My 3 member team completed our second faith course this Thursday and Friday. We traveled about 1.5 hours east to a little town called Rockingham for part of the assignment, and did the rest at a local mall. I was hoping for some dramatic miracles, but none happened as far as I know. But God did show up and we had a great time. We led 4 people to the Lord (2 recommits, and 2 brand new salvations) and were able to speak some very encouraging words to a few people who we moved to tears right there in the parking lot.
I have a few quick observations I'd like to throw out there to keep in mind as we interact with people throughout the day. If anyone is interested in a particular observation, drop me a line or reply to this blog, and I will get into more detail about that particular topic. For now, I will try to keep things brief.
First, I am coming to realize that the presence of God coming into a person at the point of salvation has a powerful impact on their own personal reality of God. Since I got saved early and grew up in the church, I felt the tangible presence of God as far back as I can remember. Most people who did not grow up as Christians have not experienced his presence. So when they pray as adults and experience him for the first time, it is very powerful to convince them of the reality of God, and the fact the he is now living inside of them. I usually sidestep religious debate with people until after we have prayed for salvation and the Holy Spirit has come into their life. After that, they have a whole different reality. When the Spirit comes in for the first time as an adult, it can dramatically affect the person much more than hours of debate. If they are unwilling to invite Jesus in, I rarely hang around to argue with them.
Second, ask people if they have invited Jesus into their heart, and if they would like to do so. Most people have no idea that the Gospel is about Jesus taking up residence in our bodies and setting us apart for him. Even those who have sat in church for years do not always understand this very simple message. By being direct, many people are open to inviting him to come in, even if they don't yet know who he is. But of course, once the invite him in, they have begun the journey, and the Spirit will be their guide. Many will not repent of sins until God has come in and started convicting them. I know this is a controversial statement, but very true from my experience. If we were honest as Christians, we would acknowledge that we have repented from much more sin since we've been saved, than we ever did before we got saved. Some of our doctrines about repentance aren't really based in reality, and need to be revisited.
Thirdly, I've always seen God come through in the most amazing ways with mercy ministry. Giving money, food, and other provisions away to the poor in random acts of kindness always produce divine appointments. Our assignments involving random acts of kindness cause us to meet people that have been praying for God's help. We get sent out to pick a house or a random person to help, and inevitably, God has organized a divine appointment. He loves to engineer divine appointments like this. Even when we don't feel very spiritual, or like God has shown us a particular target, the results are always amazing. There is something in the heart of God for helping the poor, needy, and disadvantaged. I have another post on this to write some time, but it will have to wait until I have more time.
Peace...
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