Several family parties, volunteering at emergency severe weather shelters and general outings... These are just a few of the many ways my family and I have been able to share the Million Dollar and Optical Illusion tracts. The kids really like the Optical Illusion tracts...
My family and I have been on a journey to find a biblical church in our area. We had been attending a Four Square (10+ months), then an Apostolic (nearly a year) (Pentecostal), then a Calvary Chapel in Silverdale (only a few months)... As we grew in our knowledge and faith grew we found these places to be lacking in biblical practices or to focus too much on areas not agreeing with true biblical interpretation. We re-attended a service at Calvary Chapel in Port Orchard and feel good about this becoming our home. We are tired of "church shopping" and want to find a place we can establish some roots.
We also met the leader of the evangelism team at CCPO and I am excited to get involved.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Video...
I am just practicing adding video to the blog. Here is a comical but true video on evolution...
Be sure to checkout my previous post where I attempt to evangelize my family through Christmas cards...
Today's bible verse is one that many churches today have forgotten or take only the third element and stick with it (exhortation).
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all Longsuffering and doctrine." 2 Timothy 4:2
Be sure to checkout my previous post where I attempt to evangelize my family through Christmas cards...
Today's bible verse is one that many churches today have forgotten or take only the third element and stick with it (exhortation).
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all Longsuffering and doctrine." 2 Timothy 4:2
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Greatest Gift I Can Give...
Below is the letter we sent to my family in our Christmas cards.
Dear family and friends,
Praise God for the time we all get to spend together catching up and worshiping Him.
Throughout my life I have been very introverted and felt that I am just not great at conversation or relating to people. That feeling persisted for many years, until recently, however, because, I have been studying and getting to know Jesus Christ. And God has put a concern in my heart for the lost and especially for my family. As such I feel compelled to speak to you about what happens after we die.
Are you a good person? I am going to ask you a few questions to find out if that is true;
* Have you ever, even once, told a lie? Of course you have, what does that make you? If I came up to you and said the earth is flat, you would call me a… liar.
* Have you ever used the Lords name in vain? That is blasphemy.
* Have you ever stolen anything? Even a pen from work? What does that make you? A thief. A murderer is a murderer no matter how long ago they committed the deed.
* Have you ever lusted after someone? We are human be honest with yourself. The bible says that if we look with lust we have committed adultery in our hearts. (Matthew 5:28)
These are only four of the Ten Commandments. We could go through them all but we don’t need to at this point. Most of us, if we are honest, at this point would be admitting that we are lying blasphemous thieving adulterer at heart. Does that sound like a good person? The bible says that none are good except God alone.
We will have to face God on judgment day and if He judges you by the standard of the Ten Commandments would you be innocent or guilty? Right, you would be guilty. As I am, as we all are.
Now if we are guilty, would we go to heaven or hell? Not heaven- but hell. Most people would say heaven and justify it by saying that God is good and loves and forgives. True He does forgive but we will get to that. First let’s explore the truth of His goodness and love: If we go to court and stand before a judge for a crime that we committed and just before the sentence is given we say, “Judge, I believe you are a good judge and should forgive my sins and let me go.” How would the judge respond? Would he let you go? No, the judge would say, “you are right, I am a good judge and as such I must punish law breakers.” If God loves he must also hate. Just as a parent loves their child but punishes for breaking their rules or established law.
Understanding that, imagine the same scenario in the court room and after the judge passes judgment he sets the fine for $500,000 or life imprisonment. None of us have that kind of money lying around… Now what if someone you don’t know walks in and said, “Judge, here is the money, I will pay their fine.” How would you feel toward that person? You would feel pretty grateful toward them. Well, that is what Jesus did for us 2,000 years ago.
He became sin to take our punishment, so that we may be cleansed of our sins through faith in Him. So that we may become sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father.
Some family members that I have talked to claimed to have a belief in God but don’t follow his teachings. Let’s look at it like this: if we were on a plane and the pilot came over the intercom and said to get your parachutes on because we are about to crash and we will be jumping from the plane. So, both of us see the chutes under our seats. I put mine on and jump, you don’t put yours on and jump. Which one of us survives the jump? Me of course because I put the chute on and you only believed in the chute.
Ok, well, you say you love God and trust He is there. How would it be then if a child went to their parents and said “mom, dad I love you guys but I am not going to do anything you tell me, I love you. I know your wrote me some letters but I don’t think I need to read them, I will keep them in a drawer or on the shelf or in a box in the basement or some where I am sure I will remember, maybe, but I love you. I am not going to listen to anything you tell me but when I call I expect you to give me what I want, I love you.” Well, that doesn’t really seem like love at all does it. People claim love and trust in God but they don’t read His word or follow his commands.
