My Encounter...

This evening I had an opportunity to talk about Jesus with a couple of nice women while shopping with my family in Walmart. As we wandered down an aisle looking for cooking oil, the two women approached us and asked us a question. One of them said, "Excuse me, did you know that the Bible talks about a mother god?" My wife responded, "No, we have never read that before."

At this point, Darlene moved on with the girls and I talked with the ladies. I asked them, "What kind of Bible are you referring to? What translation?" They used a New International Version and opened up their Bible to Revelation 22:17 and proceeded to make an argument for the existence of a mother god who provides salvation for mankind with Jesus. We spent some time talking about various texts in the Bible. They claimed they read the texts like Revelation 22:17 literally and interpreted them accurately. I disagreed and challenged their conclusions using Ephesians 5 and what I believe to be a contextually appropriate interpretation of Revelation 22. Unfortunately, once our conversation ended I was unable to persuade them to change their beliefs about a mother god. I pray the Lord will continue to place people in their paths who will provide a biblically faithful testimony about Him. The Christian Apologetics and Religious Ministry site offers a quick explanation about the cult whom these ladies represent. It is named the World Mission Society Church of God.

These nice ladies helped me learn 3 things about myself and the way I talk with others about Jesus.

 1) For most of our conversation I felt like they were talking at me instead of having a conversation with me about our theological beliefs. When I talk with people about Jesus, am I truly engaging in a conversation with them about Jesus or am I talking at them about Jesus. Do I respond to their questions and concerns? It seems that I should do more listening and less talking. Jesus asked a lot of questions.

2) I didn't feel like they cared about me as a person but really cared mostly about communicating their beliefs to me. I completely understand the importance of clearly explaining the gospel to those who do not yet have a relationship with Jesus. I must remember, however, that I am talking with people who have feelings. If I truly love people the way Jesus loved people, perhaps I will have more opportunities to tell them about Him.

3) They shared their beliefs with me. I would have walked past them if they had not said anything. This is the hardest lesson I learned tonight. I was in Walmart and there were probably many other Christians in Walmart too. Yet, these two women who worship a false god were the ones sharing their faith. As followers of Jesus we must be about fulfilling the Great Commission. In short, our purpose is to share our faith with others. Lifeway Christian Resources published a study about the frequency with which Protestant believers go about fulfilling the Great Commission. See below for some of the general conclusions of this study.

I thank the Lord for my time with the two ladies in Walmart. While the enemy surely desires to use them to lead others away from true faith in Jesus, perhaps God used our conversation to draw them to Himself.

Josh Dryer

Missional Strategist

Jacksonville Baptist Association

Opportunity - Local teens are in need of locations to complete court-ordered community service. If you are interested in allowing youth to complete community service at your church and maybe creating a mentor relationship, please contact Keith Money of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice at 904-391-3806.

Executive Assistant position - Child Development Education Alliance is looking for an employee with long term goals. If you are interested in applying, please contact Ellen McKinley 904-573-8831 or 8833 or email kids@cdealliance.org.

Click Here for details.

2015 Spring Revival - Fort Caroline Baptist, May 4th thru May 6th, 10am. Dr. John Sullivan will be the speaker.

Click Here for the details.
 

Back Up Pianist Needed - Orange Avenue Baptist Church is in need of a backup pianist for times their regular pianist is out. Please contact Curtis Phillips at 904-495-8414 or email RealPeaceOfMind@gmail.com.

Needed used and or new Sound System - (etc... Microphones, Projectors, projector screen)- If you have any of this equipment and would like to pass this on to a new church plant, please contact Darriel Hagans at 904-528-0753 or email Joseph Lee at josephlee311@yahoo.com. Or you can contact office number at 904-361-3820.

Chairs needed - Please contact Pastor David Mathis at (cell#) 904-415-5315 or (home) 904-879-0255. He also has a need for a PA system and other electronics for the church.

Interim Music Leader needed - Springhill Baptist in Fernandina Beach is looking to secure an Part Time Music Man. If interested contact Pastor Bud Long (904) 553-7649.

Festival of Hope

The Billy Graham Association is in Jacksonville! Franklin Graham will be here May 29-31, 2015 at the Veterans Memorial Arena.

Part-Time position for Teacher/Leader - in the Young Adult Dept. Hours: SUN 9am-12 & 6-7pm; WED 7-9pm, $100 per week. Please contact Pastor Steve Whitcomb at 904-910-3699 or send resume to steve@promiselandbaptist.org.

Part Time Choir Director needed - Good News Baptist Church (near Sandalwood High School)  is looking for a part-time choir director for Sunday 11:00 am worship service and Wednesday night rehearsal.  Please contact Pastor Steve Bailey at pastorsteve1998@gmail.com.

Position Part Time - Dinsmore Baptist Church is looking for a part-time Worship Leader.

Please send your resume to Dr.butler@dbcjax.com and alternate reply address info@dbcjax.com.