A Prodigal Called to Christ – Southampton Evangelism

The change of the season is evident; the leaves are now turning orange and falling gently to the ground. As everything around us changes, the Gospel stays the same, and our mission to make Christ known is unchanging.

We set up in our usual location, and began to share the Good News. Over at the table, people were stopping to browse material and speak with team members. Then, the preaching commenced.

Mike Mellor was the first preacher of the day. He preached on “Symptoms” that come from not having Christ. He did a good job explaining the good news, though I never got to hear all of his message, as over at the table I was able to enter into a conversation that would last for a long time.

While I conversed with one man, Mike finished preaching, Ben preached, and Jeremy proclaimed the Gospel. I missed all their messages, but the conversation was worth it. At the literature table, I spoke with a Prodigal who was very much in a distant country (Luke 15:13).

The young man told me he comes from a complex religious background, then he revealed that his grandparents were evangelists in India, and he had been brought up as a Christian, but now he didn’t accept it. When I asked why he rejected Christianity, he told me it was because his grandparents couldn’t answer his questions about God. At this point, I had to make a quick decision – do I ask him to tell me the question so I can try to answer, or do I sidestep the situation? I decided to do the former, I asked for the question.

The question he had related to the doctrine of predestination. I asked him to explain what he meant by the word, ‘predestined.’ His answer revealed he had a low view of God holiness, and high view of man’s goodness. I engaged his argument, but as I did, it became clear this wasn’t the main issue. After talking a bit further, it came out that the big issue was one of authority. The man admitted he wanted to be the deity of his own life, and he rejected the idea that God could have authority over him.

We went back and forth in a friendly manner, and the man admitted his view was inconsistent, and he was a hypocrite in beliefs. But as we spoke further, he stated that he believes in God, but he just didn’t like the idea of Him being in charge. This was the heart of the matter. I took him to John 3:19-20 to show why he rejected God’s rule over him. It was then he spoke about a sin that he identifies with. This was the true issue.

He told me that everything I was saying was true, but he just didn’t want to follow God’s rules. I challenged him by saying, “If God agreed with your morality and positions, you’d have no problem with His authority, but since it goes against your desires, you don’t want Him. Is that correct?” He agreed.

I explained that he was free to choose his sin, and to live in rebellion, but he will one day have to give an account for all his sins, regardless of what he believes. The objections this time weren’t as strong. I made sure he understood the Gospel and called on him to repent and trust in Christ.

He was very friendly, shook my hand, and took a booklet. He has just moved to Southampton to study, so I hope we see him again. Here was a Prodigal who was running far from God. Let’s pray he comes to his senses (Luke 15:17-18) and discovers the Loving Father.

As that conversation finished, I noticed we had only thirty minutes left of the outreach, and I was the only preacher who hadn’t preached. So, for the final message of the day, I preached on “God and Man.” In this talk, I speak about God being Creator, but we’ve turned away from Him. A few people listened to the Good News, with three people receiving John’s Gospel at the end.

One of those who listened to me preach spoke with Ben. She told him she is questioning her Roman Catholic beliefs. He was able to share with her, and give her a booklet.

Throughout the outreach, the team was kept busy. Many tracts were handed out, and conversations took place. Please pray that all who heard would come to know Jesus.

SDG!

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Josh Williamson is a full-time evangelist with The Open-Air Mission. Since 1853, OAM has been sharing the good news on the streets of the United Kingdom. To stay updated about the work of the Mission, please sign up for the free quarterly magazine and monthly prayer notes.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MAGAZINE AND PRAYER NOTES