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Just Jesus
Bryan Hupperts
Oct 15, 2003
SheepTrax is an ezine of humor, insight, and Christian teaching featuring the wit, wisdom and deepthinking of Bryan Hupperts. Bryan is the author of numerous newspaper and magazine articles, as well as the book, A Ravens Gift. Click to order: http://www.sheeptrax.com/html/sheepstore.html Feel free to forward this message!
------------------------------------------------
October 15, 2003
Just Jesus
Hi, SheepTrax!
I work with a man who is one class shy from earning his Ph.D. in science. He and I share an interest in astronomy and have access through our computers to the Hubble Telescope website to peek a view at the universe. I suspect that he is looking for aliens while, man of faith that I am, I am merely gasping at the designs of Gods magnificent Creation.
In yet another remark about the incredible design that went into the Creation of the universe to my friend who is a died in the wool humanist, I was speechless at the architectural brilliance that shows in natures breathtaking design. He smirked at my declaration of Gods genius and said, I only see fractals and chaos theory at work. He really wonders how I can have faith in this scientific age while I marvel at his willful unbelief - and I really like this man.
What can win a heart to God? I am firmly and finally convinced that it is the simple declaration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I will never argue my humanist coworker to Christ. I can present convincing proofs, share evidence of creation, show the moral bankruptcy of modern psychology and moral relativism, and expose existentialism for the intellectual sham it is, but I cannot hope to ignite faith in him unless he hears the simple, saving Gospel of grace.
I was once privileged to taker a few men from my church down to St. Louiss Central West End to go street preaching on Halloween and pass out Christian tracts. Some jokingly refer to the West End as Little Sodom. There are chains of spiritual darkness over that section of St. Louis that choke. The Metropolitan Community Church (the homosexual organization) is located there - along with every other bondage and addicting nightmare conceivable. I found myself weeping when I first drove through. There is a tangible shroud of evil that cloaks the West End in darkness.
Wickedness and sin abound there - Praise God! Where sin abounds grace does much more abound! I could not imagine a more perfect place to be on Halloween to declare the victory of the Cross than on those streets. My friends are all a little wide eyes at the prospect of street witnessing. We will challenge the powers of darkness in Jesus name and we will see the glory of God by sharing with whoever will listen the simple message of Jesus.
The preaching of the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Paul declared that he was not ashamed of the Gospel - yet after reviewing many things in todays church, church planting strategies, contemporary music, and much modern theological writing - I dont know that the contemporary church can say we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We always seem to be preaching something other than the simple Gospel. Perhaps thats why churches can spend millions in evangelistic campaigns, bring in noted speakers and musicians, only to have one person go forward to pray and never been seen again. Something is terribly amiss and I suspect that it is Jesus Himself.
We are so busy trying to out-cool the world, trying to look relevant, trying to appear wise that we end up looking suspiciously like the world. And why would they want to be different than they now are if were so busy trying to look, and act, like them?
My faith stands in stark contrast to my humanist friends faith of unbelief. I have to wonder why we, the church, dont often stand out from the world like a city set on a hill. Perhaps its because we have more in common with the world that we would like to believe.
I hear Come To Church preached, or Do This Good Work, or lots of substitutes activities, even good things, but where is the simple preaching of the Gospel? When was the last time you sat an unsaved friend down and shared the life changing message of Christ? Tell them that the Bible declares they are lost but God has mercifully provided a Savior that they may escape His wrath and eternal Hell. Through faith in Jesus death, burial, and resurrection they now have the opportunity to become Gods sons forever. Tenderly probe their hearts and ask what they need forgiven of. Youll be shocked at how deeply they feel the need of forgiveness.
I cannot help but wonder if the messengers are secretly ashamed of the message. The dying world doesnt need yet another good idea, they just need Jesus.
I once was involved with the church growth movement and saw the birth of a generation of anemic saints, many stillborn, into the kingdom of God. And I have washed my hands of trying to use human wisdom and Madison Avenue hype to share Christ. Modern evangelicalism is a flop. I have gone back to witnessing, praying, opening my home to the lost, and declaring the simple Gospel of Christ.
Sin is the disease and the blood of Jesus is the only cure. The Apostle Paul came to this same conclusion declaring in 1 Corinthians 2:2, For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Let the modern church convene yet another counsel, hold still another planning meeting, and go on and on through the hoopla of endless, fruitless motions. There are souls in bondage and who need to hear the simple, saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Here am I, send me.
Bryan Hupperts © 2003
SheepTrax Media
PO Box 270256
St. Louis, MO 63127 USA
deepsheep@sheeptrax.com
www.SheepTrax.com
http://www.sheeptrax.injesus.com
NOTE: Bryan is recovering from a recent heart attack and would appreciate your prayers and support during this difficult time. It appears more flu-liker symptoms are rearing their ugly head and he is asking for prayer for healing. Also, as no one can now afford to get sick in America due to the skyrocketing costs of medical care, if you have ever considered giving a financial gift to help cover the expenses of this ministry, now would be a good time!
Legal Stuff: Copyright © 2003 Bryan Hupperts. Permission to distribute this material via email, or individual copies, is automatically granted on the condition it will be used for non-commercial purposes and will not be sold.
