condemnation | Timothy Burt

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

It’s been my experience in talking with other Christians that most Christians are either terrified, nervous, or feel inadequate in sharing their faith with others who do not know Jesus! Trust me, I know there are a number of you that are bold, not intimidated, and unafraid to share you faith, but most Christians I know are. They don’t like to talk about it.

Most people feel they don’t have the biblical skills to handle the tough questions people might ask or are deeply afraid of the rejection they imagine they would encounter. I understand that because the devil is the master at helping us imagine the worst or reminding us of previous negative efforts or encounters. But the truth is, people are far more open than you would imagine! I don’t know if you know this but there are the fires of revival going on in the world right now. In most countries, the gospel is growing faster than their population.

God has called us to share the gospel. Mark 16:15-16 (NLT2) “And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” He has also promised the power through the Holy Spirit to help us! Acts 1:8 (NKJV) “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

And God’s word exhorts us to share or faith. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…”

With that said, I want to tell you a story. Some time back, I was in downtown San Francisco on business. I had some free time so I decided to get out and walk down by the harbor. I was walking down one of the steep streets when I noticed a crowd ahead. There was a man with a megaphone wearing a two-sided street sign basically condemning everyone! And that is how he sounded through the words he spoke. Absolutely condemning everyone.

After about 15 minutes, he stopped and the crown dispersed. I walked up to him. I asked him, How is it going? Did anyone pray with you to receive Jesus? He said No. I asked him how long he had been coming out on the streets to preach. He said, About three months. I asked him how many people he had prayed with to receive Jesus over that time. He said, I think this one lady might have prayed and received Jesus.

At that point I asked him if he could take a break and walk and talk with me. He was willing to. He set down his sign against a pole and left it there. No one will steal it, he said. I bought him some pizza, and then we went and walked. We walked to a huge beautiful park I had passed earlier in the day. I asked him, would you like to lead more people to the Lord? He said, Sure, that’s why I’m out here. I asked, Would you let me show you a better way? He said Yes. I said, Just come with me but let me do the talking. You just observe and learn.

We walked over to a man sitting on a bench by himself. I asked, Would you might if we sat down here also? Sure, he replied and scooted over. We sat down next to him and I introduce us to him. I then asked him if I could share some good news with him. He said I could and so I pulled out my pocket bible, (today it would have been my Bible app) and took Him through some scriptures sharing God’s love. (If you want to know what verses those were, you can click here.) I asked him to read them and then I explained them. He was fascinated as he had never read a Bible. I asked him if he would like to go to Heaven and He said yes. I told him that I would lead him in a short prayer asking Jesus into his heart and as He prayed it sincerely, Jesus would forgive all his sins, fill him with His Holy Spirit, and that Heaven would be his home when he died. We prayed and tears rolled down his face. He gave us a big hug and we prayed for him and recommended a church to visit and went on our way. My new preacher friend was in awe!

We visited two more people in the park going through the same thing. Each person received the Lord.

As we continued to walk, I simply told him, people don’t need condemnation. They know they are sinners. They are afraid of God. They think God’s is made at them or hates them because of their sins. They need to know of His love, of Jesus’ sacrifice, and of the gift of eternal life. Share that on the streets and ditch the signs and you’ll be more effective. He did that and was so thankful I took the time not to condemn him but to help him find a better way. He also started attending a church I recommended that gave him an entire new perspective on sharing the good news.

In closing, there is a better way to share Jesus! Make it good news. Just know a few scriptures that share the good new and invite them to church or to watch church online . We are all called to share God’s love. It’s a Christian’s calling! Don’t let that condemn you if you haven’t been sharing Jesus! Just ask God to teach you and help you be a vessel. If you stumble initially, don’t worry, you did on your bike when you learned how to ride. It’s natural. Go for it! You have the promise and empowerment of the Holy Spirit to help you. And please, do it in a better way!

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

If Fresh Manna is a blessing to you, I’d love to know. Click here: FreshMannaFeedback

If your heart has been touched by God’s love through Fresh Manna, would you like to help Pastor Tim reach others also? Please prayerfully consider donating. No gift is too small.