Peaceful Conversation Sharing The Gospel At Pride Event

David Hunter · Jun 18, 2024

Not all conversations have to get heated. I went to the Medina Square pride event and had a quick, peaceful conversation with Lucille. Use this as an encouragement to get out there and share the Gospel!

AlexB23 · Jun 18, 2024

David Hunter said:
Not all conversations have to get heated. I went to the Medina Square pride event and had a quick, peaceful conversation with Lucille. Use this as an encouragement to get out there and share the Gospel!

Amen to this. I will pray for this man.

Also, if you ever encounter any other folks, or meet Lucille again, here are some verses, and about how I made a decision to avoid my lusts.

Celibacy for Christ

Hello folks. Today's devotional hits hard, as I am a Christian bi guy, but would rather remain single and celibate to uphold Biblical teachings, unless married to a woman. Date May 30, 2024 | Celibacy for Christ Verse 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 (NIV): "It is God’s will that you should be...

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David Hunter · Jun 18, 2024

Thanks for sharing, Alex!

AlexB23 · Jun 18, 2024

David Hunter said:
Thanks for sharing, Alex!

You are welcome. The guy, Lucille seems very nice, and accepting of Christianity, and is knowledgeable in the Bible. Hopefully that means that he accepts Jesus, and repents of his sins.

Also, Lucille has a cool 1980s style shirt, that looks like something straight from an arcade in 1983. Yes, I did not live in 1983, but I know what 1980s designs are, as there is $15 free-to-play arcade with no coins necessary that I visit in my town. However, I just found out that the guy who designed the shirt (based upon keyword search), Steven Rhodes, makes shirts that are a little dark (and sadly worldly). Pray for Steven Rhodes, that he makes art glorifying God instead of this stuff.

This is the shirt artist's Insta, so you know what I am talking about: Login • Instagram

PloverWing · Jun 18, 2024

From what I heard on the video, Lucille believes that we have forgiveness of sins through the death of Jesus Christ, so you may have been talking with a fellow believer (albeit one who disagrees with you on some things). I'm glad you had a good conversation.

What was on your sign? I couldn't see in the video.

Edit: On second viewing, I hear Lucille say at the beginning that they're "not specifically religious" and that they see Jesus as "a human being", so at some point I hope Lucille comes to understand why an Athanasian Christology is theologically important. Still, there's some good common ground there.

1Tonne · Jun 18, 2024

That was great. The more we get out there and share the Gospel, the more equipped we will be when those situations come about. And God is building you up the more you go out. I can see that. Sometimes we may not get it perfect, but over time, if we continue, we will get answers. So we get more and more equipped.

PloverWing said:
Lucille believes that we have forgiveness of sins through the death of Jesus Christ, so you may have been talking with a fellow believer

There is a difference between true belief and just belief. The Bible says that even demons believe. True faith is when you believe and fully trust in the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. For instance, if I am in a plane and the plane is crashing, I may see a parachute lying on the floor, and so I believe in the parachute. But it is not until I put the parachute on and jump from the plane that I put my faith in it. So, we need to put the parachute on and then take the jump. When we jump, this is an action that comes from our true belief. James 2:24 says "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone." So, we need to jump. We need to live a life based on our faith and honour God. Do as He says. Live for Him.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

d taylor · Jun 18, 2024

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What a perfect opportunity blown, as this person states he believes in Jesus as a human being.

But yet you get side tracked on sin, repentance, etc.. and even get the women at the well story mixed up with the women caught in adultery.

So when this person states he believes in Jesus as a human being. What a great chance to tell this person how to receive God's free gift of Eternal Life and become a born again child of God. By not believing in Jesus as a human being. But by believing in Jesus and who He says He is: The promised Messiah / Son of God, the resurrection and the life and that by believing this about the name of Jesus they receive God's free gift of Eternal Life and immediately become a permanent born again child of God.

You could even have had copies of verse from The Gospel of John, to give to him, that plainly states this truth.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should [c]not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

----------------------------------

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

------------------------------------

And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

David Hunter · Jun 18, 2024

PloverWing said:
From what I heard on the video, Lucille believes that we have forgiveness of sins through the death of Jesus Christ, so you may have been talking with a fellow believer (albeit one who disagrees with you on some things). I'm glad you had a good conversation.

What was on your sign? I couldn't see in the video.

