.more than a missionary

When you hear the word "missionary", what comes to mind?  Someone who spends a prolonged amount of time immersed in another culture with the purpose of spreading the gospel, right?  Google the word and you'll get plenty of results.  Look it up in your concordance, not so much.  The word "missionary" never appears in the Bible...not even once.  The word "witness", however, appears 175 times in the New King James Version of the Bible.

The word "missionary" implies that it's the job of certain people to spread the gospel.  The word "witness" implies that it's the job of EVERY believer to spread the gospel.  Hear just one of the 175 accounts: Acts 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Acts 1:8 identifies two characteristics of the word witness and what Jesus meant by the concept. (1) They shall proclaim him king, and publish those truths to the world by which his kingdom should be set up, and he would rule. They must openly and solemnly preach his gospel to the world. (2) They shall prove this, shall confirm their testimony, not as witnesses do, with an oath, but with the divine seal of miracles and supernatural gifts.

The whole idea here is that the responsibility of sharing the gospel does not merely apply to a select few, but that it is the job of every believer to proclaim Jesus Christ and expect God to confirm this proclamation with the divine seal of miracles, signs and wonders.

The premise behind being a witness is not merely to tell, but to SHOW AND TELL.  I loved Show and Tell when I was a kid.  It was a time where if you had stuff, you got to show it off and if you didn’t have stuff, you got to see if the people who said they had stuff were really telling the truth.  Like that kid who always talked about his dog Spike and how it was the best watch-dog ever…but then when he brought him to Show and Tell, Spike wasn’t a Doberman, he was a dachshund.

Show and Tell is about furnishing proof.  You not only tell about something, but you back it up with a demonstration.  The door to door salesman has perfected this art.  "Let me tell you about my vacuum.  Now, let me pour this dirt on your carpet and show you how this vacuum sucks."

Here’s the bottom line:  Miracles confirm the truth of the gospel.  If Jesus was merely a good teacher, a Prophet, a good man, people would have dismissed him as the Messiah.  But He proved He was the Son of God and a sinner’s Savior through the works that He did (the deaf hear, the blind see, the lame walk and the dead are raised).  He gave us authority to do the same works that He did and commissioned us to do likewise.

Paul understood this commission, but not before having a reality check.  In Acts 17, he had the opportunity to preach to a packed house of intellectual leaders in the great amphitheater on Mars Hill in Athens.  His sermon was flawless, filled with quotes from their own poets and philosophers, and he even used an idol from their city to show them honor and grab their attention.  But after all was said and done, the results were minimal.  The Bible says, “"And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, ‘We will hear you again on this matter’” (Acts 17:32).

After the meeting, a group of people stayed with Paul, but the Scriptures do not specify how many of them became believers.  When he left Athens, surely he thought about the results.  What happened?  Why weren’t more saved?  How could they reject such a well-crafted message?  (I’ve had these thoughts myself at different times!)  As he thought about these things, he came to a conclusion.  It’s found in 1 Corinthians 2:1-2.

1 Cor 2:1-2 NIV 1When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

After the Athens experience, Paul resolved to never again lean entirely on the extent of his brain power to preach the gospel.  He continues his resolve in verse 4.

1 Cor 2:4-5 NIV 4My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

He resolved to not merely tell of God’s goodness and mercy, but to demonstrate His power. The word "demonstration" refers to something that is outwardly seen or something visible that authenticates, proves, and guarantees the message to be true. It means to display or even to show off.  Paul learned that Show and Tell was a much more effective method than simply Tell.

So, how about you bring a little Show and Tell to your world?  Be more than a missionary.  Be a witness.

.shockwave challenge - day 89

I went to Wal-Mart tonight to do my shockwave challenge. After grabbing a Christmas present for Karis (I couldn't resist) I was walking out to my car and saw two cart pushers standing around talking. I approached them and invited them to church. I asked them the million dollar question and one of them said he hoped he would go to heaven and the other said he knew for sure. After I shared the gospel with them, I found out that both of them had already confessed Jesus as Lord. I prayed with them about their job and encouraged them to not let the mistakes they make discourage them from being secure in their salvation.

Don't forget about the challenge! Get out there and share your faith!

.shockwave challenge - day 77

We were on our way out to Kackleberry Farm today for a family adventure and we stopped for lunch. After we ate, I noticed a lady sitting alone, so we approached her and invited her to church and offered prayer. She told us she was getting ready to move and needed some more money for her deposit. Before we prayed, I asked her the million dollar question and she told us she would go
to heaven because she was a good person and hadn't sinned all that much. I shared the gospel with her and found out she had already confessed Jesus as Lord.

Make sure that no matter where you go, God's number one priority is at the top of your to-do list. Shockwave is all about every believer, everywhere sharing the good news everyday.

.shockwave challenge: day 75

After lunch I came back to work and found a guy in the parking lot with a flat tire. I knew I had found my next shockwave victim.

I walked up and asked if he needed any help. He said he had it under control, so I asked him the million dollar question. He told me he wasn't sure if he'd go to heaven. So I began to share the gospel as he struggled with loosening the lugs on his blown out tire. I could tell he needed more than a few words at this moment, so I jumped in to help him, but they were just too stubborn. I offered to give him a ride somewhere and he told me his brother-in-law had a better lug wrench, so I drove him over there to pick it up. It was a short ride, but I used the opportunity to share the rest of the gospel with him. He had a few doubts about the resurrection and wasn't ready to pray with me. I got to share a few testimonies of God's goodness in my life and encourage him to come to church. After we got back and he got the lug-nuts loose, I gave him a "road to salvation" card and he thanked me for my help. I pray that he says the prayer on his own once he realizes the truth of the resurrection.

Perhaps you'll see someone in need today. Be like the good Samaritan and offer some on-time help. And don't hesitate when it comes to sharing the gospel!

.shockwave challenge - day 74

I went to BiLo after church tonight before we picked up dinner. While we were checking out, I asked the cashier the million dollar question. She told me she knew she was going to heaven and said she had been saved since she was a kid.

I also missed an opportunity today to share with the FedEx lady. After I missed it, I followed her out and invited her to church, but her supervisor came out from the back of the truck and I didn't ask her the question. I felt terrible. I pray God gives me another opportunity to share with her or sends someone else across her path.

Who can you share with today? Get out there and preach the Word!

.shockwave challenge - day 60

After lunch, we went to a local store to pick-up a few things and get some more candy to donate for the Trunk or Treat.  While we were there, we saw a lady with a toddler in her cart.  After Karis had already approached them, I sent her back over with an invitation card and then struck up a conversation.  I invited her to church and offered prayer.  She said she was fine and then I asked her the million dollar question: "If you were to die today or within the next 100 years, do you know for sure you'll go to heaven when you die?"  She said she believed she would and went on to explain how she had a close relationship with God and believed Jesus died on the cross for her sins.  I made sure that she had confessed Jesus as her Lord and had gone beyond just believing.  She was thankful for our conversation and we invited her to the Trunk or Treat as well.  She said she would come to the church and visit some time.

As you're out and about doing your daily deal, keep in mind that we have a responsibility as believers to share our faith with others.  We are partnering with God in this great commission and He backs us up wherever we go.  So, go and tell somebody about Christ today!

.shockwave challenge - day 58

I went up to BDubs this morning to meet up with Jason and Cullen to check in on them and of course, see about the possibility of scoring free wings for a year.  I realized that it wasn't going to happen for me this morning.  Unlike the "five o'clock people" in the parable, this time, you'd have to show up early enough to get in on the action.

While we were there, they did a few giveaway contests and then a lady walks up to me and asks if I knew whose car was double parked behind me.  So I pointed out the culprit and then struck up a conversation.  I knew this would be an opportunity to share my faith.  I waited on her sister to park the car and get out and then I invited them both to church and offered to pray with them.  They didn't want prayer at that moment, so I asked them the million dollar question to which they both replied, "Yes."  I asked them how they knew they would go to heaven and they said they were saved.  I was glad to meet some fellow believers and I encouraged them to share their faith with others.  I didn't stick around for the rest of the time, but if I thought I had even a remote chance of scoring some free wings, I would have stayed!

Later, while at work, a delivery guy came by to drop off an order from Office Depot.  I signed for the order and then asked if I could pray with him about anything. He told me his grandmother had just passed away and that we could pray for the family.  I encouraged him and then asked him the million dollar question before we prayed.  He assured me that he was saved already and then we agreed together for comfort and peace for his family.

I couldn't think of a better way to get my day started than with the shockwave challenge!  How about you make a plan to start your day that way, too?  Get out there and meet somebody new and then share the gospel with him or her.  You'll be amazed at how invigorating it is!

.shockwave challenge - day 40

We had our AC go out last night so we called the company to send out a tech today. He assessed the situation and got us back up and running. Afterward, I asked him the million dollar question and he said he didn't go to church anywhere but he was a "die hard Christian" and reads his Bible everyday. I invited him to church and encouraged him to share with others.

Later, I went back to work and a roofer shows up to repair a leak we've had. After he was done, I asked him if he attended church and he told me where he went and that he was actually getting his doctorate in theology! We had quite the discussion about his thesis on Calvinism versus Arminianism - a much debated topic among denominations. I encouraged him that no matter what side of the fence he was on that it doesn't change the great commission. We have a responsibility to share the gospel with people wherever we go.

After I got home, YaYa wanted to take Karis to the park at the elementary school, so we went and played for a while. I saw a couple sitting on the bench so I approached them, invited them to church and asked them the million dollar question. They said they hoped so, but weren't sure. I shared the gospel with them and learned that they had already accepted Christ as their savior. I prayed with them further about her mom who needed healing for constant headaches and high blood pressure. I believe God will bring laborers across her path who are equipped to give life!

What about you? Who can you give life to today? We need all the harvest hands we can get out here in the fields!

.shockwave challenge - day 37

Karis and I went to Wal-Mart to pick up a birthday card for YaYa.  On our way in, we met a lady and invited her to church.  When I asked her the million dollar question, she said she knew she was going to heaven because she had already accepted Christ.  I asked her if I could pray for her about anything and she told me she needed a job.  We prayed together and I believe God will provide!  As we continued shopping, we met another family and invited them to church as well.  We asked them the million dollar question and they were already saved too.

Make it a point to share the gospel wherever you go!  Karis was excited about doing the "shockwave sandwich" with me...that's what she calls the shockwave challenge.  It's so important that we don't neglect our mission and teach our children to share the gospel as well.

I've been hearing great testimonies of people doing the shockwave challenge all over the place.  One kid in our church is 8 years old and he was so excited when he got to lead 2 of his classmates in the prayer of salvation one day.  Another young woman led one of her clients to Christ over the phone today!  She told me she felt like she was going to explode because she was so happy!  There's no greater feeling than giving life to someone!  Go give life today!

.shockwave challenge - day 36

After lunch, we went to Target to pick up a few things. While we were checking out costumes for Karis for Trunk or Treat, I saw a young man with a cane and a knee brace. Immediately, my heart went out to him and I was moved with compassion. I knew I had to talk to him. We went down the aisle they were in and I invited them to church. They were a military couple and were looking for a good church to attend. We assured them that they would be welcome and would fit right in. I asked him how he injured his knee and he told me he fell down a ladder in the submarine he worked on. I began telling him about Jesus and how he went about healing the sick and said those who believe in Him could do the same. He wasn't ready for me to pray for him right then, but said they would come to church and would let me pray for him there. I asked the million dollar question and learned that they were both believers. We encouraged them again and before we left, I offered another invitation for healing but he wasn't comfortable praying there in the store. I sincerely believe that it's not God's plan for anyone to experience the kind of pain he was going through. I pray that they will come to church so that I can minister to him again. And if not, I pray for other believers to come across his path to minister God's healing power to him.

Regardless of where you are today, don't let that stop you from taking advantage of an opportunity to share the gospel with someone. See a need and then jump into action with God's compassion.

.shockwave challenge - day 35

Karis and I had a daddy-daughter date today with Jay and Lilli bicycling down the Augusta Canal. While we were there, we stopped at the sweet spot by the river and there was another family there. We invited them to church and then asked them the million dollar question. They assured us they were already believers and attended church in Hephzibah.

Maybe you are out and about today having a good ol' time, too. Don't forget about God's mission wherever you are. Find someone to share the gospel with today!

.shockwave challenge - day 34

Karis and I went to the bank today. She loves the bank because they give you money and lollipops!

After we made our transaction, I saw the guy next to me and knew I should share the gospel with him. I walked outside and got Karis situated in the car and waited for him to come out. He came out and I pounced! I invited him to church and asked I I could pray for him. He declined and I asked him the million dollar question. He said he wasn't into church. I told him going to heaven had nothing to do with going to church as I shared the gospel with him. He said he believed in Jesus but was ultimately unwilling to let me lead him in a prayer to confess Jesus as Lord.

As I was pulling out of the bank, I saw a couple walking and so I drove past them and parked. I hopped out and invited them to church. They told me they were looking for a church to attend and they needed prayer. I found out that they were already believers and they asked me to pray about a job and transportation. I encouraged them and then we prayed together.

At times, you may feel discouraged because someone doesn't accept Christ, but don't let that stop you from sharing with the next person. You may never know who needs your encouragement and prayers of faith. You must be willing to share no matter how you feel at the moment. Take my challenge and share the gospel with someone today!

.shockwave challenge - day 33

Last night while I was preaching for Overflow, we were talking about friends and family members that we need to reach with the gospel. I was suddenly convicted because several years ago while we were doing the Impact meetings, God had brought a couple of uncles to my mind to pray for them. Well, I prayed for them at the time, but did nothing to reach out to them. You see, we don't really have a current relationship because they live out of town and we just aren't very close. But they are still family and God wants them all to be saved!

During the service, while the students were in their small groups, I texted my mom to get their phone numbers. She replied with one phone number and I immediately went to my office to call my uncle. As my heart was racing and I anticipated what I might say, the call went straight to voicemail. I left a message and said I would try to call again tomorrow. My heart sank because I wondered if I might have been too late. I kept thinking, "What if I didn't share the gospel with them and they died tonight?" Then I was reminded about 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Thank God for His patience and all of the chances He gives us to respond to Him.

I made the phone call again today. I got to talk to both of my uncles and found out that one of them was already saved and gave his life to Christ a few years ago before he was about to be operated on to remove a tumor from his throat! The other uncle laughed when I asked him the question and said, "That's the reason you called me?" I was sincere and shared the gospel with him. He wasn't ready to receive and said he was set in his ways and didn't want to change. He grew up in a children's home and learned about the Bible and he believes in the Bible and in Jesus, but wasn't willing to confess Jesus as Lord. He said he'd had religion shoved down his throat too many times. I tried explaining to him that religion isn't the way to heaven and that the people who had forced it on him were wrong. While he didn't pray the prayer, he did let me pray for him before we ended our call.

I hate religion. It has warped the view of God for so many people and well-meaning believers have turned people away through their tirades about people getting their lives right before they come to Christ.
Nevertheless, I was finally obedient and made the call to share the gospel with those family members whom God had placed on my heart. I know I've done my part and I believe God will continue to work in the lives of my uncles.

Do you have some family members or friends that you are unsure of whether they will go to heaven or not? How about you ask them right now? Go look up their phone number and give them a call! What's stopping you?

.shockwave challenge - day 32

I hit up one of my favorite dining establishments for lunch today with two Jesus Freaks - Jason Netzler and Cullen Grady.  While talking about evangelism and the Holy Spirit, we were all fired up!  I had it on my heart for some time now to share the gospel with one of the employees there because every time I go in, he always serves me up right...but I had a feeling it wasn't because of his Christian character and attitude.  Every time I've been in before, the restaurant has always been so busy that I haven't gotten an opportunity to talk with him.  Well, we were there so long that I noticed they weren't very busy at the time.  I quietly prayed under my breath, "God, give me an opportunity to share the gospel with him today!"  And no sooner had I said the prayer than it was answered.  The guy came out from the back into the dining room and gave me the "pez" - the "what's up" head nod.  I jumped out of my seat and walked over to him thanking him for the excellent service and deliciousness he had once again whipped up for me.  I then asked how long he'd been working there.  He said he'd been there for a couple of years.  I told him I saw him in there all the time and he laughed and said, "Yeah, you come here a lot!"  We both laughed.

I then told him that there's been something I've been wanting to ask him for a long time, but never had the chance.  I asked him the million dollar question and he said he would probably go to heaven.  Then I asked him why.  He said he was a good person and that he believed in God.  I shared the gospel with him and then I told him that even the demons believe in God, but what gets you into heaven is believing in the resurrection of Jesus and confessing Him as Lord.  I asked him if he'd like to do that and he said, "Of course!!"  So we walked out behind the restaurant and I led him in the prayer of salvation.  After we prayed, I asked him if he meant it from his heart. He said yes and that he was feeling good!  He pulled his hand out of his pocket and said, "my hand's not even burning anymore!"  He had burnt two of his fingers earlier and God healed him as soon as he said the prayer of salvation!!!!  Ha!  I explained more about salvation to him and how it included deliverance, healing, preservation and a whole slew of other benefits that are now available to him!  You should have seen the smile on his face.  He said, "That made my day!"  As I was telling the fellas about the conversation later, Cullen said, "You didn't just make his day.  You made his life!  You made his eternity!"

After we prayed, his boss came out and when he found out what we were doing, he jumped right in the conversation and shared a number of testimonies about God's provision in his own life. When I invited the employee to church, his boss said he has about 5 or 6 to choose from because of all the people that have been working on him and praying for him.  He said that he kept telling them he wanted to get his life right and be pure before he came to church.  This was another chance to share another facet of the true gospel that God isn't so much concerned with perfect people as He is about perfecting people through the sacrifice of Christ.  As we walked back in so he could get back to work, I told him that he was a new person now, that his spirit was made new and he won't be satisfied with the things that he used to do.

It's so amazing to be a part of God's mission and seeing Him do work in people's lives.  What an honor to take part in the great commission!

How about you?  Are you taking part in God's mission?  Are you giving Him something to work with as you open your mouth and present the good news to people?  If not, then start today.  It just might make someone's day, life or eternity!

.shockwave challenge - day 30

We took Karis to the Kroc Center this evening and had a blast! While we were there, I met an older lady and began talking with her. After a few minutes of conversation, I kept wondering how I could fit in the million dollar question. Finally, I got the conversation to turn in the direction of church and I took my chance. I asked her if she knew she was going to heaven and she assured me she had already accepted Christ when she was younger.

I have found that it is so much faster and easier to simply approach someone with the intent of inviting them to church. But if you're in your swim trunks, a soggy invitation card won't do! You have to make it your priority to steer your conversations toward Christ.

Afterward, we ate some grub at Taco Bell and before we left, I invited a young man to church and asked him if he needed prayer. He said no, so I asked him the big money question. He said he didn't think anyone could know for sure. After I shared the gospel with him, he was ready to accept Christ and asked his girlfriend to get out of the car and pray with us! We stood there in the middle of the parking lot and they both called upon Jesus to be saved.

Who can you engage in conversation today with the express purpose of leading him or her to Christ? What about inviting someone to church, offering to pray for them and THEN asking the million dollar question? Pick the approach that fits your situation and go for it!

Karis loved the slide!!!!

.shockwave challenge - day 29

Karis and I were at the park today and I met a couple and invited them to church.  The lady said she had been to the church a few years ago and had heard me preach before!  Ha!  I didn't assume she was a Christian and asked her the million dollar question anyway.  When asked if she knew she would go to heaven, she said, "Let me put it this way, I believe in God."  So I asked if she believed in Jesus and the resurrection.  She said yes and so I continued with the road to salvation script and shared Romans 10:9.  I asked if they had ever prayed a prayer to confess Jesus as Lord and she said no and then looked at her boyfriend and asked if he had.  He never had either, so I led them both in the prayer of salvation right there!  I know that if she had heard me preach before, I gave an invitation to accept Christ.  But some people won't respond to any altar call.  That's why it's all the more important to be willing to ask people one-on-one about their eternity.

On another note, we had a "bug guy" come out on Thursday and spray our house for German cockroaches.  Yuck!  He wasn't our usual rep and after talking with him for a while, Kristen found out that his kids had been to the church because they live very close as well.  During their conversation, she figured that he was already a Christian.  Well, she had to leave for an appointment but after she left, she texted me to ask him the question before he left to make sure.  I didn't get her text before he left but I prayed with him about his job and I felt really convicted about not asking him the question.  I prayed and asked God for another opportunity to share with him.  Tonight, I got my chance!  As I was walking home from the park, I saw his kids out in the yard playing.  So, Karis and I walked over and started talking to them.  The guy came out of the house and invited me inside the fence.  After we spent some time talking, we had to leave and he walked us out.  Before we left, I asked him the question and sure enough, he was already a believer!  However, he did say that they hadn't been to any church in a while and that they'd see us Sunday!  Needless to say, my conscience was eased and I thanked God for answering my prayer and giving me another shot to share the gospel!  By the way, the roaches are gone, too!

In four weeks of sharing the gospel with at least one person a day, I've had the privilege of leading 36 people to Christ.  What kind of impact can you have if you'll give God just a few minutes of your day to work with Him in seeking and saving the lost.  Are you seeking people out or are you content to live in your little bubble of selfishness?  There's still time today to complete the challenge.  Go seek out someone that Jesus wants to save!

.shockwave challenge - day 28

We were at the Arts in the Heart festival downtown and shortly after we walked in, a couple of guys were walking behind us playing ukulele and singing. After commenting on their music, I invited them to church and asked the million dollar question. Neither of them knew if they would go to heaven, so I share the gospel with them. After my presentation, I asked if they believed in God. This is when I learned that one of them was agnostic and the other was a Buddhist. I shared with them about how Jesus went about performing miracles and then shared a miracle story of my own. This got their attention and they were willing to let me pray for them that God would reveal Himself to them. Another seed was planted and watered and I believe God is good for His word.

