What a difference a day makes! Sunday was slow even though there were more people on the boardwalk. Monday had fewer people but much more interaction and many gospel conversations.
Eric approached me on the boardwalk almost immediately after I picked up the “Are You Going to Heaven?” sign. We use these signs to engage people in a gospel conversation where we take them thorough the 10 Commandments. This helps them to see their need for salvation, then we share the gospel with them.
I asked Eric what he thought it took for a person to go to heaven. He said essentially that you have to be a good person. So I asked if he has ever told a lie? Stolen anything? Hated anyone in his heart? He admitted to all of that. I shared that the Bible says in the book of James that if you break one of the commandments, you are guilty of breaking all of the commandments.
I then asked if he knew what God did to those who broke his laws. He didn’t have an answer. So I illustrated it by asking if he came to Ocean City and broke the law, was arrested, and went before the judge, what did he think would happen. He responded, “I would go to jail.”
I then compared that to God punishing us for our sins followed by the good news that God punished His son on our behalf and if you repent of your sin and turn to Christ in faith, you can be forgiven and have eternal life.
I then asked if he thought that was something he needed to do – to repent and believe in Jesus. He shook his head no. I then reiterated that the only way to heaven is through faith in Jesus Christ. I gave him a gospel tract and he went on down the boardwalk.
Sometimes you simply plant the seed and pray for God to bring the harvest.
I also had several other great conversations throughout the night. Opportunities to plant the gospel seed are important in an unseeded generation.
As the evening went on, the crowds increased and so did the conversations. The preaching was strong and the people stopped to listen. Some mocked but others were engaged. The big question that we have heard from the crowd this year is, “What about the gays?” Since it is “pride” month, that question is in people’s minds and hearts.
My response is always the gospel. Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, was buried, and rose again on the third day and through repentance and faith IN HIS WORK ON THE CROSS, forgiveness and have eternal life are available.
You continue to pray and we promise to continue casting the net. God will bring in the fish!
Until the Net is Full,
Darrel Davis
Darrel , your group is amazing ! How many people are with you?
We have 11 working with us.