B l o g - ENGLISH

Toy Story’s Incinerator

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:57:30 +0200

One of the most emotionally charged moments in Toy Story 3, probably the strongest moment in the trilogy, is the incinerator scene.

>Don't read or watch the clip if you haven't seen the movie <

Woody and his friends are desperately trying to climb out of a huge mass of garbage, that is slowly moving into the flames that will incinerate it all.

You can see the desperation in their movements and in their facial expressions. They know that soon, those flames will completely burn their plastic bodies.

Buzz realizes that there is nothing to do. There is no escape. Their efforts are useless. In a matter of seconds, the garbage avalanche will carry then into the flames. This is the end for them.

All of the adventures they have had, the problems they have solved, etc, count for nothing now. The toys, in a sad realization of their unavoidable fate, hold hands and wait for their end.

One day this scene will take place in real life. "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15). On that day, there will be no salvation-- today is the day of salvation, the Bible says (2Cor 6:2).

Just as the toys, people will desperately try to justify themselves, to earn a passage to Heaven, to expose their good actions. In reality, they will be trying to climb out of the garbage of their own sin: words, thoughts and deeds. But the avalanche of garbage is way too big. And the flames will last for eternity.

This is a terrifying thought! You don't want that to happen to a family member, to your best friend, to your teacher. In fact you don't even want that for your worst enemy!

Share the gospel today! Millions of people will fall into the incinerator sooner or later-- and that ain't a toy story.

Cannes Film Festival

Mon, 17 May 2010 16:09:41 +0200

Year after year, the city of Cannes receives thousands of visitors during the well-known and prestigious International Film Festival. This year, the Festival celebrated its 63rd edition.

It is a fantastic, unique opportunity to distribute gospel tracts and engage people in conversations about eternity.

People are lined up, all along the famous "Croisette", walking or sitting down hoping to see a Celebrity walking. Outside the big Hotels, crowds of people waiting to see if any super star will go out to the balcony and wave at them (or like couple of years ago that Van-Damme threw his underwear at the crowd).

"So y'all waiting for Celebrities? Here I have Celebrity Millions for all of you while you are waiting!" Was one of the lines we used and gave out a bit more than 900 tracts in 2 hours!

At first, we were concerned about special restrictions or reglamentation by the city or security enforcement agencies, but there was not a problem. In fact, police officers, security staff and bodyguards were gladly taking the tracts.

We also had a few very nice conversations, for example, with Efrain, a native Indian from Ecuador; watch the interview (in spanish with english subtitles) HERE.

We have witnessed at many popular, massive events such as the Cotton Bowl, Oscar weekend in Hollywood, NBA All Star Game, etc; and we can honestly say that the Film Festival is by far the... WOW for evangelistic purposes.

The Cannes Film Festival is such an opportunity to share the gospel with thousands and thousands that come to the city for full 11 days! Imagine, yesterday one person gave out close to 1000 tracts in a couple of hours, how many people could be reached throughout the duration of the Festival?

Our prayer is that churches and evangelists in France, Europe and all over the world will see the uniqueness of this event and will join forces to share the everlasting gospel with a dying world. If the church does not take advantage of these type of events, the enemy of our souls will (for example, see THIS).

Will you pray with us? Will you act with us?

Thanks for reading, thanks for praying, thanks for considering participating.

Paper Missionaries

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:38:37 +0200

Paper Missionaries and Silent Preachers: The Value of Gospel Tracts
By: Mona Leiter
www.lakeroadchapel.org

What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul? -Mark 8:36

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.
No man comes to the Father, but through Me.” -John 14:6

These, and many other portions of truth from the Bible, are the message we are seeking to proclaim to the lost world around us. We communicate these life-giving truths to people by our words and by our actions. The words of men are weak and changeable, but the Word of God is powerful and lasts forever.

How can we best communicate the message of the Glorious Gospel to those around us, especially to those with whom we only come in contact briefly? The God-ordained method of proclaiming the truth of the Scriptures is preaching (1 Corinthians 1:21). Preaching would normally be in the form of a gathering of people, a Bible study, or in a conversation with someone. Tracts should help us to share words of life and truth with the lost people around us. Most of the lost world that we are seeking to reach will never enter a church building to hear the truth proclaimed through preaching from a pulpit. So, we must go to the people with the precious seed of the Gospel!

Gospel tracts, sometimes referred to as « Paper Missionaries » or « Silent Preachers », are very useful to start a conversation about God and eternity and plant a seed of the Gospel. There have been untold millions who have been reached by the message of the Gospel through this method. In my own life I discovered a gospel tract on the ground in the subway system in one of the major cities on the east coast. That gospel tract was one of many things God used to work in my life and to draw me to Himself.

