How Many Clifford's Are Out There?

One recent evening, returning from a hospital visit with my father-in-law, I had to stop for gas on the long ride home. It was late. I was thirsty and tired. That's when I noticed a sign with an offer I could not refuse: "Free Fountain Soda with 10-Gallon Fill-Up".

After pumping enough diesel to more than double the soda requirement, I glanced over at the convenience mart. I could easily see through the plate glass that the young man working inside was leaning against a counter reading a magazine.

I must admit that I routinely pass on striking up conversations with people at work if they look busy. I do not want to be the cause of a manager taking them aside to remind them they are paid to work, not talk. This young man was clearly not busy.

Just before heading inside I grabbed my Bible, a tract, and a copy of Mark Cahill's One Heartbeat Away, my favorite book to hand to non-Christians.

As I walked toward the door, I ran several conversation starters through my head and imagined how I might turn the conversation to the gospel. Such mental gymnastics are good, I suppose, but I've never had a conversation that followed the dialogue I construct in my head. The point here is to never talk yourself out of sharing the gospel because of an imaginary conversation. Give the Lord a chance to lead you in the actual conversation.

In I go. I asked about the free soda offer, then I struck up a short conversation with with the employee. Nothing special, just everyday talk. The young man, Clifford, seemed relieved to talk with someone rather than continue with his magazine. After a few minutes I decided to turn the conversation to the gospel with, "I'm working on a project, would you mind answering a question?"

People seem to love this question. I don't know if it's because they get an opportunity to influence the outcome of my research, if their curiosity is piqued, or if they simply recall their own struggles to complete some school project and now feel compelled to minimize my own pain. What I do know is that so far no one has ever said, "No, thanks."

"Sure," was the helpful reply, "what's the question?"

"On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being 'I could be entirely wrong,' and 10 being 'I am absolutely certain that I am right,' how would you rate your spiritual beliefs?"

Clifford told me "5." I asked what his spiritual background was and he told me, "Christian."

"Wow," I said, "You're Christian today but tomorrow there is a 50-50 chance you'll walk away?"

We chatted about his upbringing, how he once asked Jesus into his heart and now feels totally disconnected from the church. I told him that when I meet people who feel this way, I ask one important question: "Do you consider yourself to be a good person?"

"Yes, I think I'm a pretty good person."

"Interesting. Do you mind if I walk you through a quick test to see if that's true?"

Clifford was intrigued now, and smiling. He gave me an enthusiastic, "Sure!"

So, I walked him through a few of the Ten Commandments. In less than two minutes, Clifford's smile had faded and he was serious. He had quickly admitted to being a liar, a thief, an adulterer, and a murderer. When faced with the question, "If God judged you by the Ten Commandments, would you be innocent or guilty?" he clearly understood that a 5-rating is not comforting.

I spent the next few minutes clearly explaining the gospel to Clifford. Before I left he knew that he needed to repent and trust the Savior, not just recite a prayer.

As I left I told Clifford, "I don't believe God brought me here tonight just to get a free drink. We met for a reason." Clifford agreed, and thanked me for taking the time to talk with him.

How many Clifford's are out there? How many people have falsely convinced themselves that they are Christians without understanding the holiness of God, or their need to repent and trust in the risen Savior?

Armor up, Christian! Carry your Bible where ever you go. Read it to prepare yourself to defend the truth in season and out. Carry tracts and your favorite apologetic books to hand out. There are many more Clifford's out there who need to understand the true gospel, before it's too late.

A Great Conversation Starter

I am always looking for ways to start conversations with people. Because of this, I try to listen carefully to the first few sentences when people begin speaking. Sometimes I hear a question or a statement that works well in nearly any situation. Some people call these statements and questions "Ice breakers". Two of my favorites, courtesy of Mark Cahill, are:

"Hello. Do you mind if I ask you an interesting question?" and,

"Hello. I'm working on a project, would you be willing to answer a few questions?"

In addition to these, I find it works well to begin a conversation simply by asking about something the person is wearing, a distinguishing mark (such as a tatoo), or something they are doing.

Recently, while listening to Todd Friel on Wretched Radio (WretchedRadio.com), I heard another conversation starter that I have added to my arsenal: "Hello. Can I ask you, on a scale of one to ten, how you would rate your spiritual beliefs: with one being, "I could easily be wrong", and ten being, "I am unquestionably certain that my beliefs are true."

There is nothing offensive or off-putting about this question, and it allows the person to tell you something about themselves before you share your own rating, and then the gospel. In addition, you gain tremendous insight into their willingness to hear what you have to say.

Why not give it a try the next time you feel the tug of the Holy Spirit prompting you to be a bold witness for Jesus Christ?

Do You Think It's Wrong To Wear Polyester?

