Let’s Grow A Pair
Let’s grow a pair.
Our fear does more damage than the reality of what would happen if we sowed true compassion.
Thoughts?
Los
Let’s grow a pair.
Our fear does more damage than the reality of what would happen if we sowed true compassion.
Thoughts?
Los
RAIN IT DOWN
I gotta be honest. That is totally not what I expected. The really awesome thing is that you can totally tell that a seed was planted.
Yup. Seed has been planted and he was clearly moved.
I have always enjoyed Penn and Teller.
Matt is right,,,not what I was expecting…but incredibly awesome!
I saw this a couple days ago. He is right on. How much do we hate people when we don't tell them about Jesus. The guy in the story did it right too – talked to Penn out of genuine compassion and concern for his soul, not in some aggressive confrontation.
niceface.
Oh yeah Penn's world was rocked by this guy. That's the incredible thing. It's got him thinking. And he's right – if we believe and we keep it in then we hate those around us we don't share with.
challenging.
I have to say that this one really hit me hard. I love your line that “our fear does more damage than the reality of what would happen.” Thank you.
i've always joked about the guy who tapes a tract onto the mirror in that men's room. some have this fear of rejection in sharing Christ. i think if we are walking the Spirit(Zech.4:6) we should look for those moments, relationships & opportunities that arise. I was surprised at his response. It could of been a lot worse.
Oh God, forgive us for not doing what You have called us to do.
Jim, I have known many people that have come to Christ through finding a tract in a bathroom or on a park bench sir. We are all in this together and I will do any and every thing short of sin to reach the lost, as I am sure you will also sir.
I think the problem is that sometimes we don't believe (or act like we don't believe) in the reality of hell…
I saw this video last night and wrote a post about it. http://bradchristian.tv
If I could give Penn a big burly man-hug right now, I'd be all over him.
peace|dewde
Sounds like this guy on the corner went home, couldn't stop thinking about going back, and did what he had to do. I picture him nervous. Stuttering even, as he hands that funny looking little bible to this larger-than-life man. I'm reminded again of how the Apostle Paul must have interacted in the streets of Ephesus… in Acts 19 there is a huge riot about to unfold, and the only thing that squelches it is a friendship, A FRIENDSHIP, between Paul and some of the city officials (who were by no means followers of Jesus).
Looks like at least one guy out there still gets it.
I have chill bumps. It was eye-opening to hear that a full-fledged atheist respects those who share their deep convictions in God. WOW.
How many tuned him out as soon as he said “I KNOW there is no God…”? THAT'S part of the problem. It is a very unique situation when an atheist promotes the evangelism of Christians. Now, if only we learned something and took ACTION!
The greatest act of selfishness is when we fail to share the greatest act of selflessness. That of Christ's death and resurrection.
I've seen some of Penn and Teller's stuff about the Bible, and I would categorize Penn as squarely atheistic (a step short of the new breed of anti-theists, those who actively proselytize against Christian faith).
That is until now. This guy clearly got to Penn and has him thinking.
Similarly, I believe that members of the band Rush – who have long held atheistic world views – would be similarly changed with genuine interaction with authentic believers.
I pray for a day when percussionist and lyricist Neil Peart (and his bandmates Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson) no longer hold the following view of faith, as found in the chorus to 2007's “Faithless:” I don't have faith in faith; I don't believe in belief; You can call me faithless; I still cling to hope; And I believe in love; And that's faith enough for me.”
I also believe – and hope the Lord will continue to challenge us on this point – that anyone whose heart is as hard as Penn's has been toward a Christian faith can be changed with non-fake encounters with believers whose hearts are pure and who are walking in obedience.
Wow. Thanks for sharing that. I mean, Penn is always the kick in the butt kind of guy, but I never imagined he would be kicking my butt about my faith. Really, thanks!
How many times did he say “and he looked me in the eye” and “he was a good man” which made Penn think the man was honest.
Honesty.
I love that you posted this. Thank you, Los. I am all about authentic Christianity. I gotta digest this more.
he seems very wise in the way he approaches his life. i love the truck and tackle comparison. i need to take this to heart and be like the gideon.
wow – that's very cool.
so great! i hope that “nice” man tries to sow that seed!!!!!
That was awesome! It's obvious his heart has really been stirred. He made some good points that will stick with me. Thanks for sharing this.
