IS GOD DOING A GOOD JOB?

"I don't think God is doing a good job when you look at the trouble in the world" The Gent said to me on Saturday night at about 1am on Grafton Street as we discussed the gospel. I asked him and his wife (I assume) if they had children and they informed me they'd 2 teenage kids. I said that they might be the best parents in Ireland yet still get a late night call from the local police saying their kid was on drugs and had comrmitted an awful crime. I then said God in heaven is a parent but should not be blamed for the waywardness of his kids! They got the message...and plenty of food for thought about Jesus who loved them so much to come down on earth to take the rap for their wrongdoing.
I have never used this illustration before nor even thought about it but I found it yet another example of how the wonderful Holy Spirit gives you wisdom on the spot. Without a shadow of a doubt or a hint of an exaggeration I can honestly say that the vast majority of what I have learnt about evangelism...is by evangelizing. If you know Jesus let me encourage you to find someone who goes out weekly on the streets and "tag along". You will never be the same again and , more importantly, God will use you to push back the kingdom of darkness.

FRONT DOOR PROTEST OR BACK DOOR EMBRACE?

S

What do we have today at the end of "Ramadan"? During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins (no forgiveness available without the shedding of the innocent blood of Jesus), pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils (no real way of reformation without getting the "new heart and new spirit" promised by the new birth in Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit), and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds (Our own righteous deeds are as filthy rags before Holy God and only the works of God done through us by faith in Jesus are of value). In short the intention might be noble but without Jesus (the One who died on the cross)...it's a waste of time. 

Tomorrow an american pastor is putting Christians in persecuted Islamic countries at risk by burning Korans (not a good idea). Many want to be at the front of an abortion clinic protesting but few are at the back door giving hugs to the broken and exploited women. Many want to offend the lost and what they hold dear but few reach out in love to them. There is a time or peace and a time for war (ecclesiastes). Tomorrow remember is September 11th so the depth of some peoples demonic depravity must not be forgotten and tyrants (read Ahmadinejad) ought to be brought to account before they develop nuclear capability, especially with such a public bent on the destruction of Israel. Now  put all that in your pipe and smoke it! Blessings. Ant