From Lost Shoe to Tracting up the Place...

 See the Shoe?

I do not know whether other people notice shoes that are abandoned out in public, but I do.  I have seen them on the side of the road, in parking lots, and even right in the middle of busy hotspots like the Power and Light District.  

(I'm not sure how one loses a shoe when out and about.  

-Is it rejected and cast aside purposely?  

-Did it fall off and the owner didn't notice?

-Did it fall out of a vehicle when the door opened?

-Was it left by a person being kidnapped, to leave a clue, to help law enforcement to find and rescue him?

-Did the owner simply get tired of it, and just say, "Shoo"?

Sorry, these possibilities came to mind, and I ran with it.)  

Whenever I do see a shoe left out in the open square, I am reminded of a certain verse of Scripture: 

In Mark 8:36, Jesus says, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"  

I like to use it as an object lesson.  If I see it while I'm witnessing or street preaching, I will often point it out, and springboard from the lost sole to the lost soul and the Gospel. 

Today, when I saw the shoe pictured above out in a QuikTrip parking lot, I decided to make it into a Truth dispenser.  I wrote a note on a card, put some tracts in it, and placed it where it could be seen.  

From a shoe that used to leave tracks, to a shoe where tracts have been left for others. 

Abortion must be abolished.    

Someone's Throwing Stuff!

 A Public Service Announcement for my Christian brethren...

When you stand publicly for Christ and those made in His image, delivering truth in a world that loves lies, whether you are speaking or simply holding a sign, you may find that not everyone will approve or appreciate or applaud that outreach.  Some will heckle, try to drown out or block, or even throw stuff at the evangelist.  This is not new.  Men like Stephen (Acts 7:54-60), and later Paul (Acts 14:5,19), had stones thrown to execute them (Of course, Paul got back up from it-Acts 14:20).  Most of the time the throwing of objects is not fatal.

George Whitefield, John Wesley, and other street preachers in the past (like the old time Salvation Army with William Booth) have proclaimed the Gospel and been the recipients of all manner of suffering, including being pelted with tomatoes, heads of old lettuce, and rotten eggs. 

And it should be no surprise, for we are assured of the blessing of persecution.  Philippians 1:129 "for unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"  It ought to be confessed that having produce hurled at you is on the lower end of persecution, but it is on the scale.

Many Christians involved in open air ministry have experience this.  It is almost a badge of service, with an honorable history, to be treated thus while countering evils, and sharing the precious way of salvation.  We can, by God's grace, "Count it all joy".

Matthew 5:10-12 "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

Luke 6:22-23 "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets."

It is one paradox of the Christian walk, that believers persecuted for the LORD, can simultaneously be weeping and leaping.  Weeping over the hardness of men's hearts and leaping at the privilege to share in that suffering.

I myself have had a variety of objects, including snowballs, bottles, cups, cigarettes, and spittle cast my way, water dumped on me, or thrown in my face.  People briving by who see us may lob anything that comes to hand, whether it be a glass bottle of Starbucks coffee, an unopened water bottle, a cup filled with pop, or even a large container of hand sanitizer with a pump! [I hasten to say that in many incidents, the objects do not make contact, as many people have lousy aim, especially those throwing from a car window.] 

Most of the time it seems like a spur of the moment choice, a knee-jerk reaction as it were, though some months ago, someone made the premeditated choice to prep an open bottle filled with urine.  That is in the photo below, now empty of its contents.

Yes, diverse things have been tossed, but I say one of the more unique items is the last instance I will mention here.  A few weeks ago, someone was so reckless in their rush to express their disapproval, that when they grabbed for the contents of their cupholder and threw as they drove past, it so happened that, including in the trash and bottle, was a number of coins.  I will admit that I desire to see change to do ministry, but not that kind.

And this morning, while standing at the same place, I found two more of the coins that remained, to pennies as you can see.

Those of you who engage in public evangelism, did you ever have money thrown at you in opposition of your outreach?  Looking down at my hand, I realize that maybe they were just trying to give me their two cents worth.  This could be quite the example of sacrificial giving, considering the lack of sense in our society today.

Abortion must be abolished.

Lift Up Your Voice Like a Trumpet

It ought to be confessed that far too few members of the body of Christ in our society have ever stood once outside an abortion death camp as ambassadors for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  

Even smaller are the numbers of Christians who stand at such murder mills on a regular basis, say, daily, weekly, or monthly.  Way too seldom are there believers found on site to pray, preach, or plead, or even be present.  This is a grief on a number of levels.   

I will address one sad issue that this fact can cause.  Since the vast majority of Bible believing Christians are so unlikely to have a regular presence at the final lines, seeking to open their mouths to speak for the weak (Proverbs 31:8-9), preach the saving Gospel (Mark 16:15), and deliver those who are drawn unto death (Proverbs 24:11-12), there are many multitudes in churches who don't know what it is like. 

