The Offence Of The Cross

The Offence of the Cross by Ray Comfort

When the Ten Commandments are used in open air preaching often people come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Some may try and deal with their conviction through anger. It is easy to forget that behind the flesh and blood is a seething demonic realm (see Ephesians 6:12). That’s why it is wise to use words “seasoned with salt.” There have been times where I haven’t been as wise as I should, and have suffered the consequences. Take for instance the time an attractive woman in her mid-twenties angrily hollered out the “f” word at me. When she did it again I said, “Ma’am, could you watch your language? There are ladies present.” She looked at me with disdain and said, “I’m a lady!” I answered, “Ma’am. You may be a woman, but you’re not a ‘lady.’” At that she rushed at me like a bat out of heaven to prove the truth of what I had just said. As she began hitting me I noticed that it wasn’t in the typical womanly fashion. She was laying into me as though she was a prizefighter, with blows to the ribs, mouth and upper torso. She was so quick, she managed to land about six good punches before members of our team were able to rescue me from her fists. As they held her back, she said that she wanted to pick up her purse, so they let her go. That’s when she landed a powerful kidney punch. After she left I was able to continue preaching (she actually doubled my crowd). It took two weeks for the bruises to go away.

One other time a woman approached me and used the same word to describe what I had been saying. I looked at her and said, “Ma’am’ it sounds like there are some demons in there.” At that, she slapped my face (understandably). I looked at her and said, “Any more where that came from?” There was. She then punched me in the mouth and walked off.

I don’t always wait to be hit by women. Late in 2000, one angry lady tried to hit me just after I had finished speaking. A friend was preaching at the time and I thought that the sight of a preacher being beaten by a woman would distract from the Gospel, so I moved away. The woman didn’t leave it there–she chased me around the crowd. Then she went to the police and told them that I had punched her in the face. The police questioned me and when I informed them that my associate had video-taped the chase scene, they looked, laughed, and left.

While outbreaks of anger are reasonably common, it is usually verbal or taken out on the microphone or Lazarus (a dummy used for fake funerals). It was because of this regular contention that two pastors set up a lunch appointment with me. Over lunch they gently told me that they were offended by my way of preaching. They said that they had received numerous complaints from non-Christians and some from Christians about how I stirred up the crowd and made them angry. They also said that I was condescending, condemning and judgmental. They said that that was the reason the crowd was offended. I told them that I strived to be gentle, show respect, and that love was my sole motivation. I also mentioned that other Christians who were more gracious than me received the same venomous response. I told them that it was the message that was offensive and the normal result is that those who are offended take their anger out on the messenger.

After some time, I asked how one of the pastors presented the Gospel to sinners. He said, “I tell them that God loves them and that He wants to be their friend–that He has a mansion in Heaven for them”I tell them that the thing that is stopping them from going there is the wages of their human nature.” He said that he tried to avoid any words that caused sinners to stumble. I gave some examples, “Your mean ‘sin, righteousness, judgment, repentance, etc.’” He said, “Yes.”
I could see why he was offended by my preaching. I could also see why nobody would be offended by his.

The question then arises, Which method is right? Let’s look to scripture and see what happened when Paul preached:

Acts 13:45: When he preached, the crowd began “contradicting and blaspheming.”

Acts 13:50: Paul and Barnabas thrown out of the city.

Acts 14:5: The crowd began to stone them.

Acts 14:9: Paul was stoned and left for dead.

Acts 16:23: Both Paul and Barnabas were beaten with “many stripes.”

Acts 18:6: Paul’s hearers “opposed themselves and blasphemed.”

Acts 19:26-28: Paul preached against their idolatry (violation of the First and Second of the Ten Commandments) and his hearers were “full of wrath.”

Acts 20::23: Paul was told that afflictions awaited him wherever he preached the Gospel.

Acts 22:21-22: The apostle’s preaching caused his hearers to call for his death.

Acts 23:1: As soon as he began to speak, he was smacked in the mouth.

Acts 23:10. After he spoke there was “great dissension.”

Acts 23:10: The crowd were so angry Paul was nearly “pulled in pieces.”

Acts 23:11: A crowd conspired to murder him.

