Ocean City Again...

Many of the fairs and festivals that we have shared at in the past have either closed or continue to close. "A great door and effectual" has been opened at Ocean City. For this we are very thankful.

The door just reopened for me to go next week. Your prayers are appreciated and coveted. Thank you.

You read the last report from Ocean City, where we shared for three days and saw 66 people profess saving faith alone in Christ. This time, we shared for four days, and saw 109 people respond to the gospel invitation. We are blessed.

The first night, Monday July 6th, we saw rain. Much of my stuff got soaked. Still, with four umbrellas with me, we saw a few come to Christ. My favorite, before the rain came, were young Zyler and Heather.

REPENT OF YOUR GOOD WORKS

Why would God let them into Heaven? Zyler...'Repent'. Heather...'We've done good things. I help people with depression.'

John Gerstner said (paraphrased), "The sinner's sins have already been paid for by Christ. What hasn't been paid for is their works. That is, the works they are trusting in."

Zyler hit the nail on the head when he said, 'Repent'. However, this isn't the 'repent' most people think of. It's not 'knocking off your sins.' It's 'knocking off your pride' and recognizing that your works won't save you.

I've said it before, but it bears repeating, "Self-justification is a hard nut to crack." Charles Spurgeon said it this way, "Nothing can damn a man but his own righteousness. Nothing can save a man, but the righteousness of Christ."

After sharing the law with them, Zyler and Heather recognized that the works they had done would not save them. What would they do now?

'Do better. Do better from here on out.' (Zyler and Heather are still trying to save themselves.)

The mirror, or God's law, had shown them they were not good. However, instead of placing their faith in Christ, they still were relying on the mirror to cleanse them. (Rom 3:19-24)

When someone finally recognizes that there is nothing they can do to save themselves, that is repentance. Then, they 'believe', or put their faith in Christ. Repent and believe the gospel. The fruit, or after effects of this, is a holy life.

Zyler and Heather wanted to place their faith in Christ instead of themselves. After prayer, they said...

"HE GAVE ME A GIFT...ETERNAL LIFE.' (That was interesting, because I had not yet explained that.)

They prayed at the end...'THANK YOU FOR THE GIFT.'

(NO PICTURE BECAUSE OF THEIR AGE.)

A VERY THANKFUL HUSBAND

The next day, Tuesday, I spoke with a lady, Chasity, who was there with her husband Tom. They were from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I actually used this as an ice-breaker...

"What is the difference between where you are from...Harrisburg? and where I am from...Harrisonburg?

"That is what we are going to talk about!"...(Son)

Tom immediately responded that he was 100%. He looked surprised when Chasity said 98%. He looked even more surprised when she told me why, 'I'm a good person.'

At the end of our conversation, when Chasity finally understood, Tom was very thankful. He even got choked up with some tears. He told me that he had been trying to explain the gospel to her for quite some time, but that she just hadn't understood.

He complimented me and told me that I had explained it in a way that was much easier to understand. I actually had to hold my tongue a few times during my presentation, as Tom was trying to 'help me explain', but was causing some confusion for Chasity. I was quiet and gave it to God.

What were the two main issues for Chasity? The same two main issues for everyone...(1) the work of Christ and (2) the person of Christ.

Chasity thought she was 'good', and, when shown that she wasn't 'good', responded with, 'I'll do better!' (The work of Chasity)

Chasity also didn't know that Jesus was God. She confessed that He was 'the Son of God', but no one had explained to her that He was and is God...God the Son.

These are the two main issues for everyone: (1) work of Christ and (2) person of Christ. Chasity needed to repent of her own works that she was trusting in and only trust the work of Christ. She also needed to believe that He is God.

Thankfully, by the power of God the Holy Spirit, and by the faithful prayers of her husband, Chasity was able to understand and believe the gospel. We prayed...

'HE SAVED ME.'

Then she prayed...

'I TRUST YOU.'

Both left very thankful and happy...

TRUST GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT

The rain started again. Yes, the rain can keep people away, but it can also make sharing easier. When people hold the umbrella, they stand even closer to you. This close proximity enhances the intimacy of the gospel. Sometimes you can speak in hushed tones.