Often, Christians can make assumptions, and imagine caricatures of how such a ministry is done.  This can be based on  how the culture at large depicts the scene, from claims of professionals who profess that preaching at the mills doesn't work, or from snippets of video of some individuals, or the testimony of others they trust. 

It is all too easy for churches or individuals to assume and take in allegations on how the relatively small numbers of their brothers and sisters do their outreach at the gates of death, how they conduct themselves, and how they communicate.  Now, it is certainly possible for Christians to react in the flesh at times, and thus it is vital for us to be yielded to the Spirit, according to the Scriptures, and be constrained by the love of the Savior.  But it is easy for those who are not seeing the whole to embrace the picture that Christians at the mill in general, are unhinged and unbridled in their manner.

Not long ago, I was informed by a fellow Christian, that he had heard from a trusted source that the source was out at the murder mill once when I was, and that he believed I was a "yeller", a "screamer" at the abortion mill, which was a vague accusation without giving much detail.  The following was my response:

"This seems an unclear and subjective claim.  You did not say who the brother was, or when this happened, so it is a vague report, and thus I cannot speak with certainty as to what he meant.  

Was it simply that I seek to be heard by the people I am trying to reach?  If the testimony simply meant that I “yell”, then it brings up some important considerations.  

There have been people, including Christians, who have reacted to preaching at the abortion mill at all, saying that it is wrong or won’t work, characterizing any raising of the volume as yelling.  But the word “yell” is a subjective one.  What does it mean to that person?  What does it mean to you?  

Is it (A) merely the raising of the volume so that a voice can be heard clearly?  

Is it (B) calling urgently?  

Or is it (C) screaming in a nasty tone?  

(A) If “yelling” is speaking in louder voice with greater projection so that people can hear, then shouldn’t our standard be the Scripture over our own sensibilities?

1-How is wisdom said to communicate?  Proverbs 1:20-21 “Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: 21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying” Is this wise to do?  Does this constitute yelling in a right or wrong way? 

2-God commanded His servant to do something in Isaiah 58:1. “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”  Was this that God commanded the type of yelling that you or the claimant think of?

3-On the day of Pentecost: Acts 2:14 “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:” Was Peter wrongly yelling at the people, or was he preaching loudly to the people? 

4-The example of our LORD Jesus: John 7:37 “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.”  Was Jesus yelling at the feast, or declaring the truth about Himself so that the attendees could hear?

(B) If “yelling” is calling out urgently, then how should we speak when someone is walking towards a cliff, whether to jump off themselves, or throw their child off?  Should we not speak as if babies are being murdered when babies are being murdered?  Should I not call out with urgency if a building is on fire, and I need help from others who are farther away?  If I can’t get closer and I am pleading for a child who is imminently about to be stabbed or poisoned, should I keep my voice down?  In Overland Park, the people sitting in their cars or walking in are often hundreds of feet away.  I do use amplification there so that my voice can remain steady and yet be heard.  I do “lift my voice” to those entering to have mercy on their child.  I plead for the life of babies as I would want someone to plead for me if I was being dragged inside.  I use a voice of declaration and surety when calling people to repent and believe the Gospel.  I do call abortion the sin of murder, because it is murder and because I know the God who can save murderers.  And I have seen the fruit.  I have held babies who were saved from murder because I did so.  I have had mothers hug and thank me years later because I lifted up my voice for their child. 

(C) Or is “yelling” screaming or speaking loudly in a nasty tone?  If that is what is being interpreted by the word “yelling”, I do not by nature ever yell.  I am not rude, crude, or unloving in my manner, and loathe that sort of language.  I do not want to bring dishonor to my precious Savior.  I know that it is my own word on the matter, but will give a few instances of what others have testified, which should be of substance.

-from a lawyer: One pastor and attorney was given a video sample of my preaching and pleading, in which someone was claiming that I was threatening violence, and after watching the whole thing, told me there was no evidence of the claims, but rather that I sounded compassionate and caring, even as I called people to turn and rescue their baby.   

-from abortive mothers: I have had a number of individual moms who had murdered their children in the past hear me preaching, and approach me to thank me and say that they wished someone had preached like that when they were going in, because they were sure that they would have been persuaded to not kill their children.

-from the opposition: A volunteer for Planned Parenthood for some years had engaged against us alongside the scoffers, pagans, and Satanists, had ample time and opportunity to witness my approach and preaching from the other side.  His side of the line, the deathscorts and cheerleaders of child sacrifice were always accusing us of hatred, "yelling", and harassment of women, and all manner of evil.  But a little over a year ago, he contacted us abolitionists to say that he only ever saw hatred coming from his side.  He didn’t sense any hatred or nastiness from us.  Because of the abuse he had witnessed against us, the vile words, and reviling hurled at us, and our patient bearing and continued preaching and pleading, he finally gave up volunteering alongside them. 

