreach you can go to. The camp grounds around the track are huge and the atmosphere is one like Mardi Gras. There are so many lost people there on race weekend and they desperately need to hear the Gospel.
Here is the Schedule:
(all times Central):
(October 30th) Friday
- 12:00 PM – Meet at Shocco Springs
- 2:00 PM – Go to the track, meet the ARM folks and do a little 1-2-1 in the Camp Ground
- 5:00 PM – Return to Shocco
(October 31st) Saturday
- 7:00 AM – Head out to the track
- 5:30 PM – Go downtown to walk-a-fame induction (starts at 7:00)
(November 1st) Sunday
- 6:00 AM – Head out to the track
- 11:00 AM – Go home (Race Starts, may take 30 minutes to an hour for traffic to clear)
** Cost is $20/night to stay at a Baptist Resort (Shocco Springs).
http://www.shocco.org
** Also, you will need to purchase either an Alabama Raceway Ministries hat or t-shirt (they want us to be identified with ARM, so we don’t get kicked off Speedway Property). I believe the hat is $10 and T-shirt is $15.
No open-air allowed on speedway property (only 1-2-1s and tract distribution) BUT, we will be doing some open-air Saturday night at the Walk-of-Fame induction.
Shoot Payton an e-mail ASAP if you can come one day or all three. Any help is appreciated. May God be Glorified!!
Payton Dooley Can be reached on his blog Called By Grace or find him on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/group.php?gid=110315435904
Lighting the darkness,
David
www,EvangelizeYourCity.org
Compass for Your Soul – Randy Breedlove
America’s greatest theologian was Jonathan Edwards. Edwards’ preaching and theological writings still have a strong influence on today’s church. Recently, some of our pastors were fortunate to attend an ‘Expositor’s Conference’ in Mobile that taught about the lives of some of the reformers and puritans. Edwards, an 18th Century Puritan, was the focus of one of our sessions.
I thought it would be beneficial to share some of the influences on Edwards’ life that shaped Him into a man that was ‘God-enthralled’ in all that he did. We all certainly want to be motivated by the ‘glory of God’ the way that Jonathan Edwards was.
Edwards was a remarkable thinker who was proficient in handling the Scriptures. Both his father and his grandfather pastored for nearly sixty years each. So Edwards grew up being trained in the scriptures, the Westminster Shorter Catechism and reformed theology. What a joy it is for us, as parents and grandparents, to be able to train our children in similar catechisms which are foundational to understanding biblical doctrine. Take full advantage of faithfully teaching and reviewing the catechisms with your children at home.
Edwards received the finest classical education in college and came to Christ at the age of seventeen.
While finishing his master’s degree, young Edwards pastored a small church in New York City. It was during this formative time that God began to confirm the call for Edwards’ life. Dr. Steve Lawson tells us, “When Edwards was eighteen years old, having been recently converted, he determined to pursue and promote the glory of God with his entire being.” Lawson writes of Edwards life in The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards. During the 1722-23 timeframe, Edwards began writing what is known as his ‘Resolutions.’ Now these were not the type of resolutions that we commonly make on New Years Day. These ‘resolutions’ were more of a personal mission statement that would be the compass for his soul. These resolutions were not merely a spiritual list of ‘do’s and don’ts.’ Rather these resolved statements, derived from the scripture and even the catechisms, would be a guide in his pursuit of godliness.
Some of the major categories of these resolutions are ‘pursuing the glory of God’, ‘forsaking sin’ and ‘living with all his being for the Lord’, among others. Here are some pieces of Jonathan Edwards resolutions:
‘Pursuing the Glory of God’
• to ‘do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory’ (number 1)
• ‘never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God’ (number 27)
‘Forsaking Sin’
• ‘Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.’ (number 24)
• ‘never to give over…(in) my fight with my corruptions’ (number 56)
• ‘to confess frankly to myself … [and] to God’ all sin within (number 68)
Living with All His Being for the Lord
• ‘to live with all my might, while I do live’ (number 6)
• ’study the Scriptures…steadily, constantly and frequently’ (number 28)
Edwards wrote that if there was ‘one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian,’ he would strive ‘to be that one, who should live in my time’ (number 63)
Can you hear the ’single-mindedness’ of focus on growing in godliness that rings true from Edwards’ resolutions? Jonathan Edwards wanted only for God to be ‘glorified’ in every facet of his being and his life. I pray that this week as you work, study for tests, parent, eat, enjoy recreation and engage in a myriad of activities, let your single focus be to pursue the ‘glory of God’ in all things. Paul wrote it this way, ‘For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.’
