Battle Log

Even if you don't feel like coming out, due to tiredness, guilt or even fear. God uses the simple step of faithfulness to bring about His good purposes!

Hear Finn share about a conversation he had with two atheists.

Hear Allan share about how he uses the intelligence test flip chart to lead people to the Gospel and about a specific conversation he tonight.

Hear Bek share how althought she wasn't feel great about coming out, God used her to share the Gospel with a number of people!

Would you too consider joining the team sometime?

>

---

On Wednesday afternoon summer had officially arrived, with a warm temperature of thirty two degrees. The heat thankfully didn't deter people from King George square! There were still many people around hiding in the small patches of shade, enjoying the afternoon.

One early conversation was with a man named Kendall. He shared a range of different things about his beliefs but as the conversation went on it was sad to hear that he didn't want God purely because he wanted to live his own way. He didn't want there to be someone that was in charge. He just wanted to live his own way. It was pointed out that desiring there to be no God, especially when there is one, is not a good idea.

The bad news was emphasised, the good news was offered and Kendall was left to choose, himself and hell, or Christ and salvation.

A conversation was with Kate. This was a lengthier conversation but one very worthwhile. Kate joined into a conversation with a young man sitting beside her.

He wasn't really interested and she gladly joined in. Kate said she had a science background and therefore disbelieved in God. A decent amount of time was spent discussing evolutionary theory and the leaps it makes from that which has been observed. Then it was pointed out that the reason these leaps are made, despite there being no evidence for them in over two hundreds years, was that people want there to be no God.

Sinful rebels will adopt anything in an attempt to numb their conscience to God's existence and the impending judgement. Whether it be a religion that convinces someone that they can be right with God just by being good, a belief system that says God doesn't care about sin or agnosticism and atheism which attempts to avoid God by declaring that they don't think He exists (therefore intellectually avoiding His judgement).

This was pointed out to Kate who acknowledged the criticism. At one point in the conversation she even said, "I don't want their to be anyone higher. We should all be equal there should be no authority in the universe, we should all be able to live however we desire". Kate was reminded of what Satan's temptation to Adam and Eve in the garden was and she did acknowledge the similarity. Humanity wants to be their own god.

As the conversation continued other topics were discussed but some decent time was spent explaining while the world is broken as can be observed and that the only solution to human sin is God's offer of salvation, purchased with His own life, for His own name's sake!

Kate said the Christian message made sense of this world from the fall to salvation. She acknowledged that it covered all bases and said she appreciated the conversation and would consider it more. She was left to not just think about Christianity but challenged to surrender to Jesus, trusting in Him alone for her salvation.

One final encouraging conversation was with Rui. He had a Catholic background and as a result had no understanding of the Gospel. The Gospel was explained in simplicity and Rui was surprised, say He had never heard it before.

It was pointed out the Rui, (that was only in Brisbane for one day) that maybe God had bought him all the way to Australia, to Brisbane, just so he could hear God's offer of salvation for sinners.

Please be praying for Kendall, Kate and Rui that God would use this simple conversations to be the moments that set them on an eternal journey of seeking, knowing and trusting in God!

---

This week was one like usual that was packed with hard, sad and tough conversations. Yet, at the same time filled with encouraging, exciting and glorious moments as God used the simple "prepared beforehand" obedience of His saints, to glorify His own name!

Hear Sarah share how despite some tough conversations she was able to declare God as Saviour to people tonight.

Hear Lee-Anne share about a conversation she had with two young ladies, that left them hearing the Gospel, understanding God's command to repent and believe but sadly also left them angry at God, that He would expect them to give up sin.

Hear Jo share about a man she offered a tract to that said, "I am only a Christian because of the work of Operation 513".

Praise God for His work in the lives of these people, whether preparing them for eternal death or eternal life. Praise God that He does not make mistakes in who he leads His sheep to speak with.

Please also be praying that those spoken to tonight would heed God's command to repent and believe!