It is sometimes amazing that folks who do not follow the Lord will attempt to use His Holy Word to challenge those who do. The headline of today's article, "Do you think it's wrong to wear polyester?" is one such challenge. Let's look at this challenge in today's post.

When sharing the gospel it is common for a non-believer to become uncomfortable as you reveal truth. Darkness does not seek the light, so when the doorway to truth begins to open and light pours in, they seek to escape. Perhaps by moving the conversation in a new direction, the door will pause in its progress, halting the approaching brightness of truth. This type of defense is a non-sequitur, or a topic that does not fit in the logical progression of a conversation. A frequent type of non-sequitur, including tossing out random Biblical verses, is called a red-herring.

A red herring is used to divert attention, or change the course of the conversation. This tells you that the person is uncomfortable, and wants to either put you on the defensive or create a line of discussion that is more to their liking.

Do not allow the conversation to suddenly move off topic. Your reply should immediately lead back to the main point of the gospel. Consider handling it with a simple, "That's an interesting question, let's talk about it after I finish this point." I've heard Ray Comfort deflect red-herrings with the simple statement, "Interesting," before immediately returning to the point he was making. You do not need to get off track, but you do need to understand what is happening: the person feels convicted. Despite their protests and defensive moves, the truth is making a difference. Later, if you have the opportunity, you can address the question.

As for the red-herring that led off this post, "Do you think it's wrong to wear polyester?" this probably comes from reading into the text of Leviticus 19:19, which says (in part): "You shall not... wear a garment upon you of two kinds of material mixed together." Atheists and agnostics read this and conclude that Christians should not wear blends of material, such as polyester.

The fact is, Biblical scholars do not know the reason behind this commandment, which was given to the nation of Israel as they wandered in the desert shortly after the Exodus from Egypt. Some scholars believe the reference was to an idolatrous practice of the day, and the Lord was warning the Jews to not allow any appearance of sin.

If you think this might be far fetched, consider a reader in the future, without access to most of the literature of today, who reads the following: "It could be deadly to wear purple and gold in the city." Would they be right to conclude that our society thought that these two colors, when in close proximity, would create some deadly toxin? Would someone in the future mock a historian with, "Gee, do you believe that colors can kill?"

What if they discovered that these colors are the mark of a particular gang in a local city, and that wearing those colors into the territory of another gang could spark gun-fire? Suddenly the warning makes complete sense.

The fact is, we do not have enough information to determine why the Lord gave the command in Lev 19:19, but we do know clearly that someone who dies in their sin, without trusting the one and only Savior, will be eternally in torment.

Be bold, Christian, and do not allow red-herrings to deter the gospel.

But I Don't Know How To Share The Gospel...

Frequently, when discussing evangelism with other Christians, I hear some version of the statement: "But, I don't know how to share the gospel."

Other versions of this statement include: "I don't have the gift of evangelism" or "I'm not equipped to answer people's questions."

Perhaps you have thought the same thing, or responded with similar sentiments after hearing a sermon on evangelism, or when faced with someone who tells you about the latest time they shared the gospel with a friend, loved-one, or stranger.

If you have, then you may think that my next statement is harsh. However, I believe that what you are really saying is: God's Word is wrong.

Before you click that "close-window" button, let's look for a moment at what God's word says:

Matthew 28:18-20, "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of call the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."" (NASB 95)

2 Timothy 4:1-2, "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction."

2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."

As Christians we are commanded to "go... preach... make disciples... be ready...". We are also told that God's Word is profitable for training and will equip the man of God for every good work.

Since we are commanded to preach the gospel, then sharing the gospel must be a good work, and since God's Word is adequate to teach and prepare us for every good work, then it can prepare us for evangelism!

In addition, God provides the Holy Spirit to further teach us and guide us. Luke 2:12 says, "For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."

Read 2 Corinthians 2. Paul describes how his preaching was not based on his knowledge or fine oratory skills, but on the Holy Spirit guiding him.

To me, all of this means that when Christians conclude they are not capable of sharing the gospel, what they are actually saying is, "God, you've met your match in me. You gave me a responsibility that I cannot perform. You made a mistake."

If you still think I am being too harsh, just know that I used to be the same way. I made every excuse in the book for not sharing the gospel. In retrospect my excuses were nothing more than pride and disobedience.

Thankfully I was challenged by a God-fearing man who refused to soft-pedal the commandment to share the gospel. Since then I have studied God's Word, studied various world-views, had numerous conversations with the lost, and learned to trust the Lord more and more as a result.

Trust God's Word. Learn from God's Word. Trust the Holy Spirit. Leave your pride and disobedience at the foot of the Cross. Share the gospel before it is too late.

A New Year's Challenge For You And Me

It is not uncommon, as one year clicks over to the next, for people to commit themselves to new patterns for living. Such New Year’s Resolutions typically focus on self-improvement themes: lose weight, quit smoking, or improved organizational skills.

