Pastor Peter Simpson was preaching the gospel in High Wycombe High Street on June 13th. He opened up his preaching by quoting John 3:36, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him”. He went on to explain how that without faith in Christ no one will ever find eternal life. Human effort or religious duties can never be a means of earning salvation. No good works can cancel out sin. Only the blood of Christ is able to do this. All without faith in Him are already under the wrath of God and condemned. So all not trusting in the Lord Jesus are at this very moment in a state of condemnation : no one is neutral or innocent.
One of the lady helpers, Mrs Pilkington, had a number of useful conversations. These included speaking with a man whom was an ex-Muslim and who wanted to know more about Christianity. He asked what is the difference between the various types of churches and denominations. He was referred to the website of Penn Free Methodist Church and to he Minister’s contact details. Prayer is being offered up that he will follow up on this opening.
Mrs Pilkington also spoke to a homeless man who was sitting nearby on the pavement. He was sceptical about the Christian message. He spoke of the fact that he was an adopted child and was subject to abuse. He had been in prison for burglary so the witnessing sister told him about the apostle Paul, who was a very serious criminal in that he had worked for the murder of Christians before he was wonderfully converted. He seemed interested in this fact. Mr Pilkington also prayed for him. May he think seriously about this conversation, and may there be further opportunity to explain the gospel to him.
In God’s providence Mrs Pilkington was also able to speak to a young woman coming out of a pub, who was embarrassed in that she had had too much to drink, but she was thankfully willing to talk. She became quite emotional, and said she knew a little about the gospel already. She took several leaflets and said she would like to talk more but May the Lord speak powerfully to her about the need to repent of sin, and not to be “drunk with wine but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:17).
A further conversation took place with a Quaker lady who believed that there was good in all people. Such a view, however, is totally contrary to the plain teachings of Scripture, and so it was explained to her about the reality of man’s fallen nature, and the fact that he needs nothing less than a brand new heart, which is only received upon faith in Christ.
Another man who had also been drinking too much told Mrs Pilkington that he hd tried to keep sober and had been to AA, but had relapsed after 6 months. He said that when he was ready to try againHe remarked that his wife had told him that he was a boring person when sober! How sad is that? However, he did take leaflets and said he would read them at home.
May the Lord use these conversations and the public preaching of the word to His own glory in leading many to the only Saviour of sinners, the Lord Jesus Christ.