Persuade Pittsburgh

Bubble Recipe

2011-06-10T18:03:00.004-04:00

You need 12 cups of water +1 cup of dish soap + 1 cup corn starch + 2 tablespoons baking power

Put the ingredients into a clean bucket in that order above. You need a spatula to stir the mixture and to take off the foam off the top of the mixture. The foam will ruin the bubbles. I use my own bubble blower which is 2 PVC pipes. The rope is a cotton rope that I pulled apart and I put a knot in the bottom. I used a table saw to cut the slat holes in the ends of the PVC pipes to tie the string on.

Bubbles are water with Air Blown into them. We are mud that God blew life into. Would you consider yourself a good piece of Mud that God blew life into? Are you good enough to go to Heaven? Let’s see... Ever told a lie? Ever stolen anything? Ever used God's name in vain? Ever looked with lust? Jesus said "Whosoever looks upon a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart." Listen to your conscience. If you are guilty of these then God sees you as a lying, thieving, blasphemous, adulterer at heart. That means eternity in hell.
Picture yourself in a courtroom guilty of many serious crimes. The Judge sentences you to life in prison or a million dollar fine. As the guard leads you away, someone you don't even know comes in and pays your fine in full. That means you are free to go! How would you feel about that person? That's what Jesus did for you 2,000 years ago. He took your punishment upon Himself by taking God’s wrath on the cross. Then He rose from the grave – defeating death.
The Bible says: "God commends his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Repent (turn from sin) and put your trust in Jesus Christ to save you today. God will grant you eternal life. Don't wait until tomorrow... You may not have another day. Read your Bible daily and obey what you read.

You could go to www. bubblething.com to buy one. I do not benefit from you buying anything from there.

Free Wonderful Book

2011-01-26T15:24:00.002-05:00

Great Book

I will be doing a give away of this book.

If you would like you can read the book for free without me giving it to you.

http://www.freewonderfulbook.com/

This book is a must read.

Gratitude

2011-01-24T11:54:00.000-05:00

"Knowing the fear of the Lord we persuade men." 2 Chro 5:11

I am grateful for what God has done for me. God wrote the 10 commandments in Stone showing us that the law is unchanging and that these rules where very important. They were important enough that he wrote them down himself. These rules are for our own good and it is good that we should obey them. Proverbs tells us that it will go well with those that obey the law. God is just and merciful. Since God is just he must punish law breaking where it it found. If you have ever broken one of the 10 commandments, lying, stealing, hating, lusting, taking Gods name in vain, making a god of your own liking then you will be guilty on the day of Judgement. God will not clear the guilty. God is merciful. There is only 1 way a God can be merciful and Just. God sent his son who lived a perfect life and gave up his life as a sacrifice. Jesus dieing on the cross is a perfect sacrifice and it is a payment for the law breaking of those that turn away from their sin and turn toward God.

It is like you are standing in a court of law and are guilty and God send his son to run into the court room and pay your fine. You would go free not because you were innocent or good but because your fine was paid. Your fine must be paid before you die. To get your fine paid you must see sin as wretched. You have to hate law breaking. You must turn away from your sin and turn toward God. This is called repentance and faith. If you turn from 1 sin to another sin then you are not free from that sin you just exchanged sin. If a person pays your fine they are going to tell you I just paid that fine do not do that again. This is exactly what God is saying to us. Stop breaking my law since I was kind enough to pay the fine in my own sons blood.

I am so gratiful for God paying my fine that I repented of my sin and now I am warning others of the Judgement to come and being people to recieve the mercy of God by repentance and faith as well.

First Night Pittsburgh PA

2011-01-01T22:10:00.001-05:00

We handed out over 6,000 Gospel tracts. We talked to well over 50 people in conversations. People loved the Gospel tracts. We had people coming and getting more and people coming up and asking if they could have some. There were people down town from all over the world due to the Classic Hockey Game.

I talked to 1 young man who was from India and the conversation went so very well with him. The conversation started with him telling me he was not a good Person. I went through the Law with him anyway. I asked him if he ever told a lie and he said yes. I asked him if he had ever stolen and he said that he had when he was younger. I told him that would make him a thief. I asked him if he had hated or lusted and he said that he had. I told him that would make him an adulterous murder. He still said he was not a good person. I took him to court and showed him that he was going to stand before a holy righteous and just God and and his eyes got very big.

I asked him if God Judged him by the 10 commandments if he would be innocent or guilty and he did not know what the 10 commandments were so I had to explain that those were Gods laws and that they were written on his heart and so that is one way to know that the God of the Bible is the true God. I asked him if it was wrong to murder and wrong to steal and he said yes.

I asked him if it concerned him that if he died today he would end up in hell and he said yes. I took him back to the court room and told him that the judge was about to pass sentence and he had to come up with 1 million dollars to pay his fine or go Go to prison. Someone he has never met runs into the court room and tells him that he loves him so much that he wants to pay the fine. Then he could go free not because he is good, not because he is innocent or deserves to Go free but because the law was satisfied. I explained that this is what God had done for him. God sent his only son Jesus Christ to live a perfect life to die on the cross and took the punishment that he rightly deserved. I told him that if a person paid his fine afterward the person would probably tell him not to do that again since they paid the fine and that is what Jesus is telling us. He had to repent which means to turn away from your law breaking and confess them to God and trust in Jesus and Jesus only. I told him to read the Bible and obey what it said.

I asked him if he believed this and he said yes. I gave him a bag with a Bible, a ESV New Testament, the DVD "The Big Question" , The Good person Gospel tract and a CD with Hells Best Kept Secret on it. He told me he could not pay for it and I told him it was a Gift and he thanked me.

These encounters are worth the entire evening and the expense of it all.

I hope to see you out with us soon.

Please pray for us.

What evangelism isn't

2010-12-07T16:55:00.000-05:00

Imposition

Probably the most common objection to evangelism today is, "Isn't it wrong to impose our beliefs on others?"

Some people don't practice evangelism because they feel they are imposing on others. And the way evangelism is often done, I can understand the confusion! But when you understand what the Bible presents as evangelism, it's really not a matter of imposing your beliefs.

It's important to understand that the message you are sharing is not merely an opinion but a fact. That's why sharing the gospel can't be called an imposition, any more than a pilot can impose his belief on all his passengers that the runway is here and not there.

Additionally, the truths of the gospel are not yours, in the sense that they uniquely pertain to you or your perspective or experience, or in the sense that you came up with them. When you evangelize, you are not merely saying, "This is how I like to think of God," or "This is how I see it." You're presenting the Christian gospel. You didn't invent it, and you have no authority to alter it.

Personal Testimony

One of the classic testimonies was given by a blind man Jesus healed. When he was questioned after Jesus healed him, he responded, "Whether he [Jesus] is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" (John 9:25). The man disregarded the menacing threats of those more honored and respected than he in order to give this verbal witness to the power of God. It's a wonderful, powerful testimony, but it's not evangelism. There is no gospel in it. The man didn't even know who Jesus was.

An account of a changed life is wonderful and inspiring thing, but it's the gospel of Jesus Christ that explains what it's all about and how it happened.

Social Action and Public Involvement

Being involved in mercy ministries may help to commend the gospel, which is why Jesus taught, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). Displaying God's compassion and kindness by our actions is a good and appropriate thing for Christians to do. But such actions are not evangelism. They commend the gospel, but they share it with no one. To be evangelism, the gospel must be clearly communicated, whether in written or oral form.

When our eyes fall from God to humanity, social ills replace sin, horizontal problems replace the fundamental vertical problem between us and God, winning elections eclipses winning souls.

Apologetics

Other people mistake apologetics for evangelism. Like the activities we've considered above, apologetics itself is a good thing. We are instructed by Peter to be ready to give a reason for the hope that we have (1 Pet. 3:15). And apologetics is doing exactly that. Apologetics is answering questions and objections people may have about God or Christ, or about the Bible or the message of the gospel.

Answering questions and defending parts of the good news may often be a part of conversations Christians have with non-Christians, and while that may have been a part of our own reading or thinking or talking as we came to Christ, such activity is not evangelism.

Apologetics can present wonderful opportunities for evangelism. Being willing to engage in conversations about where we came from or what's wrong with this world can be a significant way to introduce honest discussions about the gospel.

By far the greatest danger in apologetics is being distracted from the main message. Evangelism is not defending the virgin birth or defending the historicity of the resurrection. Apologetics is defending the faith, answering the questions others have about Christianity. It is responding to the agenda that others set. Evangelism, however, is following Christ's agenda, the news about him. Evangelism is the positive act of telling the good news about Jesus Christ and the way of salvation through him.

The Results of Evangelism

Finally, one of the most common and dangerous mistakes in evangelism is to misinterpret the results of evangelism—the conversion of unbelievers—for evangelism itself, which is the simple telling of the gospel message. Who can deny that much modern evangelism has become emotionally manipulative, seeking simply to cause a momentary decision of the sinner's will, yet neglecting the biblical idea that conversion is the result of the supernatural, gracious act of God toward the sinner?

When we are involved in a program in which converts are quickly counted, decisions are more likely pressed, and evangelism is gauged by its immediately obvious effect, we are involved in undermining real evangelism and real churches.

The Christian call to evangelism is a call not simply to persuade people to make decisions but rather to proclaim to them the good news of salvation in Christ, to call them to repentance, and to give God the glory for regeneration and conversion. We don't fail in our evangelism if we faithfully tell the gospel to someone who is not converted; we fail only if we don't faithfully tell the gospel at all. Evangelism itself isn't converting people; it's telling them that they need to be converted and telling them how they can be.

Mark Dever (From Christianity Today)

We Preached the Gospel today at Pitt

2010-12-02T17:28:00.002-05:00

Please go to www.changeUofPitt.blogspot.com if you would like to be trained up and go out and share the Gospel too. There is not much time.

Are you sure you are a Christian?

2010-11-20T18:14:00.003-05:00

Dear Catholic Friend - by Mark Cahill

2010-11-04T21:11:00.003-04:00

I love you. I want to make that clear. I love you enough to share the Truth with you. This post is not about bashing the Catholic church or Catholics, and I pray it does not come across as such. I simply love you and I want you to join me in heaven one day. I ask that you continue reading and allow me to explain.

You have probably had conversations with protestant Christians before, and it's likely been argued who was right or who was wrong. Issues about the Catholic church and its teachings were brought up, and you probably found no shortage of reasoning to support your religious beliefs.

Please allow me to be frank with you: it matters not who is right or who is wrong. It matters not what you believe to be the correct set of beliefs. The only thing that matters is the truth. Understanding and coming to a saving knowledge of the Truth is the most important thing you will ever do in this life. I compel you to take some time and consider what I present to you. Surely it is worth your time to determine if your beliefs are true, or whether you have been deceived. The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 13:5,
5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.

The Bible is clear that deception and lies abound, and if this is true, we must consider where those lies and deceptions are present.

There are numerous resources to explain the trappings and false teachings of the Catholic church. The most critical false teaching is the Catholic doctrine of salvation as it contradicts the biblical pathway of salvation. As is the case with many other Catholic doctrines, the gospel of the Catholic church is fundamentally opposed to the Word of God. I love you enough to tell you this. It gives me no joy to have this discussion, as it may very well divide us. But division is no excuse to compromise the truth, and if one is deceived into believing something contrary to the fundamentals of Christianity, it is my responsibility to share this with you so that you might come to saving faith in Jesus Christ. I love you enough to tell you. I want you to be with me in heaven. I urge you then with all of my heart to please continue reading.

The first resource I want to share with you is a message from Mark Cahill. Mark was born into a Catholic family but was saved by the blood of Jesus Christ more than 25 years ago. In his message posted below, he compares the official and current Catechism of the Catholic Church to Scripture. I plead with you to consider how the catechisms contradict the Word of God, and by doing so, you may be on the road to reading the Bible for yourself and coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. In no way is this an exhaustive study of Roman Catholicism versus the Bible, but it is certainly a beginning for future study and consideration.

To stream via Windows Media Player: Roman Catholicism versus the Bible
To download mp3 directly: Roman Catholicism versus the Bible

For your convenience as you listen to the audio message and for future reference, I have listed below several of the catechisms Mark addresses and the Scriptures that refute them. I encourage you to listen to the audio for an explanation of each. Please prayerfully consider the implications of these teachings and how they cannot possibly lead to saving faith in Jesus Christ. I encourage you to obtain a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and compare to the Word of God for yourself. You can also open up the Catechism link in a new window to view online.

Paragraph 97
97 "Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture make up a single sacred deposit of the Word of God"... (bold emphasis mine)

The Bible:
Colossians 2:8-10 8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
Here, the Catholic church teaches that tradition PLUS the Bible makes up the Word of God. The Bible, however, warns us to beware of traditions of men and that Christ, who is the Word, makes us complete.

Paragraph 181
181 "Believing" is an ecclesial act. the Church's faith precedes, engenders, supports and nourishes our faith. the Church is the mother of all believers. "No one can have God as Father who does not have the Church as Mother" (bold emphasis mine)

The Bible:
John 6:44 44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.
How can the Catholic church claim motherhood of all believers when the church was not even established before Jesus spoke these words in John 6:44?

Paragraph 868
868 The Church is catholic: she proclaims the fullness of the faith. She bears in herself and administers the totality of the means of salvation...
You will find nowhere in Scripture that the church possesses the fullness of the faith or the totality of the means of salvation. Jesus Christ is the fullness of the faith and the totality of salvation, and any tradition or doctrine beyond Him and His finished work on the cross is utterly unbiblical.

Paragraph 1493
1493 One who desires to obtain reconciliation with God and with the Church, must confess to a priest all the unconfessed grave sins he remembers after having carefully examined his conscience. the confession of venial faults, without being necessary in itself, is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. (bold emphasis mine)
Paragraph 1461
1461 Since Christ entrusted to his apostles the ministry of reconciliation,65 bishops who are their successors, and priests, the bishops' collaborators, continue to exercise this ministry. Indeed bishops and priests, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, have the power to forgive all sins "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (bold emphasis mine)

The Bible

Matthew 9:6 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”

Mark 2:7 7 “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Psalm 51:4 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned,
Only God has the power to forgive sins, no one else. We may ask forgiveness from someone we have offended, and they have the responsibility to forgive us of our offense, but every sin we commit is against God. It is He, and He alone, who can forgive our trespasses.

Paragraph 1129
1129 The Church affirms that for believers the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation.

The Bible
Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
The Catholic Church has added works as a means of salvation. Further:

Paragraph 1257
1257 The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation. (bold emphasis mine)
Paragraph 1263
1263 By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin. (bold emphasis mine)

The Bible
1 Corinthians 1:17 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
Salvation comes by the grace of God alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone as Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly teaches. Moreover, if baptism was required for salvation, Paul would have been sent to baptize, not preach the gospel. Adding baptism as a requirement to salvation strips away the doctrine of grace, and thereby strips away true salvation if one puts their trust in the baptism and not in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of their sins.

Paragraph 1031
1031 The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned. The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent. the tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire
Did you catch that? The church "formulated" this "tradition" at the Councils of Florence and Trent, which took place in the 15th and 16th centuries, respectively.