This raises a pertinent issue the globe is facing: dogmatism. This is our global crises. The moral of this is not that we should proselytize, but that we should be honest, thoughtful, sane, and caring. The Christian who is certain that people are going to hell is JUST as bad as the atheist who says he “knows there is no God.” Both share the same problem of philosophical absolutism and neither position can be proven. When all become honest about the unknowability of what is beyond, then this world will begin to flourish. As the prolific Old Testament scholar Walter Bruggeman has said, “Absolutism and objective certainty are far more dangerous than relativism.”
This is such a real world example of what our obedience can do. Awesome video, thanks for sharing!
Yea, thats a good point, this guy came back the next day. Like he missed the opportunity the first night, and sought an opportunity the next night. How often do we miss opportunities and go “dang it I've missed my opportunity”, then move on and let it go. Well “dang it” go get another opportunity and do it right the second time. We (meaning me) always tend to think of sharing our Love for Christ as a one shot deal, know or never.
Great post. I will spread this. Our life and approach to people should be this authentic that we'd make even an atheist say something like that. Thanks for the video.
I agree that we need to be careful about being arrogant as Christians and be humble in our approach, but we walk a dangerous road if we cast off a Truth because it makes a conversation awkward or will be ridiculed. I'm just as much a chicken in regards to evangelism/proselytizing as the next guy, but that doesn't make the Truth any less true. We are certain (because Scripture tells us) that Hell is real and that there will be people who go there. We are certain that Jesus is the ONLY way. We are certain that the Bible is Truth. Objective certainty can be dangerous in the areas of theology that continually divide God's people – those things that need to be held with an open hand instead of a clenched fist. But if we don't contain SOME certainty about the bedrocks of our faith, we have nothing.
guilty… wow I feel like crap.
This was a great insight. One thing I hope that we as Christians never forget is how the non Christian world views us. How can we effectively communicate to them how important Jesus is if we assume that they think like we do?
Great post Los, keep em coming.
Wow that is cool, I hope this sticks and changes His heart.
When something is given in love, then it will be received in love. My prayer is now for the one that will water the seed for the increase to come. It does not change the truth of God's existence that another does not believe. The life of God can be seen in a true believers eyes. Love conquers all!
Hey Man….like your blog and I am adding you to my reads. Merry Christmas!
“How much do you have to hate somebody…”
convicting insights.
Love it, I actually live in Vegas, and serve as one of the Pastors at a church here. In my opinion this “big guy” took an approach to Penn just like Jesus would have done – and it is obvious that the complements he gave Penn were genuine because God has burned a deep compassion for him on his heart. I agree, very challenging. Thanks for sharing the video.
Hmmm… Love it… really got me thinking.
I think I often cling to what Peter says “be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within you…” my rationale is that if nobody's asking the question, then why should I be giving the answer?
Isn't that what Jesus did? His reputation preceeded Him and people wanted to know what He was all about. Then He responded to their inquiries… Same with Paul. In fact, Jesus' use of parables was intented to disguise the truth from those who weren't really interested. Mark 4 (look it up)
I want to know why our reputations don't have more people asking us about the hope that lies within us? Why do we have to be on the verbal offensive all the time.
Just being honest… Maybe not what you wanted to hear, but honest.
Too many times I've proselytized out of compulsion from man rather than compulsion from God. I am in no way suggesting that is what happened here. I truly believe that God compelled that man to give him the Bible and if He compels you to do the same, by all means “be ready” to do so!
I know where your comin from dude. I think the exact same thing, but God's been showing me we also have to look at what the disciples did after Jesus went back to heaven. Look at Peter or Paul (yea i know he wasnt an original disciple) the traveled around speaking and many times got beat or kicked out because of it. Sure some people would come up and ask, but they also would speak and speak and speak some more. And as far as proselytizing out of compultion from man. You dont have to feel compelled by God for everything you do. Just because you dont feel that fuzzy feeling or because God isnt speaking to you clearly is no reason not to share the gospel. God will use that and honor your effort.
I saw this last week. Honestly it made me stop and think about my life and the way I choose to live. The comes to mind that: "Every time I sin, I lie to those around me about who God is". Thanks for posting this, I hope that it helps more of the church take a long look at the life they are living vs the words they are saying.
We're about to witness some massive life change bro. We need to be praying for this dude. In a way, Penn has been blinded much the same way Paul was. Penn didn't see God coming, now he can't stop thinking about it, God is in this dudes head. The seed has been planted, now it's time for some watering ladies and gentlemen!