-Romans 11:36.
Bro. Randy
(*Resolutions taken from The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards by: Dr. Steven J. Lawson)
Randy Breedlove, M.Div.
Randy was born in Nagasaki, Japan and raised in a military family. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Florida State University in 1992 and a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Seminary in 1997. Randy joined Morningview’s staff in 2003 after serving as Minister to Students in Opp, Alabama for six years. He enjoys running, sports, and spending time with family. Randy and his wife, Missy, have four children – Cameron, Caroline, Claire and Carson.
He can be reached at randy.breedlove@morningview.org.
Your Day In Court- Preaching Amnesty Day to 1,400 people
An estimated 1,400 people showed up at the Montgomery Municipal Court building a few weeks back for Amnesty Day with hopes of clearing their names of outstanding arrest warrants and fines,without fear of being thrown into jail.
The crowds began to form early that morning with hopes of getting in to see the judge and getting on with their lives and being free.
I arrived just shortly before the doors opened for people to start seeing the judge. By the time I did arrive, the crowd had already begun to stretch around the building. The crowd was loud and would rather be somewhere else, but this was the day that they were told to pay the fines for breaking the law and have their names cleared. No other day but this day.
That was what I preached. I started by getting a feel for the crowd by passing out some gospel tracts. One by one, I gave each person a tract as I made my way down the line. As people asked what it was, I addressed the crowd and explained.
Today everyone of you would rather be somewhere else. Anywhere but here. You are here today though because this was the day that they told you to be here to pay the fine for a crime you committed and clear your name. There is another day much like today that you will have no choice on if you attend it or not. It is the day that you will die. Everyone of you standing here, including myself, has a one hundred percent chance of dying. You can’t escape it, people die every day. In fact, every 2 seconds five people die. What if this is your second?
The crowd continued to be loud. I tried to get them to quiet down by expressing my concern over what happens when we all die. Some had their eyes fixed on me and my words while others mentioned that they did not want to hear about dying.
I found a person in the crowd that was listening and fixed myself on them as I preached, knowing that others were listening as well. That made it easier to ignore the distractions and not loose focus.
Just as you face this judge today, you will have to face another one when you die. A person then yelled in the crowd,”Judgment Day!” I said you are right. On that day the bible says that ”every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:35)
Let me show you first, what you have done wrong, what you’ve done that has offended God and therefor will have to face him on this day.
This is what Paul called a schoolmaster, (Galatians 3:24) and what does a schoolmaster do? They Teach. Paul went on to say that he did not know sin except by the Law or the Ten Commandments. (Romans 7:7 ) They too are like a mirror, you can look into this mirror and see how dirty you are once again what you have done that has offended God.
The ninth commandment says ,”Do not lie.”
Who here as ever told a lie? The crowd murmured and a yes came from the crowd.
If you tell lies, what would that make you? I heard a sinner and finally a liar.
I took them through a few more of the commandments, such not stealing, adultery ( just looking with lust make you guilty of committing adultery with that person in your heart) or using blasphemy, or God’s name as a curse word. G/D or Oh My G-O-D!
I explained how serious blasphemy was. That the Lord was clear that he promises that He will not hold anyone blameless who takes His name in vain. (Exodus 20:7)
I asked them that if I were to use their mothers name as a curse word or a butt of a joke, you would probably get upset with me. The reply was an unanimous yes.
I said you should. Your mother has given you life and you respect her. In the same way, we should show respect towards God that has given us life as well and use his name only in a way that brings respect.
Speaking to a large crowd of people that were offenders, I was not sure if I should ask the next question or move on.
The 6th commandment tells us to not murder. Someone in the crowd tried to intervene by pointing out that the police have killed people for no reason. I said the commandment says to do not murder, killing and murder was different. A little ruckus formed, so I moved on with the question quickly.
The commandment says, Do not murder, but Jesus took it step further by saying that even if you have anger against someone, you are guilty of murder.
Who here has every been angry at someone? An overwhelming majority said yes.
I attempted to bring all I had said to a point.
Folks, breaking these commandments is what we have done to offend God. If you have answered “Yes” to all these commandments that I spoke of, then by your own admission, You are a liar, a thief, and adulterer, a blasphemer,and a murderer at heart.
