Evidence for God? :: Gospel Outreach Report: SALISBURY

Some people ask "Where is the evidence for God" How would you answer this question?

Today (Thursday) a team of us (seven), ventured to do Gospel work in Salisbury. Note: this is an Open Air Mission outreach, headed up by Josh Williamson.

"being understood by the things that are made" Romans 1:20

A convicted lady

As we were setting up the free literature / Bible table, a lady came by on her bike, stopped, and started chatting with Josh. She told of how she was a Christian but had drifted back into the world. She opened up about some of the things she’d done, but then went on to say how much she

actually hated sin and how the Holy Spirit was convicting her. Josh shared with her from 1 John 2:1–2, showing that Jesus is more than sufficient to forgive all our sins. She gladly took some literature, asked for prayer and Josh was also able to point her towards a local church.

Have you read our article "5 reasons to use a free Christian literature table in outreach"? Click here for more details

An elderly lady and a free New Testament

An elderly lady approached the table, picking up a New Testament. I told her she is welcome to take it for free. She told me that she is a Christian. Though it is tempting, with a sweet old lady to wish her well (and say nothing more to challenge her), I did not assume she was soundly saved. Instead, I asked her if she was born again and she said no. To which I gave her one of our free Born Again tracts, written by JC Ryle. Click here for details.

The Gospel ridiculed

While Josh preached his first message, two men stood nearby listening. As they walked away, one man said to the other "I wish he would shut up!" - So I decided to engage. I asked them for their thoughts. To which they bombarded me with statements claiming that God does not exist. That Jesus did not exist either - someone created to control people. I challenged what they were saying.

Is there evidence for God?

The Bible tells us that all people know that God exists. For example:

"Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them." Romans 1:19 It's important to believe this and speak with people from this reality, even when they profess to not believe in Him. Because God not only says they know He exists, but they are without

excuse.

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse" Romans 1:20

So if He is understood by the things that are made, it's perfectly legitimate to point to Creation and challenge them that they have evidence. You could ask them "Who created the buildings around us?" Then challenge them to prove their reasoning / answer. This logic has to be true of God too - but a far superior Creator then a human builder. "for every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God." Hebrews 3:4

A humble person will see the evidence and have to admit the logic of such. But the proud will do as these men and disregard all the evidence.

Is there evidence for Jesus?

Speaking about the calendar on their mobile phones. I asked them who was born 2025 years ago. They either could not, or would not answer that question. So I explained it was Jesus and He Himself claimed to be God. Proving this by His miracles and His perfect life. Fully Human and fully God too. This all from the Bible - written as history by people alive at the time - seen by many hundreds of witnesses.

A continuing rejection of the evidence, showed it was clear they did not want evidence - that it is actually a moral issue. I told them that they reject the evidence because they love their sin. They supress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18).

There was plenty more I could have shared with them by way of evidence, but they would rather believe lies and fables than humble themselves to the truth.

I tried to speak of the glorious Gospel - what Jesus did, but they would rather ridicule.

Is there evidence for evolution being a hoax?

Many times they spoke of their faith in evolution and the conflict between the Bible and such a worldview.

At one point I asked them, “If I gave you a leaflet showing how the textbooks have been pushing lies about evolution for years, would you read it and look into it?” They said no. The flyer I was going to give them was an old Gospel tract I designed and produced about the haeckel's embryos - showing a clipping from a national newspaper stating that it was a hoax. Followed by a listing of the many British science books (over many many years) that contained the lie (and the pages you could find the lies on).

Utter rejection or is their hope?

On the surface, these men showed no sign of being humble to the evidences I attempted to share with them. Like water off a duck's back. On the surface, the conversation seemed hopeless. Some would even question if I was right to speak with them as long as I did. Maybe I was wrong. But it is with a love for their souls. It is in hope that maybe even one sentance that was spoken may be a stone in their shoe. Something that will humble them in the future and cause them to find God's mercy in their life, before it is too late.

I was hostile and yet thankful for those who persevere

Before I personally sought the Lord’s mercy in my life, I was hostile. I’d ask questions, but I didn’t really want the answers—in fact, I hoped I wouldn’t get them. Yet I’m thankful for those who still shared the truth with me, even though I ridiculed and rejected it. Looking back, it was just one piece of the jigsaw that eventually brought me to the foot of the cross.

So if you ever doubt your witnessing—when it feels like people are rejecting Him—be encouraged. These men were offered the hand of God’s mercy, and He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

Please pray for these dear men.

A visiting preacher

It was a joy to have Paul Adams from Open Air Campaigners USA join us for the outreach. He did a great job preaching on “Warning: Six Deadly Lies.” As he went through each point, a few people stopped to listen, including a couple of men who heckled.

After finishing my conversation with the two gentlemen mentioned above, I turned to listen and heard Paul preaching on the very point I had just been discussing with them—Lie number 1: ‘There is no God.’ This was a great encouragement to me, as his message closely echoed what I had just shared.

What about someone who is intoxicated?

Sometimes it is wise not to engage with people who are intoxicated. But it's important that you pray God gives you wisdom about what you say, if you do meet someone and start speaking with them. I spoke with a lady who was intoxicated, but it was not obvious to begin with.

It is possible that they are able to take in what you have to say to them. But it's hard to tell. I would encourage you, if you do engage with such a person, to give them literature to take away. This may speak more clearly when they sober up. It could also end up being read by someone else. The lady I spoke with gladly took a Gospel of John and some flyers.

"I am not interested in the slightest" - but listened and then engaged for a considerable length of time!

A young man walked past a team member - Colin - while he was preaching. Stating he was not in the slightest bit interested. To then listen for some time from afar and then enter into a lengthy Gospel conversation with Paul - later joined by Colin. You never truly know what is going on in someone's heart, even if they do say they are not interested!

Many printed Gospel literature taken

Salisbury is generally a difficult place to make Christ known. But not today. There were many opportunities had by each team member. And the box with all the literature we decorate the table with was much lighter than we began with.

Praise the Lord for many hearts and minds touched by God's Word! Please take a moment to pray for all who found God's mercy today.

What else happened? You can read another report about today from Josh Williamson by clicking here.

-Nigel, Printing Evangelism