In addition to the rain, sometimes certain members of the group you are speaking with may make sharing more difficult. I have learned to be quiet and trust my senior partner, God the Holy Spirit.

Bill (husband) Stephanie (wife) and Alyssa (daughter) came over the hear the gospel. Bill was standing off to the side, so I focused on Stephanie and Alyssa. Both said they were 'good people'.

Stephanie and Alyssa started to get drawn in to the gospel by the Spirit. Then, Bill began to make inappropriate comments, 'They are too far gone...won't understand.' He thought he was just being funny, not understanding the seriousness of the situation.

It's best to just ignore the comments and trust the Holy Spirit. I could tell that Alyssa and Stephanie had experienced this before. Amazingly, the comments didn't phase the girls. On the contrary, the Spirit's presence increased and they were drawn in even more. I was speaking slowly and quietly. They were understanding.

"When the enemy comes in, like a flood the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against Him."

Alyssa and Stephanie both wanted to trust in Christ alone as Savior...

'THANK YOU.'

I had quite a few more that afternoon and early evening. Erik and I went back to the house and had dinner together. He thought it best that we rest that night and not go out again. This decision proved fruitful, as the next day Wednesday was my best day.

WHY WOULD GOD FORGIVE YOU?

Being rested well on Wednesday, many responded as the joy and freedom were flowing. The first to respond were Mike (16), Dejuan (14), and Nemare (14). They were from Philadelphia. Mike liked the Eagles and Dejuan rooted for the Cowboys. I told Nemare that he looked like William Perry (the refrigerator) and Nate Newton (the kitchen). The connection sets the stage for the presentation.

The boys were 50% sure of going to Heaven because, 'He forgives.' This is a very common answer. People know that God is forgiving, but they have no idea why God would forgive them. Some think everyone is forgiven. Others say that God will forgive them because 'they are good', or 'did their best'.

A clear presentation of the gospel is essential. After sharing the law, the boys understood that they had sinned. If they got a speeding ticket and asked forgiveness from the judge without paying the fine, would he let them go?

God's fine wasn't $100. God's fine was spiritual death. How would that fine be paid so they could go to Heaven?

We hear answers like, 'Be sorry, ask forgiveness, do better, don't do it again...etc.'

Very few understand that the fine has already been paid. In fact, it is paid-in-full. The boys understood that His death on the cross paid their fine, and the resurrection was the receipt on that payment.

God would forgive them if they placed all of their trust in Christ alone. When did the boys want to do that?

'NOW...AS SOON AS POSSIBLE...RIGHT NOW.'

We prayed...

'HE CAME INTO MY HEART...HE SAVED US.'

Then they told the Lord what was on their heart...

Mike: 'THANKS FOR LETTING ME TALK TO THIS MAN TODAY. THANKS FOR PAYING FOR MY SINS. I TRUST YOU.'

Dejuan: 'THANKS FOR PAYING FOR MY SINS AND GIVING ME ETERNAL LIFE.'

Nemare: 'THANKS FOR FORGIVING MY SINS AND I TRUST YOU.'

A SUFFERING SOUL

Jon was walking on the other side of the boardwalk. I felt impressed to holler at him. He came over.

Jon is 19 and he suffers terribly with depression. His mom died when he was a child. Recently, his step mom and dad had put him out of the house.

When I asked him our two diagnostic questions, he told me that he had been thinking about this a lot lately. In fact, when he was just a little boy God came to him in a dream and told him, 'I am with you.'

Jon was hoping God would let him into Heaven because, 'I love other and I try.' Noble indeed, but unfortunately what do these answers have in common?...'I'

Our salvation is not what we do. It is what God has already done for us in Christ. What a joy to introduce this precious suffering soul to the One who had already done it for him.

Jon told me, "I just need to accept you (Christ).' We prayed, and Jon expressed his faith in Christ.

Then Jon told the Lord...

'THANKS FOR FORGIVING ME. I TRUST YOU.'

LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME TO ME

Momma bear allowed me to share with her cubs: Terrez, Ziyasia, Tyler, and Donaysha. She then walked to a nearby bench with the man she was with, giving me full license. This actually makes it easier to share sin, not fearing the wrath of momma.