---

On Wednesday in Brisbane City, the team was continuously swamped. Again, there were more people wanting to do flip charts, than there were flips charts, or people to man them! Although it is exciting that many people are wanting to engage in the Gospel and many more are hearing the Good News, the current limitation to the advancement of the Gospel in our Wednesday afternoons, is actually the amount of team members out. It is fitting to say, that the harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few.

Would you consider joining the team on a Wednesday afternoon (1-5pm), to, in the power of the Spirit, equipped with the Gospel of grace, declare to the people of Brisbane city, one conversation at a time, who God is and what He has done?

Outside of the flip charts, there were also many other conversations. Two conversations happened back to back. Firstly, with Fraser a young man. He raised all sorts of objections to Christianity and his original main point was, "there is no evidence of God". The response to this, that often stumps people (and had Fraser floundering) is, "What are you expecting as evidence?" "What would have to have done, for you to know He exists?"

A few simple explanations were given for things we would expect if there was a Creator. For example, a finely tuned functioning world, intelligently designed animals and humans, a standard of right and wrong. Fraser then went on to try and give other explanations for these things. One at a time as his explanations were shown to have holes or issues it was made clear that it wasn't that these ideas and theories were more plausible or gave real answers, rather it became clear that they were being used as excuses and scape goats to try and avoid God and ultimately to try and avoid God's judgement.

It was pointed out that our rejection of God isn't intellectual, we don't reject God on the basis of external evidence, rather we try and use anything that seems mildly plausible to try and convince ourselves and justify to ourselves, our prior rejection of God.

Fraser, understood. It was even further stressed that we use intellect as a scape goat from God's wrath (avoiding God's existence and therefore avoiding God's wrath), where in reality, the only one who can protect us from God's wrath, is God Himself. The Gospel was present to Fraser, the truth was explained and he was left to choose, to continue to live his own way in God's world and incur the wrath or to turn to the save that has done everything required for sinners to be forgiven, we simply have to trust in Him.

Fraser said he would consider it and was thankful for the conversation.

A conversation that backed straight off that one was with Emma. There were five highschoolers behind Fraser who had been listened, so when he left, the same question was posed to them, "What do you think will happen after you die?"

Four of the group weren't really interested and just day dreamed, made silly comments and ended up leaving. Where as Emma was interested and stayed and talked for almost sixty minutes. It was an encouraging conversation in which Emma came to understand the Christian message, the glory of the Gospel and the call it has on her life, to turn from sin, to Jesus.

She too was encouraged to consider what Christ commanded and was encouraged to pick up her Bible at home and start reading.

Please be praying for Fraser and Emma that they will each heed Christ's command and rely upon Christ's salvation.

---

This afternoon the team took three flip charts onto the streets of Brisbane city. Even whilst stationed in the same location, at one moment, a fourth was required! Thankfully there was a mini flipchart that was able to be used. If there was any better display of how effective the flipcharts are, have a look at the photo. Four conversations taking place, within five metres, each using a flip chart to share the Gospel! (If you want to use a flipchart for your Gospel witness they can be purchased here).

The first conversation of the afternoon was had with Bastion and Damian, two tourists. Damian professed to be a Christian but knew nothing of the Gospel and Bastion thought that there was no God. After the simply "buildings need a builder" analogy and a run through of the flip chart, both men were left to ponder the question, "When will you turn from sin, to Jesus, for your salvation?"

Throughout the scattering of conversations across the afternoon there were a few other stand outs. A surprising one was with a man named Cameron, from Scotland. He said he had never thought about God or eternity (which was a surprise, considering he is from Scotland, the home of Presbyterianism).

He wasn't against the idea of God and after a simple ten minute Gospel presentation he said he would have to consider Jesus' command to repent and believe. He did have to leave but he noted that he was thankful that the Gospel had been shared and that he was offered salvation.

Please be praying that the offer is not just acknowledged but also accepted.