The Bible
1 John 4:10 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Jesus Christ was the propitiation for our sins. He satisfied the debt of sin once and for all. Nothing else must be done to satisfy this penalty. The Catholic church, however, teaches that one must go through this purification process in order to gain entry into heaven. The Bible, contrarily, teaches that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). Jesus said "It is finished", and that means there is no more payment for sin to be made. As CARM indicates regarding purgatory:
1. It is not explicitly found in the Bible.
2. It implies that the righteousness of Christ does not cleanse from all sin.
3. It implies that justification is not by faith alone.
4. It implies that there is something we must do in order to be cleansed of sin.
To learn more about purgatory, please visit these links:

* Purgatory
* Does Purgatory Deny the Sufficiency of Jesus' Sacrifice?
* Purgatory and 1 Cor. 3:15

Paragraph 494
494 ...without a single sin to restrain her...
Paragraph 411
411...Mary benefited first of all and uniquely from Christ's victory over sin: she was preserved from all stain of original sin and by a special grace of God committed no sin of any kind during her whole earthly life. (bold emphasis mine)

The Bible
Luke 1:46-47 46 And Mary said:

“ My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
If Mary was perfect, with no original sin, having "committed no sin of any kind during her whole earthly life", why is it that she needed a Savior? And because all men are appointed to die once because of the consequence of sin, the Catholic church had to formulate yet another doctrine to appease this false teaching:

Paragraph 966
966 "Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things... (bold emphasis mine)
The Catholic church teaches Mary did not die. So not only are they in error to teach Mary was sinless, they required another lie to account for the first deception.

Paragraph 2677
By asking Mary to pray for us, we acknowledge ourselves to be poor sinners and we address ourselves to the "Mother of Mercy," the All-Holy One.
This is blasphemy. There is only one All-Holy One and He is the Lord of lords and King of all kings. He is the Lord God Almighty, Who was, and is, and is to come!

Paragraph 969
969 ...Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation .... Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix." (bold emphasis mine)

The Bible
1 Timothy 2:5 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

1 John 2:1 1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

Hebrews 9:15 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

John 16:7 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

Psalm 54:4 4 Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is with those who uphold my life.
Do you see what has happened here? The Catholic church has given Mary the same names as Jesus and the Holy Spirit (Mediatrix, Advocate, Helper). Though she is blessed among all women, the Catholic church has exalted her to a place she does not deserve. Many of the names given to her are reserved for Christ alone. To review a list of prayers to Mary, please see A Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

These teachings of the Catholic church are merely the tip of the iceberg. Future posts will address the many other errors and false teachings of the Catholic church. It has not been my intention to bash Catholics or the Catholic church, but rather to share the truth in love and hold the teachings of the Catholic church against the absolute truth of the Word of God.

I have family and friends who adhere to Catholicism. I have you all in my prayers that you will come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is true freedom to be had in Christ, and as He says Himself, the truth will set you free. Free from the bondage of a works-based system where you will never be able to attain salvation by any work of your own, and free from the weight of sin that would condemn us all to an eternal hell had it not been for the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, who offers us all the gift of grace through faith in Him, and Him alone.

This is a lot of information, admittedly. Please take time to listen to Mark Cahill's audio message and consider what I have presented to you. I will post more in the future, Lord willing.
Acts 20:26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God[c] which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

IUP Out Reach

2010-10-29T12:41:00.003-04:00

Today we handed out 1000 books out to IUP students. It took about 2 hours to hand out all the books. The books were very well received. I it is interesting how different each campus is when we hand out the books. People here looked us in the eye when we handed out the books. Several people had very long discussions with people about the Gospel and Evolution.

Jason was able to talk to a professor and all of my experience with professors is that handing out these books is one of the few times they will talk to us.

We had two Dawkins followers rip out the first 50 pages to show us they were atheists. Dawkins told them to do that.

I did not not hand out many books myself since I spent most of my time taking pictures and getting video and making sure each group was without issues.

The kids did a great job handing out the books. Mark and Josh and Hope really handed out tons of books. Josh handed out plenty of Gospel tracts as well.

Then we handed out over 1000 Gospel tracts. The tracts were well received as well. People really liked them.

We did open air preaching in the afternoon and that was just amazing. We had person after person come over and take the good person test. Many of the people that came over were Christians or believed they were Christians. I took them through the law and they said based on the law they would be guilty and go to hell. I went over the Gospel with them or they would explain what they knew about the Gospel and I would fill in the gaps and they would cry and say "I believe that" We had several Christians thank us and asked us to come back to the campus. They told us that we were needed and that they appreciated us being there. I gave all the Christians that we talked to Hell's Best Kept Secret CD's. At minimum we encouraged Christians that were there or helped them understand the Gospel better. We prayed with a few Christians and they were very greatful.

A letter from Jason that helped hand out books.

Hi guys,

I'm that Jason that talked to the professor. My son is the Josh who
handed out lots of Gospel tracts.

First of all, my son is a machine. . . a tract handing out machine.
He "out tracts" me every time we do this. It probably helps that he's
cute and 9 years old, but I'll take it. :-) (As you can see, I'm
very proud of him)

The professor I talked to was a professor of Ecology at the
University. Nice guy. He said he was Unitarian Universalist. We
went back and forth with the usual banter of him believing Evolution
to be beyond dispute and me being a Christian who of course refutes
that claim. I was able to raise some points with him that got him to
think a bit, and he also gave me some good questions.

There was a moment in our discussion, however, that was rather
extraordinary. The professor was telling me about a particular type
of mollusk that can imitate the look of a minnow. It does this so
that a large fish will attempt to eat it and when the fish gets close
enough it releases it larvae, which live on the fish, and thus the
mollusk can repopulate. Fascinating.

He was very interested in what a stunning replica of a minnow this
mollusk could create and he said "I'll be honest, I just don't
understand how that could happen by chance."

I responded "Exactly."

Then he said "But you see, that is a problem for you guys too. After
all, why would a creator worry about such detail, about such
precision?" (something to that effect)

Without skipping a beat, I said "God did that so that you would look
at that Mollusk, or any other extraordinary creation, and praise Him
for being a magnificent God."

He didn't say anything, and neither did I. I could tell he was in
DEEP thought. After a few moments he looked up and said "I've never
thought of it like that."

I did get to the Gospel and told him that if Jesus really was who He
claimed to be, that had implications on everything. Including Ecology
and most importantly, his life and eternal state. After we finished
talking, he said that I gave him a lot to think about.

In all my time of street ministry, that had to be one of the better
conversations I've had.

I also talked to a very intelligent physics student. He was a
pleasant young man who seemed to be pretty set in his ways. There's
nothing much to report of the bulk of my conversation with him. He
liked to run down a lot of rabbit trails, but I wasn't going to play
that game.

The young man, at one point, told me that he was glad to go to hell if
it meant standing up for what was right in the face of a God who would
damn others to hell. A little while later he told me that he thought
it was good for people try to attain to God's standards (i.e. the Ten
Commandments). Notice the contradiction? I did, and I pointed it out
to him. He told me that he hadn't seen that before in his thinking
and it bothered him. At that point he became very honest, telling me
that he sometimes sat up at nights and wondered if "this" (meaning the
earth) was all there was to life. I told him that God had created us
to ask questions like that and those were meant to prompt us to
diligently seek Him.

I'm not sure what kind of impact I had on the young man, but I'm
praying it was a good one. He told me that he had no religious
background before and I got the distinct feeling that he had never
been faced with these types of questions before. (Questions such as
taking him through the law in comparison to his life)

All in all, it was a good day of ministry and Indiana University of PA
heard the Gospel.

Pray for Matt (the professor) and Mike (the physics student).

I wanted to mention that much is often made of how difficult or scary
doing this type of ministry can be. I understand different people
react differently, but I want to encourage you that it is not as bad
as you think it is. In fact, most often it can be a lot of fun and a
time of good fellowship with believers. I was very blessed to be with
the Pepling's and members of my church, and other churches, today.
It's also very rewarding to see your children handing out tracts with
you and talking to others about the Gospel.

I hope everyone who is able will join us next time! God bless you all.

IUP Out Reach Letter

2010-10-29T11:37:00.001-04:00

Hi guys,

The professor I talked to was a professor of Ecology at the
University. Nice guy. He said he was Unitarian Universalist. We
went back and forth with the usual banter of him believing Evolution
to be beyond dispute and me being a Christian who of course refutes
that claim. I was able to raise some points with him that got him to
think a bit, and he also gave me some good questions.

There was a moment in our discussion, however, that was rather
extraordinary. The professor was telling me about a particular type
of mollusk that can imitate the look of a minnow. It does this so
that a large fish will attempt to eat it and when the fish gets close
enough it releases it larvae, which live on the fish, and thus the
mollusk can repopulate. Fascinating.

He was very interested in what a stunning replica of a minnow this
mollusk could create and he said "I'll be honest, I just don't
understand how that could happen by chance."

I responded "Exactly."

Then he said "But you see, that is a problem for you guys too. After
all, why would a creator worry about such detail, about such
precision?" (something to that effect)

Without skipping a beat, I said "God did that so that you would look
at that Mollusk, or any other extraordinary creation, and praise Him
for being a magnificent God."

He didn't say anything, and neither did I. I could tell he was in
DEEP thought. After a few moments he looked up and said "I've never
thought of it like that."

I did get to the Gospel and told him that if Jesus really was who He
claimed to be, that had implications on everything. Including Ecology
and most importantly, his life and eternal state. After we finished
talking, he said that I gave him a lot to think about.

In all my time of street ministry, that had to be one of the better
conversations I've had.

I also talked to a very intelligent physics student. He was a
pleasant young man who seemed to be pretty set in his ways. There's
nothing much to report of the bulk of my conversation with him. He
liked to run down a lot of rabbit trails, but I wasn't going to play
that game.

The young man, at one point, told me that he was glad to go to hell if
it meant standing up for what was right in the face of a God who would
damn others to hell. A little while later he told me that he thought
it was good for people try to attain to God's standards (i.e. the Ten
Commandments). Notice the contradiction? I did, and I pointed it out
to him. He told me that he hadn't seen that before in his thinking
and it bothered him. At that point he became very honest, telling me
that he sometimes sat up at nights and wondered if "this" (meaning the
earth) was all there was to life. I told him that God had created us
to ask questions like that and those were meant to prompt us to
diligently seek Him.

I'm not sure what kind of impact I had on the young man, but I'm
praying it was a good one. He told me that he had no religious
background before and I got the distinct feeling that he had never
been faced with these types of questions before. (Questions such as
taking him through the law in comparison to his life)

All in all, it was a good day of ministry and Indiana University of PA
heard the Gospel.

Pray for Matt (the professor) and Mike (the physics student).

I wanted to mention that much is often made of how difficult or scary
doing this type of ministry can be. I understand different people
react differently, but I want to encourage you that it is not as bad
as you think it is. In fact, most often it can be a lot of fun and a
time of good fellowship with believers. I was very blessed to be with
the Pepling's and members of my church, and other churches, today.
It's also very rewarding to see your children handing out tracts with
you and talking to others about the Gospel.

I hope everyone who is able will join us next time! God bless you all.

Are you a Good Person

2010-10-21T18:35:00.002-04:00

Imagine This

2010-10-21T18:35:00.000-04:00

Want to share your faith too?

2010-10-16T19:32:00.000-04:00

Please go to http://www.meetup.com/shareyourfaith so that you can contact us and go out and witness with us. We have fellowships and training and outreached. Hope to see you some time.

What gives you a sleepless night?

2010-10-09T20:07:00.004-04:00

Life

2010-09-12T14:29:00.003-04:00

Do you have Questions?

2010-09-11T21:45:00.000-04:00

If you have Questions about Jesus or Christianity please contact us at persuadepittsburgh@gmail.com. We can setup up a Bible Study for you or just answer the questions that you have. We all started out not knowing anything about God and had to study and ask Questions. Please feel free to contact us if you have any Questions at all.

10 Crazy Teens

2010-09-09T20:00:00.003-04:00

Nice Jewish Lady

2010-09-09T19:58:00.003-04:00

More Law by Ray Comfort

2010-09-08T13:38:00.000-04:00

There is something else in criminal law that is extremely important to understand. It is Ignorantia juris non excusat--from the Latin "ignorance of the law does not excuse." It's the legal principle which says that even though a person is unaware of a law, they are still liable for its violation. They are guilty even though they weren’t aware of the law’s demand.

If you drive through a country town at 70 MPH, ignorant of the fact that the law of the town says that 50 MPH is the maximum speed, you are still guilty of violation of the law and held accountable.

Being held accountable for violating a law of which you had no knowledge may seem unreasonable, because there is no way any one person could be aware of every law on the books. However, the purpose of this principle is to ensure that "willful blindness" cannot become the basis of a plea of innocence.

Such is the case with the willful ignorance of atheism--"I didn’t believe therefore I am guiltless." The Law still condemns its violators, despite what the Bible calls "unbelief."

However, a good judge will take genuine ignorance into account. This is the case with God. Even though you have intuitive knowledge that adultery is a violation of God’s moral Law, you may be ignorant to the fact that God’s considers lust to be adultery (see Matthew 5:27-28). Or, even though you may think it is okay to have a personal conception of God (either as an image of wood, or as an image in your mind), you may not be aware that this is a violation of the Second of the Ten Commandments:

"You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them" (Exodus 20:4).

When the Apostle Paul arrived in the city of Athens, the Bible tells us that he was grieved because the city had given itself to idolatry. In their ignorance, they had done what most civilizations do, they had made God to be as they imagined Him to be. Paul said,

"Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'" (Acts 17:24-28).
How foreign these words are even to modern "traditional" Christianity. Many whisper when they enter a building that they call a "church" because the assume that that is where God dwells. But the Scriptures tell us "God does not dwell in temples made with hands." He is as much in your home as He is at places we assume are holy, and He is nothing like we conceive Him to be.

Then the Apostle gave them the good news that even though they were guilty of violating the Second of the Ten Commandments, God would overlook their ignorance:

"Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead" (Acts 17:29-31, italics added).
If you have suddenly realized that you have also been guilty of creating a god in your own image, the Bible has the same message for you. You must repent because God has appointed a fearful Day of Judgment, and the only way to be safe on the Day is to trust in the Savior, Jesus Christ.

This is from http://raycomfortfood.blogspot.com/

Paul's subject!

2010-08-31T22:17:00.000-04:00

(James Smith, "Rills from the Rock of Ages", 1860

Paul was . . .

an extraordinary man,

called to an extraordinary office, and

being sent to perform an extraordinary work

--he chose an extraordinary subject.

He knew history,

he was acquainted with philosophy, and

he was well versed in tradition.

There were . . .

few subjects that he could not handle,

few themes that he could not discuss,

few congregations that he could not interest.

But he made the conversion of sinners the object of his life--and he chose Christ crucified to be the subject of his ministry!

No matter where he went--he took his subject with him.

No matter whom he addressed--he directed their attention to this point.

He knew what man required--and what man preferred; but it made no matter to him. As he wrote to the Corinthians, so he always acted, "Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified--a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God!" 1 Corinthians 1:22-24

Paul's subject then, was Christ Crucified!

Paul CHOSE this subject--and he had good reasons for doing so!

First, it is a most comprehensive subject,

for it is the center where . . .

time and eternity,

God and man,

sin and holiness,

life and death--meet!

It is the theater where God . . .

displays His perfections,

unfolds His purposes,

maintains His rights,

confounds His foes, and

secures His glory!

It is the instrument by which . . .

death is destroyed,

sin is conquered,

rebels are reconciled,

saints are sanctified, and

heaven is opened!

