Saturday January 6, 13, 27  11 AM–3 PM Witnessing in San Francisco neighborhoods.

(Call us a few hours before the outreach at (510) 282-5629 for outreach location.)

MOTIVATING THE CHURCH

Dear Christian friends,

A few years ago, a Christian showed me a video on YouTube of Penn Jillette, of the well-known magic, comedy duo Penn and Teller. Penn is a self-proclaimed atheist, who frequently ridicules God, the Bible, and Jesus in his shows. In the video Penn tells of the meeting he had with someone who had been watching his show the previous night. The man complimented Penn on the show and said nice things about Penn as a person. Penn talked about how nice the man was, how sincere he seemed, and how he looked him in the eye as he talked.

Then the man handed Penn a pocket edition of the New Testament and told him that he was proselytizing. Penn said that he felt the man knew that Penn was an atheist and that he was trying to save his soul. Penn said he has always believed that if you are a Christian and you don’t proselytize that you are not to be respected.

He said, “If you truly believe that there is a Heaven and Hell and that someone is going to go to Hell then it is your moral responsibility to try to save that person from Hell. I have no respect for an atheist who feels that a Christian should not proselytize. How much do you have to hate someone to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate someone to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”

There are only two things you can’t do in heaven that you can do on earth: sin, and witness to unbelievers. Which of these two do you think Christ has left us here to do?

Over the years, I have found a major difference between those Christians who consistently witness and those who don’t. Those who regularly witness — almost without exception — are very conscious of the reality of Heaven and Hell, and have an intense burden to save people from eternal torment in Hell. Those who rarely witness don’t think very much about the fact that the unbelievers they encounter every day are heading for eternal torment.

William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, once wished that all his workers could spend 24 hours in Hell so that they would obtain the burden for souls needed for effective ministry. In Luke 16, the rich man suddenly developed that burden as he was tormented in Hell. He asked Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his five brothers “lest they also come into this place of torment.” An experience of Hell’s torment is sufficient to give even a wicked sinner a burden to evangelize the lost. While we cannot visit Hell, what we can do to develop a greater burden for souls is to spend time meditating on scriptures concerning God’s judgment and eternal punishment.

Sadly, most churches are preoccupied with their potlucks and other social activities while the world is going to Hell. Modern Christians face lots of pressure and need times of rest and relaxation. And married people need to spend time with their families. But we must find time in our busy lives to reach those who are headed for Hell.  Few Christians are so busy that they can’t commit a few hours monthly to evangelism. Pastors can stir up their congregations by preaching regularly on the need for evangelism and the reality of Hell, praying continually for God to send forth laborers, starting some ongoing outreaches and setting an example by participating in them.

The Greek word “ekballo,” used in the expression “send forth laborers into his harvest” in Matthew 9:38, is used in the very next verse for casting out demons. Apparently, it is as hard to get a Christian to witness as to drive out a demon. If you’ve ever tried casting out demons, you know how stubborn they are! In Acts 8, we are told that after the persecution led by Saul, the church was scattered throughout Judaea and Samaria. “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word” (v.4). It took persecution to force the church to do what Jesus had commanded them to do. We feel secure in our church buildings, but need to be cast out into the harvest field.

Christians often tell me, “You have to have a special calling to witness like you do.” But if you saw a child drowning in a swimming pool, would you think “I’m not called to be a lifeguard” or “I don’t have any special training in lifesaving”? No, you would make every effort to save that child! Once you see the urgency of the task, the question of “calling” becomes irrelevant, even foolish.

Although we are concerned about unbelievers are heading for Hell, the subject of “Hell” should not be the main thing we are preaching. Repeatedly screaming to unbelievers “You’re going to Hell” is not an effective way to evangelize. While we do need to talk about sin, repentance and God’s holiness, we do not necessarily need to discuss Hell in every witnessing conversation. When we do discuss the subject, we need to do so with great gentleness and love. Until an unbeliever understands the seriousness of his sins, he will not think it reasonable that God would send him to Hell.