Typical answers from the children: they thought they would get into Heaven because they were good. Typical response from children after sharing sin: they understood that they were not good in God's eyes.

The children understood what God had done for them on the cross in taking the punishment that they deserved. If they trusted in 'their good', they would go to Hell. If they trusted in God, they would go to Heaven.

Typical response to the invitation: they wanted to trust in God 'now.' We prayed...

'HE TOOK OUR SINS AWAY. HE SAVED US.'

Here is what they told the Lord...

Terrez: 'THANKS FOR TAKING MY SINS AWAY.'
Ziyasia: 'THANKS. I TRUST YOU.'
Tyler: 'THANKS FOR TAKING OUR SINS AWAY.'
Donaysha: 'THANKS FOR TAKING MY PUNISHMENT.'

ARE YOU GOOD ENOUGH?

Zion and Brianna were in love. Zion complimented her and her smile lit up the boardwalk. Bri said that Zion made her feel good about herself. Both were West Virginia students from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I used the 'son' ice breaker again.

Where would they go if they died? 'Heaven'. Why? "I'm a good person.' 'I have a good heart.'

Were they good enough? 'Yes.' Were they 100% sure about that? 'No.'

We took the good person test: liar, thief, adulterer, murderer, blasphemer. Were they good enough? 'No.'

'No one is good except God alone.' (Luke 19:10) 'The heart is deceitful and wicked, who can know it.' (Jeremiah 17:9)

This took a while. They bucked some. I had to encourage them not to spit out the medicine! Stop trusting in your good, trust in God. Neither understood that Jesus is God.

After preaching the person and work of Christ, I gave the invitation...

"When would you like to place all of your trust in God?'

'NOW...RIGHT NOW.'

We prayed...

'HE FORGAVE ME. I TRUST HIM.'

They prayed...

Bri..."THANKS FOR TEACHING ME THIS AND TAKING WHAT I DESERVE.'

Zion...'SAME...AMEN.'

A JOY TO SHARE WITH THESE GUYS!

The next group was a group of five from Washington, D.C.: Rambo, Dequan, Fizzle, Hurt, and Jack. (Nicknames and real names) We had some fun here. They were leaving the beach in two hours to return home. Perfect timing.

While they were walking by, they were comparing their biceps. I told them to come over and we would do a 'push up contest' to settle the score. We never got around to that, but it brought them over! Again, lots of freedom and joy here.

I shared the law and sin. I shared the gospel and grace. All expressed understanding at what they had learned.

"When would you guys like to put all of your trust in God?"

'NOW...RIGHT NOW...'

We prayed and then they prayed...

'YOU SAVED ME...THANKS FOR EVERYTHING...THANKS...THANKS FOR FORGIVENESS...THANKS FOR LIFE.'

SO READY!

There's ready and then there's READY! Ahyan was the latter.

He said that one of his relatives was a pastor so he had heard some truth. He was initially 0% sure of going to Heaven, 'I need his forgiveness.' Check. When I asked him why God would forgive him he replied, 'Because He died for me.' Check plus. So, I shared, "Let me share how that can happen."

I shared the law. No problem understanding his sin. He understood the penalty. He understood what Christ had done for him at the cross.

He did not know who Jesus was. I explained the trinity just one time...God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.

Ahyan exclaimed, 'SO...HE'S GOD!' (CHECK MATE AMEN!)

When did Ahyan want to place all of his trust in Christ so he could be forgiven?

'NOW...'

We prayed...

'HE TOOK ALL OF MY SINS AWAY. (MY HEART FEELS)...AMAZING!'

He prayed...

'THANKS FOR DYING FOR MY SINS.'

SINCERELY WRONG

James, Jack, Zach and Matteo needed a clear presentation of the gospel. These boys were sincere, just sincerely wrong. During the presentation, one of them mentioned purgatory as the punishment for sin so at least one of them was a Catholic.

The three who were unsure of going to Heaven mentioned the fact that God forgives. Why? They had no idea. Only one was 100% sure of going to Heaven. Why? 'I try to do the right thing.'

Had he, and the rest of them, done enough to get in? They weren't sure. If they fell short, what would happen to them? Hell. Were they concerned? Yes.

The good person test showed them they fell short. What could they do? One of them said, 'Repent.' What did he mean by that? "Ask forgiveness.'