This year why not make a resolution that will matter for more than a few days or weeks? Why not make a resolution that can last for eternity? Why not boldly share the gospel more than ever before?

It is a sad fact that most Christians did not share the gospel with anyone during the previous year. Many endeavor to live their faith or give to missions, but most Christians ignore passages commanding us to “go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mk 16:15) or to act as “a royal priesthood” and “proclaim the excellencies” of God (1 Ptr 2:9).

Do you realize that between last New Year’s Day and this one an estimated 56.6 million people took their last breath and passed into eternity? How many of them had friends or relatives who are Christian, but never shared the gospel? How many delivered pizzas, provided home repairs, or worked with Christians who were willing to be friendly and talk about every subject imaginable: football, the weather, golf, the latest unemployment rate, but never the gospel?

In the time it takes to read this sentence, about one second, two people died. Between now and tomorrow at this time, while you consider how to respond to this challenge, nearly 155,000 people will discover first-hand how Holy our God is. For many of them, the wrath which God has been storing up will begin to be poured out (Rom 1:18; 2:5-6; Heb 9:27).

There are many missionaries in the fields reaching the lost. There are many preachers boldly proclaiming God’s Word. You can find great men and women of faith who debate with the best and brightest minds foolish enough to challenge the authority of Scripture. However, none of those people have the ability to reach your friends, your neighbors, your relatives, or the people who come across your path every day. Who will reach them if not you?

For some time I have taken my car to the same auto shop. The girl at the counter, Kristine, is always pleasant. I usually have short exchanges with her as I drop off or pick up my vehicle. God convicted me recently that I was wasting opportunities to share the gospel. So the next time my truck acted up, I was ready. I had prayed for an opportunity, and I took along a few resources in case she had questions.

The first few minutes of our conversation were typical. I explained the problems that needed attention, and she thanked me for coming in. Next, I mentioned that the problems worsened the night before, as I drove to church. Then I asked “By the way, do you attend a church?”

This is a great question to ask. The answer gives you tremendous insight into the person’s beliefs and understanding of eternal matters.

Kristine, as it turns out, had a few bad experiences with churches as a youth and had only recently attended a couple services at the request of a friend. This naturally led to the next question, “You’ve gone to a few church services. What do you think happens when you die?” She explained that everyone goes somewhere. Now, most people believe life is not the end, but I wanted to know if Kristine had the right answer, so I continued, “Where do you think you will go?”

Kristine confidently stated that she would go to heaven, because she’s living a pretty good life.

This is one of Satan’s favorite and most successful lies. He used the same approach in the Garden of Eden that he uses today (Gen 3:1-5): convince people they can’t possibly understand what God’s Word means, there must be an alternative, another understanding, such as, live a pretty good life and you’ll go to heaven. This is a lie that Christians must correct, and we can only correct it if we ask and then speak the truth in love.

Kristine and I had a ten minute conversation about God’s standards, and how to know for certain what will happen when you face Him on Judgment Day. She soon realized that her destination was not heaven at all, and she was very concerned. I explained the hope that I have through repentance and faith in Christ, and I left her a book to read along with a gospel tract. Before I left, she thanked me for the conversation. The next time I go to the shop, I will follow up and see how she is doing.

I do not believe the statistics that claim 80% of those in America are Christian, but even if the real number is as low as 20%, if every one of those Christians shared the gospel with only five people, statistically every person in America would hear the gospel by the end of this year! Can you share the gospel with five people this year? Of course you can (1 Cor 1:5). The question is: Are you willing?

Don’t wait, because it might be too late. Think of the police officers gunned down in Lakeland, Washington, on November 29, 2009. If you had been in that coffee shop the day before, would you have shared the gospel with these officers? Because a short twenty-four hours later, it was too late.

Christian, you are like a doctor who knows the patient has terminal cancer. Don’t put off telling them about their illness because you might make them feel uncomfortable, or you’re not sure if you’re the right person. You have the cure. Share it!

I’m not saying that you should run up and down the street grabbing people, or screaming the gospel message, but when you have a conversation with someone, won’t you pray that the Holy Spirit will bring the strength and the right words to share the gospel? Won’t you pass out, or send out, a few gospel tracts? Aren’t you willing to start-up a conversation with a stranger and see how the Holy Spirit will use you, before it’s too late?

What New Year’s Resolution could make more of a difference for eternity?

What If Today Were August 8, 1945?

What if today were August 8, 1945 and you were a citizen of Nagasaki, Japan?

Only two days ago, on August 6, a nuclear bomb was dropped on the city of Hiroshima. You stand in a city 198 miles away, perhaps a four or five hour drive.

Though hard to comprehend this new and massive weapon, you would know the stark realities of the destruction. In addition, you would have seen or heard of the warning pamphlets dropped by U.S. planes. You would have heard the allied radio broadcasts urging your government to accept an immediate cease fire. You would know that citizens of your city had been told to flee to safety or suffer a similar fate.