Another conversation was with Alex and Olivia. This was a fairly standard, "I don't believe in God" conversation. It started with many arguments, many attempts to use different smoke-screens to avoid God's Holiness and judgement but as the conversation went on, Alex, who was originally the one raising the most objections was silenced.

This occurred as it was pointed out consistently throughout the conversation that the real reason we reject God, isn't intellectual or theological. Instead, we reject God because God's existence means that there is a day of judgement coming, a day on which all of humanity, if judged by their actions will stand eternally condemned.

Alex, didn't have an argument against this, he simply would pause as the criticism was let hang. Olivia on the other hand had many more direct questions about Christianity. As the conversation drew to a close and the Gospel was re-emphasised they could hardly believe the dramatic change that Christianity has in someone's life.

It was a real eye opener for them to hear that as Christian's we will love and forgive others even despite the wrongs they do to us because we have been loved and forgiven infinitely more than we will ever be asked love or forgive.

Please be praying that this discussion would leave them not just in "awe" of Christians rather, in awe of the God and Saviour of said Christians.

Another beautiful conversation was had with two men who were openly homosexual. The best part about this conversation with Peter and PJ was that it was not even raised in the conversation as a reason to disbelieve in God. Rather throughout the entire conversation there was a solemn and serious consideration of what God had said to His creation.

The conversation lasted almost forty five minutes and at the end, PJ said he wasn't sure if he wanted to trust in God because it wasn't "that appealing". The beauty and glory of the Gospel was explained, the cost and choice was set before Him and PJ was challenged to not just understand the Gospel but to turn from His life of rebellion to the Saviour.

Peter on the other hand had stressed that he wasn't sure if God really cared because of the life of suffering he had. It was explained that although we suffer in this life, whether it be in small amounts or large, there is a very real sense in which we deserve it. (It was explained that we don't suffer in this life based on how much we've sinned, rather that the suffering we deserve is the eternal wrath of God in Hell). But that God most certainly wasn't absent in suffering because He had taken His own "medicine", He had come, as the only innocent one and suffered the full fury and wrath we deserve.

God isn't just a passive observer rather and active participant in the salvation of sinners, going so far as to become apart of His creation, suffering His own eternal wrath for the very ones who had rebelled against Him. He is the actively involved, loving and merciful God.

The final conversation of the afternoon came with just fifteen minutes left. It was prayed that God would use this conversation specifically so that one whom He had chosen would hear the Gospel.

With around one hundred people in King George square at any moment and no prompting from God was given, a man who was wearing a Richmond hat was approached (on that basis) and was asked what he thought would happen after he died.

This man, Gary, went on to explain his beliefs and ideas and throughout the conversation and all the while hearing God's standards, God's authority and God's offer of salvation.

During the conversation Gary went on to mention that over the past few days he had been considering ending his own life and had prayed to God that he would send someone to share hope with him. This was a moment of real excitement.

The problem of sin was presented, that Gospel was explained. Gary's questions were answered and Gary was left with the commands of Jesus, to repent and believe and that doing so will result in, "life in His name".

Please be praying for Gary, that he will turn from his attempts to find satisfaction in this the fleeting things of this life. Please be praying that Gary would come to no longer trust in himself but to rely entirely upon Jesus for saving!

Thank you for your continued prayer support. Please also prayerfully consider joining the team at any spare moment, that you too may be able to proclaim the Glories of God to the sinners of your local area!

---

This past Saturday the city was hit with scattered showers over the outreach but as usual the rain doesn't stop the Gospel from going forth.

Hear Trinity, a new team member, share about one of the exciting conversations she had, with a man who knew very little about God.

Hear Andrew share about a conversation he had with a young lady who goes to Church but was unsure of the Gospel.

And hear Ryan praising God for the work He did in the heart of a young man who heard the Gospel at the Riverfire outreach and came back for more!

---

This afternoon was filled with exciting conversations! May God be glorified for the conversations he bought along, the words he gave to speak and the changes that occurred in the hearts of those who heard the Word!

