“God has never spoken to me….if you want a … discusssion with a Christian, look me up.”

Wow. God has spoken to me and most Christians I know….from His Word…The Bible. His Word is living and active. I understand from all of the response posts to my ad that God’s Word is passe to those in the emerging church. As the author of “The Shack” snarks, “God’s voice has been reduced to paper”. The Bible is no longer good enough. Yeah Mohammed, Joe Smith, and money others think so too. There seems to be a lot of anger and “snarky” comments against Christians who actively share the Gospel. While I would never use a bullhorn on a street corner, when I do see a Christian doing this I pray for Him. I thank God for him. Is it the most effective way to reach people. No, I don’t think so. But will he reach some? Yes he will. It may not reach the emerging arts & croissant crowd, but it will reach some. God promises to honor even the smallest attempt to share His Gospel.

The assignment was an ad…to be written to the people who attended the concert and saw the protestors. An ad that was to be read. When I actually go out into the community and share the Gospel clearly my approach is different. Conversation is different than writing. I have been trained in Evangelism Explosion and Way of the Master. I always begin by asking questions, and if I do ask a spiritually sensitive question I ask permission to even ask the question. I ask permission to share the Gospel. I don’t know if the Christians at the Manson concert were using bullhorns or asking questions. The article did not say. But God will honor them.

As an evangelist my job is to toss seed. If the seed hits on stoney ground then I have done what God has asked. If the seed falls into the thorns and thickets, I have done my job. If the seed sprouts for a short time and then allows the cares and worries of this world to prevent growth, I have done my job. If the seed falls on good soil and takes hold and establishes strong roots, Praise God for allowing me to throw seed that He brought to bear fruit.

To the people protesting the concert, “Jesus didn’t tell you to sell salvation like a vacuum. He told you to make disciples. Are you really doing that by your actions? Are you inviting these aching, hurting, wounded people to follow me as I called you to truly follow me, too? Jesus gave us the Gospels that we would know Him. God gave us the rest of the New Testament to teach the church – not to condemn those who don’t know him. He told the woman caught in adultery – neither do I condemn you also. You are a poor example of following the 2nd commandment (much like the first). These concertgoers ARE your neighbors. How are you showing them love and acceptance as image-bearers of our Father?”

To the attendees, “Forgive us for making you feel like ‘less’. Whether you attended the concert or not is NOT the point. The point is that we want to get to know you better. To understand what it is you wrestle with. To walk beside you through the darkness. To make a new friend.”

Love by duress. Wow.

To the Protestors: Way to judge the sinful, you are beautiful in your righteousness.

To the Concert Goers: We judge you and find you wanting. Come join the true beautiful people in church.

^^

Telling people that they’re deluded fools because they haven’t already realized something that we aren’t showing or telling them in a meaningful way (Jesus loves you! Let me hit you with my bible again, you jerk!”) is not only hypocritical, it’s actively misleading people. Which there will be judgment for, according to Paul.