I've been thinking about evangelism, and the need to be BOLD in it.

I began thinking about this one day at re:cre8 (street drop in) when I was talking to friend of mine. He's one of the originals so-to-speak from the early re:cre8 days. I've been friends with him for five or so years, and have known a few details of his life, such as living in Hawaii, however as we were talking a couple weeks back I realised I've never asked him why he lived in the states, what brought him to Canada, or the DTES. Now, my friend here is saved, got saved the the famous Wright-Dolby wedding, but I began to think about how many people I know who stroll in and out of re:cre8 and I don't know their stories. I call them friends, but I don't know where they grew up, how many brothers they have or anything. And I began to think what the fruit would be if we were bold and asked people their stores. Seems even trivial really. But really, what you learn about someones life is now a springboard for prayer. It also now exposes an area once unknown, that now gives us the opportunity to share the good news.

I once knew someone who was preached at before, many times, and never repented until one day someone shared with him that Salvation offers eternal life. When he was told that he exclaimed "No one told me that before! Sign me up". A truth so simple, and we even think that everyone knows it so why say it, was the seller for this guy. I wonder if we knew about his life prior, if we took time to know about his childhood or growing up then I wonder if we would also know what truth he needed as a seal for salvation.

So really - be bold. Be blunt. Ask someone directly about their life - how they ended up where ever it is they ended up. Not only will your friendship group, but the evangelism ops will too.

Also, more then that, i think we need to be bold in other ways. Be direct. Ask someone directly if they know Christ. Ya we might get shot down. Jesus even says we will in his parable of the seeds. We might even get shot down 3 out of 4 times. But I think we should still be hold in it. That 25% is worth the getting shot down I say.

Some quick math here. My blogs here are automatically fed onto facebook. If the Jesus quota is right (which, after all he is Jesus, so it's probably somewhat accurate) then 153.5 people will get saved....(well that will get cut down too, cuz 75% or so of my FB friends are saved - but you get my point.)

Jesus is coming soon. We don't have time to sit and wait around and hope people get saved. We need to be bold in it and proclaim the good news loudly.

It's time to be bold
Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.

I read Lamentations this morning.
Why?

I suppose the same reason one listens to a love song after a break up or a sad movie in times of sorrow.

I really resonated with the first few chapters "How lonely sits the city that was full of people", "she weeps bitterly at night...has none to comfort her", "Jerusalem remembers the days of old"...

But then in the middle of Chapter 3, Jeremiah (?) (PS, who wrote Lamentations anyways?), throws out an unexpected pint of hope:

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;, they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion" says my soul "therefore I will hope in Him"

So instead of the tears, sorrow and sadness I was looking for, I got some hope instead. A nice trade-off I must say.

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Armybarmy has some good exhoration for a not so great soul itself today.

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Have you applied to The War College yet?

Since 2005 Vancouver’s notorious Downtown Eastside has been invaded by North American youth to fight in love alongside The Salvation Army 614 Corps and The War College at an event we call RAW (ready and willing). Most kids spend their March break watching movies or looking for trouble. Why waste your time in sin or spend thousands of dollars travelling overseas when there is a mission field right here in BC? RAW is a HEROES’ HOLIDAY in North America’s poorest postal code where teens share God’s love to the poor.

God wants to use you. His plans for you are way bigger and way scarier than you can imagine. He is not waiting for you to grow up or go to Bible College. God wants to use you and He wants to use you now. He doesn’t call those who are equipped, He equips those He calls. If you are ready for solid teaching on prayer, worship, evangelism, mission – you are RAW. If you are willing to engage the homeless, drug-addicted and prostituted with God’s love – you are RAW. At RAW you will team up with urban missionaries, War College Students and Alumni, you will see miracles in the streets and know what it means to get your hands around the devil’s throat. Are you ready and willing?

At RAW you will have the opportunity to learn from world renowned speakers, professional musicians and The War College. There is worship, dance, mission and ministry, small groups, solid preaching/teaching and we have a non-stop prayer room going night and day. God is glorified on the streets and you will make friends with some very hurting people.

Contact nicole@thewarcollege.com if you are interested or for info on how your youth pastor can sign you up!

Keep your eyes open.
Do not look back. Do not look right or left.
Forward!
Keep your eyes open.

"Watch for Me"
"Look at Me"
Keep your eyes open.

Focused, fixed, always on the prize.
Surefooted and steadfast.

I am pumped. I am excited for what is going to happen in 2009.
I've been hearing words: revival, advance.
Something big is coming.
Something huge is at our doorstep.
Are our eyes open?

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May our highest hieghts of 2008 be our springboard for 2009.
Live up to what you've already attained.
Press on.
Forward.
Advance.

Keep your eyes open.