Some claim that we are all the children of God but cannot explain where they get that information from other than to say it is what they feel. [There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Pro 14:12), 16:25] We can be adopted into his family through repentance and faith (as shown by our works) but we are not born natural children of God, hence second birth.
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (Eph 1:4)
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (Eph 1:5)
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Eph 1:6)
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Eph 1:7)”
What must we do to partake of this salvation that God offers? We must repent, that is turn away from our sins. A complete 180 degree turnaround is necessary. Look at it like this if you are driving and suddenly realize you are lost you cannot simply realize and understand that you are lost and continue on the same route, you must stop the car, turn around and follow the map and signs to get where you need to go.
You must put on Jesus as Lord of your life, just like the parachute it is not enough to believe in it, you must put it on. How do you do that? Read His word (the bible) and follow its teachings put God first in your life.
You cannot simply “ask God into your heart” and be saved. That is not biblical.
Heaven and Hell are real and true, just as sure as God’s word is real truth. If heaven and hell aren’t real then God’s word is not trustworthy, but if we listen to our conscience we all know it to be true. There is a wrath that is to come to those that don’t commit themselves as slaves to the Lord Jesus Christ in thought word and deed. That wrath is beyond comprehension… Is it worth being wrong? Worth felling a bit of rejection? Losing a few “friends?” Changing certain habits? What is hell worth? No-one likes to be slapped or kicked but what about eternal suffering? Don’t just glance over that word, eternal. That is forever, longer than a movie, longer than an earthly lifetime, longer than history records. Take a moment and just try to comprehend, eternal. Then add pain and suffering. Most don’t even like spending an hour in the sun on a hot dry day, but again eternal suffering…
On the other hand what is heaven worth?
NOW, I beg of you, don’t believe a word I say… Or any other person for that matter. Read your bible, study it for the truth. Does it say anywhere to simply ask God into your heart or does it say to repent and put your faith in him.
Don’t believe any one that tells you “you can have your best life now.” Jesus never promises earthly life enhancement. He only promises that you will be hated by the world for His sake.
I do love all of you and it is my prayer that you listen to these warnings and act on them.
Feel free to contact me with any questions, [craftedashes@yahoo.com].
Dear family and friends,
Praise God for the time we all get to spend together catching up and worshiping Him.
Throughout my life I have been very introverted and felt that I am just not great at conversation or relating to people. That feeling persisted for many years, until recently, however, because, I have been studying and getting to know Jesus Christ. And God has put a concern in my heart for the lost and especially for my family. As such I feel compelled to speak to you about what happens after we die.
Are you a good person? I am going to ask you a few questions to find out if that is true;
* Have you ever, even once, told a lie? Of course you have, what does that make you? If I came up to you and said the earth is flat, you would call me a… liar.
* Have you ever used the Lords name in vain? That is blasphemy.
* Have you ever stolen anything? Even a pen from work? What does that make you? A thief. A murderer is a murderer no matter how long ago they committed the deed.
* Have you ever lusted after someone? We are human be honest with yourself. The bible says that if we look with lust we have committed adultery in our hearts. (Matthew 5:28)
These are only four of the Ten Commandments. We could go through them all but we don’t need to at this point. Most of us, if we are honest, at this point would be admitting that we are lying blasphemous thieving adulterer at heart. Does that sound like a good person? The bible says that none are good except God alone.
We will have to face God on judgment day and if He judges you by the standard of the Ten Commandments would you be innocent or guilty? Right, you would be guilty. As I am, as we all are.
Now if we are guilty, would we go to heaven or hell? Not heaven- but hell. Most people would say heaven and justify it by saying that God is good and loves and forgives. True He does forgive but we will get to that. First let’s explore the truth of His goodness and love: If we go to court and stand before a judge for a crime that we committed and just before the sentence is given we say, “Judge, I believe you are a good judge and should forgive my sins and let me go.” How would the judge respond? Would he let you go? No, the judge would say, “you are right, I am a good judge and as such I must punish law breakers.” If God loves he must also hate. Just as a parent loves their child but punishes for breaking their rules or established law.
Understanding that, imagine the same scenario in the court room and after the judge passes judgment he sets the fine for $500,000 or life imprisonment. None of us have that kind of money lying around… Now what if someone you don’t know walks in and said, “Judge, here is the money, I will pay their fine.” How would you feel toward that person? You would feel pretty grateful toward them. Well, that is what Jesus did for us 2,000 years ago.
He became sin to take our punishment, so that we may be cleansed of our sins through faith in Him. So that we may become sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father.