Edit: On second viewing, I hear Lucille say at the beginning that they're "not specifically religious" and that they see Jesus as "a human being", so at some point I hope Lucille comes to understand why an Athanasian Christology is theologically important. Still, there's some good common ground there.

Thank you!! The one side says, "Jesus said, 'Come unto me all weary & burdened; I will give you rest.'" and the other side says, "Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.'"

1Tonne said:
That was great. The more we get out there and share the Gospel, the more equipped we will be when those situations come about. And God is building you up the more you go out. I can see that. Sometimes we may not get it perfect, but over time, if we continue, we will get answers. So we get more and more equipped.

There is a difference between true belief and just belief. The Bible says that even demons believe. True faith is when you believe and fully trust in the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. For instance, if I am in a plane and the plane is crashing, I may see a parachute lying on the floor, and so I believe in the parachute. But it is not until I put the parachute on and jump from the plane that I put my faith in it. So, we need to put the parachute on and then take the jump. When we jump, this is an action that comes from our true belief. James 2:24 says "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone." So, we need to jump. We need to live a life based on our faith and honour God. Do as He says. Live for Him.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Thank you for your continued encouragement, Nathan! This was my first pride event and I was nervous but the message goes forth!

d taylor said:
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What a perfect opportunity blow, as this person states he believes in Jesus as a human being.

But yet you get side tracked on sin, repentance, etc.. and even get the women at the well story mixed up with the women caught in adultery.

So when this person states he believes in Jesus as a human being. What a great chance to tell this person how to receive God's free gift of Eternal Life and become a born again child of God. By not believing in Jesus as a human being. But by believing in Jesus and who He says He is: The promised Messiah / Son of God, the resurrection and the life and that by believing this about the name of Jesus they receive God's free gift of Eternal Life and immediately become a permanent born again child of God.

You could even have had copies of verse from The Gospel of John, to give to him, that plainly states this truth.

Thanks for your feedback! Yeah, I didn't even realize I got the story mixed up. He did get a Gospel tract at the end that has my contact info.

PloverWing · Jun 18, 2024

David Hunter said:
Thank you!! The one side says, "Jesus said, 'Come unto me all weary & burdened; I will give you rest.'" and the other side says, "Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life.'"

Good messages!

1Tonne · Jun 18, 2024

David Hunter said:
He did get a Gospel tract at the end.

That is great. He still got the Gospel, so it was not a blown opportunity. It was an excellent learning opportunity. The more you do, the better you will get.

d taylor · Jun 19, 2024

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It was an excellent chance to take the focus off of sin and place the focus on his miss understanding about sin being the condition for salvation.

To take it off his miss understanding and place it on Jesus and believing in Jesus for Eternal Life salvation.

It could have easily been said to this person, that it is true Jesus took away all the sin of the world on the cross. But that does not not mean everyone goes to heaven. God has given one condition to go to heaven, that a person must meet, before their physical life on earth has ended.

This one condition when met gives a person God's free gift of Eternal Life salvation and they immediately become a permanent born again child of God. This one condition a person must do is to believe in Jesus which is believing.

So what does believing in Jesus mean. It means to believe Jesus and who He, Jesus or other believers/disciples (Paul, Peter, Phillip, etc..) say Jesus is. Which is the resurrection and the life, The promised Messiah / Son of God*. This is the name and believing in this name. Is what gives people God's free gift of Eternal Life.

The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Do not miss believing in the name of Jesus or you will miss receiving God's free gift of Eternal Life salvation.

* Messiah and Son of God are the same names of Jesus, so if you believe Jesus is The Messiah, you are also believing Jesus is the Son of God

1Tonne · Jun 20, 2024

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Tim 2:19
Someone may believe but if they carry on sinning, then they will be in big trouble.

d taylor · Jun 20, 2024

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If an unbeliever continues on in sin which they will. This will not be the reason they end up in the lake of fire. The only reason they go to the lake of fire is because they never believed in Jesus for The Life of God.

If a believer continues on in sin, they get out of harmony with God their Father and may very well receive sever discipline from God their Father. God may even take their earthly life. But they will never sin themselves out of God's family and into the lake of fire.

