“He said he was an atheist!”
| I purchased my first Bible the week I gave my life to Christ. This is, by far, my favorite Bible. It’s been highlighted, underlined, and studied. I had to duct-tape the spine twice. I’ve spent countless hours absorbing God’s Word and the more I study, the more I believe. – Read “By what authority do you speak?” |
In the midst of our third “positive” COVID test in as many weeks, and the disappointment, discouragement, and disheartening, we remind ourselves that that Jesus is Lord and bigger than this. (Sigh)
Regardless, our hand remains to the plow and we continue to preach Jesus. Just a few days ago, I had this conversation at a restaurant with an atheist.
So there I was… we met with some dear friends for brunch after Church. We enjoyed our meals, and our server (Hayden) was a very personable and handsome young man. He also had a great sense of humor. So, immediately after our meal and service, I felt led to prod him. This was our conversation:
Me: Hayden, I gotta ask. When’s the last time you’ve been to Church?
Hayden: (Caught off guard. Thinking…)
Me: It’s been that long???
Hayden: I went when I was little, but now…
Me: So you just don’t go anymore?
Hayden: Nah. It’s been a while.
Me: Oh, I see. You hate God, now.
Hayden: Wuh??? No!
Me: JK, JK. Honestly, where are you today with the god-stuff?
Hayden: Well actually, I’m kinda an atheist.
Me: Really??? That’s a bit extreme. So, an atheist says he knows that there is no God.
Hayden: (Nodding his head)
Me: Let me ask you. Out of all there is to know in the universe, how much do you know?
Hayden: Say that again.
Me: Out of everything there is to know in the universe… all the information… how much do you know?
Hayden: Very little.
Me: Let’s just say 10%. Of course that’s being very generous, but I’m trying to make a point.
Hayden: (Lol!) Very generous, but okay.
Me: If you only have 10% of all there is to know in the universe, isn’t it possible that God can exist in the 90% of knowledge you do not have?
Hayden: Say that again.
Me: (I repeated that.)
Hayden: Woah! That’s very interesting. I’ve never thought of that before.
Me: God is real. He created you and He loves you, and actually, He’s the only One qualified to tell you your purpose.
Hayden: Wow. I really have to think about all this.
Me: Here’s my business card, and I mean this. Think about what we discussed. The Jesus stuff is absolutely real. Contact me to discuss. Whether you contact me or not, will be a reflection of your character. If you contact me, that means you’re really interested in learning about God. If you don’t contact me, that means you don’t really care about the god-stuff. The ball in is your court.
This particular situation didn’t allow for me to shred Hayden like I usually do because the whole Fam was listening and I didn’t want him to feel embarrassed. Usually, I tell these supposed atheists, young and old, “Stop saying you’re an atheist! Never say that again! I guarantee you that you don’t even know what an atheist is.”
Why am I so outspoken for the things of Christ? Simply put, the more I read scripture, the more I know God. The more I know God, the more I believe. So I speak… and I cannot be silent when my God is being misrepresented or someone is in pain. The Apostle Paul expressed this in 2Cor 4:13. “I believed, so I spoke.” As my beliefs in Christ have increased, so has my love for people, and so has my speech.
Two questions: (Be honest with yourself)
– How much time are you literally spending absorbing the Word of God, and to what degree are you letting His Word transform and renew your mind?
– Are you really loving folks — family, friends, strangers — like Christ would?
I’ve found that if you truly love people, you will tell them about Christ. If you love yourself more, you’ll be silent. If you truly believe, you will speak.
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“Fix Bayonets!” (Role-Playing Drills)
| Far too many Christians are opinion-based, not Word-based. “Fix bayonets” are role-playing drills (Christians vs. Critics) that we conduct to practice responding with the Word of God to worldly arguments we may encounter. These drills are uncomfortable at first, but they bear much fruit. – Read “Does God need defending?” |
| How long have you been in the Lord’s Army? What’s your rank? Many humbly confessed to still being E-1s in the Lord’s Army, but they were eager for discipleship. We do this role-playing to become better equipped with our Swords (the Word of God). – Watch “On a scale of 1-10, what kind of Christian are you?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oFn98CJCEY) |
Countering Worldly Arguments with the Word of God
| These are the most common objections (excuses) to the gospel. Simply put, the degree to which you can respond with scripture to each of these arguments is the degree to which you’ve been discipled. I challenge you to research at least one argument each day. I promise… you will grow! (Read “It’s your move!”) |
| These issues are religious, political, moral, and philosophical. And, believe it or not, the Bible addresses each of these topics. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for clarification or guidance. (Read “They took my youngest daughter first.”) |
| Some of the biggest battles we face are internal. Your greatest challenge is NOT killing giants. Every soul seeks Meaning, Dignity, Identity, Value. However, only the Creator of all things is qualified to fill these needs. The answers we’re looking for are in His Word. Watch: “What is your greatest challenge?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp01Red8e5c) |
“Go make Disciples!”
| We planted Zebulun in June of 2012. Shortly afterwards, I felt led to purchase this giant wall-map of the USA. As men and women have come through our doors and have been discipled, they’ve had the privilege of pinning and praying for their hometowns on this map. – Read about a Muslim prisoner who rebuked the Christian prisoners because they did not know their Bible very well. (“Tell them about L.A.P.U.P.P., Pastor Nick!”) |
| Years later, thousands of men and women have been discipled, activated, and “released into the fields.” (Mt 9:37-38) – Read a true story of a candid conversation I had with a very large Marine. Lol! (“Did you just call me a sissy?!!!”) |
In closing…
| I am utterly, unashamedly enamored with this woman here. Fast-approaching thirty-six years of marriage, and I gotta tell you, I become more attracted to Sandy with each passing day. We continue to be bound together as one-flesh. Throughout these years I’ve come to realize that, generally speaking, guys don’t really like girls. – Read “Do you really like girls?” |
Beloved, your prayers are precious to us. We humbly thank you for bringing us and these ministries before the Lord.
Sandy and I are eager to get back to Okinawa. As so many significant things are happening globally, we want to get back in the saddle to save and disciple souls. You can help. By sending your monetary gifts and contributions, you enable us to keep going. Financial offerings can be made online through Christians In Action (https://cinami.org/missionary/guerra-nick-sandy/). Or, you can mail contributions to the address listed below.
I declare that you remember that we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Eph 4:12)
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In His will!
Nick & Sandy, Bond-servants of Christ
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