Some family members that I have talked to claimed to have a belief in God but don’t follow his teachings. Let’s look at it like this: if we were on a plane and the pilot came over the intercom and said to get your parachutes on because we are about to crash and we will be jumping from the plane. So, both of us see the chutes under our seats. I put mine on and jump, you don’t put yours on and jump. Which one of us survives the jump? Me of course because I put the chute on and you only believed in the chute.
Ok, well, you say you love God and trust He is there. How would it be then if a child went to their parents and said “mom, dad I love you guys but I am not going to do anything you tell me, I love you. I know your wrote me some letters but I don’t think I need to read them, I will keep them in a drawer or on the shelf or in a box in the basement or some where I am sure I will remember, maybe, but I love you. I am not going to listen to anything you tell me but when I call I expect you to give me what I want, I love you.” Well, that doesn’t really seem like love at all does it. People claim love and trust in God but they don’t read His word or follow his commands.
Some claim that we are all the children of God but cannot explain where they get that information from other than to say it is what they feel. [There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Pro 14:12), 16:25] We can be adopted into his family through repentance and faith (as shown by our works) but we are not born natural children of God, hence second birth.
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (Eph 1:4)
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (Eph 1:5)
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Eph 1:6)
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Eph 1:7)”
What must we do to partake of this salvation that God offers? We must repent, that is turn away from our sins. A complete 180 degree turnaround is necessary. Look at it like this if you are driving and suddenly realize you are lost you cannot simply realize and understand that you are lost and continue on the same route, you must stop the car, turn around and follow the map and signs to get where you need to go.
You must put on Jesus as Lord of your life, just like the parachute it is not enough to believe in it, you must put it on. How do you do that? Read His word (the bible) and follow its teachings put God first in your life.
You cannot simply “ask God into your heart” and be saved. That is not biblical.
Heaven and Hell are real and true, just as sure as God’s word is real truth. If heaven and hell aren’t real then God’s word is not trustworthy, but if we listen to our conscience we all know it to be true. There is a wrath that is to come to those that don’t commit themselves as slaves to the Lord Jesus Christ in thought word and deed. That wrath is beyond comprehension… Is it worth being wrong? Worth felling a bit of rejection? Losing a few “friends?” Changing certain habits? What is hell worth? No-one likes to be slapped or kicked but what about eternal suffering? Don’t just glance over that word, eternal. That is forever, longer than a movie, longer than an earthly lifetime, longer than history records. Take a moment and just try to comprehend, eternal. Then add pain and suffering. Most don’t even like spending an hour in the sun on a hot dry day, but again eternal suffering…
On the other hand what is heaven worth?
NOW, I beg of you, don’t believe a word I say… Or any other person for that matter. Read your bible, study it for the truth. Does it say anywhere to simply ask God into your heart or does it say to repent and put your faith in him.
Don’t believe any one that tells you “you can have your best life now.” Jesus never promises earthly life enhancement. He only promises that you will be hated by the world for His sake.
I do love all of you and it is my prayer that you listen to these warnings and act on them.
Feel free to contact me with any questions, [craftedashes@yahoo.com].
Monday, December 8, 2008
Moving on up...and Submitting!
Well, my wife and I have each taken a person through the good person test 1-2-1 in the last week. I have continued to hand out tracts and it feels good to do God's will. To the left is an 'A-frame' sign I put together from some scraps in the garage. I am planning to really try to get out and do one open air before Christmas.
Last week I got The Gospel According To Jesus by John MacArthur. I am learning the difference between being a servant of God and a slave as he commands us. I am still only in the first chapter but I will give periodic updates.
I am also excited and my flesh is a little nervous about a letter I will be including with our family holiday cards to my side of the family. It basically just takes them through the good person test with some illustrations. I figure it will make good conversation during the upcoming Christmas parties. ;o)
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." 2 Timothy 4:2
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Million Dollar Tracts...
Since starting the WOM course and getting the tracts that came with it and the addition Million Dollar tracts I and my family (yes, including my wonderful wife) have been handing them out and leaving them around. They have been left in books at Barnes and Noble, at the doctors clinic (including the doctor), beauty parlor (and strangers while walking out of the salon) and etc... It feels good to be getting these out.
Still trying to think of ways to connect with others interested in getting up in front of a crowd. My cousin mentioned an event this weekend with her church, where they will be handing out tracts, so I may look into that more.
Ephesians 5:3-7
3-But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4-Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5-For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6-Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7-Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Still trying to think of ways to connect with others interested in getting up in front of a crowd. My cousin mentioned an event this weekend with her church, where they will be handing out tracts, so I may look into that more.
Ephesians 5:3-7
3-But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4-Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5-For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6-Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7-Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Way of the Master
Well, I received the basic training course today, yeah. My son and I have gone through the first lesson already and tomorrow we will start lesson two (as we progress the lessons will take longer because of the homework activities associated).