So if God were to Judge you by just these five commandments, How would you do, innocent or guilty? Would you go to Heaven Or Hell?
I preached this same sermon throughout the day as I made my way around the building to the estimated 1,400 people.
Everyone had their own opinion. I don’t believe in Hell! OK I said, “Stand in front of that truck in the road as it plows your way at 55mph.” Say I don’t believe in it and see what happens.”
“I am a Muslim” two men said. I quickly replied to them and the crowd that, “There is one mediator between God and man. Jesus Christ.” Salvation comes in no other person.
I heard from the crowd once, “You need to be quiet before you get your tail whooped out here!” I paid the comment little attention.
God is a forgiving God said a number of individuals. “I have asked for forgiveness.”
“Yes he is” I replied. A forgiving God indeed, but a just one as well. He will not forgive you because you simply say you are sorry and apologize and tell him you will never do it again. Try to use that before the judge today when you enter the courtroom and see what he says. Will he let you off the hook? Will he set you free? Of course not. Then why would it work on God? You would agree with me that God’s standard is higher than ours, right? I asked them. All agreed.
After I had tried to get to see their sin and how terrible sin is in the eyes of God by using the Law, I proceeded to give them the “Good News” or the Gospel.
We all have broken these Laws and are guilty and deserve Hell. We have done nothing or can do nothing to earn it. The Bible says that all our righteous deeds are like filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6) There is none good,none not one. ( Psalm 14:3 ) I told them, that even me sharing my faith with you, does not get me cool points with God and a pass into Heaven.
When you enter that courtroom today, the only way that judge will set you free is if you can pay your fine. If not, then jail is your consequence.
Much is the same with God. There is a fine that has to be paid with God. Our problem is that the fine is so high, we can not pay it. So who will?
I asked the crowd that while in court today, When you stand before the judge, and all the evidence is before you, you have admitted to the crime as well. The judge tells you the price of the fine that is due. The problem is that is is to high. You could never pay that. So the judge has to send you to jail. As you are being led away, a stranger bursts into the courtroom. “Stop!” He tells the judge. He goes onto say,” I sold my house my car, everything I own, so that you could be set free.”
How would you feel about that person? The crowd remark with thankful, grateful, and I owe that person.
That is what Christ has done for you. We could not pay the fine for the crimes we have committed. The sin. Two thousand years ago, Jesus was placed on a cross and was murdered for our sins. The bibles says as well that he dies for us while we were still sinners.
I continued to address the crowd. You have said that if a stranger came into the courtroom and paid a fine fora crime that you committed, that you would be thankful and grateful.
Look what Christ has done for you! Be thankful. Be grateful. We do not deserve it. We can not earn it.
To be saved the bible say that you must put your trust in Christ alone. Trust him as you do a parachute. Don’t just put it on hoping it open as you fall 25,000 feet. Know that it will open and save your life.
Also repent, turn from your sin. Turn from the things that displease God.
Among the Law and the Gospel, I encouraged them to read their bibles daily. I expressed with them how important it was to do that. AS well to find a bible believing church. They asked what church I went to to and I told them. Many seemed like they were interest in coming.
Not all cared to hear what I had to say. A lady that said sh was a Christian did not like my approach. She said I should have brought water and gave it away to the people. I told her that I only gave away what I had. She said that these people were frustrated and hot. If I did that maybe some would listen. I told her that if one person heard me today, that was enough.
I had no idea how large the crowd would be. I just saw an opportunity and was thankful that God let me preach Him to people. One person that is branded on my mind was a very large black guy. He was one of the first that I gave a tract too and he was the one that asked me what it was that led me to begin preaching. At first, he seemed have a hard dangerous look. I do not know what he thought of me. When I had finished though, he saw me and many other saw me as their brother.
The Bible says that we are all “one blood (Acts 17:26) ,descendants of Adam ( 1 Corinthians 15:45.) I shared this as well with the crowd. So if this is true what does that make you to me? The crowd seemed to get quite and still. Some of the loudest people stopped. What does that make me to you? My brother they said.
Yes. That is why I am here. If you are my brother then I should care for you?. I can’t imagine you spending one second in Hell. Please listen to what I say. I do not want you to perish, I can’t imagine you spending one moment in Hell!
Here is a segment that the news media did on Amnesty Day with a clip of me witnessing.