Right at the beginning of this afternoon's outreach a young man named Addison was engaged in a conversation. The conversation started with him rejecting God almost entirely and also going down a few other scary paths.

After almost ninety minutes and many questions being asked and answered, the Gospel being shared and his heart being softened Addison went from his defensive position against God to being interested in God, in the Bible and even excited at the idea of attending a local Church!

He even stated, "You are the first Christian that I have spoken to that is intelligent and able to explain what they believe. Everything you have said makes a lot of sense, I am glad you spoke to me today!"

After hearing the Good News of God's love for sinners, placed in its backdrop against the desperate state humans are in and what they deserve from God, Addison seemed moved and asked, "So is that it, what should I do now?"

Addison at the end said, "Thank you for being so kind, patient and willing to talk, I think you've changed my mind." What a glorious conversation! Please keep Addison in your prayers, that God may use this conversation to draw him to Himself!

On the back of that conversation another one was started with James, who said, "I have been thinking about this a lot lately and was thinking to myself, I should really learn more about Christianity!" 

After a thirty minute conversation James not only was extremely grateful for the conversation but said he had a new found and exciting understanding of Christianity. It was stressed that simple information isn't enough but that Jesus commands us to, on the basis of this truth, to repent and believe in Him.

James too expressed an immense gratitude for the time taken to talk with him and said he would have to consider what was said as well!

Two brothers David and Matthew sat and listened, to the Gospel, as well as engaged and asked questions. These young men as well went from not really caring to being interested in talking. They didn't seem as outwardly moved as the other two but were at least happy to take tracts and consider what was said.

Another conversation was had with Thea, a young lady previously spoken to. She said she hadn't changed her opinion since last time but this time as Hell, Sin, Heaven and the Gospel was explained she seemed moved, differently to last time. 

The previous conversation had been almost ninety minutes long and included her boyfriend doing most of the talking, this one on the other hand, was one on one and far shorter but seemed more impactful.

Lastly, Tiana was spoken to. Tiana had a lot of her own ideas and beliefs, most of which she had come to be her own thoughts and ideas but Tiana said two extremely encouraging comments in the conversation. Firstly, she said, "I normally wouldn't talk to my friends of family about this because it gets too heated, so I am really glad I was able to speak with you about it!"

Secondly she said, "I normally also get quite defensive and attacking in this sort of conversation but you have been really nice, so I am glad we got to speak about this".

This afternoon was one filled with excitement, great conversations and most importantly, the proclamation of the Gospel. Please be fervent over the next couple of days, lifting these men and women up to God in prayer, asking that He would be gracious and merciful in granting them each repentance that leads to life!

What a privilege it is to serve the living God!

---

On Monday the team decided to use the "Queens Birthday" public holiday to publicly declare the King's death, burial and resurrection. Due to the relaxed nature of the day, many Gospel conversations were had. 

One exciting conversation was had with an old friend, who was interested in asking some questions to understand what I believed as a Christian and why I lived as I did. It was encouraging to see an interest shown, not just in criticising but a willingness to listen and understand.

The questions began with why the team evangelises. It was explained that it is for three reasons, gratefulness to God, obedience to God and love for those who are perishing. Through a range of other questions, what Heaven and Hell was explained. Most importantly it was shared (although not in the greatest depth), that being a Christian is not about being a good person, so that God will love you. Rather it is about God loving and saving bad people, so that He may be glorified. 

All in all, it was a worthwhile engagement and hopefully there will be more questions asked in the future.

Another more conventional conversation was had with Caitlin. She noted that she had never thought about God before and it hadn't really even crossed her mind. She did mention that she had been to a Catholic school but that was about the extent of her time.

But this didn't stop her from hearing the Gospel. She was on her lunch break, so was limited in time but she happily engaged as she ate her sandwiches. The building builder analogy was given, she said this made sense. God's purpose in Creation was explained and how it is God's purpose for us, that we have willfully rebelled against and how God will hold us accountable for our actions.