Acts 24:5: He is called a “pestilent fellow,” a “mover of sedition,” a ringleader” of a “sect.”

When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, he said that when he preached the Gospel to them they “received the word in much affliction” (1 Thessalonians:5). Scripture gives us the content of his message. He preached against their idolatry (verse 9), as he did at Athens. He said that they were “shamefully treated” and that the Gospel was received with “much contention” (1 Thessalonians 2:1). Now listen to Paul’s words: “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel, even so we speak; not pleasing men but God, who tries our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know’” (verses 4-5, italics added).

If we do betray our trust, flatter our hearers, and adulterate the Word of God, we will not only fill the Church with false converts, but we will have similar experiences to that of Art Neyland, from Great Falls, Montana. In 1986, he used a man-centered approach and told a man that God loved him and that He wanted to give him assurance that when he died he would go to Heaven. Then he led the man in a “sinner’s prayer.”

The following Sunday he arrived at his new convert’s house to take him to church. When the man’s wife let him in the house, he was nowhere to be found. She said, “Where did John go? He was here a minute ago.” She then opened the closet door, and there was an embarrassed John, hiding in the closet. Art said, “I take it that this means you don’t want to go to church?” He didn’t.

Where Will Your Name Be Written?

This is a Christmas parable written by Tony Miano, in 1995. Some have used the story to present the Law and the Gospel to their friends and family, during the Christmas season.

Christmas Gospel Presentation

Devotion Time 12/08/10

This was my devotion from last nights Awana class at Graceway.




A contrast between the book of Job and the New Testament.

The book of Job is intimately tied to the New Testament because Jobs questions and problems are answered perfectly in Jesus Christ. I want to show you how.

1. Someone must help us to approach God.

"For he is not a man, as I am, that I might answer him,
that we should come to trial together. There is no arbiter between us, who might lay his hand on us both." (Job 9:32-33 ESV)

How Jesus is the Answer.

"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus," (1 Timothy 2:5 ESV)







2. Job asks a question is there life after death?

"If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my service I would wait, till my renewal should come." (Job 14:14 ESV)

How Jesus is the Answer

"Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." (John 11:25 ESV)







3. There is one in heaven that is working on our behalf.

"Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and he who testifies for me is on high." (Job 16:19 ESV)

How Jesus is the Answer

"For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf." (Hebrews 9:24 ESV)






4. There is one that can save us from judgment.

"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth." (Job 19:25 ESV)

Chris is the answer!

"But he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."
(Hebrews 7:24-25 ESV)







5. What is important in life?

"Why do the wicked live,
reach old age, and grow mighty in power?
Their offspring are established in their presence,
and their descendants before their eyes.
Their houses are safe from fear,
and no rod of God is upon them.
Their bull breeds without fail;
their cow calves and does not miscarry.
They send out their little boys like a flock,
and their children dance.
They sing to the tambourine and the lyre
and rejoice to the sound of the pipe.
They spend their days in prosperity,
and in peace they go down to Sheol.
They say to God, ‘Depart from us!
We do not desire the knowledge of your ways.
What is the Almighty, that we should serve him?
And what profit do we get if we pray to him?’"
(Job 21:7-15 ESV)

Jesus is the Answer:

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26 ESV)







6. Where do we find God?

"Oh, that I knew where I might find him,
that I might come even to his seat!
I would lay my case before him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
I would know what he would answer me
and understand what he would say to me."
(Job 23:3-5 ESV)

Jesus is the answer.

"Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?" (John 14:9 ESV)






Also look at Colossians 1:15 and Hebrews 1:1-4.......

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation."
(Colossians 1:15 ESV)

"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs."
(Hebrews 1:1-4 ESV)

Kirk Cameron Making Phone Calls

Kirk Cameron joined Todd Friel on Way Of The Master Radio a couple years ago and just made random phone calls for people to share Christ with them.

Operation Cause at OU- My Personal Open Air Messages

The Outreach at The University of Oklahoma was a wonderful chance to stand upon a box and proclaim the Good news of Jesus Christ to the student body. My thanks goes out to Tony Miano who did his part to put this together. It takes alot to pull this off and he did it very well. God bless him for his willingness to serve.

To read about the event, click here.
To read about the success of the event, click here.