What will you do? You must decide.

You know the danger, but you can not know that if you put off your decision until Noon tomorrow, you could be one of the 30-40,000 killed when a bomb known as “Fat Man” detonates.

What if today, right now, you faced a similar warning? A warning you’ve seen on TV, heard on the radio, overheard people talk about? A warning that you now read with your own eyes.

Will you seek safety, or ignore the fact that tomorrow, or tonight, or one minute from now it might be too late?

The clear warning I speak of is this: “man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27)

When you die and face judgment, will you be innocent or guilty? God will rule on your fate based on the Ten Commandments (Rom 2:6-11) How will you do?

If you have ever stolen anything (regardless of value), you are guilty of theft (the eighth commandment). In God's holy eyes, you are a thief.

If you have ever told a lie, you are guilty of breaking the ninth commandment. In God's holy eyes, you are a liar. The Bible warns that all liars shall have their part in the Lake of Fire (Rev 21:8).

If you have ever looked at someone other than your spouse with lustful thoughts, you are guilty of breaking the seventh commandment. In God's holy eyes, you are an adulterer.

The Bible says that no thief, fornicator or adulterer will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

There are many choices you can make, but only one will provide safety from the destruction to come. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." and "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved." (John 14:6; 10:9)

Will you head this warning of your guilt and fate? Will you seek the safety of God’s Son, Jesus Christ? He paid for your sins. When Jesus died on the cross it was like a legal transaction where your crimes were paid in full. All that is required of you is to respond to these warnings. How? Agree with God that you have broken his laws and repent (decide right now to turn from all sin) and put your full trust in Christ to save you. He will forgive and forget your sin. Then read the Bible and do what it says.

It is up to you. You have been warned. You can repent and trust in Christ, or you can ignore the warnings just like tens of thousands of people who woke up in Nagasaki on August 9, 1945 but did not live to see the next day.

(Image is from pamphlet dropped in Japanese cities by the U.S. Office Of Warfare Information)

What Was Your Greatest Gift?

While listening to a sermon last weekend, the pastor stated that the grace which God offers to sinners is the greatest gift ever. I wrote it down; not as a sermon note but as an idea for a conversation starter.

As Christians we are reminded to not conform to the world (Rom 12:2) but we do live in it, and for good reason: the world is the source of the harvest! (Matt 9:37)

Those who are in the world know the world and it's comings and goings. They do not care about the things of God, they dislike God's Word, and they hate Christ. (John 17:14, 16; Matt 10:22; 1 John 3:13)

Discussions about the news and other timely topics can frequently lead to discussions about eternity and the gospel. Because of this, Christians should be aware of such topics and ready to use them to begin or continue conversations.

Such was the case at a local restaurant the other day. Our waitress was taking orders when one of the men at our table mentioned Christmas preparations. I asked the waitress, "Kristi, speaking of Christmas, what is the best gift you've ever received?" She stopped and thought. After a moment I said, "Think about it, then let me know what you come up with."

One thing I learned from bold men of God like Mark Cahill and Tony Miano is that an interaction with a lost person should be a conversation, not a presentation. If your intent is to get through a checklist of the gospel, then do you really care about the person or getting another 'notch' on your gospel-gun?

I was looking forward to what Kristi might come back with, to continue our conversation, when she appeared with refills of water and iced-tea. She looked at me and told me of an item she had received many years ago. I asked her to think about gifts that last longer. I explained that as a boy I really wanted a toy ray-gun, but after a year or so I no longer placed any value in it and had moved on to wanting something else. She went off in thought.

When she next returned, she had a big smile on her face. "My dog! I bought my dog, as a gift for myself, and I love him." She showed me his photo, told me about his habits, and explained the breed. We discussed dogs that each of us had owned in the past, and then I said, "Even though you love your dog and he's been a great pet, I was wondering if you could think of anything that might last for eternity?" This led to a conversation in which I learned of her Catholic training as a young girl, and her disillusion with religion. I was able to explain that I'm not religious and was not trying to push any religion, I simply wanted to explain what I thought the greatest gift is, as described in the Bible.

We had a brief discussion of sin, our need for salvation, the Holiness of God, and the simple steps required of us: repentance and faith. Before leaving I gave her a copy of "One Heartbeat Away" by Mark Cahill, along with a note and an email address for her to send questions to me.

Between now and Christmas approximately 2.1 million people will die. Many of them will stand before God and suddenly understand how Holy He is and how wrong they were to believe the world's lies and false hopes. They will have eternity to think about their rejection of a God who stood ready to forgive. Before that happens, are you willing to put aside your pride, your shyness, and your fear of rejection to share the gospel and give these people something to think about while they still have time?

Today is the day of salvation, now go and plant a seed!