A good gospel tract contains portions of Scripture and an exhortation to the reader to turn to God. The purpose of gospel tracts is not to entertain people but to stir their spirits and challenge their intellect. A tract should not give the wrong message concerning what true Christianity is all about. After all, no one can be tricked into becoming a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. The « new birth » is not signing your name at the end of a gospel tract or a Bible. The goal of every good gospel tract is to show the readers their need of a Savior and to point them to Christ, because one day we will all stand before a Holy God.

If we are truly burdened for those around us, then we will look for ways to reach them for Christ. It is important to be ready to share the gospel any time we are in contact with people, one-on-one or in a group. Since we are planting the seed of the gospel, we may not see many visible results immediately, but we can be certain that God is at work even when we are not aware of it or cannot actually see what He is doing in lives. Gospel tracts are a very good tool to reach students on a university campus, people at a bus stop, walking in the streets, at the bakery, cinema, newsstand, a park, beach, etc. People may read the gospel tracts at the time they receive them or sometimes even much later.

It is good to be reminded that the « Paper Missionaries » or « Silent Preachers » can go on speaking to people long after we have no further contact with them. Even if they are thrown away, someone may later pick them up and read them. The Apostle Paul said, « I might by any means save some. » If Paul had access to the printed page as we do, we can be sure that he would carry his convictions to the full. We should all carry gospel tracts with us everywhere we go and open our eyes to hundreds of opportunities before us, to either give them to an individual or simply leave them behind (phone booth, elevator, bus seat, etc.).

We are called to go and share the good news of forgiveness of sins and eternal life with those around us. It is very easy to distribute Gospel tracts; they are very effective in starting a conversation that leads into the full gospel message. We should use tracts constant and frequently... just because God can use them in lives.

« When preaching and private talk are not available, you need to have a tract ready . . . Get good striking tracts, or none at all. But a touching gospel tract may be the seed of eternal life. Therefore, do not go out without your tracts. » - Charles Spurgeon

If you would be interested in a free sample of good gospel tracts contact us
at: www.lakeroadchapel.org

----Footnote:

For a summary of what true Christianity is all about order copies of the excellent little booklet entitled < Ultimate Questions > by John Blanchard (almost 15 million copies in print in approximately 40 languages) from Cumberland Valley Bible & Book Service: www.cvbbs.com phone: 800-656-0231

Online version of < Ultimate Questions >:
http://www.the-highway.com/ultimate_questions.html

Scientology

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:23:57 +0100

The basketball game finished, Dallas won over L.A. and the crowd was pretty excited.

It was late, passed 11pm when we walked out the Stadium and there they were, more than 15 young guys distributing "Free Tickets" for an "Introduction to Scientology" movie.

The guys were very bold, approaching every single person coming out the Stadium and they didn’t care too much if people took the tickets or rejected them. They were on a mission, focused on giving out those invitations to as many people as possible. The floor was covered with their tickets, so many people have thrown them away but the guys knew that few or many of them will accomplish its objective.

I have to say that in that very moment, I didn’t feel any love towards them but anger. These guys distributed probably thousands of tickets to thousands of basketball fans, hoping they come to learn about Scientology and then join their church.

They were evangelizing with lies! Spreading venom! Separating people from the truth! Dragging them to hell!

Dear Christian, follower of Jesus Christ, we have the true gospel! We have the message that can save a soul from eternal condemnation. We have the only way to have peace with God, forgiveness of sins and life eternal. Wouldn’t it make sense to go out and share that truth with more boldness and assurance than those guys?

Don’t you feel anger when you imagine that your neighbor, the one that you have never shared the gospel with, probably attended that NBA game and was reached out by those evangelists and now he is closer to hell than he ever was? What about your unsaved sister? Do you want her to be reached by Scientologists or Mormons outside a Stadium or at a park or at the mall or at the cinema? These guys are everywhere, spreading lies... offering Ajax as the cure for your stomach ache.

I invite you to transfer that anger (if you feel any) to concern. Feel the huge responsibility that we have by knowing the truth. We just cannot keep it for ourselves... we MUST share it!

Wake up, dear Christian, we gotta go out and share the true gospel! Opportunities are all around you!

Wake up, Christian, share the gospel with someone today!

Wonderful Plan of Martyrdom

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:59:18 +0100

I just finished reading Foxe’s Book of Martyrs and I was deeply moved by it.
It is a historical document on how the church has suffered for their choice to follow Christ. They were tortured, beheaded, burnt, etc. The martyrs were just sincere, firm believers in what Bible teaches and true followers of the Lord Jesus. They all had to face a lot of pressure from their families, friends and authorities but they all endured until the end.
All of them died in the flames, worshiping God and holding on until their last breath.
Would you die today for believing in Jesus? Would you be ready to stand in the fire? Worshiping God and to die for his name?
Do you consider martyrdom as a wonderful plan that God has for you and that it can be accomplished through your death in the fire?
Did you know that there are hundreds of Christian brothers and sisters suffering daily all over the world where Christianity is forbidden?
Do you think they lived a wonderful plan while dying in persecution?
The truth is that the wonderful plan and the hope to live and have a glorious future, that was all accomplished thru the Glory of Christ's victory on the cross.
We will have a glorious life in Heaven.
But until then, we have to remember that we are in war against our enemy, Satan, and our only glory and victory are in Jesus. Every time you are comfortably sitting at your desk, remember there are still so many Christians giving us the example of endurance. One day (sooner or later) it will be our turn to endure.
So go, conquer your fears, your fake beliefs and hopes; to finally start reaching the lost, on the side of our Savior; the one who died for you...
Please take a moment to also read this post.