1Tonne · Jun 20, 2024

These people believe but are not saved.
Matt 7:21-24 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness.’
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock
Some versions of this say "you who break Gods Law" instead of "you who practice lawlessness"

Those who believe but continue in sin are in big trouble.
1 Cor 6:9-10 says “Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.”

Luke 6:46 says, “Now why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” It then continues to verse 49. It says to act on Jesus' words. It shows what it is like for someone to act and for those that don’t. Those who act will have a solid foundation. While those who do not act will be washed away with their weak foundation.
Jesus said these verses when people could see Him in the flesh. So, they fully believed He was real but not all were saved. Simple belief will not save you. Even the demons believe.

Romans 8:12-14 also says, "So then, brothers and sisters, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh, for if you are living in accord with the flesh, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God." So, believe and repent. Do not live according to the flesh. Simply believing will not save you. That is a false teaching that you need to stop spreading. Even the demons believe. So, do not fool yourself.

Stopping sin is a result of real belief, remorse and contrition. God desires a broken and contrite heart.
Those who continue in sin are like this:
If I were to hit you and then say sorry, you would accept my apology. Then if I was to hit you the following day and then say sorry, you would begin to wonder if I was truly sorry. Then the day after this, I did the same thing, you would realise that I was not truly sorry. My words may say one thing, but my actions show another. What you act out is what you truly believe. If you are truly broken and contrite, then there will be a change in you. That is why the bible says that we are given a new heart and new mind. One that obeys Him. "I will give you a new heart and a new mind. I will take away your stubborn heart of stone and give you an obedient heart." Eze 36:26

Continuing in sin is like a person who enjoys nailing the nail into Jesus' left hand and then says sorry. Then he goes to the right hand and enjoys the sin again and puts in another nail. Then he says sorry. He continues to the left foot and repeats the same thing. And lastly, the right foot. But then he restarts back at the left hand again and puts in another nail.

Belief by itself will not save you. Act upon your belief. Even the demons believe.
1 John 3:3 "And everyone who has this hope set on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." So, leave your sin.

Merrill · Jun 20, 2024

It is nice to see people having reasonable and polite conversations about the faith

One thing I try to stress to unbelievers (or anyone really), is that you identity is not your skin color or who you sleep with. Your project in life is not pleasure, or even your kids, or spouse

the HARDEST thing for anyone, imho, is absolute dedication, and prioritizing God in one's life. Even after we accept Christ as our savior and Lord, if we do not prioritize Him, make Him the focus of our lives, we will slip, and become lost

these gays in their pride parades are lost souls who have prioritized their relationship to other gays above all else, as a community, and a cult. And in the end, we have to ask "who are you"?

I think this guy in the video knows he is lost, that a great example (Jesus) has been set, and he yearns to live up to it. The affirmation and love of those with no standards and no real love is nothing. Jesus is about the highest standards, and absolute love

d taylor · Jun 21, 2024

1Tonne said:
These people believe but are not saved.
Matt 7:21-24 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness.’
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock
Some versions of this say "you who break Gods Law" instead of "you who practice lawlessness"

Those who believe but continue in sin are in big trouble.
1 Cor 6:9-10 says “Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.”

Luke 6:46 says, “Now why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” It then continues to verse 49. It says to act on Jesus' words. It shows what it is like for someone to act and for those that don’t. Those who act will have a solid foundation. While those who do not act will be washed away with their weak foundation.
Jesus said these verses when people could see Him in the flesh. So, they fully believed He was real but not all were saved. Simple belief will not save you. Even the demons believe.

Romans 8:12-14 also says, "So then, brothers and sisters, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh, for if you are living in accord with the flesh, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God." So, believe and repent. Do not live according to the flesh. Simply believing will not save you. That is a false teaching that you need to stop spreading. Even the demons believe. So, do not fool yourself.

Stopping sin is a result of real belief, remorse and contrition. God desires a broken and contrite heart.
Those who continue in sin are like this:
If I were to hit you and then say sorry, you would accept my apology. Then if I was to hit you the following day and then say sorry, you would begin to wonder if I was truly sorry. Then the day after this, I did the same thing, you would realise that I was not truly sorry. My words may say one thing, but my actions show another. What you act out is what you truly believe. If you are truly broken and contrite, then there will be a change in you. That is why the bible says that we are given a new heart and new mind. One that obeys Him. "I will give you a new heart and a new mind. I will take away your stubborn heart of stone and give you an obedient heart." Eze 36:26

Continuing in sin is like a person who enjoys nailing the nail into Jesus' left hand and then says sorry. Then he goes to the right hand and enjoys the sin again and puts in another nail. Then he says sorry. He continues to the left foot and repeats the same thing. And lastly, the right foot. But then he restarts back at the left hand again and puts in another nail.