It is an object which . . .

confounds reason,

astonishes angels,

attracts sinners,

imparts holiness, and

furnishes matter for endless praise!

Second, it is the most honored subject.

It tunes the harps of heaven.

It fills the sweetest songs on earth.

It is that by which the Holy Spirit works . . .

in the conversion of sinners,

in the consolation of saints,

in the sanctification of believers, and

in the establishment of the church of God.

By the preaching of Christ crucified . . .

the oracles of the heathen were silenced,

the altars of the heathen were cast down, and

the temples of the heathen were transformed into houses of prayer.

By the preaching of the cross . . .

society is elevated,

nations are honored, and

millions are snatched from Hell!

Third, it is a subject that is intensely hated!

Devils hate it, and try to prevent its publication.

Erroneous men hate it, and try to substitute something of their own for it.

And just in proportion as men are influenced by the prince of darkness, or yield to the pride of their own fallen natures--will they hate the doctrine of the cross!

But all Christians love it,

all the ministers of Christ glory in it,

all poor perishing sinners need it!

The more we know of God's nature and government--the more we see of man's natural state and condition.

And the more we feel of our own weakness and depravity--the more shall we prize and value the doctrine of the cross!

Christ, and Him crucified shall be . . .

the subject of my ministry,

the theme of my songs,

the joy of my heart, and

the foundation of my everlasting hope!

O my soul, look to Jesus--as crucified for your sins!

Think of Jesus--as dying in your stead!

Speak of Jesus--as full of grace and love!

Christians! WHAT do we preach?

We are ALL preachers--and we preach daily!

But do we preach Christ?

Do we speak of Him with our tongues?

Do we write of Him with our pens?

Do we honor Him with our lives?

Is Christ and His glory--the grand end and aim of our life?

WHY do we preach Christ?

Is it out of love to Him?

Is it that we may do good to souls?

Is it that we may please God?

Christ crucified should be preached by every Christian.

Christ crucified should be preached in all companies.

Christ crucified should be preached every day.

Beloved,

if we would save souls from death,

if we would rescue sinners from eternal misery,

if we would make believers happy,

if we would cover Satan with shame,

if we would deprive death of its sting, and

if we would make the road to glory plain--

we must preach Christ crucified;

we must exercise faith in Christ crucified;

and we must daily meditate on Christ crucified!

May Christ and His cross be all my theme!

May Christ and His cross be all my hope!

May Christ and His cross be all my joy!

Cross of Jesus! Jesus crucified!

To you would I look in life--and all its troubles!

To you would I look in death--and all its pangs!

To you would I look in glory--when filled with all its joys!

"God forbid, that I should glory, except in the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ!"

SELF is always the carnal man's god

2010-08-25T20:27:00.002-04:00

(James Smith, "The Believer's Triumph" 1862)

"So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:8

No lost sinner, while carnal, while minding the things of the flesh--can ever please God. He cannot . . .

at any time--either in youth or old age;

in any place-- either common or sacred;

under any circumstances--of either sickness or health;

at any season--either in life or death.

Man is totally depraved. He is wholly fallen. The whole head is sick, the whole heart is faint. The leprosy cleaves to him, has spread over him, and dried up all the moral and vital moisture of the soul. The man is therefore lost, wholly lost, eternally lost--unless God interposes for his rescue!

All that he does while he is so--is displeasing to God.

"The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination to the Lord." Proverbs 21:27

"The ploughing of the wicked is sin." Proverbs 21:4
He has no faith, and "without faith it is impossible to please God." In all his prayers, tears, alms-deeds, and other good works--there is something that is displeasing to God. It is like the offering of Cain; for the person must be reconciled to God--before the sacrifice can be accepted by God. Until then he cannot please God, for he cannot set his heart to do it. He may try--but the innate disposition of the heart while carnal, will be too strong for him, and will lead him to break through all his vows, promises, and resolutions.
He may change his conduct--but he cannot change his heart; for its depravity has become natural to it.
He cannot do what God requires--as God requires it.
If what he does is externally good, it is internally bad.
The motive prompting, and the end aimed at--are alike evil, for SELF is always the carnal man's god.

My shield (James Smith, "Wealth for Souls" 1859)

2010-08-23T12:35:00.000-04:00

The privileges of the godly are many and great--but this is an especial one: "My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart." Psalm 7:10

This implies exposure to foes--Satan, evil men, and death--against these we need defense.
It implies opposition--and the opposition of our foes is great, daring, and deadly.

It implies danger to be apprehended--because we are weak, timid, and unskillful--and our foes are strong, daring, and experienced.

Our safety therefore, stands in what the Lord is to us--He is our shield, and such a shield as no one besides has, or can have.

He is omniscient to see all our foes and dangers.

He is omnipresent to help us at all times, and against all opposers.

He is omnipotent to defend us, and secure us from all evil.

He is faithful to fulfill His word, and carry out His engagements.

He will come between the believer and danger.

He will preserve the trusting soul from all real injury.

He will protect the upright in heart everywhere, and at all times.
What a mercy! What an unspeakable privilege is this!
"You who fear the Lord--trust in the Lord! He is their help and shield." Psalm 115:11. O for grace to trust the Lord with all, to trust the Lord for all, and to trust the Lord under all! Holy Spirit, strip us of all confidence in the flesh, of all reliance on man, and of all trust in circumstances; and bring us by Your divine and holy teaching--to trust in the Lord alone!

"He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge." Psalm 144:2

A Rest for the People of God (Hebrews 3:7-4:13)

2010-07-28T08:04:00.000-04:00

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says,

“Today, if you hear his voice,

do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,

on the day of testing in the wilderness,

where your fathers put me to the test

and saw my works for forty years.

10 Therefore I was provoked with that generation,

and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart;

they have not known my ways.’

As I swore in my wrath,

‘They shall not enter my rest.’”

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. As it is said,

“Today, if you hear his voice,

do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.

4:1 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said,

“As I swore in my wrath,

‘They shall not enter my rest,’”

although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” And again in this passage he said,

“They shall not enter my rest.”

Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,

“Today, if you hear his voice,

do not harden your hearts.”

For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

(James Smith, "A Solemn Admonition" 1859)

2010-07-27T23:12:00.000-04:00

I am in eternity--and you are on the brink!

Passing through a country graveyard the other day, an inscription on a head-stone struck my eye. The stone was by the side of the path, where everyone could see it, and it was placed there in memory of a young man who died at the age of seventeen. It was--

"Reader, one moment,

Stop, and think:

That I am in eternity!

And you are on the brink!"

In eternity! A young man, only seventeen years of age, in eternity!

In a fixed, a changeless, an eternal state!

In Heaven--or in Hell!

Saved with an everlasting salvation--or damned forever!

If it should be the latter, what a fearful supposition! And yet many have gone to Hell--before they have been seventeen years of age!

"I am in eternity--and you are on the brink!" Yes, though you may be young, apparently healthy, full of life and vigor--you are on the brink of eternity! A slight accident, a few days illness--and you are in eternity! What a solemn thought!

What will eternity be to you?

Where will you be in eternity?

Are your sins pardoned?

Are you reconciled to God by the death of His Son?

Are you sanctified by the Holy Spirit--and thus made fit for Heaven?

If not, remember that in Hell, there is . . .

no gospel,

no means of grace,

no way of escape from the wrath of God!

Once there--and your doom is fixed forever!

Think, O think . . .

Of the dreadful consequences of dying in your sins!

Of going down to the grave in an unconverted state!

Of dying under the curse of God!

"Behold, now is the accepted time!

Behold, now is the day of salvation!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Reader! The above was written over 150 years ago.

All who then read this little piece--are now in eternity!

All who now read this little piece--are on the brink!

"Reader, one moment,

Stop, and think:

That I am in eternity!

And you are on the brink!"

Who is Persuade Pittsburgh?

2010-07-26T13:18:00.000-04:00

I am the person you saw out on the streets reading the Bible. I am the person you heard sharing the law and the gospel. I am the person willing to look like a fool out in public because I care about you and where you will spend eternity.

I am the one that handed you a gospel tract. I am the one that didn’t finish a conversation with you, so instead, I gave you a gospel tract so that we could continue it here.

I am the one you saw standing on the corner handing people tracts and open air preaching. I am the one that put a gospel tract somewhere in hopes you would find it.

I put a gospel tract wherever I thought you might be. In reality, I don’t know who you are, but, I have been hoping you would find this site so that I could give you some very important information. Information that could change your life.

Is God calling you to Him? Do you know who He is? I mean, do you know where you would spend eternity, if you died today?

That’s who I am. Just a person who has been commanded to point you to Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, the Son of God.

Thank you for taking the time to see who gave you this message. But the most important message is really from God through the Bible. Please stick around and take the test. God bless you and I am glad you are here; believe me, it is no accident.

Reason for this Blog

2010-07-25T23:37:00.000-04:00

This Blog started out to be an encouragement for others that share the Gospel of Jesus Christ but I have changed it over for those that have recieved a million dollar bill and have questions. I have many good links on the sides of the blog. I am still working through what all needs to be on this site but if you have anything that you need explained you may email us at persuadepittsburgh@gmail.com.

Good Churches in Pittsburgh

2010-07-23T12:05:00.002-04:00

Good Churches in the area.

Aliquippa

New Life Presbyterian Church of Hopewell Township - www.newlifehopewell.org 724-378-4389

Allentown

Lehigh Valley Presbyterian Church www.lvpca.org - 610-439-0200

Allison Park

Memorial Park Church - www.memorialparkchurch.org/

8800 Peebles Road Allison Park, PA 15101-2796 (412) 364-9492

Butler

Middlesex Presbyterian Church - 724-586-7096

Westminster Presbyterian Church www.westminsterpca.com - 724-283-4204

Carmichaels

Greene Valley Presbyterian Church www.greenevalleypca.com - 724-966-5291

Cranberry

Christ Bible Church - http://www.bbcofcranberry.org/

2721 Rochester Road Cranberry Township Pa 16066 724-77680

Hampton

Hampton Bible Chapel – meets at 10am in Hampton Community Center on Sundays

Monroeville

Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church - 724-327-8370

New Covenant Presbyterian Church - www.newcovpca.org - 412-856-5717

Murrysville

Murrysville Community Church - www.murrysvillechurch.com - 724-327-8411

New Castle

New Covenant Evangelical - http://www.newcovenantepc.com

1911 Harlansburg Road New Castle 16101 724-652-8062

Pittsburgh

Beverly Heights Presbyterian -http://www.beverlyheights.org

1207 Washington Road Pittsburgh PA 15228

City Reformed Presbyterian Church - www.cityreformed.org - 412-720-7014

First Reformed Presbyterian Church - www.firstreformedpca.org - 412-793-7117

Fourth Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh -5450 Friendship Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15232 - 412-661-7414

New Hope EPC - http://www.newhopeneighbor.org -412-766-2728

2710 Shadeland Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15212

Providence Presbyterian Church - www.providence-pca.net - 412-788-6100

Wexford

Covenant Community Presbyterian Church - www.covcommunity.org - 724-934-123

North Park Church - http://www.northparkepc.org

600 Ingomar Road, Wexford, PA 15090

Is Repentance Necessary

2010-07-23T10:27:00.000-04:00

Is Repentance Necessary for Salvation?

It is true that there are numerous Bible verses that speak of the promise of salvation, with no mention of repentance. These merely say to "believe" on Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9). However, the Bible makes it clear that God is holy and man is sinful, and that sin makes a separation between the two (Isaiah 59:1,2). Without repentance from sin, wicked men cannot have fellowship with a holy God. We are dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1) and until we forsake them through repentance, we cannot be made alive in Christ.

The Scriptures speak of "repentance unto life" (Acts 11:18). We turn from sin to the Savior. This is why Paul preached "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21). The first public word Jesus preached was "repent" (Matthew 4:17). John the Baptist began his ministry the same way (Matthew 3:2). Jesus told His hearers that without repentance, they would perish (Luke 13:3).

If belief is all that is necessary for salvation, then the logical conclusion is that one need never repent. However, the Bible tells us that a false convert "believes" and yet is not saved (Luke 8:13); he remains a "worker of iniquity." Look at the warning of Scripture: "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth" (1 John 1:6). The Scriptures also say, "He that covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesses and forsakes them [repentance] shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). Jesus said that there was joy in heaven over one sinner who "repents" (Luke 15:10). If there is no repentance, there is no joy because there is no salvation.

When Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, he commanded his hearers to repent "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). Without repentance, there is no remission of sins; we are still under His wrath. Peter further said, "Repent . . . and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19). We cannot be "converted" unless we repent. God Himself "commands all men everywhere [leaving no exceptions] to repent" (Acts 17:30). Peter said a similar thing at Pentecost: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you" (Acts 2:38).

If repentance wasn’t necessary for salvation, why then did Jesus command that repentance be preached to all nations (Luke 24:47)? With so many Scriptures speaking of the necessity of repentance for salvation, one can only suspect that those who preach salvation without repentance are strangers to repentance themselves, and thus strangers to true conversion.

This was taken from www.livingwaters.com and this so so much more can be found there.

Save Yourself some Pain

2010-07-23T10:21:00.000-04:00

Did you get a Million Dollar Bill and you have more questions then you have come to the right place.

Here is save yourself some Pain by Ray Comfort and can be found at www.livingwaters.com as well.

Save Yourself Some Pain

Becoming a Christian is the most incredible event that will ever take place in your life. You have found peace with your Creator. You have found everlasting life! Be assured--God will never leave you nor forsake you. He has brought you this far and He will complete the wonderful work He has begun in you. God knows your every thought, your every care and your deepest concerns.
Let's now look at some of those possible concerns. First, and of primary concern -- do you have "assurance" of your salvation? The Bible says to "make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10, italics added), so, let's go through a short "checklist" to make sure that you are truly saved:

Are you aware that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14, KJV), and that he died for the sins of the world?
Did you come to the Savior because you had sinned?
Did you "repent" and put your faith in Jesus?
Are you convinced that He suffered and died on the Cross and that He rose again on the third day?

God acquits us from the Courtroom of Eternal Justice on the grounds that Jesus Christ paid our fine. We are "justified" (made right with God) by His suffering death. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was God's seal of approval of the fact that His precious blood was sufficient to pay the fine.
Think of it this way... You have violated the law and face a $50,000 fine. You tell the judge that you are truly sorry for your crime, but he answers, "So you should be -- you have broken the law! Now, can you pay this fine?" He can only acquit you if the fine is paid. If someone else pays your fine, then he can let you go, but he must have "grounds" on which to release you.
The reason we need a substitute (a savior) to pay our moral "fine," is because we have broken God's Law. To see how much we have transgressed this Law (the Ten Commandments), we will go through some of them -- Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever stolen something? Have you ever lusted after another person? If you answered "Yes" to these questions, you admit that you are a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart, and you have to face God on Judgment Day! If you have used His name in vain, then you are guilty of "blasphemy" -- you've substituted God's holy Name for a curse word. Perhaps you've hated someone, then the Bible says that you are a murderer. You have violated God's holy Law, and you're in BIG trouble. On Judgment Day, you will be found guilty and end up in Hell. That's why you need the Savior. Merely being sorry for your sins, or confessing them to God won't help you. You must turn from sin (repent), and your faith must be in Jesus Christ alone. He is the only "grounds" for God to grant mercy towards you. If you're not sure of your salvation, make Psalm 51 your own prayer.
Let's now look at some more important principles that can save you a great deal of pain...