Up

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 05:23:24 +0100

I just watched Disney's "Up" for the first time in a flight from Amsterdam to Dallas.

Tears filled my eyes in a couple of moments throughout the movie. The main reason was because the movie shows in a very simple but powerful way, the reality of death. It shows how helpless we are, since we all form part of the ultimate statistic that says that 10 out of 10 people die.

It will come to us, sooner or later. I am not trying to dramatize it, it is simply the truth. To some it will come in an old age, like it happened to Ellie but to others it can happen in their thirties or in thirty minutes. We just don't know when it will be our turn, and when it comes the effects can be devastating for our loved ones. Just as it happened to Mr. Fredricksen.

But if we could have the assurance that our loved ones 1) will be in a "better place" and 2) we will see them again; then death looses its power.

Imagine if Mr. Fredricksen had that assurance. The effect of Ellie’s death would have been different. He would have mourned for a period of time (of course) but having that assurance would dramatically change his future.

We should, as Christians have that assurance. We will be “Up” in Heaven (way more "better place") not because of our own good deeds but because Jesus took the punishment we deserved. We will be declared righteous on judgement and will be forever and ever with God, in Heaven together with those we loved and were saved by God's grace too.

Whom do you know that doesn't have this assurance? Or worse, whom do you love that doesn't have Christ?

Close this blog now, shut down your computer and share with them the gospel. Today they are here, tomorrow you don't know.

Understand Christmas

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 15:37:51 +0100

With Christmas just around the corner, it makes sense to understand the REAL REASON why God became flesh.

To start, we can first define the wrong reasons; the following are NOT the reasons why Jesus came 2008 years ago:

- To balance your checkbook
- To improve your marriage
- To make you famous
- To help you find a parking space
- To be a good moral teacher
- To break bad habits (scratching your head, biting your nails, leaving your dirty socks in the floor, etc)
- To make your business successful
- To end poverty in Africa
- To help you pass a final exam
- To be just a religious leader
- To give you material prosperity
- To keep your kids from trying drugs
- To give you the best husband
- To end the world's financial crisis
- To fulfill all of your dreams
- To fix global warming
- To give you the best life... now

If you think that Jesus came for any of the above reasons, I invite you to keep reading. You have a wrong understanding of the gospel and your eternal fate may be at stake.

The glorious gospel has been perverted and degenerated into a life-enhancer instead of being a life-saver.

Jesus came to the World to: "Seek and save the lost" (Luke 19:10).

- THE LOST. The Greek word 'apollumi' means to be in permanent state of lostness, to be ruined, destroyed. The reason why humanity is lost, is because we stand condemned before a holy God who sees hate as murder and lust as adultery; who won't allow any liar into the Kingdom “...the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars; their place will be in the fiery lake...” (Revelation 21:8). God's standard is -perfection- and it is reflected in His holy Law (Ten Commandments). We are ruined, as criminals waiting for the death penalty. One day we will die, face God and will receive our sentence: eternity in Hell.

- SEEK. From the Greek 'zeteo' that means to pursue, to look for, to search for. Since the beginning, God looked for Adam when they sinned; he is still looking for lost people. God does the first seeking and we must respond by seeking Him back.

- SAVE. The Greek verb 'sozo' means literally to save, rescue from danger or destruction. God, who us rich in mercy, is willing to save us from the destruction to come. “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). He sent Jesus to step in and pay our fine so that out case can be legally dismissed and our file can be closed. The death and resurrection of Jesus satisfies the justice of a holy God. “The next day [John] saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

Jesus came to save humanity... from eternal damnation, from the wrath of a just Judge, “ It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). He is gracefully offering forgiveness of sins, justification and eternal life.

In response, we must repent (turn from our sins) and put all our trust and life in Jesus Christ.

This is the real gospel!

This is the reason why Jesus came! This is the reason why we should celebrate Christmas.

Now that you know "The Reason"... share the truth.

“... Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–
of whom I am the worst.” (1 Tim 1:15)

[This post was published for Christmas 2008 and was entitled “The Reason”. Since “The Reason” hasn’t changed, I decided to re-publish it]

Bread

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:42:24 +0100

On Thanksgiving Day, we usually thank God for what we have. But this year, I want to thank God for what I do not have.