Submitted by Richard
Bryan Hupperts
Oct 15, 2003
SheepTrax is an ezine of humor, insight, and Christian teaching featuring the wit, wisdom and deepthinking of Bryan Hupperts. Bryan is the author of numerous newspaper and magazine articles, as well as the book, A Ravens Gift. Click to order: http://www.sheeptrax.com/html/sheepstore.html Feel free to forward this message!
------------------------------------------------
October 15, 2003
Just Jesus
Hi, SheepTrax!
I work with a man who is one class shy from earning his Ph.D. in science. He and I share an interest in astronomy and have access through our computers to the Hubble Telescope website to peek a view at the universe. I suspect that he is looking for aliens while, man of faith that I am, I am merely gasping at the designs of Gods magnificent Creation.
In yet another remark about the incredible design that went into the Creation of the universe to my friend who is a died in the wool humanist, I was speechless at the architectural brilliance that shows in natures breathtaking design. He smirked at my declaration of Gods genius and said, I only see fractals and chaos theory at work. He really wonders how I can have faith in this scientific age while I marvel at his willful unbelief - and I really like this man.
What can win a heart to God? I am firmly and finally convinced that it is the simple declaration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I will never argue my humanist coworker to Christ. I can present convincing proofs, share evidence of creation, show the moral bankruptcy of modern psychology and moral relativism, and expose existentialism for the intellectual sham it is, but I cannot hope to ignite faith in him unless he hears the simple, saving Gospel of grace.
I was once privileged to taker a few men from my church down to St. Louiss Central West End to go street preaching on Halloween and pass out Christian tracts. Some jokingly refer to the West End as Little Sodom. There are chains of spiritual darkness over that section of St. Louis that choke. The Metropolitan Community Church (the homosexual organization) is located there - along with every other bondage and addicting nightmare conceivable. I found myself weeping when I first drove through. There is a tangible shroud of evil that cloaks the West End in darkness.
Wickedness and sin abound there - Praise God! Where sin abounds grace does much more abound! I could not imagine a more perfect place to be on Halloween to declare the victory of the Cross than on those streets. My friends are all a little wide eyes at the prospect of street witnessing. We will challenge the powers of darkness in Jesus name and we will see the glory of God by sharing with whoever will listen the simple message of Jesus.
The preaching of the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Paul declared that he was not ashamed of the Gospel - yet after reviewing many things in todays church, church planting strategies, contemporary music, and much modern theological writing - I dont know that the contemporary church can say we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We always seem to be preaching something other than the simple Gospel. Perhaps thats why churches can spend millions in evangelistic campaigns, bring in noted speakers and musicians, only to have one person go forward to pray and never been seen again. Something is terribly amiss and I suspect that it is Jesus Himself.
We are so busy trying to out-cool the world, trying to look relevant, trying to appear wise that we end up looking suspiciously like the world. And why would they want to be different than they now are if were so busy trying to look, and act, like them?
My faith stands in stark contrast to my humanist friends faith of unbelief. I have to wonder why we, the church, dont often stand out from the world like a city set on a hill. Perhaps its because we have more in common with the world that we would like to believe.
I hear Come To Church preached, or Do This Good Work, or lots of substitutes activities, even good things, but where is the simple preaching of the Gospel? When was the last time you sat an unsaved friend down and shared the life changing message of Christ? Tell them that the Bible declares they are lost but God has mercifully provided a Savior that they may escape His wrath and eternal Hell. Through faith in Jesus death, burial, and resurrection they now have the opportunity to become Gods sons forever. Tenderly probe their hearts and ask what they need forgiven of. Youll be shocked at how deeply they feel the need of forgiveness.
I cannot help but wonder if the messengers are secretly ashamed of the message. The dying world doesnt need yet another good idea, they just need Jesus.
I once was involved with the church growth movement and saw the birth of a generation of anemic saints, many stillborn, into the kingdom of God. And I have washed my hands of trying to use human wisdom and Madison Avenue hype to share Christ. Modern evangelicalism is a flop. I have gone back to witnessing, praying, opening my home to the lost, and declaring the simple Gospel of Christ.
Sin is the disease and the blood of Jesus is the only cure. The Apostle Paul came to this same conclusion declaring in 1 Corinthians 2:2, For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Let the modern church convene yet another counsel, hold still another planning meeting, and go on and on through the hoopla of endless, fruitless motions. There are souls in bondage and who need to hear the simple, saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Here am I, send me.
Bryan Hupperts © 2003
SheepTrax Media
PO Box 270256
St. Louis, MO 63127 USA
deepsheep@sheeptrax.com
www.SheepTrax.com
http://www.sheeptrax.injesus.com
NOTE: Bryan is recovering from a recent heart attack and would appreciate your prayers and support during this difficult time. It appears more flu-liker symptoms are rearing their ugly head and he is asking for prayer for healing. Also, as no one can now afford to get sick in America due to the skyrocketing costs of medical care, if you have ever considered giving a financial gift to help cover the expenses of this ministry, now would be a good time!
Legal Stuff: Copyright © 2003 Bryan Hupperts. Permission to distribute this material via email, or individual copies, is automatically granted on the condition it will be used for non-commercial purposes and will not be sold.
Submitted by Richard