Daily Bible Reading

1. Feeding on the Word -- DAILY Nutrition

A healthy baby has a healthy appetite. If you have truly been "born" of the Spirit of God, you will have a healthy appetite. The Bible says, "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby," (1 Peter 2:2). Feed yourself every day without fail. Job said, "I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food," (Job 23:12). The more you eat, the quicker you will grow, and the less bruising you will have. Speed up the process and save yourself some pain -- vow to read God's Word every day, without fail. Say to yourself, "No Bible, no breakfast. No read, no feed." Be like Job, and put your Bible before your belly. If you do that, God promises that you will be like a fruitful, strong and healthy tree (see Psalm 1). Each day, find somewhere quiet, and thoroughly soak your soul in the Word of God.
There may be times when you read through its pages with great enthusiasm, and there may be other times when it seems dry and even boring. But food profits your body whether you enjoy it or not. As a child, you no doubt ate desserts with great enthusiasm. Perhaps vegetables weren't so exciting. If you were a normal child, you probably had to be encouraged to eat them at first. Then, as you matured in life you were taught to discipline yourself to eat vegetables. This is because they would physically benefit you, even though they may not have at the time, brought pleasure to your taste buds.

2. Faith -- Elevators Can Let You Down

When a young man once looked at me and said, "I find it hard to believe some of the things in the Bible," I smiled and asked, "What's your name?" When he said, "Paul," I casually answered, "I don't believe you." He looked at me questioningly. I repeated, "What's your name?" Again he said, "Paul," and again I answered, "I don't believe you." Then I asked, "Where do you live?" When he told me, I said, "I don't believe that either." You should have seen his reaction. He was angry. I said, "You look a little upset. Do you know why? You're upset because I didn't believe what you told me. If you tell me that your name is Paul, and I say, 'I don't believe you,' it means that I think you are a liar. You are trying to deceive me by telling me your name is Paul, when it's not." Then I told him that if he, a mere man, felt insulted by my lack of faith in his word, how much more does he insult Almighty God by refusing to believe His Word. In doing so, he was saying that God isn't worth trusting -- that He is a liar and a deceiver. The Bible says, "He who does not believe God has made Him a liar," (1 John 5:10). It also says, "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief. . ." (Hebrews 3:12). Martin Luther said, "What greater insult . . . can there be to God, than not to believe His promises."
I have heard people say, "But I just find it hard to have faith in God," not realizing the implications of their words. These are the same people who often believe the weather forecast, believe the newspapers, and trust their lives to a pilot they have never seen whenever they fly in a plane. We exercise faith every day. We trust our car's brakes. We trust our history books, our medical books, and we trust elevators. Yet elevators can let us down. History books can be wrong. Planes can crash. How much more then should we trust the sure and true promises of Almighty God. He will never let us down . . . if we trust Him.
I have often heard cynics say, "The Bible is full of mistakes." It is. The first mistake was when man rejected God, and the Scriptures show men and women making the same tragic mistake again and again. It's also full of what seem to be contradictions. For example, the Scriptures tell us "with God, nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37). We are told that there is nothing Almighty God can't do. Yet we are also told that it is "impossible for God to lie" (Hebrews 6:18). So there is something God cannot do! There's an obvious "mistake" in the Bible. The answer to this dilemma is to be found in the lowly worm.
Do you know that it would be impossible for me to eat worms, although I have seen it done. I once saw a man on TV butter his toast, then pour on a can of live, fat, wriggling, blood-filled worms. He carefully took a knife and fork, cut into his moving meal, and ate it. It made me feel sick. It was disgusting. The thought of chewing cold, live worms is so repulsive, so distasteful, I can candidly say it would be impossible for me to eat them, even though I have seen it done. It is so abhorrent, I draw on the strength of the word "impossible" to substantiate my claim.
Lying, deception, bearing false witness, etc., is so repulsive to God, so disgusting to Him, so against His holy character, that the Scriptures draw on the strength of the word "impossible" to substantiate the claim. He cannot, could not, and would not lie.
That means that in a world where we are continually let down, we can totally rely on, trust in, and count on His promises. They are sure, certain, indisputable, true, trustworthy, reliable, faithful, unfailing, dependable, steadfast, and an anchor for the soul. In other words, you can truly believe them, and because of that, you can throw yourself blindfolded and without reserve, into His mighty hands. He will never, ever, let you down. Do you believe that?

Prayer

4. Prayer -- "Wait For A Minute."

It has been well said that God always answers prayer. Sometimes He says, "Yes." sometimes He says, "NO." Sometimes He says, "Wait for a minute," and a day to the Lord is a thousand years to us (2 Peter 3:8). That means that a ten year wait for us, is 14 minutes and 24 seconds to God, so ask in faith, but rest in peace-filled patience.
Surveys show that more than 90% of America prays daily. No doubt they pray for health, wealth, happiness, etc. They also pray when grandma gets sick, and when grandma doesn't get better (or dies), many end up disillusioned, and some end up bitter. This is because they don't understand what the Bible says about prayer. It teaches that sin will stop God even hearing your prayer (Psalm 66:18). It teaches, among other things, that if we pray with doubt, we will not get an answer (James 1:6-7).
Here's how to be heard....

Pray with faith (Hebrews 11:6).
Pray with clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:3-4).
Pray genuine heart-felt prayers, rather than vain repetitions (Matthew 6:7).
Make sure that you are praying to the God revealed in the Holy Scriptures (Exodus 20:3-6).

How do you "pray with faith?" If someone says to you, "You're a man of great faith in God," they may think that they are paying you a compliment. But they aren't -- the compliment is to God. For example if I said to you, "I'm a man of great faith in my doctor," it's actually the doctor I'm complimenting. If I have great faith in him, it means that I see him as being a man of integrity, a man of great ability -- that he is trustworthy. I give "glory" to the man through my faith in him. The Bible says that Abraham "He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:20-21). Abraham was a man of great faith in God. Remember, that is not a compliment to Abraham. He merely caught a glimpse of God's incredible ability, His impeccable integrity, and His wonderful faithfulness to keep every promise He makes. His faith gave "glory" to a faithful God.
As far as God is concerned, if you belong to Jesus, you are a VIP. You can boldly come before the throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16). You have access to the king, because you are the son or daughter of the king. When you were a child, did you have to grovel to get your needs met by your mom or dad? I hope not.
So, when you pray, don't say, "Oh God, I hope you will supply my needs." Instead say something like, "Father, thank you that you keep every promise You make. Your Word says that you will supply all my needs according to Your riches in glory, by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Therefore, I thank you that you will do this thing for my family. I ask this in the wonderful name of Jesus. Amen"
It was the great missionary, Hudson Taylor, who said, "The prayer power has never been tried to its full capacity. If we want to see Divine power wrought in the place of weakness, failure, and disappointment, let us answer God's standing challenge, 'Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things of which thou knowest not of.'"
How do you get "clean hands and a pure heart?" Simply by confessing your sins to God, through Jesus Christ. His blood cleanses from all sin (1 John 1:7-9). When you confess them to God through Jesus, God will not only forgive your every sin, He promises to forget that sin (Hebrew 8:12). He will even justify you, on the grounds of the sacrifice of the Savior. That means He will count it as though you have never sinned in the first place. He will make you pure in His sight -- sinless. He will even "purge" your conscience, so that you will no longer have that sense of guilt that you sinned in the first place. That's what I mean "to be justified by faith." That's why you need to soak yourself in Holy Scripture -- to read the letters to the churches and see the wonderful things that God has done for us through the Cross of Calvary. If you don't bother to read the will, you won't have any idea of what has been left for you.
How do you pray "genuine heart-felt prayers?" Simply by keeping yourself in the love of God. If the love of God is in you, you will never pray hypocritical, or selfish prayers. In fact, you won't have to pray selfish prayers, if you have a heart of love. When your prayer-life is pleasing to God, the Bible says that He will reward you openly (Matthew 6:6).
How do you know that you are praying to "the God revealed in Holy Scripture?" Study the Word. Don't accept the image of God portrayed by the world, even though it appeals to the natural mind. A loving, kind fatherly-figure, with no sense of justice or truth appeals to guilty sinners. Look to the thunderings and lightnings of Mount Sinai. Gaze at Jesus on the cross of Calvary -- hanging in unspeakable agony because of the Justice of a holy God. Such thoughts tend to banish idolatry.

Spiritual Warfare

When you became a Christian, you stepped right into the heat of an age-old battle. You have a three-fold enemy--the world, the flesh, and the devil.

5. Warfare -- Praise The Lord and Pass the Ammunition

When you became a Christian, you stepped right into the heat of an age-old battle. You have a three-fold enemy--the world, the flesh, and the devil. Before you became a Christian, you floated down stream with the other dead fish. But now, God has put His life within you, and you will find yourself swimming against a three-fold current. Let's look at these three resistant enemies.
First, the world. When the Bible speaks of the "world" in this context, it is referring to the sinful, rebellious, world system. This is the world that loves the darkness and hates the light (John 3:20), governed by the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4)( -- the "prince power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2). The Bible says the Christian has escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. "Lust" is unlawful desire, and is the life's blood of the world --whether it be the lust for sexual sin, for power, for money, for material things. Lust is a monster that will never be gratified, so don't feed it. It will grow bigger and bigger, until it weighs heavy upon your back, and will be the death of you -- see James 1:15.
There is nothing wrong with sex, power, money, or material things, but when these become predominant in God's sight, the Bible calls this "inordinate affection" (Colossians 3:5). We are told, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." "Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (1 John 2:15, James 4:4).
The second enemy is the devil. As we have seen, he is known as the "god of this world." He was your spiritual father before you joined the family of God (John 8:44, Ephesians 2:2. Jesus called the devil a thief, who came to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).
The way to overcome him and his demons is to make sure you are outfitted with the spiritual armor of God listed in Ephesians 6:10-20. Become intimately familiar with it. Sleep in it. Never take it off. Bind the two-edged sword to your hand so that you never lose its grip. The reason for this brings us to the third enemy.
The third enemy is what the Bible calls the "flesh." This is your sinful nature. The domain for the battle, is your mind.
If you have a mind to, you will be attracted to the world and all its sin. The mind is the data-processing control panel for the eyes and the ears. It is the center of your appetites. All sin begins in the "heart" (Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 15:19). We think before we sin. This happens because we don't think before we sin. The Bible warns that lust brings forth sin, and sin when it's conceived brings forth death. Every day we have life, we have a choice. To sin or not to sin -- that is the question. The answer to the question of sin, is the fear of God. If you don't fear God, you will sin to your sinful heart's delight.
Did you know that God kills people? He killed a man because he didn't like what he did sexually (Genesis 38:10). He killed a husband and wife because they told just one lie (Acts 5:1-11). Knowledge of God's goodness -- His righteous judgments against evil, should put the fear of God in us, and help us not to indulge in sin.
If we know that the eye of the Lord is in every place beholding the evil and the good, and that He will bring every work to judgment, we will live accordingly. Such weighty thoughts are valuable, for "by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil" (Proverbs 16:6). Jesus said,
"And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!" (Luke 12:4-5).

Fellowship

6. Fellowship -- Flutter by Butterfly

Pray about where you should fellowship. Make sure the place you are going to call your church home calls sin what it is -- sin. Do they believe the promises of God? Are they loving? Does the pastor treat his wife with respect? Is he a man of the Word? Does he have a humble heart, and a gentle spirit? Listen closely to his teaching. It should glorify God, magnify Jesus, and edify the believer. One evidence that you have been truly saved is that you will have a love for other Christians (1 John 3:14). You will want to fellowship with them. The old saying that "birds of a feather flock together" is true of Christians. You gather together for the breaking of bread (communion), for teaching from the Word, and for fellowship. You share the same inspirations, illuminations, inclinations, temptations, aspirations, motivations, and perspirations -- you are working together for the same thing, for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God on earth. This is why you attend church -- not because you have to, but because you want to.
Don't become a "spiritual butterfly." Send your roots down. If you are moving from church to church, how will your pastor know what type of food you are digesting? The Bible says that your shepherd will have to give an account to Him that has entrusted you to him (Hebrews 13:17), so make yourself known to your pastor. Pray for him regularly. Pray also for his wife, his family, and the elders. Being a pastor is no easy task. Most people don't realize how many hours it takes to gather a fresh sermon each week. They don't appreciate the time spent in prayer and in the study of the Word. If the pastor makes the same joke twice, or shares something he has shared before, remember, he's human. So give him a great deal of grace, and double honor. Never murmur about him. If you don't like something he has said, pray about it, then leave the issue with God. If that doesn't satisfy you, leave the church, rather than divide it through murmuring and complaining.
A woman once spread some hot gossip about a local pastor. What he had supposedly done became common knowledge around town. Then she found that what she had heard wasn't true. She gallantly went to the pastor, and asked for his forgiveness. The pastor forgave her, but then told her to take a pillow full of tiny feathers to a corner of the town, and in high winds, shake the feather out. Then he told her to try and pick up every feather. He explained that the damage had already been done. She had destroyed his good reputation, and trying to repair the damage was like trying to pick up feathers in high winds.
The Bible says that there is life and death in the power of the tongue. We can kill or make something alive with our words. The Scriptures also reveal that God hates those who cause division among the brethren (Proverbs 6:16). Pray with the psalmist, "Set a guard O Lord, over my mouth; keep the door of my lips."
Remember the old saying, "He that gossips to you, will gossip about you."

Giving Thanks

For the Christian, every day should be Thanksgiving Day. We should even be thankful in the midst of problems.

7. Thanksgiving -- Do the Right Thing

For the Christian, every day should be Thanksgiving Day. We should even be thankful in the midst of problems. The Apostle Paul said, "I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation" (2 Corinthians 7:4). He knew that God was working all things together for his good, even though he was going through trials (Romans 8:28).
Problems will come your way. God will see to it personally that you grow as a Christian. He will allow the storms, to send your roots deep into the soil of His Word. We pray more in the midst of problems, but it's been well said that you will see more from your knees, than you will on your tip toes.
A man once watched a butterfly struggling to get out of its cocoon. In an effort to help it, he took a razor blade, and carefully slit the edge of the cocoon. The butterfly escaped from its problem . . . and immediately died.
It is God's way to have the butterfly struggle. It is the struggle that causes its tiny heart to beat fast, and send the life's blood into its wings.
Trials have their purpose. They make us struggle -- they bring us to our knees. They are the cocoon in which we often find ourselves. It is there that the life's blood of faith in God helps us spread our wings.
Faith and thanksgiving are close friends. If you have faith in God, you will be thankful because you know His loving hand is upon you, even though you are in a lion's den. That will give you a deep sense of joy, and joy is the barometer of the depth of faith you have in God. Let me give you an example. Imagine if I said I would give you one million dollars if you sent me an email. Of course, you don't believe that I would do that. But imagine if you did. Imagine if you had knowledge of more than 1,000 people who had sent me an email, and every one received their million dollars -- no strings attached. More than that. You had actually called me, and I had assured you personally that I would keep my word. If you believed me, wouldn't you have joy? If you didn't believe me -- no joy. The amount of joy you have would be a barometer as to how much you believed my promise.
We have so much to be thankful for. God has given us "exceeding great and precious promises" that are "more to be desired than gold." Do yourself a big favor -- believe those promises, thank God continually for them, and "let your joy be full."
An old farmer once had an ungodly relative visit him. After the farmer had bowed his head and thanked God for the food they were about to eat, the relative rudely said, "What did you do that for? There's no God. We live in an age of enlightenment." The old farmer smiled and said, "There is one on the farm who doesn't thank God before he eats." The relative sat up and said, "Who is this enlightened one?" To which the farmer quietly replied, "My pig."