Take a look to these verses from Proverbs 30:

“Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.”

God has been so faithful by not giving me riches. Yes, God has been so loving and caring with me by not letting me become rich.

Why?

“Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or may I become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

God hasn't given me material riches nor "ministry riches." Ministry riches can be dangerously pursued consciously or unconsciously by Christians like you and me.

For example: You actively share your faith but have seen a handful of people coming to repentance and faith in Christ? You have a prayer group but the members are inconsistent? Your church has the same attendance as it had 325 days ago? You've been praying for that one issue but it hasn't been granted? You've spent time and money in gospel tracts but haven't seen much fruit?

Rejoice with me, then. The Lord hasn't given you poverty nor riches, but He has faithfully provided your "daily bread." You have had food in your table and clothes to dress you, as well as the bread you need for whatever ministry you are involved in: overcoming your fears to share the gospel, brothers and sisters to join you in a prayer group, committed members in your church, money and time to distribute tracts.

Now learn to be content and thank God that He is keeping you from riches. He has lovingly kept you from becoming reach and faithfully provided you with daily bread.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." -Phil 4:11

[FOR A RELATED POST, GO HERE OR FOR THANKSGIVING 2008 GO HERE]

Persecution

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:50:58 +0100

Please pay attention to the above map.

Do you live one of the countries colored or mentioned?

If you DO NOT, then you DO NOT have an excuse! You are free to share the gospel with your neighbor, the bus driver, the postman, your doctor, your coworker and your family members. You will not get killed! You have the amazing privilege of living in a free country, where your biggest enemy isn’t the government or pressure groups but your own fear. Do you fear to be rejected? To be discriminated? To be seen as a religious nut? Who cares! The Lord entrusted you with the gospel, the only way that people can be saved from a well deserved eternal punishment. Go and share it! Write an email, hand out a tract, call someone, do something! Today you are free to do it, but that freedom will be taken away from all of us one day. Soon. Very soon.

If you DO live in one of the above colored countries, thank you! Thank you for being an example to follow. Our prayers are with you and your families. Click HERE to learn more about the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

Please watch the following interview with Andrew and Deborah Drapper, that should motivate us to reach out the lost, today... while we still have time.

You can download the map HERE.

For a related post, please click HERE.

WDJD

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:26:41 +0200

What Did Jesus Do?

If we want to follow in the steps of Jesus, we should consider this model from his encounter with the woman at the well. Jesus started a normal conversation to shortly take it to spiritual things. Then, Jesus exposed the woman to her sin (broken the 7th commandment) to humble her and show her need of a Savior.

We should share God’s grace only when the person’s heart is humble, to take him there, we must use God’s Law.

Law to the proud and Grace to the humble.

Consider the following model and please watch the clip in the bottom...

(From the “Way of the Master” Basic Training Course, available at LivingWaters.com)

• Start in the natural.
Start a conversation with everyday things. “Hi, how are you?” “Nice weather we're having.”
• Swing to the Spiritual.
Move the conversation from the natural to the spiritual. Mention the things of God. You can do this by using tracts and saying, “Did you get one of these? It's a gospel tract.” Then you can ask if they have a Christian upbringing.
• Then move into WDJD.
W
Would you consider yourself to be a good person?
Most people think they are good and will usually say yes (Proverbs 20:6). They often think that compared with others they are good.
D
Do you think you have kept the Ten Commandments?
Again most people would say yes. Many people don't even know what the ten commandments are. You can then ask them if they mind if you ask them a few questions to find out whether they have or not.
J
If God were to judge you by the Ten Commandments do you think you would be innocent or guilty?
As the person begins to measure themselves up against the Ten Commandments their conscience soon begins to convict them of their sin. The law becomes a school master opening their eyes to their sin.
Many will say that they are guilty. They are at a point of humility and ready for grace and the gospel.
Others will continue to say that they are innocent. They are still proud in their heart and you may need to continue with the law until they recognise their transgression of the law.
D
Do you think you would go to Heaven or Hell? (Destiny)
Most people, who recognise their sin, will think that they would go to Hell if judged today. Others will think that God is a forgiving God so will let them into Heaven. Then you may have to show them an example from the civil courts to help them understand how a good judge cannot let a criminal off even if he does ask for forgiveness. The punishment has to be paid by someone.

Only when they have accepted their need can you then bring them the Gospel. If they are still protesting their righteousness before God they still need to hear the Law.

The Gospel can be shared simply by remembering.
• Their need (sin – transgression of the Law).
• Jesus (The real Jesus – God and man Eternal and holy).
• The Cross (Jesus dying in their place taking their punishment).
• The justice of God forgiving you now that the sin has been paid for in Jesus.
• There need to repent and put faith in Jesus.