June Outreaches

We were able to have lengthy conversations with many people about faith in Christ at our Earth Day outreach to Balboa Park on April 22. The first group we targeted was the Islamic group. We spent some time discussing the differences between our religions. The person we were talking with had done his homework and seemed to have an answer to most of what we had to say — but sad to say his answers were all wrong.

In the first place, he would not accept anything from Paul’s writings, only what Jesus said. Even then, what we brought up was wrong in his opinion. Yet, I could tell he had been schooled to have comebacks to any kind of objection. To the unlearned he would have been knowledgeable, but to the student of the word he was extremely ignorant.

You will find with the beliefs of many cults, they do not accept the teachings of Paul the Apostle because they say he was not with Jesus. The point they are missing is that Jesus taught Paul via divine revelation, according to Paul in Acts 9, and was guided by Jesus and the Holy Spirit throughout his earthly life. Everything Paul taught was confirmed throughout scripture and approved by the mother church in Jerusalem. So, the truth is, they do not know what they are talking about. What is important to understand with this kind of conversation is you learn what they are learning and coming up with. You find out what they are teaching their people and learn how to refute them. You should never be afraid of confronting a person in a cult or false religion. It is important though, you do it in a right spirit and you are secure in what you believe in yourself.

There was a time when one of our team members got hot and loud and they accused us of insulting them. We always have to remain in the right spirit when it seems like they are so ignorant it is unbelievable. Sometimes you feel like you want to pick them up and shake them. We must never forget it is the Spirit of God who has to wake them up and open their understanding. Anyway, we parted in a good way. I do pray God will use what we did share with this man.

We met another group who came across as Christians and spoke of love and following Christ, but when we spoke to them we found out the way they look at scripture was much different than the way most do. They believed we were not saved if we did not sell everything we owned and came and lived with them in their community, which is communal living. I know it grieved one of our team members when she was told she was not saved because she attended a regular church and did not attend their group. It was interesting to spend a little time with them, but it also grieved me for them to judge my salvation based on whether I had sold all my belongings or not.

We need to make sure Jesus provided for us on the cross of Calvary and not whether you live with a certain group or sell everything you have. They go by the name Twelve Tribes Ministries. You can keep your eyes open for any group that believes you must adhere to communal living.

I have no problem with someone that wants to live in a commune, but a clear sign that any group is off is when they begin to tell you that we are not saved unless we join their specific group. To me that is a major red flag. I do have more information on them if you need to know.

Our other outreach in Poway on May 7 went well. We had several youth with us and we connected with many other young people there. It was a good evening.

I made a mistake in my last month’s article. I stated we were going to have two outreaches this summer. What I meant was at least two outreaches every month this summer. I would like to once again challenge you to join us for the sake of training. If you have had a problem reaching out in the past and would like to overcome those fears, you have to step out with someone to help you. If you have a group you are already planning to join, Praise God, but if you don’t and need one, we will be there for you.

In the month of June, we will be in Poway on Friday the 4th at 7 p.m. at the Creekside Plaza shopping center. We will have dinner first at one of the restaurants there before we begin our witnessing. We will meet in front of the Starbucks. On Friday, June 25, we will be in downtown San Diego by 7:30 p.m. Please call me to find out where we need to meet. On Sunday, June 27 at 2 p.m. is park ministry in Poway. This is something to do in your own community.

If I can be of help to you and your outreach efforts this summer let me know. Pray that God will give us much fruit.

o

George Elias of Poway is director of Powerful Witness Ministries. He can be contacted at (858) 679-7706 or e-mail to pwministries@hotmail.com.