Natia set free at the Marathon

2010-05-03T17:29:00.000-04:00

I talked to a women whose name I believe was Natia. She had a beautiful accent. I asked her if she died today would she go to heaven or hell? She said that she did not know. I said ok well let me give you the test so you can see how you would do. I asked her have you ever told a lie? she said no. I asked her is she had ever stolen and she said no. I asked her if she had hated someone and she said yes. I told her that the Bible tells us that if you hate someone you have murdered them in your heart and if you Lust after someone you have committed adultry with them in your heart. I asked her if God judged you by the 10 commandments would you be innocent or guilty? She said she would be guilty. I asked her would she go to heaven or hell and she said she would go to hell. I asked her if that concerned her and she said it did. I asked her if she knew what God did so she did not have to go to hell and she did not know. I told her that God sent his only son Jesus Christ to live a perfect life and that he was innocent and fully God and died on the cross her her. I told her that she broke Gods law and that Jesus pays the fine. I asked if she know how to get that payment and she said no. I told her that if she was in a court room and was guilty and someone pays your fain what would they say to her afterward. She said she did not know. I told her they would say do not do that again. I just paid the fine for that. I told her that was what repentance was and that you also had to have faith and believe that Jesus was God and that he paid the fine and that she had to live her life as if she believed that. I told her that God wrote her 66 love letters and that if her lover had written 66 love letters he would be mad if when he saw her she did not read them. I told her to read her Bible and obey what it said. I asked if she had any questions and she said.

So I am free and clear and no guilt can I keep this million dollar bill as a momento? I told her she could absolutly keep the million dollar bill and she walked away and I just stood there stunned.

What a wonderful day for the Lord. I pray for this young lady.

This is what choice looks like

2010-04-17T08:57:00.002-04:00

I was able to witness to people while I held this sign. I have not decided if I will hold this sign often. One women went into the Planned Parenthood and told me that she had regreted her abortion and still went into Planned Parenthood. I saw her up in the window looking down and about 30 minutes later she came out and said that there were 20 people in their waiting and she did not have time. I have no idea if she was going to have an abortion or not but she left either way.

A mere scratch of a pin By J.C. Ryle

2010-03-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

"For what shall it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36

The loss of the soul is the heaviest loss that can befall a man. The worst and most painful of diseases; the most distressing bankruptcy of fortune; the most disastrous shipwrecks; are a mere scratch of a pin--compared to the loss of a soul. All other losses are bearable, or but for a short time, but the loss of the soul is forever! It is to lose God, and Christ, and heaven, and glory, and happiness--to all eternity. It is to be cast away forever, helpless and hopeless in hell!

Disgusting Things

2010-03-07T05:43:00.000-05:00

While standing outside of Planned Parenthood yesterday I witness things that one should not see let alone do. I witnessed many moms taking their daughters into Planned Parenthood to have their grandkids killed. I witnessed Mothers taking their kids with them to kill their brother or sister in their belly. What a terrible place. There is no question that the God of this world has blinded them. There is not a doubt in my mind that "there is none that is good no not one." Probverbs

This is not an easy lesson to learn!

2010-03-03T18:44:00.000-05:00

By J. R. Miller, from "The Law of Love"

Christ did not so much give rules for special cases--as principles to govern all conduct.

"I tell you who hear Me: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you." Luke 6:27

Loving enemies is not a natural affection.

This is not an easy lesson to learn!

It is never easy to be a Christian.

The easy way does not lead toward heaven!

The lesson of love continues, "Bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:28

These counsels are intensely practical. In answer to men's cursings, revilings and insults--we are to return words of peace, kindness and love. Those who mistreat us--we are to pray for, instead of uttering threats against them, or imprecations upon them.

We remember how Jesus Himself lived out this law of love. There were many who cursed Him and reviled Him--but He never lost the sweetness of love out of His heart. He never on any occasion returned a word of cursing or anger or even of impatience--in response to the bitterest revilings of His enemies. "When He was reviled--He did not revile in return; when suffering--He did not threaten, but committed Himself to the One who judges justly." 1 Peter 2:23

That is the example for us. We are to be silent when others speak evil of us or to us; or, if we speak, it is to be the soft answer that turns away wrath. We need not worry ourselves about the deserts of those who treat us unjustly, feeling that we should see to their punishment. We are to leave that to God--who judges righteously and who will take care also that no real harm shall come to us, from the wrongs which others inflict on us, provided we keep ourselves in His love and in an obedient spirit.

The lesson has its ideal exemplification in our Lord's prayer on His cross for His murderers. His only answer to the driving of the nails through His hands and feet was, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do!" That is the way He wants us to answer the cruelties and injuries which others may inflict upon us!

We must be ready to endure not one--but many injuries from the others. We must be unresisting, like our Lord. No wrongs from others--should ever turn our love to hate. Christ's own life was an illustration of this. He was treated wrongfully at every step--but His heart never lost its sweetness, its gentleness, its patience, its desire to bless others and do them good.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This is what it is

2010-02-22T05:16:00.000-05:00

God is holy righteous and just. There is a day that he will judge every human being. It is called for a man once to die and then the judgement. He will judge us on the 10 commandments. The 9th commandment is do not lie. have you ever told a lie? Even just one then you are a liar. The 6th commandment is you shall not murder. Have you ever murdered? Did you have an abortion? Jesus said that if you hate your brother you murdered him in your heart. Have you every hated anyone? If you have hated then you are a murder in Gods eyes. The 7th Commandment is that you shall not commit adultery. Jesus said if you lust after a women then you have committed adultery with her in your heart. So if you have lied, lusted and hated God will see you as a liar, guilty of adultery and a murder. If God judges you by the 10 commandments you will be guilty and go to hell, but God made a way that you would not have to go to hell. God sent is only son Jesus. Jesus lived a perfect life. Jesus never sinned. He was completely innocent. Jesus was tried in an unfair way they could not convict him of anything but healing on a day one should not work, bringing dead people back to life and claiming to be God. They raised him up on the cross and killed him. Jesus took the full wrath of God for the sins of those that repent and trust in Jesus. Repenting is confessing your sins and Trusting in Jesus's death. The confessing of sin is not just a confess so you go to heaven but a confess because you are cut to the heart that you did them. You have to have a trust in God that leads you to turn away from sin. Sin is breaking Gods laws. A saving faith is based on the willingness to submit to the authority of God. You have to make God Lord of your life. You have to make him King. You have to be willing to give up everything for Jesus. Do you have that kind of trust in Jesus? Does Jesus occupy the throne of your heart? Are you saved from your self will and are you coming to God on your terms or his? You have to come on is terms. Does breaking Gods law grieve you? You need to check yourself and make sure you have a saving faith.

Jesus is my Lord and King and I will follow him.

False Teachers and Their Destruction

2010-02-10T09:13:00.002-05:00

2 Peter 2:1-9 (New International Version)

1But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

4For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell,[a] putting them into gloomy dungeons[b] to be held for judgment; 5if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men 8(for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— 9if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.

The Right Jesus

2010-02-06T22:20:00.000-05:00

There is only 1 reason to come to Jesus.

You have to know that you are a sinner and that you deserve hell. You have to know that if God Judged you then you would be guilty. The only reason to run to Jesus is that he died on the cross and you want to repent and put your faith in him that he paid the fine for your sins. If you are coming to Jesus for any other reason then you are not a Christian.

If you became a Christian to be Happy then you are probably not saved.
If you become a Christian to be wealthy then you are probably not saved.
If you became a Christian to hang out with people you think are cool then you are probably not saved.
If you became a Christian and your life did not change radically you are probablly not saved.

Do you think you are going to heaven because you are a good person and you believe in God and you have never really hurt anyone? Let us look and see if you really are a good person. The word Good is dirived from God. God is morally perfect. God requires us to keep the 10 commandments. Have you kept the 10 commandments? Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever stolen anything even something small? Have you ever hated anyone? If you hate your brother then you have murdered him in your heart. Have you ever lusted? Jesus said if you lust after a women you have commited adultry already in your heart. The Bible sayes it is called for a man once to die and then the judgment. If you are judged by the 10 commandments how will you do? If you broke even 1 then you will be guilty of them all. The Bible says all liars will have their place in the lake of fire. no theif no murder and no adulter can enter the kingdom of heaven. God will judge us thought word and deed but he is rich in mercy and he sent his only son Jesus Christ to live a perfect life and to never break any of the laws. Jesus an innocent man was raised up on the cross and paid the fine for those that repent and put their faith in Jesus's work on the cross.

The acceptable time for repentance is now. Please repent and put your trust in Jesus. God will make you a new person and you will be born again. A trust in Jesus means that you walk as if you believe what the Bible tells you. It is repenting daily for what you have done. It is reading the Bible understanding it and obeying what it says.

Standing Outside of Planned Parenthood overview

2010-01-23T21:57:00.001-05:00

Standing infront of planned parenthood is something you have to experience to really understand. It is unbelievable.

There is a half circle that goes out into the street and if you are pro-life you are not allowed to go into the circle.

If you want to go to the other side of planned parenthood on you have to cross the street cross the street to the left and then cross back over to the side of the street you were on before just on the otherside of the circle like a uturn. If you do not then you get a citation from the Police. I now have my picture on the wall inside of planned parenthood I am a marked pro-lifer. Like having my picture up in the post office for being a criminal. There are 3 old people that seem to be aleast 70 that go every Tuesday-Saturday. 7am-10am . The three older people have huge signs of babies being murdered and of babies the age that are being murdered. 7am-10am is the time that Babies are murdered. I think about 10 babies where murdered today. You can not stop or get in the way of people going to kill their babies but people yell things like ask for a sonigram. I yelled your baby has fingernails when I was not preaching or reading. It is a time for prayer.

I got there about 6:45am to watch the staff of planned parenthood walk into the clinic. I talked to the 3 Catholic older people before everything began. They were very nice.
I read from about 7am-8am. Kevin and his family showed up and I gave them tracts and they handed them out on the corners not near the clinic so that people would take the tracts. This is a good warm up.

One paster showed up around 8am and he went against the rules on purpose and walked through that half circle over and over again inciting the planned parenthood security guy on purpose. I am not sure why a pastor would do that but he did. Him breaking the law on purpose made me very nervious. I had just finished reading the sled stuff and the gospel so I left to find kevin and his family when the planned parenthood guy said he was calling the police.

After regrouping with Kevin, Diane and their daughter and freind we went back to infront of the abortion clinic. The police got called 3 times while I was there. They seem to take a long time to showup. Kevin read for Project Erza for the first time. Kevins daughter and friend read for the first time too. I read the gospel serveral times. right after Kevins Daughter started reading 2 very outragious guys showed up trying to start fights and spiting on the pro-life signs. I got my camera out and started video taping them. I think my camera might be broken after the guy hit my camera since I was taping him. But since I started taping him he stopped trying to fight people. The video camera is really a great security measure. Since he thought he was being taped he was milder if you watch the video you be like what was he doing earlier?

My heart is really for the Catholic 3 elderly people that are out there all the time and not saved. It is like 2 little Mother Tereasa's and Gondi. They are doing mightly things and they are not saved. They are who I will be preaching to next time. They are doing good deeds and I am rooting for them to get saved. If good deeds got people into heaven they would be going.

There are catholic people standing around the half circle praying the rosary over and over again the entire time. It is such a shame they are not saved.
Here are the videos from the day. The one there is swearing. When Kevins daughter was reading John 1 is when the 2 strange guys showed up. I walked around her as he was coming around so that he could not get near her. I am not sure his goal was to get near her but he verbally attacked those that he had seen up on the box particularly for a bit and since she was on the box reading Gods word there was no way I wanted him near her.

50 Million Murdered and these are our Warriors

2010-01-22T10:23:00.003-05:00

Hitler Killed 15 Million, Stalin killed 20 Million. The US has killed 50 million Babies since 1973, many paid for by tax payers money. On 911 2,973 people died. We went to war with 2 countires. At Perl harbor 2,403 people died and we entered into World War 2. Every day 2000-3000 babies are murdered in an abortion clinic in The US. These are 4 Catholic Boys standout outside of the Abortion clinic. There parents are on the other side of the half circle praying the rosery. This is the response. This is a large response today since it is the aniversery of Roe Vs Wade. Normally every friday there is only 1 little old lady named Sally. She looks to be 70+ years old. She must think I am crazy but I can not stop myself every time I see her I just grab her and hug her and kiss her face. I say thank you over and over again. I pray for her all the time.

I keep wondering why there is not not more people out there. Why didn't Bush put the millitary troops outside of the abortion clinics and not let people in? That would have saved more lives. The people killing these babies don't they have a conscience. The Bible tells us that they are blinded by the prince of this world and they definately are blinded. They just do not see what they are doing.

The more I keep thinking about abortion and our response I realized that I should not be surprised at our recaction. As a Christian I know that God is going to Judge every person for their every thought word and deed. If a person has lied then God will see them as a liar and has broken the 9th commandment. If a person has lusted after another then the Bible tells us that they are an adulter at heart and has broken the 7th commandment. If you hate your brother then God sees you as a murder so you broke the 6th commandment. I know that It is appointed for a man once to die and then the judgement. The Bible says all liars will have their place in the lake of fire and no theif or murder will enter the kingdom of heaven. The only way anyone can get to heaven is to have Jesus pay your fine by dieing on the cross for you. You need to repent and put your active trust in Jesus paying your fine.

Christians know that millions are going to go to hell for eternaty and our responce is that a few go out and beg people to repent and put their trust in Jesus. The response is laking here too. What a sad state the church is in and the US.

Preparing

2010-01-20T17:31:00.003-05:00

Did you know that the Bible tells us that we are created by God, in His own image & likeness? It's true, dear. God says: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." Jeremiah 1:5" You were made by God for God

Babies are not property but gifts from God. HE created us he gave us a conscience so we know right from wrong which is informed by the moral law the 10 commandments. The 6th commandment says you shall not murder. The Bible tells us that we know the difference between right and wrong and we suppress the truth

There is a way that seems right to man but that way leads to destruction.

Abortion is not a choice, a decision or a mistake it is a sin. It is an offense against God.

We are born with a sin nature and have the tendency to do what is right in our own eyes. Taking the life of a baby is murder and a sin against God. You will have to live with the murder of your baby for the rest of your life. You know what you are doing.

If you lust after a person you have committed adultery already in your heart. Sex outside of Marriage is Fornication and sin.

A man is called once to die and then the Judgment. God is going to judge you for every thought word and deed. How will you do on the day of Judgment. If you have an abortion God will see you as a murder. If you have sex outside of marriage God will see you as an adulterer if you break 1 of 10 commandments you will be guilty and go to hell. Does that concern you?

Eternity in Hell?

For God so loved the world that he gave his only son Jesus. Jesus lived a perfect life and as fully God and fully man and totally innocent Jesus died on the cross for the sin of those that repents and puts their faith in Jesus.

