For in Him we live, Move and Have Our Being. (Acts 17.28)

And how we delight to know the One to whom we live, move, and have our being . . . And how we delight to experience His orchestrating of circumstances to remind us that He wills according to His good pleasure. All of this as an introduction to share with you how we experienced His presence with us yesterday. Mimi went yesterday morning to her first class with Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). As everyone began packing up their things to leave the sanctuary, Mimi noticed the name tag worn by one of the volunteers with BSF. She recognized the name as this woman had called us the day after the Debate to inquire about purchasing a DVD. At that time, Mimi had a good conversation with her, learning that she was a Jewish believer as well, and was hoping to share the DVD with her unbelieving Jewish parents. Since that conversation, Mimi has been praying for the parents, so when she saw their daughter’s name, she immediately ran over to her. As they connected, the young Jewish woman told Mimi that since the Debate (last week) her brother has become a Believer. He also was at the Debate (along with 500+ others) and thinking somehow maybe that she had met him the night of the event , Mimi asked his name. When she heard the name she exclaimed, “We called him last night!” He had filled out the tear-off survey on the fourth panel of the program and checked “yes” to the question: Would you like to discuss tonight’s question, Who Was Jesus, at a later date? Learning that he lives not far from us and needs to be in fellowship and is not comfortable (as of yet) walking into a church, Mimi gave his sister information about our Monday night Bible study. We are praying he will call and have opportunity to now grow in his faith – that he, too, might discover what a delight it is to experience the presence of our Lord!

"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false." “How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you." Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
We also recently had opportunity to meet with a Jewish man who appears to be sincerely seeking a relationship with the Lord. In looking at how Nathanael answered the skeptical question coming from Phillip, Nathanael simply said “Come and see,” we realize he let the Lord Himself do the persuading. Oh, for the grace when we share with others, not to try in and of ourselves to CONVINCE someone of Who Jesus is, but rather to invite them to see for themselves. Our Lord makes His own convincing.

INSIDE THE DEBATE

We met today with a woman who teaches a debating class. She had taken her class to the Debate on “Who Is Jesus?” It seems it was very eye-opening for her students to learn that there are rabbis who do not believe in God and are not all that familiar with their own Bible. We have seen over the years that Christians often are afraid to share their faith in the Messiah with a Jewish person because they believe that the Jewish person knows their Bible (the Old Testament, of course) so much better than they do. We try whenever we can to dispel this myth. These young people have a headstart now on that lesson!

This afternoon we were also presented with an interesting concept to consider for the next debate. Pastor Charlie Halleran, who did an excellent job as moderator for the Debate of 9/08/09, suggested we consider having two rabbis, Rabbi Barry Silver as well as an orthodox rabbi, debate Dr. Michael Brown. This time the debate would also center around specific messianic prophecies, each participant giving their interpretation of the particular scripture in question.


Just wanted to share this picture taken of Dr. Brown at the debate as he spoke with two of the people in the audience. Everyone agreed (except for one very aggressive atheist!) that Dr. Brown was articulate and cordial, and we personally very much enjoyed spending time with him. We look forward to seeing what the Lord has for us as we seek to share the Good News of God’s Love.

In Romans 10 we read: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. . . How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” We must thank each and every one of you who have had a part in sending us. Together we labor for His glory!

If you want to purchase the DVD, go to greatestdebateofall.com The inexpensive cost is $15.00 + $3.00 s&h

THE POST DEBATE REVIEWS BEGIN!

Here is what one of those who attended the "Greatest Debate Of All" had to say about the event:
"When we pulled into the Civic Center at 6:50 PM, I was stunned to see the parking lot PACKED and scores of people walking quickly toward the entrance. The majority appeared to be Jewish seniors. Upon entering, I saw lots of smiling volunteers in bright yellow tee shirts registering arrivals. There were people 5 deep crowding the sign up table and the lobby was full, all of which showed good organization and great promotion on your end. The energy and anticipation was palpable as masses of people excitedly poured into the 500 seat auditorium and filled all of the seats. All the greeters I encountered were smiling, welcoming, and helpful.

I can't tell you how impressed I was with all your hard work and detailed organization. You had clearly anticipated EVERYTHING. To me, it was a huge "WOW!!!"

There was a buzz in the air until you gave your brief introduction and welcome. I thought your remarks before and after were absolutely perfect and neutral as befitting the occasion. Very low key. Just right.

Impressive to see the professional film crew with 3 camera men.
I thought the moderator was EXCELLENT. Very clear and professional.
Loved the idea of the open mikes at the end. Loved the programs with the information and classy ads.

Dr Brown - EXCELLENT in every way.

This debate has put Everlasting Life Outreach on the map.
The whole debate idea was brilliant. Everyone who attended would recognize the excellence with which you organized this event. I would expect that the next such occasion would bring even larger crowds. I'd love a rerun in the future with Dr, Brown pitted against a worthy opponent.

These are just my thoughts. I would love to hear of any souls saved."

Love and grace2u

“Rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh.” Phil. 3:3

Let our service for him never be about our performance , but always knowing Him more fully by being right there in the center of His will. (In His presence is fullness of joy.) This should safeguard us from pride . Pride focuses on performance and seeks man’s flattery. Should we not desire instead true joy?! Why settle for vainglory when instead you can ABIDE IN HIS LOVE? Hallelujah – only God Himself should be praised. Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”Jn. 12:32

As for the Debate coming together in such amazing ways, what must be focused on – what must be gleaned and enjoyed – is God’s power to draw people, but beyond that we see His passion to reach out to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel. Oh, that they may know the joy that is found in His presence!

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12.

And as passionately as our Lord wants them to hear His Word of Truth, the enemy wants to stop the Truth from being heard, especially going forth among the Jewish people.

Three days ago we received an email from an "anti-missionary" group letting us know that they would be attending the debate. Michael tried to defuse any disturbance by suggesting that they have one of their rabbis debate Dr. Brown sometime in early 2010. We hoped that this offer would give them an incentive not to create a disturbance on Tuesday evening. They said "no" they would not validate "Brown's" position (they refused to put "Dr." before his name), etc. There has been one more communication with them since and not very pleasant on their part -- Michael did reach out to them in love. Please pray for wisdom on how we will deal with them if they attempt to disturb the debate.

Yesterday morning a tow truck (yes, a tow truck!) hit our car. We had to have another towing company take our car away for repairs and now have a rental car. No one was hurt. Then a few hours later, Mimi was in a store looking for something to use as a donation box. She reached up to a top shelf and a heavy wooden placque hit her on the head, with the corner of the frame puncturing a vein on the top of her scalp. After four sutures, they still could not stop the bleeding and applied a tight pressure wrapping.

This morning we received a call from a Jewish friend in Alabama. She is a believer who was raised in South Florida. She has three members of her family, all unbelievers, who have told her they want to come, and she will be bringing them to the debate. When Mimi answered the phone, the first thing the woman told her was "the devil doesn't want me coming to this debate -- but I'm coming anyway." Last night she tripped over an object in her house. She thought she had broken her neck. She was rushed to the emergency room and thankfully there was no break, but because she takes blood thinners she is bruised and hurting all over (her foot was injured in the fall as well).

The Apostle Peter said for us to be alert and sober-minded for we have an adversary who is like a roaring lion. We rejoice to know we are at the center of God's will in serving Him as we all are, so we, of course, are not asking anyone to panic or anything like that. This instead is a glorious opportunity for us to "take it to Him in prayer." What amazing plans God must have for fruit from this Debate!!

We love y'all!

FUTURE SHORT-TERM MISSION OPPORTUNITIES!

Last Wednesday we had a meeting of volunteers for the upcoming debate, "Who is Jesus?" Over 20 people attended, coming from both our local church and from a messianic congregation, Ayts Chayim, in Boca Raton. In addition, we have had several others who were unable to attend, but will be there to help on 9/8/09. What a blessing!

What an opportunity for short-term missionaries from our supporting churches (as well as individual supporters) for the next debate we plan to have sometime next year. Opportunities will open up as well for follow-up with those interested in discussing "Who is Jesus." This will be a great cross-cultural experience for those who have not yet been involved in Jewish Evangelism. It's like going to a foreign mission field -- BUT WITHOUT NEEDING A PASSPORT -- OR SHOTS!

Please pray for yours and your church's future involvement.