Well, this whole “event” has really taken on a life of its own. I wanted to take a brief minute to clear some things up.
I do not have any animosity towards anyone at the mall. The wiccan, the security guard, the head of security all need prayer. Do I feel that the wiccan singled us out because she doesn’t like our message? Yes. Does that mean I wish her ill or want revenge on her? Nope. Did the security guard act unprofessionally by lying to us and to his supervisor? Indeed. Do I have anger or hatred towards him? No way. Did the head of security get completely out of line by asking me if I was stupid several times when I was talking with him over the phone yesterday? He did. Do I think he would bend the rules for us because we were spreading God’s word? Not a chance.
Let me be clear, Ron and I broke the rules of the mall, which is private property. We were punished for those actions. Whether we think, you think, or anyone else thinks a 1 year banning from all mall property (except Panera) is harsh doesn’t matter. We accept our consequences like the adults we are.
Finally, I’ve had a couple of people ask what we were talking to people about. Plain and simple, we were explaining the Law and the gospel to folks. We were explaining that without Christ, when you die, you will end up in hell.
Let me use this opportunity to spell out in detail the message that Ron and I always stick to when discussing the gospel with folks.
What do you think a person needs to do to get to heaven? Do you basically have to be a good person and hope that God overlooks any wrongdoing you’ve done here on Earth? Hope that the good outweighs the bad?
Well, consider this, have you ever lied? Have you ever stolen? Have you ever taken God’s name in vain? Have you ever murdered in your heart by hating another person or by being angry without cause? Then, according to God’s perfect and holy standard, you are a lying, thieving, blasphemous, murderer at heart. The Bible says, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31)—the God who created you and before whom you will one day stand.
If God finds you guilty of breaking His Law, then He must punish you. And the punishment for sinning against God is eternity in hell (Revelation 21:8). But there is good news! God has provided a way for you to be rescued from His wrath to come.
Two thousand years ago, God the Father sent His Son Jesus Christ (fully God and fully man) to this earth (John 1:14). He lived the perfect life that you cannot live. He was nailed to a cross, shed His blood, and died taking upon Himself the wrath of God sinners deserve (Mark 15:22-26). Three days later, He rose from the dead defeating sin and death. As a result of Jesus Christ’s perfect life, shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection, God grants forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who believe (John 3:16). But in order for this to happen, Jesus said you must be “born again” (John 3:3). Being born again is a supernatural work that only God can do when He gives you a new heart and dwells in you in the person of the Holy Spirit. This change results in a hunger for righteousness that will cause you to repent, turn from your sins, and put your faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
We are but specks on a planet that is a mere speck, in a vast Universe that God holds in the palm of His hand. Your life is but a vapor. You have no idea what tomorrow will bring. Will you even awake in the morning? Repent and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ while you still have time. Read the Bible every day and obey what it says.
Consider our motives. We never ask people to join a church, give money, or make any decisions. We give them the truth and let them consider it until they are ready to repent and trust in Christ alone for salvation. In the past 3 years of actively sharing my faith, I can tell you that only 1-2 people have acted aggressively towards me when I’ve shared the above message.
I hope this clears up any misconceptions or questions anyone might have. I also pray that Christ is exalted through this and through anything that I’ve done and will continue to do.
Chris ,I couldn’t say any better.Over the past 2 to 3 years since we started witnessing using the Way of the Master, we have certainly had our ups and downs. I know that God put us in that first class together to encourage each other in doing His will.I also know I wouldn,t still be doing this if it wasn’t for you.Many times I know I was ready to quit and go back to the prewitnessing days,they were alot easier.As a team many times we worked together when talking to someone using both our personalities to reach someone,last wednesday was no exception.God willing we will continue to work together in reaching out to the lost. Have a happy newyear, there are still alot of lost souls out there who need to hear the Truth.I look forward to continuing.
Amen and amen. We will continue on, God willing. For 2011 I pray we continue to turn towards God and focus on what He wants and not what we think He wants. Bless you and your family, man.
[...] people come up to me and tell me that I’m a real rebel, hero, etc. because Ron and I were kicked out of a stupid shopping mall for spreading the Gospel. Now don’t get me wrong here, Ron and I [...]