There is only 1 way to be forgiven of your sin. You have to repent from your sins. Stop breaking Gods law. Stop killing your baby, Stop committing adultery. Have faith that Jesus Died on the cross for your sins and then walk as if you are grateful for Jesus blood on the cross.

2010-01-13T10:04:00.002-05:00

God got me to the cathedral of learning early enough to hand out tracts at my favorite place. 2 minutes before I took this picture hundreds of student were running off to class. I was able to hand out about 100 tracts at this location in about 10 minutes. Most people turn me down when I say did you get one of these they say "YES" but there seems to be people that have not gotten one yet here. The bus stop around the corner is very profitable place to hand out tracts as well. I pray daily for many souls to be softened to the Gospel here in Oakland.

Video of Giving out Books at University of Pittsburgh

2009-11-19T18:51:00.003-05:00

Origins of Species

2009-11-18T15:41:00.000-05:00

We handed out 1000 Origins of Species books today at University of Pittsburgh. The Book had a Gospel message in the Introduction. I am so very happy that everything went without issue. I had great fellowship and some wonderful Chineese food afterward. There was open air preaching and many peole stepped out of their comfort zone.

A lost sheep Mark was found today. Please pray for him.

God is Good.

2009-11-04T15:16:00.001-05:00

I was reading today at the University of Pittsburgh and watched several people shaking their heads and shaking their fists. I have watched others do the same thing that I do and the people really act out toward those people. I am not sure why those other people create such an emotional response to those other people and do not act out toward me. I am very thankful that those people that do not agree with me just give me bad looks or turn there head. I wonder if I am not as good at what I do and that is why I do not end up with people yelling at me or if it is God being gentle with me.

Sometimes when I try to give out a gospel tract the person will take their hand closets to me and cross there hand almost put it on their opposite shoulder and turn their head away from me like I have a cuddies or something. I pray that someone today heard Gods world and God was glorified. There are many silly people in the world. I will have to pray for those people more. I have a goofy professor that does that every time I see him.

Project Ezera

2009-11-02T20:42:00.000-05:00

I read every week for Project Ezera. I think it is a great out reach. People that would not normally hear Gods word get a chance to hear it. Gods word will never return void. I talk to lots of people about there faith every week. I never know the outcome. However when I read the word of God I know that it is God honoring. Reading a chapter to three chapters of the Bible every week really helps me get comfortable with hearing my own voice. It also helps by bringing up the things of God. I always practice reading the chapters ahead of time. The names of people and places can be difficult to read properly. You can join project Ezera on facebook. It is a great way to get your feet wet for open air preaching.

Kept brining me his friends

2009-10-04T16:08:00.001-04:00

This is JuJu Quintro and Paris. I witnessed to Q and he then kept bringing me his frineds for me to witness to them. They are just a precious as can be. They each heard the gospel and I pray they get saved. They were at the corner all evening. When I was preaching I could hear them repeating what I was saying and playing preacher on the other side of the giant gurder. It was very sweet. They were out selling candy bars. I am not sure if it was for their Dad or what but I will pray for these three for a long time.

Signing up my son for Swimming Lessons

2009-09-19T11:00:00.000-04:00

Went this morning to sign up my son for swimming lessions. As I was coming home I noticed a trunk sale. This is where people park and open their trunk and sell stuff out of it. So I thought I might be able to find an easel so that I would not have to make one. As I was walking and looking I heard what if What? I said to the older gental men what if you died today would you go to heaven or hell. He told me somewhere between. I walked him through the commandments which he told me he was guilty and then told me he would go somewhere between. He asked if going to Central Catholic would help him not go to hell I told him it would not help him at all. He called the teachers there a chose word and liars and then told me he would go somewhere between. I explained that the only way to heaven was if he trusted that Jesus died on the cross for his sins and that he had to trust in that and repented. I then witnessed to another older gentalmen who told me that his wife would go first and she was so good she was bound to go and he would just hang on to her shirt and get in too. I had a good conversation with him as well. I guess I did not got to find an easle. I went to witness. After I drove out I thought I should have handed out tracts there. Oh well 2 people heard the gospel.

50 minutes

2009-09-16T20:41:00.000-04:00

Last year I learned that 1 hour was not a waste. So now I have 50 minutes on Wednesdays and I will charish that time. I read for Project Ezera today and it went pretty good. A fellow Christian and police officer stopped by to listen and to encourage us. I witnessed to 3 people today that understood what I explained to them. Please pray for these 3 souls. Jews for Jesus were on Pitt campus today as well. They had "Jesus Loves You" shirts on. I did not get to talk to them at all. The time was very short but I get to serve the Lord still.

Fairy Circles

2009-09-12T20:09:00.000-04:00

I have a big green circle in my yard. I figured it was not aliens. So I looked online and it turns out I have a humungus fungus. it is 10 feet in diamater. It is called a fairy Circle. Turns out there are fairy Circles that are serveral aecres in size and hundreds of years old.

I do not want one in my yard. So I went to Lowes to get Prostar. They did not have that so I got another fungus killer. I had my What if shirt on and the greeter greeted me on the way out with what if what? He was a very nice older gentalmen. I said what if you died today would you go to heaven or hell? He said he did not know. I said here is a quick test. Have you ever told a lie he said yes. I asked if he has ever stolen and he asked if a paper clip counted. I told him it did. I asked if he had every hated and he said he had. I told him that the Bible says if you hate someone you have murdered them in your heart. He said well I guess I am going to end up in the other place. I told him it gets worse. If you lust after a women you have commited adultry in you heart with her already. His eyes almost bugged out of his head. I asked him if he were to be judged by the 10 commandments would he be guilty or innocent. he thought out loud about the 10 commanments and he knew most of them. then he said guilty and When I asked if he would go to heaven or hell he told me that he was just as sure they did not exist as I was that they did.

I asked him if someone paid his fine would he want to know. He told me we were done with the conversation and did a 180 degree turn and faced the doors as if to say it was time I walked out of them. I said good bye.

Being disowned

2009-09-10T18:22:00.001-04:00

Today I went to the Steelers Tailgate and I did a quick stoplight preaching over and over again at the red light. It goes something like this.

" The Million dollar question is if you died today would you go to heaven or would you go to hell. Here is a quick test. If you told 1 lie you are a liar. If you hated one person you are a murder and if you steal one thing you are a theif. If God judges you by the 10 commandments you would be guilty and go to hell. Jesus died on the cross for the sins of those that repent and put their trust in him. For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish. Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life no one comes to the father but by me."

I was very nervious. I started out the evening by reading Isaiah 53 for Project Ezera. That got a little bit of the nerviousness out but I was nervious for about the first hour. Then my feet just hurt. The crowd was great. I was afraid that I would get hit or hurt but the crowd was great.

The worst part of the night was when my Mom pushed my aunt by the corner and even though I said hello they both looked away the entire time. My mom pushed my aunt accross the street in her wheel chair as fast as she could. I guess that is how you know you are a freak... Not even your own mother will acknowledge that she knows you.

Witnessed

2009-09-04T10:31:00.001-04:00

I hope I remember his name. I believe it was Ethan or was it Ian. He was very sweet and he heard the gospel. I pray that he understood what I told him and repents and trusts in Jeus. Please pray for ths sweet guy.

University of Pittsburgh

2009-09-03T10:28:00.000-04:00

Lots of students have gotten the million dollar bill this year already. The one day I watched so many tracts go into the garbage that I decided I would read the tract to them over and over again with my PA. They can not throw the words I speak into the garbage. Last year I handed out tons of tracts down in Oakland and people started telling me that they had already gotten one. When I asked if they read it they said no. It just seems time to read it over the Pa system.

Many people tell me no I am good when I try to hand the tract to them. I think I will start asking them " Are you sure you are a good person?"

64,000 people

2009-08-29T19:10:00.001-04:00

64,000 people to witness to. We had several great conversations with people at the tailgates. The people were warm and listened to what we had to say. Not sure if anyone got saved but I believe a few people understand how to get into heaven now.

School is in session

2009-08-24T12:22:00.001-04:00

This is Rich he used to be homeless and got saved. He told me a story about finding a million dollar bill at the Steelers tailgate when he was homeless. It was a good Story that made me very happy. Univeristy of Pittsburgh is in session and sometimes I even witness to people that are not from the University in Oakland. The students are great fun to interact with every week.

Hoodwinked

2009-07-23T21:13:00.000-04:00

Today we were told by the doctors that my grandfather had 2-3 weeks to live. The day before we were looking into where he would live afterward and planning his recovery. Nothing changed in the last day and we all feel as if they knew better the day before that. He has been in the hospital for 2 weeks. They gave us a false hope. I do not want to do the same thing to other people.

The Bible says that It is appointed a man once to die and then the Judgement. Have no false hope God is going to judge you thought word and deed. The Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death. Death will arrest you, the law will condemn you and the Judge God that created the Universe will sentence you. The Bible tells us that he will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. How will you do? Have you ever taken Gods name in vain. Have you ever used Jesus name as a cuss word? If you have done that the Bible says you are guilty. No thief no murder and no adultery can enter the kingdom of heaven. Have you ever stolen anything? It does not matter the size or its value. If you have stolen something you are a thief and can not enter the kingdom of heaven. You must be thinking well I did not murder anyone. Well in 1 John 3:15 we are told that if you hate your brother you are a murder. Have you hated anyone? If you have then you have murdered them in your heart? The next one on the list is Adultery. Many may think well I am not even married I could not have done this one. Matthew 5:28 tells us if you lust after a person then you have committed adultery already in your heart with that person. How are you going to do on the day of Judgement. I do not want you to have false hope. I want to make sure you understand what is going to happen. The Bible tells us that all liars will have their place in the lake of fire. Have you ever said something that was not true? It does not matter about the color of the lie. If you told one you are a liar. In the book of James is tells us that if you break one commandment you are guilty of all of them. Gods standard is the 10 commandments. I just went through them with you. God is going to Judge you do not be fooled. He is not corrupt. God is rich in mercy and perfectly just. The only way that can be is if your punishment is paid for. God tells us that our good deeds are like dirty rages to him. If we pay our own fine it will be hell for eternity.

God can only forgive you if God pays your fine. This is how he can do that. God sent is only son Jesus Christ born of a virgin and he lived a perfect life. He always honored his parents. He never broke any of the commandments. He got up on the cross and died on the cross for those that repent and trust in him. God died on the cross and his name is Jesus of Nazareth. He was buried and on the 3rd day he was raised from the dead. Death could not hold him. He was seen by over 500 people. God commands everyone everywhere to repent and trust the Gospel. He tells us to confess and forsake our sins and trust that Jesus is fully God and fully man and died on the cross for those that trust in him. Please trust in him today. If you stand before the Creator of the Universe in your sins you are going to get justice and go to hell but if you stand in front of the Judge in Jesus then you will get Mercy and I am here today begging you to repent and pick mercy.

Now I am Innocent of you blood I did not hoodwink you I told you how it is going to happen. Please think about what you have heard today.

Going to the Rite Aid

2009-07-22T21:54:00.000-04:00

My grandfather had really bad cramps and we asked the nurse if we could have hot packs for his legs. She said that the hospital did not carrry those. I asked if I could go and get ones if they would use them and she said yes. I headed down the hallway and off to the Rite Aid at the bottom of the hill in Oakland. While walking down the hall I heard a women giving people directions to get to Rite Aid. She asked if I knew how to get there and I said sure Follow me I am headed there myself. They told me that their brother who is 32 had a stroke and they had to cut out his ceribelum and that he would have to learn to do all movement over again. She said he was lucky to be alive. I asked the Mom there was a whole family following me if she died today what would happen. She said she hoped she would go to heaven. I told her I would give her a quick test. I asked her if she had told a lie and she said yes. I asked if she had stolen anything and she said yes. I asked if she had used Gods name in vain and she said yes. I asked her if God Judged her by the 10 commandments would she be innocent or guilty and she said guilty and I asked her if she would go to heaven or Hell and she said hell. I explained that Jesus died on the cross for her sins and that to recieve payment for her sins she needed to repent and trust in Jesus on the cross. She said it was interesting that I talked to her about this since she had just been baptized the day before. I thought it was interesting that she did not know all of this before she got Baptized at the "Church of God"

God was in control of that trip to the rite aid. My Grandfathers nurse is using that hot pack that I bought at rite aid every day for him.

Unsaved Grandfather

2009-07-22T17:29:00.001-04:00

My grandfather is dieing and it has been very difficult. I witnessed to my grandfather and I should have done that earlier. He was unable to talk but he grabbed my face and kissed me. He is 85 and was a marine in the 5th wave of Iwo Jima. Watching him go through a bleed in the brain has been very difficult and the hospital that he is at is on the corner where I go and witness every Wednesday. It is funny since many people that I have tried to give tracts to now see me in the hospital in the Neuro ICU caring for my Grandfather. It has been life changing and it is easier to hand out tracts everyday since I am right where I normally go to witness.

Open Air Preaching in Oakland

2009-07-08T10:57:00.001-04:00

Today there was open air preaching in Oakland. People stopped and asked me what we were doing. I went through the good person test with them. They understood that they had lied, stolen and hated and if God judged them by the 10 commandments they would be guilty and go to hell. I explained that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of those that repent and trust that Jesus died on the cross for them. They very very gratefull to hear this message and Pastor Ron talked and prayed with them after they were done listening to me. Then after he prayed with them Pastor Ron got up and took my place with the PA system and preached the gospel. A few people stopped and listened to the gospel.

A Demolition Derby

2009-07-06T19:43:00.001-04:00

People paying to see cars get ruined and crash into each other. It was very exciting to see the cars go up in flames. It was amazing to see how much the cars could take and still keep going. A great preacher talked about if you are on fire for the Lord people will come watch you burn. Go get onfire for the Lord.

Things you do for Love

2009-07-03T15:51:00.001-04:00

I am afraid of heights and I get motion sick. My son wanted to go on all the rides at Kennywood. I took dramaine and told my son that we were going to scream on each of the rides.

Sometimes things are scary and make us sick to our stomach but love pushes us to go out and do those things anyway.

Every time I talk to a non-Christian about the things of God I am scared to death but I pray to God and I do it anyway. I do it because of my love for God and my fear for them is greater than my fear.

Step out and love someone and explain that they are going to stand before a holy and just God and he is going to judge them by the 10 commandments. Ask them if they have broken any of the commandments. Have they lied stolen or hated then they will be seen as a liar a thief and a murder on the day of judgement. Explain that God sent his only son on their behalf to die on the cross to pay their fine. They have to cry out to God to recieve the payment for their sins. Repentance and faith is the cry. One must humble themselves and confess that they are not a good person and trust that Jesus is God and died on the cross for them. Then change their heart and work on not sinning any more.

If you love a person you need to warn them that if they die in their sins they will get Justice and go to hell. If they die in Jesus then they will get mercy and go to heaven.

stepping out in love

2009-07-01T10:49:00.001-04:00

Here is one of my team members stepping out in love and explaining the Gospel to a gentle man in Oakland. They talked for about 20 minutes.

Prayer Book

2009-06-16T16:35:00.001-04:00

I like to carry a book with me to write down the names of the people that I have witnessed to so that I can pray for them. It also gives me a place to put information for contacting those that request a contact. It has been helpful for those days that I see people I have witnessed to and I can find their name in the book.