She said this made sense and actually displayed worry on her face that she was not right with God but if she stood before Him that very night, she would be in trouble. Caitlin then asked how that she could be made right with God. The Gospel was explained, including the simple analogies clarifying repentance and faith and Caitlin said she would think about it as she finished her shift that afternoon.

It was a very similar conversation with Declan. He had never thought about it and with the same simple Gospel presentation he engaged, was willing to listen and said he too would consider what God has said.

A more lengthy conversation was had with Rose, a Catholic from Asia. Usually in a conversation with Catholics, the Gospel presentation is given then questions at the end are sustained. On this occasion it seemed right to come from the Old Testament to the New to consider and explain the differences between the two. 

Rose was asked what she thought saved people in the Old Testament. She shared that it was their good works, adherence to the law and subsequently sacrifices to pay for sins. It was pointed out that there is no sacrifice in all of the Old Testament that a Jew could do to pay for sin. Not one. There is no sacrifice that a Jew could do that could cover over a lie, theft, adultery. Except for "The Day of Atonement", which was a one a year sacrifice, for the entirety of the sins of Israel.

God in His mercy, had provided a "covering" (you can read Leviticus 16 for details) but this sacrifice, of a single goat, very clearly to everyone didn't cover for Israel's sin. As Hebrews points out, the blood of bulls and goats cannot atone for one single sin.

Rose was asked what she thought was meant by Jesus when He said He came not to abolish the law and the prophets but to fulfill them. She said that Jesus is simply the Messiah as promised by the Old Testament. It was explained that although that is definitely a part of what Jesus fulfilled, He was far more than that. The conversation was then taken to Leviticus 16, via Exodus, then to Hebrews 1. It was explained that in the design of the Tabernacle there was one piece of furniture missing. There were altars, candles, tables... but there was nothing on which to sit down. Why? Because the work of making atonement was never complete. The work of a priest was never done. Sin was not atoned for.

Then Hebrews was pointed out, that Jesus our Great High Priest and Atoning Sacrifice, "after making purification for sins, He sat down. For the first time in all of human history, a Priest sat down. The work of purification was finished!

This lengthy explanation took a little while for Rose to understand, with some other simple explanations she came to understand but still wasn't quite sure how it was relevant. Two final stresses were made about the word ransom. That it is the faithfulness of the one paying the ransom that saves, rather than the one being ransomed.

She had also mentioned that we make "reparation" or small atonements before God by denying ourselves in small ways (like not eating chocolate for a week or the like). It was really emphasised that Jesus' is the "atoning sacrifice".

Rose said she now understood the opposite nature of the protestant understand of the Gospel and what the Catholics teach. She was left to consider, which one accurately represented the Bible and was called to turn from trusting in herself, to surrendering to Christ.

Please be praying for the first two who asked questions, that the answers given would lead to more questions and a desire for God. Please pray that Caitlin and Declan will come to a saving knowledge of the truth, from this first occasion of hearing the Gospel. Please pray that Rose would intellectually understand the Gospel and desire to study God's Word seeking in it to find God's promises of salvation and then turn in reliance upon Christ.

---

This evening was the Riverfire outreach, combined with the usual Saturday night in King George Square. In the first four hours of the afternoon over 10,000 tracts were handed out!

Many more over the course of the day were engaged in Gospel conversations.

Hear Natalie share about a conversation she had with a group of teenagers who started asking her questions after she handed them all tracts.

Hear Matt share about a conversation he had with two men who were interested in the flip chart.

Hear Fynn share about a conversation he had with a Chinese girl after he handed her a tract.

Please be praying for these conversations, the many others spoken to and the thousands who read parts of the tract they were given.

Please pray that God would use whatever means He desires, from the small display of faithfulness, to bring about the salvation of many souls!

---

On Wednesday afternoon in King George Square, the team was surrounded by hundreds of people. Not only was it school holidays but there was also a fundraiser for strawberry farmers in Australia and hundreds of people were queuing up for strawberry ice cream. This also meant that there were hundreds of people to talk to and as a result many conversations were had.

