S.T.E.P. Engaging Stevens Point
T-training Jesus’ body
E-engaging our culture
P-praying for people
Jude 23in action
“snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”
Intro:
Go down to the Stevens Point Square on any given night. What do you see? America’s young men and women having fun right? Indeed people are having fun getting smashed, chasing their next sexual fantasy, or beating someone up for some stupid reason. People are chasing stuff that can’t satisfy and little knowing that it leads to a wasted life. Not only does it lead to a wasted life but people are also storing up wrath for themselves on the day when God judges the world in righteousness. (Romans 2:15) This is where Jude 23 in action comes in. The best way to change hearts is through God’s message of Jesus Christ crucified for sinners: the gospel. Alcoholism (getting drunk, etc) is a sin. Lust and sex before marriage is a sin. Porn which typically leads to lust and masturbation is a sin. The only way to affect these strongholds in our lives is through God’s power working over hard hearts. He made us and knows us and He is the only one who can rescue us from ourselves and his judgment. People were made for the purpose of glorifying God and enjoying Him forever. If that doesn’t happen, then they’ve wasted their life.
What do we do?
Cook hot dogs on the square one Friday a month and engage people with the gospel
How do we do it?
People generally come up and ask for a hot dog. We get to know their name and a little bit about them. They are typically curious why we’re down there. Then we typically take them through the “good person” test which uses God’s law, the Ten Commandments, to see if they’re a good person. Generally, everyone wants to take the test and they are not offended when we ask them. This opens up the door to offer hope through Christ crucified for sinners and risen from the dead. Many times we pass out information or gospel tracts.
Why do we use the law?
Psalm 19:7 says “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.”
What has happened?
On one occasion during Halloween night (Friday, October 31st, 2008) one man told us that he had planned on hanging himself that night but changed his mind after talking with one man from our team. People repent and begin to follow Jesus as their Master.
Who can come?
Anyone who Jesus rescued and freed from the bondage of their own sin. Anyone who sees Jesus as not only their Savior but their commanding officer and they seek to obey his great commission found in Matthew 28:18-20