A Stiring Thought

2009-06-15T21:23:00.000-04:00

I got all my bird stuff up almost like Ray's. I put up the Mirrored film on my back windows in the dinning room. I had bought a bird feeder and had it by the window last year and it did not work because I did not have the mirrored film on the glass. Now I have the bird feeders right up against the glass and the mirrored film. I was thinking about if someone would come and visit my house and see my bird feeders right up against the glass, They would say how much is that worth to you? I then thought of Schindler's List . The ending, the war is over, where he is about to drive away the Jews in the factory have given him a letter saying he saved them and not to hurt him. Schindler's takes off his rings and weeps and says how many people could I have saved with these. He thinks why did I keep these silly rings I could have saved more lives. I think will that be what it is like on Judgement day? Will we look at all our stuff and say how many gospel tracts could I have bought instead of putting up my treasured bird feeders? How many more would have known the truth?
What will mean anything on the day of judgement? How many more could have been saved?

Sometimes there is just not enough Gospel tracts.

2009-06-15T10:07:00.000-04:00

Went to the Stanely Cup Parade and I ran out of tracts 1 hour before the parade started. It was great fun though.

Scripture Cards

2009-06-12T22:39:00.001-04:00

When out witnessing this week I witnessed to a Jehovah's Witness. She tried to tell me all sorts of things but the beautiful thing is that I have these cards with a bunch of scritures on them that go over the Gospel. They go over law, judgement, hell and grace. I was able to dispute her claims by reading different cards from this bunch. It worked out very well. She said she would have to go back and read those verses.

I am now working on a set of cards with verses on them for each cult group that I run into the most. This way I will have key verses for each groups heresies.

This summer I had a card with verses in the old testiment that talk about Jesus and I shared those with a Jewish guy and that worked out great as well.

many people have lists of verses listed in their Bible that are good for each group but then you have to look them up and many times you do not have that kind of time so having the cards with the verses on them really helps out.

I also use these cards to memorize verses.

Bless Every Place You Go.

2009-06-09T17:38:00.000-04:00

I Went to hear Mark Cahill speak in Ford City. He did a great job and I highly recommend anyone going to hear him speak. You can go to markcahill.org to find out when and where he will be speaking next.

After he spoke I went up and asked him advise about an issue I had a week ago.

I had been leaving tracts at my sons school. He stays after school for daycare at his school. The one day I went to pick him up I was going to just pick him up and me and the kids were going strait on vacation no stopping home or anything. I was in a rush and I was not praying before I went in I had not read the Bible that day. I was in a rush. So I go in to get my son and I am greeted by a very angry women almost growling at me. She had a Million dollar bill in her hand and wanted to know if I know what it was and if I had put it out. I told her I did know what it was and asked if someone had complained. She said I know you are a Christian. She said that lots of the kids in the daycare where of other religions and that it was rude to leave Christian literature out for them to see. ( There are tons of ways I should have replied. But lets be honest I almost had heart failure at her composure.) I told her that I would not leave the tracts there anymore. Then I grabbed my two boys and walked out the door. There may have been -+ a few words or sentences but I did not say anything mean in the conversation.

I told Mark Cahill what had happened and asked him for advise. He told me to Bless her. He handed me a twenty dollar bill. That felt strange to take his money. He told me to buy her flowers. The next day guess what I bought with the money? Games....3 board games My son had taught her games that He and I play all the time and now all the kids in the daycare love to play those games. So I went to Tuesday Morning and bought her 3 games. I wrapped them up in nice wrapping paper and bought a pretty bow. When I brought the present in to her when I picked up my son her face and the other lady's face dropped. She was very excited. She commented on the paper and how she loved it. She said thank you and I told her that her daughter would love it too.

Bless every place you go is good advice.

Do not have an answer.

2009-06-08T11:01:00.000-04:00

My 13 year old Dog Edison died today. He has not eaten for 3 days or had any water. We have been carrying him outside and inside for the last few days and now he is Gone. I wish the Bible would tell us where animals go when they die? Are they just dead? Do they go to heaven? Do we humans only live in eternity in heaven or hell since we are made in the image of God. I do not know what to tell my kids. I guess this will be a good time to explain that i do not know everything.

This is what I was sent by a friend.

am very sorry about your family's loss. Our dog has been very sick this last week and seems to be on the mend now, but we have been very worried about her. We also lost our German Shepherd last June. I can be a very difficult time for a family. Here is the info.

Bible Lessons about Animals

ANIMALS AND PEOPLE ARE DIFFERENT CREATIONS: The first thing to note from Scripture is that animals and mankind are two different creations. Man is not a higher animal. Evolution is a lie. Man was created distinctly in the image of God (Ge 1:24-28). Animals were not made in the image of God. Animals do not have a living soul. They are not eternal beings; man is (Ge 2:7). They are described as "made to be taken and destroyed" in 2Pe 2:12. Man is infinitely higher than and different from the animal kingdom. When proud king Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God, his heart was changed from man's to a beast's (Da 4:16). The Lord Jesus Christ referred to the difference between animals and men in Lu 12:5-7. "But I forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows." There are two important truths in this passage about animals and man. First, we see that God does care for animals; he does not forget even the tiny sparrow. Second, though, we see that man is infinitely greater in value than the animals because man has an eternal soul. Man will be held accountable for his actions. Without a Savior, sinful man will spend eternity in Hell. We also see Christ making a clear distinction between men and animals in Mr 5:2-16. Christ had compassion upon the demon possessed man and cast the unclean spirits out of him. The demons begged Christ that they be allowed to enter into a herd of swine which were feeding nearby, and Christ gave them permission to do so.

ANIMALS WERE MADE FOR MAN'S PLEASURE: We see further that the Bible says animals were made for man's pleasure and use. Man was not made for the world; the world was made for man. Even the stars of the universe were made for man (Ps 8:4-8). The Psalmist sees the animal kingdom under man's feet. Throughout the Bible we see examples of men using animals for servitude, riding them for transportation and warfare (Ne 2:12; Ps 32:9; Pr 21:31; Mt 21:1-7), plowing with them (De 25:4), etc. Nowhere in Scripture is this condemned. In fact, the Lord Jesus Christ and His armies will be riding white horses when He returns from Heaven (Re 19:11-14). This does not mean that man has a right to be cruel toward animals; it means man has a divine right to rule over the creation and to use it for his purposes and needs. The Bible enjoins kindness even toward the dumb creatures of this world (Pr 12:10).

ANIMALS ARE FOR MAN'S FOOD: From the time of Noah until today God has ordained that man eat animal flesh (Ge 9:3). The nation Israel ate meat. The Lord Jesus Christ ate meat. The Passover meal was lamb (Ex 12:5-10), and Christ ate the Passover (Mt 26:17-19). He also ate fish (Lu 24:42-43). What about Christians? The Apostle Peter was certainly a Christian, and in a vision from God he was commanded to eat meat (Ac 10:10-13). The vision was to impress Peter that Gentile believers were not unclean, but the fact remains that God commanded Peter to eat of the various meats. God would not have done that if He abhorred meat eating. The vision in Ac 10:1-48 also shows that God has removed the O.T. dietary restrictions. Some would have us believe that restrictions against pork and other meats were for medical purposes. That's not the case. Those restrictions were for the purpose of separating Israel from the nations and for teaching her the difference between holy and unholy. In the N.T. churches God has removed all such dietary restrictions. In fact, the Bible warns against those who would promote vegetarianism. In 1Ti 4:1-5 we read of those who "command to abstain from meats," and we are told that this is a doctrine of devils! The Bible clearly says that God created animals to be eaten. It is not cruel to kill an animal in hunting or fishing, and to eat it. It is not cruel to slaughter animals for food. That is one of the reasons God made animals. Christians are free to eat meats or not to eat meats. This is the teaching of Ro 14:2-3,6. Away with those dietary laws which purport to be Christian. If a Christian wants to eat a certain kind of food-only vegetables, for example-that is fine. If he wants to avoid something such as sugar or pork, fine. Let him eat what he feels God would have him eat, and what he feels will best benefit him. But let that one be careful that he not make his own conscience a law for others. The N.T. forbids dietary laws for religious purposes. Peter describes beasts which are "made to be taken and destroyed" (2Pe 2:12). This refers to animals such as pigs and chickens which are made for man's eating pleasure.

ANIMALS ILLUSTRATE MAN'S SALVATION: Animals were used by God to illustrate salvation to the human race. In the Garden of Eden, when the man and woman had sinned, God made "coats of skins, and clothed them" (Ge 3:21). Where did God get those coats of skins? From innocent animals that died that man might have a covering for his sinful condition. And note that it was God who provided the covering. God must provide salvation. Man cannot earn it himself. Salvation is a gift of grace, "not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph 2:9). From Eden to Calvary, the blood of animals was shed to illustrate salvation. Man is a fallen sinner who must have salvation from sin's penalty, and that salvation was purchased by Jesus Christ on the Cross. There He shed His blood and died for payment for man's sin. Those who trust Him receive eternal life. This is the Gospel which was preached so eloquently by the animal sacrifices. "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world" (Joh 1:29). That is what John the Baptist said of Christ. The Bible enjoins us to Look and Live. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Ac 16:31). Man is the crown of creation, but he is fallen and cannot be what God intended him to be until he is born again through the blood of Christ.

The secret of being content!

2009-06-01T21:11:00.001-04:00

(Letters of John Newton)

"Godliness with contentment is great gain!" 1 Timothy 6:6

August 17, 1776
My dear friend,
It befits every Christian to say--It is not necessary for me to be rich--or what the world accounts wise. It is not necessary for me to be healthy--or admired by my fellow-worms. It is not necessary for me to pass through life in a state of prosperity and outward comfort. These things may be, or they may not be--as the Lord in His wisdom shall appoint them for me.

But it is necessary for me to be humble and spiritual, to seek communion with God, to adorn my profession of the Gospel, and to yield submissively to His disposal, in whatever way, whether of service or suffering--that He shall be pleased to call me to glorify Him in this world. It is not necessary for me to live long--but highly expedient that while I do live--I should live unto Him! Here then, I would bound my desires; and here, having His Word for my rule, I am secured from asking amiss. Let me have His presence, wisdom to know my calling, and opportunities and faithfulness to improve them; and as to the rest, Lord, help me to sincerely pray,
Whatever You will,
whenever You will, and
however You will.

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want!" Philippians 4:11-12

What can you do in an hour?

2009-05-20T16:16:00.000-04:00

This morning I went down to Oakland and on the way down I thought what can be done in 1 hour why go down. I thought about calling my Friend E and did not. I thought it is only a little time what can be done? My friend E called me and said are you going and will you pick me up. I said yes. I prayed on the way for many to be saved and all for His Glory. I picked up E and we practiced our witness on the way. We witnessed 1 to 1 about 10 people then my friend realized that we were 1 minute walk away from the hospital that her friend was in who had kidney replacement and it was failing. We did not have much time but we headed her way. We handed out tracts in the hospital. We found her friend and after talking to her for a while found that her freind was not saved as thought and she was the one that we had gone down to encourage and witness to. It turns out that you can do a lot in an hour. Witness for Christ even if you just have a few moments. It will have eternal consequences.

Repent and Witness

2009-05-16T22:06:00.001-04:00

Many of you by this title would think that my message is to others but this is a message to me. Repent and witness. Today I had a plan. I was going to Oakland to read the sermon on the Mount It was Sermon on the Mount Saturday. Over 100 people would be doing this same thing today and then I was going to my Mom's roommates birthday. I for some reason thought it was not going to be too hard to read the sermon on the Mount. I just had to read it and did not have to memorize anything. I practiced at home and my biggest issues was the pages of the new thinline Bible that I had bought were flipping over in the wind and I was afraid it was going to rain on me and I did not want to get my new Bible wet. I printed out the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and put the sheet into those plastic sheet protectors. I got to Oakland and none of my partners were going to be there. I had hoped they would be there just one of them. I had to walk about the block two times to get up the courage to do it. I decided to hand out some tracts and then I witnessed to a Asian guy to help me get into the swing of things. I set up my stool and could not get up on that stool. I picked up the stool and walked around the block again. I prayed God give my your spirit and transform me. Well a guy asked me for Change and I told him that I did not have any I had given it to the Marines at Walmart. I had a $20 bill and thought that is not change. I should have given him some money. (the sermon on the mount says I should and I did not) I then came back to the intersection that I was going to preach at and the spot that I feel comfortable in is under construction. So then I spent time thinking about where to setup. Finally I just walked over and put the stool down and got on top. Then I was asked by a guy if I needed help. He thought I was putting the papers in my hand on the pole. I thanked him.

I have not shook like this in a long time. Matthew 5-7 takes a long time to read. I had my bullhorn in my bag and a mic that i hold in my hand and I was reading along. It was hard to see the paper with my hand shacking. I was glad it was not the small print of the Bible. I did not look up I just had the 240 Watt bullhorn up to 8 it goes from 0-10 and read. My hand hurt from pushing the button and my mouth went totally dry. When I was done I got down and was afriad I would fall down. There was a group in a mini van behind me that had watched this entire thing. They called me over and wanted to know what I was up to. They said that they could not hear but were amazed at what I was doing. They wanted to know what I had been saying up there. They told me that they wanted to walk up to me and have me turn around but they did not want to scare me. Praise the Lord that they did not tape me on the shoulder or come up to me I might have fainted. I pulled the printout out of the sheet protectors and gave it to one of the girls and she started to read it. I handed out gospel tracts to everyone else in the van and they were very excited. I then walked straight to my car and another person came up to me and I gave them a gospel tract too. I turned out to be quite the curiosity. I must have shook for an hour afterward.

I went to my moms house and before I walked in I said I am not going to witness to anyone tonight. I do not want to upset anyone on their birthday. I had my What if shirt on and did not think about that. My mothers roommate whom I have never witnessed to asked me What if what? I told her What if you died today would you go to heaven or Hell. She pointed up and said I hope. I said Wow. that is it. I am prepared to give a reason for the hope that is within me. I did not. It was her birthday and I thought I did not come here to upset her. Then I went into the bathroom to pray and ask for forgiveness. How cruel not to tell her she is not going to heaven. I had my chance and did not. Ten minutes later my aunt asks me the same thing. I said what if you died today what would happen? she said oh wow. I did not witness to my unsaved aunt. The entire reason I made this tie dye What if shirt is so my loved ones would bring up the things of God and it had worked and I did not witness to them.

Accourding to the sermon on the mount I can not judge anyone that does not witness since I had my chance to witness to the two people who have been on my heart and I did not. Judge not others or you will be judged by that same standard. I did not witness to them. I have to repent and witness to them. It was a night of fear for me.

It brings tears to my eyes. I am humbled.

Advertisement for God

2009-05-13T19:16:00.000-04:00

I found an advertisement on my driveway in a bag with rocks in it. I thought I could do that with million dollar bills. People that are really scared could do that and drive around at 2am in the morning and through them onto peoples driveways. That is what they do for the hair cutting places why not for the gospel. It is legal.

Check Out Girl

2009-05-12T17:11:00.000-04:00

Today I went shopping and the checkout lady was bummed about having to work today. It was beautiful outside. She had off yesterday and it was raining and not so nice. I gave her a million dollar bill I told her I hoped it would make her feel better she said yes. She laughed and put it aside to read later. You can go to www.livingwaters.com and click on store and they have tons of great gospel tracts that are fun and people ask for more. I did not say anything to that women but I can now pray for her to read it later and get saved.