Below are my first and second open air sessions. In the background, you can hear our most promising heckler, Alex. He hates God. Hates him. Pray for him.

The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota!!!!

My friend ScottyK, as I type this, is at the Biggest Ball of Twine In Minnesota! So, I thought it would seem appropriate to post a pic the Twine Ball that he just sent me, and then the song about the Twine Ball by W.A.Y.. All good!!

Go, Stand, Speak! The Forgotten Power of the Public Proclomation of The Gospel

Why Do We Fight with Those We Love?

This is from the series 5 Lies that Ruin Relationships from Chip Ingram.

You can print off the notes here

Guidelines for Open Air Preaching

Here is a video which includes helpful information not only for open-air preaching, but for witnessing in general.

Kevin Williams is an evangelist and Pastor in Manchester, England.
Ryan Skinner is a member of Lake Road Chapel.




Description:

1. How do I know I am called to street preach? 00:00:44
2. Taping yourself open-air preaching and putting it up on youtube, why? 00:03:40
3. What does bad and good open-air preaching look like? 00:05:43
4. Is “drive by” open-air preaching wrong? How important is a local church? 00:09:00
5. Is it important to be part of a local church and have accountability? 00:12:28
6. How do you respond to the hatred you are met with? 00:13:49
7.. How important are one on one conversations? 00:16:15
8. Are you going out in love? 00:17:37
9. Is doing “shock and awe” evangelism biblical? 00:20:12
10. Do people understand the Christian terms that you are using? 00:24:25
11. How important is it to have scripture memorized? 00:25:32
12. Is it important to know the LAWS of the land? 00:26:11
13. Is Christ or Apologetics your Focus in Open-Air Preaching? 00:28:07
14. How do you engage a heckler? 00:33:17
15. Where is a good spot to open-air preach at? 00:36:01
16. Don’t let getting large crowds become an idol. 00:40:56
17. Are there open-air preachers who are lost and not saved themselves? 00:42:45
18. Be careful to not appear self-righteousness while open-air preaching. 00:46:17
19. Advice on answering people’s questions in the open-air. 00:49:35
20. What should the length of my message be? 00:53:56
21. What makes a solid gospel tract? 00:55:03
22. Is it biblical to hand out cartoon gospel tracts that are gimmicky? 00:56:04

Being a Nice Guy won't get you to Heaven

Devotion Time 11/03/10

This was my quick devotion time in my Awana class last night with my 5th/6th graders at church. The kids were very receptive, as they always are, the clear Biblical gospel was given and Gods name was lifted up. My prayer is that you'll be encouraged.

Thanks,
Chris

Are You Really a Christian? Compilation by Todd Friel

A Little J.C. Penney Inspiration

The Great Depression took a major toll on a man by the name of J.C. Penney. He took it particularly hard, endangering his very health. Anxious and desperate because of huge financial losses, he felt he had nothing to live for. Even his family and friends shunned him completely. In the hospital one night, he grew so demoralized he expected to die before morning, but he heard singing coming from the little hospital chapel. The words of the song said “Be not dismayed whatever betide; God will take care of you.”

Entering into the chapel, Penney listened to the song and to the Scripture reading and prayer. He later wrote, “Suddenly, something happened. I can’t explain it. I can only call it a miracle. I felt as if I had been instantly lifted out of darkness of a dungeon into a warm, brilliant sunlight.” From that day, J.C. Penney was never plagued with worry, and he later called those moments in that chapel “the most dramatic and glorious twenty five minutes of my life.” When he died at the age of 95, he left behind over 1,600 retail department stores in his name.

Whether you believe it or not, music is therapy for the soul. I don’t have much of a voice but when I was 13 years old, I became born again. From that moment on, I love to sing and proclaim the name of Christ and the wonders of God through song. Its an incredible thing what He can do with someone as lowly as myself. I have had two songs prepared in my heart for 17 years and I have never sung them publicly. Now, this is it. For my Graceway family, I am going to perform these two songs I have in mind, one being soon, another during the holiday season, and my prayer is that you will be blessed through the proclamation of His name through song. Today, lift up your heart in song; it is good to sing praises to our God. Be encouraged by this. Bless God.

“Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.” (Psalm 147:1 ESV)


Chris

A Wonderful Open Air

Open air preaching...from start to finish. This is one of the best that I've seen in a very long time. Amazing speaker, Chad is. Be blessed by this............

"Virtually alone......."

"When God opened my eyes to the biblical use of the Law of God in evangelism,
as well the biblical way to present Christ and Him crucified, I found myself virtually alone amongst my Christian friends and church family. When I talked about distributing gospel tracts, engaging strangers in conversation, and preaching the gospel in the open-air, many of my fellow Christians looked at me kindly, but, at the same time, as if I had two heads and three eyes. It was as if I was speaking an entirely different language."-Tony Miano

To the Corner with The Cross 10/15/10

Texas Revival Series III ---The Tony Miano Sessions

Encouraged....blessed....changed....aware....repentant....longing to grow in Christ so that I can be more like Him. These are just a few of the reactions and emotions I've had since making a visit to Texas this last weekend for the Texas Revival Series III. Jon Speed, along with The Lost Cause Ministries put on a great event.

Tony Miano was the guest speaker. He preached twice. Amazing, both times.

Him We Proclaim
Colossians 1:28-29




"The Greatest Word in All The Bible"
Romans 3




All in all, this was an amazing conference and life changing if you let the Lord do His work.

I shall post much more later.

Chris

Swing From Natural to Spiritual in Conversations

Join Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains) and Todd Friel (Wretched Radio) as they discuss and portray how easy it is to swing conversations throughout your day to spiritual as Jesus did in John 4.

What Is the Cure to Modern Day False Teaching?

Take two Tylenol and listen to this woman define what truth is...it is going to make your head hurt. How do you know that you are continuing in the faith...according to Alistair Begg.

Ray and Todd Present Short Attention Span Radio

Saving the Best for Last!

In my previous post, you will hear that my "Special Treat" at the end was Revelation Song by Kari Jobe. I also said that it was NOT performed at Graceway but no doubt, it would be by the end of the revival week services. Well, it came to pass. Last night was our last night for the revial and Brent has been a tremendous blessing as far as music this week. And sadly, I didn't get all the songs from last night but I did get the very last one. Brent, along with his sister Lindsay, sang the ever so powerful worship song Revelation Song. It was absolutely stunning. I missed the first couple seconds. And this is unedited as I am not home to edit it. Its still worth the listen. Its not the best quality, but hey, it works for me.

Praise & Worship with Brent Andrews and Graceway in OKC

Yesterday at my home church in Oklahoma City, we started a revival series with Malcom Ellis and worship lead by Brent Andrews. Brent Andrews is one that grew up in this church and is now serving full time in the ministry. We were blessed to be able to bring him back to us for the week for joining together and worshiping the One True God as stated in Deuteronomy 6:4. The below are just a few selections that we sang together in corporate worship on the evening of 09/26/10.



This song is called "Bless That Wonderful Name" sang during the greeting time.




This is a great old hymn that we all know. Its entitled "Victory In Jesus!"



This one is entitled "Lord I Lift Your Name On High"




This is one of the modern day greats. This one is entitled "In Christ Alone"



This is a great song written by Dennis Jernigan. It's entitled "Only He Can Satisfy"



And to top it all off for the evening, along with Brent, the Graceway adult choir sang "Midnight Cry". Another one that I will never hear enough.

I can almost hear the trumpet......





And this one.....well....this one was NOT performed at Graceway last night but no doubt in my mind, it will be before this week is over with. This one is entitled "Revelation Song" and this particular one is thrown in just because I love it, and its a very powerful worship song. This one is performed by Kari Jobe. And it would have been a perfect selection to end out the night.





All in all, God is behind the song selections and not me. And what He chose was beautiful, powerful, and the Holy Spirit moved freely as Gods children freely praised and worshiped Him.

This is only night #1, I am looking forward to the next 3!

Thanks for listening and may God bless you as you continue your efforts in blessing Him by prayer, scripture reading, worship, and Biblical evangelism.

Chris Salter

Nathan who Believes God is ALL Positive

This is the prominent mindset of the message of the Gospel. That God is all loving at the exlusion of everything else. Listen to the idolatry and the reality of the God of the Bible. And then listen to the Biblical Gospel being given. Your thoughts Christian?