One of them had gotten a $60 speeding ticket. "Please forgive me' in the courtroom wouldn't work. How about if I paid the ticket for them? Yes, that would work.

I explained 'repent'. Stop trusting in what you are doing to get into Heaven. Place your trust in what He has already done for you. Then, He can forgive you.

When did they want to trust in Him?...'NOW...RIGHT NOW.'

We prayed and then they prayed...

'THANKS...THANKS FOR FORGIVING ME...I LOVE YOU.'

THE MIRROR (LAW) WON'T CLEANSE YOU

Tina said, 'I'm a Christian.' More information needed. How sure was she of going to Heaven and why?

'85%...I try to do the right thing.'

Was Tina a Christian who had moved away from trusting Christ alone? (Book of Galatians) Or, had she never really been saved? We don't need to know. Just share the gospel.

Tina had no problem understanding her sin and the penalty. What would keep her from God's electric chair?

'Start doing the right thing.'

I used the mirror illustration and the light came on for Tina...

'MY FRIENDS HAVE BEEN TELLING ME THIS. I UNDERSTAND NOW.'

Tina was relying on the mirror (the law) for cleansing instead of hopping in the shower (Christ).

Tina wanted to trust Christ alone...'TODAY.'

We prayed and then she prayed...

'THANKS FOR COMING INTO MY LIFE AND FORGIVING MY SINS. I TRUST YOU.'

AN ANGRY LITTLE GIRL

Last but not least for Wednesday night was little 12 year old Skyler, who came up to me asking for a bracelet with her younger brother. Her 'parents' were in the hotel behind us and Skyler assured me it would be okay if I shared with her.

As kids often do, Skyler immediately unloaded a burden on her heart. She was being very mean to her aunt who was now raising her. Skyler's mom had recently died.

I went through the law and the gospel with her. Her brother really had trouble focusing, so I let him go and just focused on Skyler. Little Skyler was able to understand everything.

When we got to the end, she still wasn't 100% sure of going to Heaven. Skyler confessed that she was angry at God for taking her mom. We talked some more and Skyler agreed to forgive God for taking her mom.

Skyler prayed and she told the Lord...

'THANKS FOR TAKING MY MOM. I TRUST YOU AND I FORGIVE YOU."

Skyler told me her heart now felt, 'HAPPY.' She also told me...

'HE TOOK MY PAIN AWAY.' Skyler was now 100% sure of going to Heaven because of Christ alone. Amen.

(NO PIC, TOO YOUNG)

Our last day of sharing was Thursday. Thursday was more difficult than Wednesday as I just didn't seem to have that fullness of love and freedom that I had on Wednesday. Maybe I was tired, but whatever the reason, people still heard and many wanted to trust in Christ alone. I will make these last stories short.

THREE THANKFUL HEARTS

Colton, Marissa and Billy all heard the gospel and wanted to place all their trust in Christ alone. When I gave the invitation, they said...

'NOW...RIGHT NOW'

We prayed and then they prayed. Here is what they told the Lord...

'THANKS FOR PAYING WHAT I COULDN'T PAY.'
'THANKS FOR DYING FOR ME.'
'THANKS FOR TAKING MY PAIN AWAY AND DYING FOR ME.'

TWO VERY HUMBLE SOULS

Trevor and Trista initially were hoping they would go to Heaven because they were 'kind'. How 'kind' would they have to be? Just as kind as God. Good luck.

This couple was extremely humble as they received the truth of the law and their sin and the gospel in Christ. Both eagerly wanted to trust in Christ alone and prayed...

'THANKS FOR DYING FOR MY SINS. I TRUST YOU AND I LOVE YOU.'

VIDEO TESTIMONY

The encounter with Tommy and Marcus was really special. Both heard the law and the gospel and wanted to trust in Christ alone. We prayed and then they prayed...

Tommy...'I LOVE YOU. THANK YOU.'
Marcus...'I AM READY TO START TRUSTING YOU AND LIVING FOR YOU.'

HERE IS AT ONE MINUTE TESTIMONY AFTER MARCUS AND TOMMY TRUSTED CHRIST.

LOTS OF LOVE COMING YOUR WAY AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT!