Battle Log

Friday, 2 October, 2020

Posted 4 October 2020, 3:37 PM by Glen Richards. Permalink

On Thursday I was online for a couple of hours in the morning before joining Andy at the bus stops in the afternoon (as usual).

Online I had a surprise text based conversation with a person who works in the abortion industry.  You can read about that (and our Friday gospel + abortion outreach) here.

I really enjoyed the afternoon outreach at the bus stops because it was busy with many opportunities to share the gospel with people.  We started at Northlands this week, before moving to Eastgate.  It was great to have Tim join us at Eastgate after he had finished work.  Tim hasn’t been on the streets for a while, so I took the time to take him through the new flip chart.  He then paired with me as we approached person after person to share the gospel.

We shared with a lady who was angry about the new abortion legislation introduced by the government back in March.  She considered herself a good person, and was extremely resistant, if not offended when I tried to show her the law.

Next was two ladies and a young child.  One of the ladies was quite responsive, and listened to the logic of how God exists, and the law which brings the knowledge of sin.  Sadly, the child was quietly disagreeing with what I was saying!  Their bus came, she took a tract as she left.

We were able to talk with a bus driver, a Christian who thought keeping the 2 greatest commandments would get him to heaven.  He also was leaning towards universalism.  I was able to explain the gospel and then answer some good questions he had, before his bus came.  He took a tract.

On Friday, after the gospel + abortion outreach, we had a great time of open air preaching in Cathedral Square.  It was very encouraging having people stop to listen.  There were some great questions and interaction.

For the rest of the afternoon, we were in Cashel Mall.  I had one stand out conversation - a sad one.

It was with a young lady with a little girl with her.  Long story short, she wanted heaven but she wanted her sin too.  After taking her through the law and the gospel, and working through many checking questions - it was clear she was understanding the big picture.  She tried to trap me on the concept of repentance.  She said, “well, I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins - and if that’s the only thing you have to do to go to heaven, then why do I have to do these other things ” She doesn't have to do anything, but she will want to!  Faith is always connected to repentance, an inward change of mind, will and emotions: away from sin and to God - that will lead to outward good works.  When God saves us, by grace, he grants us the gift of faith and changes our heart - giving us a new nature and new desires.  It was clear that the works do not save us, but if we are saved we will want to start doing good works as a result - out of love for the one who saved us.  She has heard and understood the gospel - may God change her!