Several of the quotes struck me, but I will list part of just one,
"...If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for." Charles Spurgeon
Several of the quotes struck me, but I will list part of just one,
"...If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for." Charles Spurgeon
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Seattle and The Nutcracker
Well, yesterday my family went to see The Nutcracker in Seattle. We had a great time at the show then eating together afterward and catching the ferry back home and seeing my wife's half -brother. But the best part was handing out tracts. The tracts I have right now are Way of the Master or Livingwater tracts. We were mostly able to hand out different money tracts but a few post cards as well. My son and I did the majority but we were also able to get my oldest daughter to get involved as well. It was a great because we could see people reading them from a block away.
We had the wrong address for the show to begin with and we were on foot so we had to quickly get to the actual location, we were exactly two miles off target. We called the box office and they said that it happens a lot becuase they have two differnt locations. On the way we saw a brother in Christ doing some preaching. I wish we were able to stay and give him some encouragement. We said a few words as we passed but I could tell, the more I thought about it, he may have needed some building up. Anyway, I will just keep that in mind the next time that happens and pray for him.
Final note... Anyone here about the Walmart employee that got trampled in Rhode Island? My prayer and hope is that the suffering economy will bring families closer together and realize what this season is supposed to be about...
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
(James 4:4)
We had the wrong address for the show to begin with and we were on foot so we had to quickly get to the actual location, we were exactly two miles off target. We called the box office and they said that it happens a lot becuase they have two differnt locations. On the way we saw a brother in Christ doing some preaching. I wish we were able to stay and give him some encouragement. We said a few words as we passed but I could tell, the more I thought about it, he may have needed some building up. Anyway, I will just keep that in mind the next time that happens and pray for him.
Final note... Anyone here about the Walmart employee that got trampled in Rhode Island? My prayer and hope is that the suffering economy will bring families closer together and realize what this season is supposed to be about...
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
(James 4:4)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
My first "Good Person Test"
Well, this morning I got a "Happy Thanksgiving" call from a family member. We got to talking and the conversation turned to church and God. As we progressed I was able to stir up their beliefs and hopefully give them something to think about, after taking them through the "Good Person Test." They were raised Catholic so they have those teachings as their foundation. The usual God is love and by works I will out weigh my evil so I will go to heaven, that is a shame. They are open to discussion despite their assertion that despite our differing beliefs they will always love me. I hope that holds true. I am excited that they are open, after taking them through the test I pressed upon them that it is so very important for them to study the scriptures for them self and not to simply trust what they are being told by myself or any other person whatever position they hold.
Thank you God for the opportunity to speak to them today.
"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?"
(Rom 10:14)
Thank you God for the opportunity to speak to them today.
"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?"
(Rom 10:14)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Short-term Goals...
About two weeks ago I came up with this list of short-term goals for this journey.
1. Start blog.
2. A) Hand out tracts.
B) Find cohorts to open air with.
3. Open Air...
Short list I know. But it is really up to God as to where this all goes. As for me doing my part I have been studying what I can find (in addition to reading the bible of course). I have also order the Way of the Master course. I have already read the book and gone through what I have been able to find on the web. It would be nice to get my wife to go with me some time (hint, hint).
One things I did notice while handing out tracts today is that it became easier the more we handed out, duh! I think it might make a good warm up for when the open does get started.
Closing thought...
And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
(Mar 16:15)
Day One...
Well, on my way home I was thinking about getting out and doing some preaching. It seamed that my mind was already made-up or the decision was already made.
When I got home I talked to my wife, then my son and I went out after gathering some materials. We headed for Silverdale water front park. It was pretty dead, only a few parents playing with their toddlers on the swing sets. I felt that if I were to start there that it would be more of an accusatory open air and I didn't want to start off like that. My son and I decided to start by handing out some tracts and talked, briefly, to a few people. We put a few more on cars and then we left.
As I have been thinking about doing the open air, I was considering starting by handing out tracts anyway. So, I suppose this was God's way of getting my of my tush and getting started. At least we were able to get some gospel out there...
When I got home I talked to my wife, then my son and I went out after gathering some materials. We headed for Silverdale water front park. It was pretty dead, only a few parents playing with their toddlers on the swing sets. I felt that if I were to start there that it would be more of an accusatory open air and I didn't want to start off like that. My son and I decided to start by handing out some tracts and talked, briefly, to a few people. We put a few more on cars and then we left.
As I have been thinking about doing the open air, I was considering starting by handing out tracts anyway. So, I suppose this was God's way of getting my of my tush and getting started. At least we were able to get some gospel out there...
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