Lighting the darkness,
David
Worst Thing to Happen to a Preacher – Leonard Ravenhill
The worst thing that could ever happen to a preacher is he cares about the people’s popularity poll rather than faithfulness to the Creator of the universe.
Be encouraged and go light the darkness,
David
How Will You & Your Kids Spend Fair Day?
This coming Monday, children will take a much wanted break from school for what we call, ” FAIR DAY.” Fair Day is when the Alabama National Fair rolls into town and one day out the the week, children from the area are given the day off from school to take their parents money and blow it on some good food and crazy rides. Sounds like a blast, huh parents?
Well, do I have the alternative to Fair Day! Evangelizing the lost in Montgomery. Yes!
Can you imagine your kid coming home with an ill stomach not from eating to much cotton candy, but from developing a burden for the lost and wanting to see people come to repentance and a saving faith in Christ?
Seriously, Montgomery is filled with countless individuals that do not know Jesus. Even with over 600 churches in this city and nearly one on every corner. The soul purpose of the church is not playing games or gathering together 2 or 3 times a week and talking about how good he is, but evangelizing the lost. When you or your child is through you will have learned how to share your faith in any situation. Training will be provided. 
If you would like to come out with us on Monday for a day packed with public reading of the Bible, prayer station evangelism, passing out tracts and speaking to people about their eternal salvation, then contact me and together we all can make a difference.
Email me at David@EvangelizeYourCity.org
Lighting the Darkness,
David
www.EvangelizeYourCity.org
This Is War!
Saints, please watch this and be moved. Life is not a game. It is not designed for your personal comfort or amusement. This is a war
war.
Put Your Money into the Message – Oswald J. Smith
We must decide whether we are going to put our money into the building, or into the message.
For nearly 1,900 years now, the Church has been putting its money into the building; and, instead of getting out the message, we have been erecting magnificent and luxurious auditoriums in which to worship God.
Some false cults have been much wiser. They put their money into their erroneous message. They know that the message is more important than the building. Yet all over the United States of America and the Dominion of Canada we are still investing in bricks and mortar, whereas God wants us to invest in the message.
Not until the Church realizes that the message is more important than the building will we be able to evangelize the world. If for every 14 cents invested in the “printed page” we can win a soul for Christ, then by all means we should put our money into the message. God did not tell us to build luxurious churches and invite the people to come in.
He told us to go out with the message and preach the Gospel to the entire world. Let us put our money not into the Building, but into the Message.
Go light the Darkness,
David
EvangelizeYourCity.com
No excuses accepted! God says, “GO!”
I think “fear & doubt” comes when we look at our inabilities to do something rather than God’s ability. Moses had trouble with this when told to go to Egypt. Exodus 4:1-17 “Who am I to do this job” Moses said. God answered, “It is not who you are, but who I am. I will be with you!”
God is telling each of us as well to go as well. To a place where his people are in slaves to sin rather that Egyptians. When Moses obeyed God, God did great & mighty things and set the people free. But we choose to stay in “Midian” where we are comfortable and secure and maybe that’s one reason we do not see these great & mighty things?
What would have happened if Moses had ran the other way and stayed in his comfort zone? Look what he would have missed. Moses saw God’s glory. He saw waters parted. He saw water come from a rock and food from the sky and so much more! The coolest part was that he had a relationship with the Almighty like we could only fathom, but we have the same potential has he did. If only we would listen & obey.
Moses never did anything in his own ability,even his ability to obey was given to him from the Almighty. From birth, God prepared the way for him to be His instrument to bring the people out of Egypt. When God sent Moses, He gave him all he would need. Moses lacked nothing in this mission.
God however did not give Moses a smooth road to travel. I’m sure that on the way from Midian to Egypt had it’s bumps in the sand, it was hot and dry and had it’s fair share of scorpions and others things.
I can see Moses as he draws near to Egypt. The closer he gets, he begins to get nervous, butterflies develop in his stomach. Maybe he had thoughts of turning around? But he stayed the course and obeyed God and the rest is history.
Many times I get afraid to approach an individual or crowd to witness. I tremble and get those butterflies. What will I say, what if no one listens? Once that first word comes out though, my fears disappear.
I am reminded of the Moses first encounter with God.
“Who am I to do this job” Moses said. God answered, “It is not who you are, but who I am. I will be with you!”
Friends, there is no time to stay in your “Midian” Stop making excuses or plugging your ears when God tells you to do something. If we obey him, imagine the greater things to be done in your city!