To add to the three sorts of witnesses above, I would say that the best way for you to know the truth about my ministry is to come see and hear for yourself.  Abortion must be abolished,

"You Aren't Doing It Right."

It just so happens that occasionally when a follower of Jesus Christ is evangelizing in the public square, another Christian will approach him.  

Of course, one may assume that the newly arriving believer is there to stand in solidarity with a brother, and help hold another sign, 

to hand out Gospel tracts,

take a turn proclaiming truth to the hearers, 

or maybe just stand nearby to lift up the engagement in prayer support. 

Or that at least that they will say, "Amen!" or "So grateful to see you out here for the Gospel!"

However, that is not nearly as common as you might think!  

Most often, they approach with the statement: "You are not doing it the right way."

I personally endeavor, when in such a situation, to listen before I speak.  I know that it is good to be patient and humble when dealing with a brother or sister in Christ, even when they are communicating criticism.  Criticism can be constructive.

But sadly, most often their advice does not contain good instruction or Biblical directives, merely personal opinion.

And I have found that they most likely do not have experience in open air evangelism or abortion mill ministry themselves, but they are certain that what I am doing should be done another way. 

A way that is not so bold, not so offensive, not so loud.  

Below are several of their objections, and Scriptural foundation for why we do what we do.  

I. 

Objection:

"Loudly preaching in the city streets is never effective—open air preaching is not a productive way to communicate truth."

Scriptural foundation:

Proverbs 1:20 "Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:"

Proverbs 1:21 "She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words..."

Proverbs 8:1 "Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?"

Proverbs 8:2 "She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths."

Proverbs 8:3 "She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors."

II. 

Obection:

"Jesus had one on one conversations with people—He was personal!  He did not, nor would not, condone street preaching."  [Sadly, this statement reveals a shocking lack of knowledge of what Jesus actually did.] 

Scriptural Foundation:

As we read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), we find that during Jesus' time here on Earth, He spent a huge portion of His ministry preaching to multitudes, which included places like the sea shores, mountainsides, streets in towns and cities (all open air).  Jesus went where the people were.  

Mark 5:21 "And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the o"ther side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea."

John 6:3 "And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples...Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him..."

Rom 10:14-15 "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

Luke 14:23 "And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled."

Fact check: My street preaching has lead to many one on one conversations, as well as ongoing discipleship.

Reality check: Jesus preached more in the public square than most Christian pastors or Bible teachers do today.  

III. 

Objection:

"Calling out to people sounds like you are yelling at them—you are turning them off by your manner.  And holding pictures of aborted babies (at the places that are killing babies) will only repel a mother from coming to talk with you—she needs your compassion, not your condemnation."

Scriptural foundation:

Ezekiel 33:8-9 "When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul."

Ezekiel 7:23, 22:2 "Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.  Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt shew her all her abominations."

Proverbs 31:8-9 "Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy."

It is sad that many believers, when exposed to street ministry, will boldly state in passing (or in outright condemnation on the ministry), "You are doing it all wrong!"  

They assert that anything we do that might "feel" fanatical or uncomfortable to them must be ineffective and unloving.  That opinion is based solely on a humanistic worldview and exposes their wrong thinking.  

I remember one such man who was concerned with my manner of ministry specifically outside of the abortion mill. He urged me to "follow Isaiah 58" instead of what I was doing (which happened to be calling out to women with truth and the gospel—offering them help and hope in Christ, and our families willingness to assist them in their time of need).

Isaiah 58 gives directives for believers to fast and pray in order to loose the bands of the oppressed, brake every yoke of those burdened with sin, to give bread to the hungry, and to bring the poor into our own homes (important parts of loving our neighbor as we love ourselves)—but the very first verse of Isaiah 58 tells the reader exactly how God desires His word to be proclaimed.  I quickly turned in my Bible and read out loud the very beginning of the passage to that man, 

"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins" (Isaiah 58:1).

I then turned to him and stated, "Brother, I appreciate your exhortation—but that is exactly what I am doing."

Most Christians who react to the public proclamation of the Gospel (outside of some scheduled respectable church service) as to being loud or too forthright or lacking a personal touch, have actually never engaged in such a discipline themselves.

The following is a line of dialogue that I have experienced on many occasions: 

(A. approaching Christian  B. Bible preaching Christian)

A. "I don't think you should evangelize the lost this way."

B. "Oh? If there is a Biblical way to do it better, I would be grateful to learn.  Could you share with me how YOU evangelize the lost?"

A. "Um, I don't really, haven't ever, well, I don't actually go out to evangelize the lost..."

B. "Then I must say that I think the way that I am doing it is better than the way that you are NOT doing it."

Let's get busy with the work of Evangelism, Church.  It is our duty!  Work for the night is coming.

Abortion must be abolished.