Pastors John Sherwood and Peter Simpson were preaching the gospel in Slough High Street on June 20th.
Whilst Pastor Simpson was preaching, a young woman came up to him and said that there was no evidence for Jesus Christ existing. The minister replied with an answer which he often gives to this challenge, namely that 3,000 people saw the risen Lord at one time, and that the New Testament is written by “eyewitnesses” (1 Corinthians 15:6, 1 Peter 2:16 and Luke 1:1-2). This latter reference reads,
“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word”.
Pastor Sherwood also told the young woman about all the documentary evidence for the Lord’s existence, but she sadly did not seem to be genuinely seeking to know more of God, and did not pursue the conversation.
Mrs Pilkington, witnessing to passers-by in support of the pastors, had a long discussion with a Muslim who knew his Quran well and who disputed with her over the truth that the Lord Jesus is fully God. Sadly, he was not open to having Bible verses explained to him which speak of the Lord’s deity.
He also asked if sinners such as rapists and adulterers can be true believers, his aim probably being to question the doctrine of free and full forgiveness through faith in Christ. Mrs Pilkington replied that the enjoyment of mercy, through faith in Christ, is only upon heartfelt and ongoing repentance. She then gave the example of the apostle Paul, a murderer who had repented from the heart and so who was truly forgiven. The Muslim said that he had asked other Christians the same question, but that this was the first time that he heard the Christian view of forgiveness explained in such a way. It is hoped that he heard enough Biblical truth to move him to further serious thought.
Mrs Pilkington also spoke to an older man who took a tract from her, and who said he would read it, but then added, “It is probably too late for me”. She replied that it was never too late to come to the Lord. Yes, there should be no delay in coming, but the Lord will turn none away who come to Him with a truly humble ands repentant heart, whatever stage of life they are at.
It will, however, be too late, when a person dies to decide to repent, or when the Lord returns in judgement. So may many who heard the gospel in Slough realise the urgency of responding without any further delay.