Battle Log
Sunday 21 July 2024
Posted 21 July 2024, 4:31 PM by Glen Richards. Permalink
I’ve got a bit of a spine tingling report to give. It’s a practical reminder of what we already know through logic and scripture: that God is sovereign, and that the Holy Spirit is active in seeking and saving the lost through the blood of Jesus. All glory to God for his justice and mercy.
I’m so encouraged.
Our church has finished working through the book of Romans, and we are now working through the book of John (morning), and Colossians (afternoon). The afternoon gathering is new for our church this year. I’ve always had it in my head that it would be wonderful to talk to someone on the street between gatherings, and then have them come to the afternoon gathering. Well, that happened today.
For the morning gatherings, we are currently in John 3. Jesus talking to Nicodemus. We have been learning a lot about ‘regeneration’. The work of the Holy Spirit in making a person spiritually alive to be able to respond to the gospel. We are saved by grace alone.
After the teaching, the men gather to discuss the teaching. In my group, one of the guys mentioned his brother in law. Over the last few weeks, he has seen an openness in him that he hasn’t previously had - which is wonderful. I’ve actually talked to this brother in law before, maybe 6 months ago? So, I rejoiced to hear this report.
As I arrived on the street, Andy was already there, engaging a group of teens with the gospel. After that, I had a brief conversation with Andy, I mentioned the report about the brother in law. After prayer, we decided to pair up for our conversations for the outreach.
There were a lot of people about, and so we had many opportunities.
We decided to go for a wander, it was my turn to start a chat, and as we walked along Cashel Mall, I was considering who to approach. Approaching people can be scary, and I didn’t approach some that I could have.
Eventually, we were walking down High Street, and a guy went past. I tried to engage him, but he ignored me, even after my 2nd attempt. We kept walking when another guy went bounding pass, crossing our path. So I said, “Excuse me, can I ask you a question? What do you think happens after life?”
He stopped to engage. And then I recognised him. And so I said, “have I talked to you before?” It was the brother-in-law.
I was astounded. There is indeed a change in this young man since I last talked to him. He was keen to talk, and so we went to a coffee shop, the 3 of us. We spent about an hour (maybe less), talking through the gospel, motivations, and the basis for reason: the Bible.
As the conversation wound up, I invited him to the afternoon church gathering - his sister would be there! He said he would come. I’ve heard that many times before, so I was naturally skeptical.
I turned up at the afternoon church gathering, buzzing, and gushing at the sovereign opportunity God had given. What if I had stopped and talked to some of those “scary” people. What if the guy prior had stopped to talk. This opportunity would never have happened. And yet it did. God is in control. And even if it hadn’t, God would use other means. We can rest in the knowledge that God regenerates (saves) people. We have our part to play, but God saves.
The church gathering was starting, and he hadn’t arrived - not surprised. When I saw his sister (and her husband) arriving, I went out to tell them about what happened.
And then, he turns up! The preaching on Colossians 3 was timely, and wonderful. And after the formal part of the gathering, we were able to hug and catch up.
This young man still has gospel truth to process. My prayer is that he will see that truth: the seriousness of his sin, and the wonder of Jesus. That he would repent and believe and become a member of the church - to use his gifts as God has given him (we all have a part to play), in service of others, and ultimately for the glory of God.
We were also on the streets on Friday. I had 3 stand out conversations. All 3 of them were very natural to start and felt like they were meant to be. Strangers passing at a point in time and a life changing message shared. God uses our feeble efforts for his glory as he radically redeems people who simply don’t deserve it. His mercy is amazing.
On Tuesday, I was also in Riccarton with Roger. I was able to have a follow up chat with the guy I had coffee with the previous week. This time I cut to the chase. He had ‘another’ gospel to share. A gospel of ‘special’ knowledge, that couldn’t be shared quickly. I resisted that based on clear teaching of the word of God (Colossians!) He ended up leaving in a bit of a huff. There was no openness in him at this stage, yet, he has heard the law and the gospel. God can use our feeble efforts in his timing.
I also had an encouraging message from Roger tonight: “One of my contacts from Rotherham St [Riccarton outreach] turned up at Life Church today. Do you remember lending me a biro for him to write down church details ?” Yes I remember! Wow, double encouragement for today! Spine tingling. God is love. He saves people, he is building his church, and we get to be involved! Don’t give up hope for your loved ones. Keep praying for them, keep sharing the gospel with them. Who knows who he will bring in their path, just at the right time. We serve a just and merciful God!
View previous Christchurch (NZ) report (14 July 2024)
Christchurch (NZ) Team
Weekly outreaches:
Tue 3:30pm - 5:30pm - Riccarton (corner of Riccarton Rd and Rotherham St)
Fri 1:30pm - 3:30pm - City (Bridge of Remembrance)
Sat 12:30pm - 2:30pm - Riccarton (corner of Riccarton Rd and Rotherham St)
Sun 1:30pm - 3:30pm - City (corner of Colombo St and Cashel St) - only 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays of the month.
Contact Glen Richards or Andy Barlow for more information.