Belief by itself will not save you. Act upon your belief. Even the demons believe.
1 John 3:3 "And everyone who has this hope set on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." So, leave your sin.

-

No they are not, in the verse you posted Jesus states " I never knew you"

1Tonne · Jun 21, 2024

d taylor said:
No they are not, in the verse you posted Jesus states " I never knew you"

Correct, Jesus did not know them. They believed, but the reason He never knew them was because they continued in sin.

d taylor · Jun 21, 2024

1Tonne said:
Correct, Jesus did not know them. They believed, but the reason He never knew them was because they continued in sin.

-

Show me in this illustration/account in Matthew where they believed.

1Tonne · Jun 21, 2024

The repetition of the word "Lord" in Matt 7:21-24 serves a rhetorical and emphatic purpose. Here’s why it is used twice:

Emphasis and Intensity: By repeating "Lord," Jesus emphasizes the authority and sovereignty that he holds over his followers. It underscores the importance of acknowledging Jesus as Lord, not just in word but also in deed.
Recognition of Authority: In ancient Jewish culture and in the context of the New Testament, calling someone "Lord" (Greek: κύριος, kyrios) carries significant weight. It signifies recognizing someone as a master or ruler, implying submission and obedience to their authority.
Seriousness of False Professions: The repetition underscores the seriousness of the warning Jesus is giving. Many may claim to acknowledge Jesus as Lord, but not everyone who does so will truly enter the kingdom of heaven. The first "Lord" may represent a superficial or merely verbal acknowledgment, while the second "Lord" emphasizes the genuine submission and obedience required for true discipleship.

Therefore, the repetition of "Lord" in Matthew 7:21 serves to highlight the importance of genuine faith and obedience over mere verbal profession. It emphasizes the distinction between those who merely claim allegiance to Jesus and those who truly follow him in action and heart.

You may choose to ignore these points about the word "Lord", but I think you should have enough discernment to agree.

d taylor · Jun 21, 2024

1Tonne said:
The repetition of the word "Lord" in Matt 7:21-24 serves a rhetorical and emphatic purpose. Here’s why it is used twice:

Emphasis and Intensity: By repeating "Lord," Jesus emphasizes the authority and sovereignty that he holds over his followers. It underscores the importance of acknowledging Jesus as Lord, not just in word but also in deed.

Recognition of Authority: In ancient Jewish culture and in the context of the New Testament, calling someone "Lord" (Greek: κύριος, kyrios) carries significant weight. It signifies recognizing someone as a master or ruler, implying submission and obedience to their authority.

Seriousness of False Professions: The repetition underscores the seriousness of the warning Jesus is giving. Many may claim to acknowledge Jesus as Lord, but not everyone who does so will truly enter the kingdom of heaven. The first "Lord" may represent a superficial or merely verbal acknowledgment, while the second "Lord" emphasizes the genuine submission and obedience required for true discipleship.

Therefore, the repetition of "Lord" in Matthew 7:21 serves to highlight the importance of genuine faith and obedience over mere verbal profession. It emphasizes the distinction between those who merely claim allegiance to Jesus and those who truly follow him in action and heart.

You may choose to ignore these points about the word "Lord", but I think you should have enough discernment to agree.

-

Lord is not the name given by God to believe in, to receive Eternal Life and become a born again child of God.

The Gospel of John states the name to believe in about Jesus to receive Eternal Life is: Messiah/Christ or Son of God, that Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

So that is why Jesus states He never knew them, because they never believed in Jesus.

What you are saying about this passage of scripture

1Tonne said:
Correct, Jesus did not know them. They believed, but the reason He never knew them was because they continued in sin.

Is that belief does not given a person God's free gift of Eternal Life. It is belief plus stopping sinning, but there are no verses supporting this thinking.

The Gospel of John states again, again and again, it is belief in Jesus that gives a person God's free gift of Eternal Life and this is how a person becomes a born again child of God.

Peaceful Conversation Sharing The Gospel At Pride Event

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