I pray that God will use this teaching to open your eyes to the ways Satan seeks to keep many Christians from witnessing, and that you will be given a renewed desire to witness for Jesus — both in your everyday life and through special outreaches. Please pray with us that God will cast out laborers into the harvest fields of this world, including the San Francisco area.

We have the words of Life that can change the eternal destiny of those we meet. We need to use every hour we have left to reach as many as possible for Jesus. Will we keep silent or will we open our mouths?

On the Streets

On Saturday August 26, we witnessed at Fisherman’s Wharf. Alex witnessed to Malachi, who is a break dancer we have seen for several years. Besides break dancing, he also has taught Kung Fu to students for 19 years. Alex warned him about the occult basis of Kung Fu, and that it can open him up to deceiving spirits. He shared 2 Corin. 11:14 “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” Tats witnessed to Robert, 60, who is homeless. He bought him some food and shared the gospel with him. He seemed to agree with the Christian message.

On Friday September 15, we witnessed at Powell and Market. Tats witnessed to Kevin, 23, who was raised in a Catholic home but left the church. He asked many serious questions, such as what happens to those who never heard the gospel. Tats answered his questions, and he seemed to be sincerely seeking truth. Mike gave tracts to five students outside the nearby University of the Pacific Dental School. He spoke with several of them. One of the men, Andrew, said he had some questions to ask him about Jesus and wanted to arrange a meeting with him. They scheduled a meeting the following Tuesday. Andrew asked some common questions, such as why God allows evil to exist.

The next day, we held our annual Jesus Parade and Rally. This year, about 25 Christians gathered by the Ferry Building and marched to Fisherman’s Wharf. Chuck Girard, Paul and Noreen Coca, and Mark Whitehead all played music at the Wharf. Tats witnessed to Jacob, 50, who asked him how he knows Heaven and Hell are eternal. Tats showed him several scriptures about it. He also asked why we aren’t saved by good works.

On Friday September 22, we witnessed at 16^th St. and Mission. Mike ministered to Anthony and his son Michael. Both were drug addicts. Michael claimed to be a Christian and asked for prayer. He said he was concerned about his father. One time, when he looked at his father, he saw a demon. Mike shared the gospel with the father and prayed for both of them. Mike also witnessed to Miguel, 26, who was listening to our preaching. He said he had been shot recently and asked for prayer. Mike prayed with him and invited him to City Impact. Tats witnessed to Juaquin, 38, who thought everyone would go to Heaven. Tats shared scriptures about Hell and said that if there were no Hell, people would continue to sin in Heaven, and it would be as bad or worse than this earth. While Alex was preaching, Martin asked him about homosexuality. Alex ministered to him for about 25 minutes.

The next day, we witnessed at Fisherman’s Wharf. Tony asked Mike if he had a Bible with the book of Proverbs. He said someone he saw on the Joe Rogan podcast (probably Oliver Anthony) read from Proverbs. Mike spoke with him about the prophecies concerning the end times and gave him a Bible. Andy and Tats spoke with Kat, whom we had witnessed to on July 20. He is into Satanism and was mocking God. Tats asked him,  “If  someone   mocked  you,  would you be happy?” He was silent. Tat’s said, “You see. God created you with value.” Andy tried to share with him how much God loves him, despite his rebellion. Kat tried to put a curse on Scott while he was preaching.

A Final Word

Thank you for your prayers and financial support for this ministry.

As evil as the world has gotten, I never thought I would see the day when millions of people would rally in support of Hamas, immediately after they murdered over 1400 innocent people in one of the most barbaric attacks in recent history.

Even the Nazis attempted to hide their atrocities. Hamas filmed every evil deed. Their sympathizers are proud of what they did. As usual, Israel is under great international pressure to agree to a cease-fire. This will allow Hamas to regroup so they can kill more Jews.

Truly, we are living in the last days. Bible prophecy is being fulfilled. “They have said, ‘Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.’” Psalm 83:4. Jesus is returning soon. Meanwhile, we must continue to preach the gospel to everyone we can.

I hope many of you will join us for an outreach this next month.

Yours in His love,

Larry Rosenbaum