I go to one particular park to exercise, read my Bible, pray, and do some thinking. I was out there yesterday, and after I finished up, I was walking to my car. A man was walking somewhat close to my vehicle. He was about ten or fifteen feet away. I also saw that he had headphones on. So I raised my voice a little bit so he could hear me. I said, “Sir, are you born again? Are you saved?”
That is a great question to ask people. I have shared with you before that I use it with people a lot, especially if I don’t think I am going to have a long chat.
This man was getting ready to do some walking. I saw where he had parked his car and noticed he was just beginning to exercise.
That question cuts right to the chase. You get all kinds of responses to it. People will say, “No.” They will say, “Yes.” Some people will turn their head and keep walking. Others will say, “What does that mean?” And then you can explain it to them. One lady once said, “No. I am a lesbian!” I liked her honesty!
John 3:3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
He said to me, “Yes, I am.”
Becoming a new creation in Christ is the most glorious thing that can ever, ever, ever happen in one’s lifetime!!
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
He was walking away, so I said, “Stay strong in your faith.” He responded for me to do so as well.
I turned my head, and then I heard behind me, “Can I ask you a question?” Yes!! I love when that happens.
Remember to never fear any question that someone asks you. You can either answer it, or you can say, “I don’t know.” Then you can get their information, put together a response, and text or email it to them. But even if you can’t answer a specific question, don’t stop your conversation at that point. Keep talking and witnessing to them.
He said, “Do you believe in spiritual warfare? Do you believe we can be attacked by the enemy?”
Julius started opening up. He told me that he got saved last March and had read the whole Bible by November. That is pretty impressive! He had repented of plenty of things in his life, which he told me about and which he was very excited about.
But the temptations had returned. He felt like he was in a total spiritual battle at the moment.
Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Once we are a new creation, we are still wrapped in the flesh. The flesh can and will rise up against us at times.
Also, the enemy knows which buttons to push. A temptation that might work on you may not work on me. In the spiritual world, demons could have been watching us for a while. They would then know what might work to get us off track.
1 John 2:15-17
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
I got to share these verses with him and some other ones as well.
Reading your Bible, praying, going to a Bible-believing church, and being a strong witness for Christ are all great ways to draw nearer to Jesus.
James 4:8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
I love to encourage people. It is one of the most exciting parts of being a Christian. I reminded Julius not to beat himself up. If the temptations arrive, repent of them, get back on the narrow road, and draw near to God. Always remember that it is the enemy’s job to beat us up, and he doesn’t need any help!
Open your mouth for the Lord this week. Maybe just ask, “Are you…?”
Until the nets are full,
P.S. A very bold watchman for the Lord shares the gospel in places that not many would dare to go. One place he visited recently was an adult club! He doesn’t go in there when the ladies are performing. Really, that is a ministry that Christian ladies should do. I have heard from women of the Lord who do just that. They go in with gift baskets for the ladies and share the gospel with them. I love that kind of boldness. Here’s what Tim had to say as he asked for prayer:
“Please pray for the workers at this strip joint.
I dropped off a copy of your One Second After booklet and several Chick tracts.
Please pray that they will read the goodies and will get saved
and be a witness to this lost world.” — Tim
I ask people all the time, “Do you like to read?” If they say, “Yes,” they get a booklet. If they say, “No,” they get a booklet! I just say, “Oh, you will love this booklet. It is an easy read, and you will zing through it pretty quickly.” They will often thumb through it and notice that it’s not only a quick read but also an appealing presentation. The colorful pages and insets make these One Second After booklets inviting, and the lost are often happy to take them.
It’s good to be prepared with materials to give to the people you meet, so we have lowered the suggested donation for our One Second After booklets to 20% off! These savings can help you stock up and be ready to reach every person you can for the Lord! Pass these savings on to your friends, witnessing team, and church family by forwarding them the newsletter. Just click on the link below to order your One Second After booklets today!
https://markcahill.org/product-category/specials/
P.P.S.