As usual a number of people were approached and asked what they think will happen after they die and then were happy to engage. The first was Strayan, an Indian man who had a lot of thoughts and ideas but upon hearing of God's Holiness, our sin and what Jesus did to save sinners he declined trusting in Jesus because he liked living his own way. This was a scary moment, he had intellectually understood the Gospel but was willing to trade God's offer of salvation for maybe 50 more years of unsatisfying autonomy.

The authority of God and the foolish decision to live as His enemy was reiterated and Strayan was left to ponder. Please be praying for him, that this position of hostility to God will not be final for him.

Another conversation was started with Will and his girlfriend Alex. Will was happy to engage and interacted as God's creation, the garden of Eden, the fall and sin were explained. Alex on the other hand was squirmish and not interested. Will asked one final question about forgiveness and it was explained that forgiveness requires someone to take the penalty. Therefore, for God to forgive someone must suffer the Hell punishment.

Sadly at the moment they left but please be praying that Will heeds to message and wants to know more.

Another conversation was had with Kit. It is often a temptation to make choices about who to approach based on how it's assumed they will respond. But in this scenario that assumption was cast aside and a conversation was started. Kit was asked, "What do you think will happen after you die?" to which she responded, "I am not sure I don't really think about it." then she left it a few moments and said, "Actually that's a lie, I am extremely depressed and think about it ALL the time!" This honestly opened into a ninety minute conversation that lead to Kit having a good understanding of Christianity, especially the Gospel.

Many topics were covered and discussed and the whole time Kit was very respectful and thoughtful in her responses and questions. It was one of the best conversations of late. It was a real privilege to share the Gospel with her.

Across many simple apologetics and explanations of what Christians believe and why they believe it, the conversation ended up being centered primarily around the Gospel. When Kit understood that Christianity wasn't about trying to be good following a long list of rules, rather about being saved by the good God, despite our willful breaking of the laws she said, "Oh wow, I didn't realise that it what Christians believed! That is so different to other religions!"

A few other simple answers about the reliability of the Bible and trustworthiness of the scriptures was given but it kept coming back to the Gospel. The finale came in a final explanation of how glorious God's love is, as displayed in the Gospel.

In summary, "The very God against whom we rebelled and had made ourselves enemies. The very God who should have punished us in Hell eternally, came into this world. The Son, became part of His creation, lived as a man and yet was without sin. Then went to the cross, bearing the full fury and wrath of the Father, the full Hell punishment we deserve and rose victoriously from the grave, so that He may be glorified in saving sinners like us. That is how with all honesty and truth, it can be shared with you, that God loves you and has done everything required for you to know Him."

Kit who seemed to have been holding back and not really wanting to admit more about the Gospel message than, "it makes sense" was silenced. It seemed as though she was seriously considering the Gospel's command to repent and believe.

Please be praying for her, that this message will not just be information stored in her brain but that this conversation will be the very thing that God uses to bring her to salvation! May God be glorified in the saving of His elect!

Another conversation was had with Jack a young man who used to attend a local Church. Jack said that after high school he had just stopped going to Church. Sadly, Jack's understanding of the Gospel was also one of works. A simple Gospel presentation was given and Jack was surprised. He said it made sense and was confused as to why he'd never realised before.

Jack seemed outwardly moved by the Gospel but also God's very strong and clear command that we must repent or perish. A number of warnings about putting of repenting and putting ones faith in Jesus today were given. Jack heeded the warnings and was encouraged to read his Bible that day, while he had breath in his lungs.

Please be praying that Jack would be cut to the heart and want to know nothing more than God and His salvation. Please be praying that Jack will find a local Church to attend and will have a life changed by the work of the Holy Spirit!

Thank you for your prayers and we ask you that continue to lift up those heading out, so that they may be strengthened and encouraged by the Spirit and would be bold witnesses for Christ.

---

Page 1 . . . 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 . . . 42

---