A little while later, I met a guy at the children's area while waiting for Kristen and Karis to do the craft tour. We spent some time talking and after I invited him to church, he told me he and his family were talking about going back to church. I shared more about our church and then asked him the question. He assured me he was already a believer and then shared an incredible testimony of God's saving grace and power. He said he'd definitely be at church soon!

If you're out and about this weekend, be on the lookout for your chance to share the gospel with someone!

.shockwave challenge - day 27

I went out today to meet a guy I was buying a wireless router from on craigslist. I knew there was a greater purpose for our encounter than just an exchange of goods, so I began praying before he showed up that God would give me the words to say and the boldness to say them! Even after almost 4 weeks of doing this challenge everyday, I still deal with fear! With my heart racing and my invitation card in hand, I posed the all important question to this gentleman about his eternal destination. He said that he wasn't sure there was a heaven. He told me that in his younger years he was a devout atheist, but now was more of an agnostic. After my brief conversations with a few agnostics, I knew I should share the truth of the gospel with him. So I did. He said he believed Jesus was the son of God but wasn't willing to say the prayer of salvation. I did ask if I could pray that God would reveal Himself to him. He agreed and so I prayed and believe that God will open his eyes to the truth.

Whether the seed was planted or watered, I know God will continue to work on his heart.

How about you? Could there be a "chance" encounter today that has a greater purpose? Remember, silence is selfish. Open your mouth and share the gospel with at least one person today.

.shockwave challenge - day 26

I called customer service at beachbody.com just a little while ago to check on an e-mail I had gotten from them about P90X.  While on the phone, I wanted to order some new resistance bands to beef up my workout some more, so my customer service rep, Frank, helped me do just that.  After he took care of my order, he asked if he could do anything else for me.  I knew the whole time I was talking to him that I was going to ask him the million dollar question and so I did!  He said he knew he wouldn't go to heaven because of the wrong things he's done.  I shared the gospel with him and asked if I could lead him in the prayer.  He said, "I would love that!"  As I started to lead him in the prayer he was suddenly aware that the call was being recorded and he could get in trouble with his job for saying it aloud.  I told him what to pray and he promised he would say it after we ended our call.  He thanked me for asking and told me that a few days ago someone had asked him a similar question and he'd given them the same answer.  He was under the impression that you must repent from every single one of your sins after you commit them in order to get into heaven and if you didn't repent before you died, then you wouldn't make it.  After hearing the true gospel, he was ready to confess Jesus as Lord!

Maybe you too could take advantage of a phone call today and share the gospel with the person on the other end.  It's a perfect way to do your shockwave challenge.  Let's be more aware of the opportunities that present themselves and seize them!  In Acts 3:12 (NLT), after Peter and John healed the lame man at the gate called Beautiful, a crowd gathered.  The verse says, "Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd..."  Be on the lookout for opportunities and then do something with them!

.shockwave challenge - day 24

After I left work today, I decided to stop by the park and hand out some invitations to church.  I approached a lady at the picnic tables and learned that she was already a believer. She asked me to pray for her family, so we caught hands right there and prayed together.  Afterward, I saw a group of 8 guys about to play basketball and I walked in and stopped them before their game to invite them to church and ask them the million dollar question.  One of the guys remembered being interviewed for a video we did for our Easter service this year about heaven and hell.  I found out later from Harry (one of the student interns that interviewed him) that he didn't want to receive Jesus that day, but he was so receptive today!!!  Seven of the guys prayed the prayer of salvation with me for the first time...and he was so pumped about praying that he placed his hand on my shoulder and grasped one of the other guys there as well.  You should have seen those guys after we said, "Amen!"  It was hilarious!  It was like they just won the NBA championship!  They were jumping and grabbing the rim and one of them said, "Did you see that?  I couldn't do that before!"  Ha!  Now, I'm not a proponent of "Jesus will make you run faster and jump higher," but something happened to that guy.

I was equally enthusiastic about their decision to accept Christ, so I immediately began looking around for anyone else to talk to!  There was no one around, but after I got in my car to leave, I saw a young lady walking toward the Community Center, so I rolled down my window and got her attention.  She wasn't sure that she'd go to heaven, so I led her to Jesus right there...true drive-by evangelism!

It took me about 15 minutes to make a short trip through the park and talk to people and as a result, 8 people were saved.  Could you give God a few minutes of your time to share the gospel with someone today?  There's nothing to lose!