Class Time at Church

On Wednesday nights, I have the privilege of leading a group of 5th and 6th graders through the Awana program at my church in OKC. Last night I was able to talk on Philippians 3 and because I am the way I am, I like to record my devotion times.

This first clip is from me and a young man named Brendan. (Sp?) His verse he was studying was Romans 3:23.

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

This is him reciting it, and me expounding upon it. As we are all in a room, and everyone else is working as well, you'll have to excuse the background clutter/noise.



This is my short devotion time. We start in Phillipians 3, moved to 1 Corinthians, and then 1 and 2 Timothy's, chapter 4.



Bless God,

Chris

3 Jehovah's Witness Conversations

Take a listen to, in order of importance, some conversations had with Jehovahs Witnesses. Take into account that you'd don't need know all of the doctrine and and theologies of the religious cults of our day. You just need to have an understanding of what the Biblical Gospel is and the solid way of presenting it.

The first one is a quick one from Tony Miano of Living Waters in CA. Take a listen........



This is a good one with Todd Friel, host of Wretched Radio....lots of apologetics in this one. Take a listen......



Here's another one by Tony Miano while visiting Maryland a couple months back. Take a listen.....as its a little longer.



My prayer is that these conversations were encouraging to you and also helps better equip you the next time a Jehovah's Witness comes to your door.

Chris

Swing and a miss.........

Well, BIBLICALLY, its a swing and a miss. Again, I ask, what if they die TODAY?? How can you "Wait" and share the Gospel later? TODAY is the day of salvation. Don't miss this video....if you see ANY video today, let it be this one.

Luke Gets Saved!

No doubt the angels rejoiced! Always good news! Listen to this conversation between Todd and a young man named Luke....words can't describe leading someone to the Cross via the Gospel of Christ. Makes grace so amazing!

Playin a little Devils Advocate

"Ray, not everybody embraces your little tactic!"

That is what you will find alot as you are out on the streets evangelizing the lost biblicaly. I've seen it with my own eyes. Listen to this conversation from Talk the Walk and Ray Comfort with Living Waters as they talk back and forth discussing the importance of giving the "Full counsel of God" in evangelism.

What are your objections? What are your strengths?

Seal Beach Kid

See how the Moral Law (Ten Commandments) humbles a young man as Ray shares with him at Seal Beach in Southern California.

Oh Glenn....Glenn Glenn Glenn Glenn Glenn......

Man I like you alot! You're a very cool guy. And likeable. But I feel like you're really trickin' me. So stop! Can Tim Tebow play quarterback from Denver and also be a wide reciever for Sam Bradford on the St. Louis Rams? No man! We can't play for two teams Glenn. Stop confusing me! Which is it?





Here is the entire episode if you want to view that. I would. Please.





Chris

Mighty is The Cross

My friends Andrew Cunningham, Sam York, and Chase Trench performed Mighty is The Power of the Cross tonight at church. I had the privilege of recording it.....they sound so amazing together.....I just wish my man Chase Young was up there with them. Hey, God was blessed. For His glory.

Chris

@SidewalkSinner on Twitter

Open Air in Bricktown on 08/21/10

Had a wonderful night in Bricktown tonight. Lots of opposition. Yet, the Gospel was proclaimed to hundreds if not thousands.

God was glorified.




This is the 2nd open air I preached in Bricktown. This one for some reason gathered more of a crowd.

Shocking Youth Message by Paul Washer

This is a Shockingly Powerful & Biblical message preached to about 5,000 youth in a day when youth are appealed to through shallow and worldly means.

At one point in this sermon the 5,000 Youth are clapping and yelling BUT THEN the preacher makes a comment that CHANGES THE WHOLE ATMOSPHERE TO WHERE YOU COULD HAVE HEARD A PIN DROP... As you can imagine, the preacher was never invited back.

We believe the whole sermon will be a blessing to many souls. For more info about Paul Washer go to www.heartcrymissionary.com

For video:



For audio:

Adam Streetlight Preaching

My good friend Adam doing some street light preaching on the corner in Bricktown from 08/14/10. Way to go Adam!