Hartwood Acres

2009-05-09T11:51:00.001-04:00

We went to Hartwood Acres today to teach the kids how to ride bikes and such. While we were there I handed out Gospel tracts. It seems that it is very hard to give gospel tracts to those that believe they can buy everything and they have enough money to buy whatever they need.

The one issue is that you can not bribe a Good Judge. They would not accept the gospel tracts and so they did not read and see that they were in trouble. Some people do not realize that they are blessed with little and that is a blessing indeed.

Had they read the gospel tracts they would have read the following.

The Million dollar question will you go to heaven when you die? Here's a quick test. have you ever told a lie, stolen anything, or used God's name in vain? Jesus said whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultry with her in his heart. Have you look with lust?Will you be guilty on Judgement day? If you have done those things GOD sees you as a lying theiving blasphemous adulterer at heart. the bible Warns that if you are guilty you will end up in hell. God is not willing that any perish. He sent his son to suffer and die on the cross for sinners. We broke God's law but Jesus paid our fine. That means he can legally dismiss our case. He can commute our death sentence. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believed in him should not perish but have everlasting life." Then he rose from the dead and defeated death. Please repent(turn from sin) today and God will grant everlasting life to all who trust in Jesus. Then read your Bibole daily and obey it.

Many will not take a Gospel tract since they believe they have everything. Many believe they are too smart to believe in Jesus. Pride will put many people into Hell.

Why we go out

2009-05-06T10:27:00.000-04:00

1 Peter 4 1-11

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Tony Knows

2009-05-02T19:18:00.001-04:00

Tony knew the gospel. His Mother was an evangalist. Tony is not born again. He knew that he was not a good person and that he had broken the 10 commandments. He knew he was going to go to hell but he was not ready to recieve Jesus's payment on the cross for his sins. He was not ready to repent and trust in Jesus. We Prayed for Tony he is part of a civil rights case right now. He was glad to have the prayers.

NEEDGOD.COM

2009-05-02T18:07:00.000-04:00

John asked to come with me to Oakland to witness and I was not going to say no. This is him writing with chalk on the sidewalk near the benches. WWW.NEEDGOD.COM. He had a great time and asked me if he could go the next time I went out. I told him that he certianly could. John handed out about 50 gospel tracts. This was the first time that he asked to go out with me.

That unclean donkey is yourself! (Charles Spurgeon)

2009-05-02T11:56:00.000-04:00

"You must redeem the firstborn donkey with a lamb. But if you do not redeem it--you must kill the donkey by breaking its neck!" Exodus 34:20
Every firstborn creature must be the Lord's--but since the donkey was unclean, it could not be presented in sacrifice to Him. What then? Should it be allowed to go free from the universal law? By no means! God admits of no exceptions. The donkey is His due--but He will not accept it; He will not abate the claim--but yet He cannot be pleased with the unclean victim. No way of escape remained, but redemption--the donkey must be saved by the substitution of a lamb in its place; or if not redeemed, it must die!
My soul, here is a lesson for you! That unclean donkey is yourself! You are justly the property of the Lord who made you and preserves you--but you are so sinful that God will not, cannot, accept you! It has come to this--the Lamb of God must stand in your stead--or you must die eternally! Let all the world know of your gratitude to that spotless Lamb who has died for you, and so redeemed you from the fatal curse of the law!
Must it not sometimes have been a question with the Israelite, as to which should die--the donkey or the lamb? Would not the man pause to estimate and compare the values of these animals? Assuredly there was no comparison between the value of a sinful man--and the spotless Lord Jesus! Yet the Lamb dies--and man the donkey is spared! My soul, admire the boundless love of God to you! Vile worms are bought--with the blood of the holy Lamb of God! Dust and ashes are redeemed--with a price far above silver and gold! What a doom would have been mine--had not plenteous redemption been found!
The breaking of the neck of the donkey was but a momentary penalty. But who shall measure the eternal wrath to come--to which no limit can be imagined! Inestimably dear is the glorious Lamb--who has redeemed me from such a doom!

Their Worm does not die.

2009-04-30T20:11:00.000-04:00

I have recited Mark 9:48 serveral times and I just understood its meaning tonight and I have to say I am even happier that I am not going to hell. I looked it up in several versions to make sure that what I was seeing was what I was thinking.

Mark 9:47-48 (New International Version)
47And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48where
" 'their worm does not die,
and the fire is not quenched.'[a]

Mark 9:47-48 (New American Standard Bible)

47"(A)If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into (B)hell,

48(C)where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND (D)THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.

Mark 9:47-48 (Amplified Bible)
47And if your eye causes you to stumble and sin, pluck it out! It is more profitable and wholesome for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell (Gehenna),

48Where their worm [[a]which preys on the inhabitants and is a symbol of the wounds inflicted on the man himself by his sins] does not die, and the fire is not put out.(A)

Mark 9:47-48 (New Century Version)
47 If your eye causes you to sin, take it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell.48 In hell the worm does not die; the fire is never put out.

Mark 9:47-48 (English Standard Version)
47(A) And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into(B) hell, 48'where(C) their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.'

Cross references:
Mark 9:47 : Matt 5:29; 18:9
Mark 9:47 : Matt 5:22, 29
Mark 9:48 : Isa 66:24

Wow that just gives me a bad feeling inside. That worm thing is yuk.

Women tried to kill her husband

2009-04-29T14:26:00.000-04:00

Today in Oakland I talked to a women in a wheel chair who did not think she was going to go to heaven since she was not a good person. She said that she was one that would never take anything from anyone. She told me that she had tried to kill her husband but was unsucessful. She told me that he had stabbed her first and she really did not know why. She had gone to prison and had prayed to get out of there. She told me that she got angry at people all the time and could see that she was not a good person. I explained that God created us and did not create us to be robots. God knew we would not be able to keep his law and that he sent his only son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of those who repent and put their trust in him. I told her that it is Gods rightiousness that gets us to heaven and not ours. She told me that she liked talking to me. She told me that her friend keeps asking her to go to her church. I pray that she does start going to church and puts her trust in Jesus's rightiousness.

Your children (Charles Spurgeon)

2009-04-28T15:07:00.001-04:00

"Bring him unto Me!" Mark 9:19

Despairingly the poor disappointed father turned away from the disciples, to their Master. His son was in the worst possible condition, and all means had failed--but the miserable child was soon delivered from the evil one, when the parent in faith obeyed the Lord Jesus' word, "Bring him unto Me!"

Your children are a precious gift from God--but much anxiety comes with them. They may be a great joy--or a great bitterness to their parents. They may be filled with the Spirit of God--or possessed with the spirit of evil. In all cases, the Word of God gives us one recipe for the curing of all their ills, "Bring them unto Me!"

O for more agonizing prayer on their behalf, while they are yet babes. Sin is there, let our prayers begin to attack it.

In the days of their youth we shall see sad tokens of that dumb and deaf spirit, which will neither pray aright, nor hear the voice of God in the soul--but Jesus still commands, "Bring them unto Me!"

When they are grown up, they may wallow in sin and foam with enmity against God! Then, when our hearts are breaking--we should remember the great Physician's words, "Bring them unto Me!" Never must we cease to pray for them--until they cease to breathe. No case is hopeless--while Jesus lives.

The Lord sometimes allows His people to be driven into a corner--that they may experimentally know how necessary He is to them. Ungodly children, when they show us our own powerlessness against the depravity of their hearts--drive us to flee to the Strong One for strength--and this is a great blessing to us!

Whatever this day's need may be, let it like a strong current--bear us to the ocean of divine love! Jesus can soon remove our sorrow. He delights to comfort us. Let us hasten to Him--while He waits to meet us!

'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace.

2009-04-27T20:04:00.000-04:00

Jer 6:10-19 To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ears are uncircumcised, they cannot listen; behold, the word of the LORD is to them an object of scorn; they take no pleasure in it. Therefore I am full of the wrath of the LORD; I am weary of holding it in. "Pour it out upon the children in the street, and upon the gatherings of young men, also; both husband and wife shall be taken, the elderly and the very aged. Their houses shall be turned over to others, their fields and wives together, for I will stretch out my hand against the inhabitants of the land," declares the LORD. "For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, 'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown," says the LORD. Thus says the LORD: "Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it. I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not pay attention.' Therefore hear, O nations, and know, O congregation, what will happen to them. Hear, O earth; behold, I am bringing disaster upon this people, the fruit of their devices, because they have not paid attention to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it.

Preach to one person

2009-04-22T16:50:00.000-04:00

I was stoplight preaching on Hollywood Blvd on Friday. I go through the following over and over again.

" The Million dollar question is: if you died today would you go to heaven or to hell? Here is a quick test: If you told 1 lie, stole one thing, hated one person or lusted after one person God sees you as a liar, a thief, and murder and an adulter at heart. If God judges you by the 10 commandments you would be guilty and go to Hell. Jesus died on the cross for the sins of those who repent and put there trust in Jesus. God commands everyone everywhere to repent and obey the Gospel. For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have ever lasting life. Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life no one comes to the father but by me. Please I beg of you repent and put your trust in Jesus dieing on the cross."

There was a woman in a pink head scarf or vail. She watched me preach as she walked by and I turned and preached to her. She smiled and seemed to listen the entire way. I am not sure how she did not bump into anyone even 10 feet past me she still had her head turned my way. She is probably someone who would not have stopped to listen to me but she listened and smiled as I preached to her. I pray for the women to get saved every night.

Preach even if you do not have an Audience

2009-04-22T15:40:00.000-04:00

I preached the gospel on Friday in Glendale CA. While preaching there was no one that I could see was listening. Several people told me that they could hear me 2 blocks away preaching the gospel. I learned that night to preach to an audiance of one. (God) The next day I was preaching at Huntington beach. I picked Marci out of a crowd of about 100. Marci heard me preach the gospel on Friday night in Glendale CA while he was eating dinner. I did not know that anyone heard me. He and his girlfriend saw me preaching and remembered me from the night before and I picked him out of the crowd to take the good test. Here is what happened next.

Great Things to Come

2009-04-13T15:55:00.000-04:00

In the seventies God moved in a great way in Pittsburgh. My heart is praying for that to happen again. We had seven people out with us last week handing out gospel tracts and witnessing 1 2 1. On Wednesday we had 3 of us out in Oakland sharing our faith. What a wonderful day they both were.

If you run into this blog and want to get trained up to share your faith and you have a love for Pittsburghers please contact me. If you are in another city then I recommend that you go to : http://www.wayofthemaster.com/videolessons.shtml

The Way of the Master has a great way to share your faith that is Biblical and gets people soundly saved. One of my elders uses it because it is very conversational. He does not go out and hit the streets like I do but it is very effective to helping people see their need of a savior.

Pray that God will move mountains in Pittsburgh.

That is all they have to enjoy (Charles Spurgeon)

2009-04-13T15:54:00.001-04:00

"Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity!" Psalm 119:37
No Christian enjoys comfort--when his eyes are fixed on vanity.
I do not blame ungodly men for rushing to their pleasures. Why should I? Let them have their fill. That is all they have to enjoy! A godly wife who despaired of her husband's salvation, was always very kind to him, for she said, "I fear that this is the only world in which he will be happy--and therefore I have made up my mind to make him as happy as I can in it."
Christians must seek their delights in a higher sphere--than the insipid frivolities or sinful enjoyments of the world. Vain amusements are dangerous to renewed souls. It is when the Christian departs from God, becomes spiritually starved, and endeavors to feed on vanities--that the devil discovers his vantage hour. O for grace to sincerely pray, "Remove vanity and lies far from me!" Proverbs 30:8

New Friend

2009-04-01T15:20:00.000-04:00

The best blessing is to have a partner to go out and witness with. I found a new person to witness with today. Well she found me. She is a person faithful to witnessing. Going out and sharing the Gospel with an other person really makes all the difference. It pushes you to witness more and give you more boldness. If you have a friend that goes out and witnesses by themselves I would beg you to get trained and go out and witness with them just for that person that goes out and witnesses. What a great blessing you would be.

What if Shirt

2009-04-01T15:16:00.000-04:00

Last week I went to MOPS and I had a new tee shirt that I made on. A women that I would never had guessed was not a Christian asked me about it. She said is it what if I get to eat all the ice cream I wanted. I said What if you died to day would you go to heaven or hell. She said why does it have to be that. I said well it is an important question where would you go. She did not believe in an actual Hell. She thought everyone went to heaven as long as they did not murder anyone. She thought she could just ask and she would be forgiven. I asked her if your mother was raped and killed and the judge is a good judge he will punish the man. Then I said if I had my son die in that mans place then the judge could be just and let the guy go. Then I explained Jesus dieing on the cross for the sins of those that repent and trust in his death and she asked for a website and I gave her way of the master sight. It was great. I am going to make some more of these tee shirts.

The Mediator

2009-02-24T21:33:00.000-05:00

Today this will be what I used to persuade Men.

I am standing here because when I was a student here no one told me what I am about to tell you. No one took the time to explain this to me. Had I understood this then I would have avoided a lot of pain.

10 out of 10 die it is the ultimate statistic. We are all going to die and then comes the Judgement.

If you died today would you go to heaven or hell? Here is the quick test. If you told 1 lie if you stole one thing if you hated one person? God sees you as a liar a thief and a murder. If God judged you by the 10 commandments you would be guilty and go to hell. "God has commanded that you repent of your sin and forsake your sin. He has commanded you to believe the gospel and, by faith alone, receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Jesus said, 'Unless a person is born again they will not see the kingdom of God.' And if God, through His grace, mercy, and love causes you to be born again; then, as a result you will turn from your sin and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. So, please, I beg of you. Repent and believe the gospel while God has given you time."

What if What?

2009-02-15T20:32:00.000-05:00

I witnessed to a girl tonight. She saw my What if? bracelet and said what if what? I said " What if you died tonight would you go to heaven or hell?" She said she was going to go to hell since she was a firefighter. She said it was a well known fact that all fire fighters go to Hell. I asked her why she thought that. She told me that her pastor told her that and went over verses in the Bible to show her that was the case. I tried to explain to her that was not the case and explained why people do go to hell and what Jesus died for and that with repentance and faith she would go to heaven too. She told me that her pastor assured her what she was saying was true and I told her she needed a new pastor and told her to go to our church. I told her that there were lots of fire fighters at our church and that they were saved and going to go to heaven. I told her she needed a new pastor. I wrote this pastor an email to see what he has to say.
I am assuming that this girl is making this up but what if she is not?What if this pastor is an apostate pastor? What would one do? He would be leading a whole flock to hell.

Talking to two Hindus

2009-02-11T13:34:00.000-05:00

Today I went down to the University of Pittsburgh to witness. I handed out about 500 tracts and talked to two Hindus. They talked to me for about an hour. I explained to them that if they had broken Gods law and if God was good then God would send all liars, thieves and murders to Hell. God could n0t be bribed by works of good deeds and that in a court of law it would not mater what other things they did good. The judge would put them in jail for the laws they broke. I explained that God knew they were going to mess up and he came and lived a perfect life on earth and died on the Cross for their sins. To receive the payment for their sins they would have to change their minds about sin and decide that breaking Gods laws is a terrible thing to do and stop breaking Gods laws and Trust everything they do to the Lord Jesus Christ believing that He is fully God fully Man and died on the cross for their sins.