F4S: July 2009

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Praying In Faith

You see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that there is a God and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. ~Hebrews 11:6, nlt


We've heard so much good and bad teaching regarding faith in the last few decades (just between you and me, that Word-faith sort of jive makes me wanna hurl), but I do want to say that faith is still necessary to approach the Lord. It takes faith—that unique bridge of relational trust in the Lord—to walk in the Spirit, to serve others right and to witness.


Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? —James 2:22


With faith in Christ like we expressed when we were saved, let's so behave and walk each day.. dealing appropriately with all that comes our way. —kVs


As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. —Colossians 2:6


Do you mind if I have some questions? On what or on whom do you base your faith? What are you trusting in for your future well being? Is it on the report that someone else has told you ..that God wants to do for or through you in this life? Is it on what you have seen the Lord do for another person who prayed? Is it on the righteous walk that your parents or grandparents have with God? Is it on what your friends might think and say about God being fair, loving, unfair or cruel? Has it been placed on perhaps what a medical doctor has written in his final report about you ..or on their personal recommendation for your treatment? Is it on what you think would be in the best interest of all those involved? Have you let a minister or so called "holy man" determine where you should put your faith ..independent of the Word of God?


I say put your faith in the Bible Jesus alone for He already paid the full price for you to come into right relationship with the Father. Don't put it in religion, or in yourself, or in a guru or in an apparently good organization.. or even in faith plus religious works that are so called meritorious.


Join hands, then, brothers n sisters of the faith, whatever your race may be; Who serves my Father as a son is surely kin to me. —Oxenham


The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. —Luke 18:27


God, give me the faith of a little child who trusts so implicitly,


Who simply and gladly believes Thy Word,


and never would in some wrong way question Thee. —Showerman


Whatever (and I don't mean that in the cynical sense of the term here..), you and I must pray in faith to the one living God through Christ, or our prayers will not be pleasing to the Lord. If your faith ..as you express and apply it in prayer or meditation.. is merely based on something other than on what is biblical, then your so-called faith will be non-effectual. Unlike the Samaritans did in Bible times, we are called to know and walk in the truth by faith.


But if your faith is applied in accordance with God's specific promises as found in the Bible ..that He has given to us via the people who penned these promises in Scripture.. then your prayers will not be left hanging on a shaky quaky ground.


Your faith applied will indeed hit the mark so to speak!


Listen, we don't have to be perfect or ultra-knowledgeable to apply our faith correctly (though increasing in knowledge of all the counsels of God through all 66 books is extremely beneficial when we don't allow it to make us prideful, self-reliant or prayerless), but we do need to be candid, sincere and reverent regarding this. We do need to sow to the Spirit daily and walk in holy fear with right motives ..so that no besetting sins of any kind can block, impede, hinder or creep in to our lives to set up camp ..to our family's hurt.


So practically speaking, Kurt, what should I do about faith today?


Do this.. crack the Book and ask God to give you a promise from His Word on which you can pray in faith.. believing. Put your trust fully in Christ!


Read more about faith

Friday, July 17, 2009

Are Ya Thriving As Married People And Wanna Stay That Way?

I've got a few minutes here to build up.. to try and encourage married friends before I run to the airport. What do you think I should I ask em or say to help? What would you like to say to build up married folk?

There is a lot to be said, but I will aim to keep this a simple edification-word. Nancy Anderson once wrote a great book titled "Avoiding The Greener Grass Syndrome" to help us young and old marrieds alike, avoid the typical pitfalls like lust, distraction,negelect and insensitivity. And yes she offers six suggestions to apply on how to build and protect your marriage. She speaks of HEDGES that can block out hurtful stuff saying..

Hear—give a listening ear to your spouse.
Encourage—build up your spouse by focusing on positive qualities.
Date—celebrate your marriage with ongoing romance—playing, laughing together.
Guard—establish safeguards by setting clear boundaries.
Educate—study your mate and their needs to truly understand him or her.
Satisfy—meet each other’s needs—as many as you can.


Want mercy? Be merciful, gentle, strong and kind! Never stop dating your bride, listen, ask questions, keep taking interest in what interests her! And do release her of her "short commings"--we've all got em. Yup, let it all go before the sun goes down daily. A happy marriage is a union of two good forgivers!

Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh." ~Genesis 2:23

The marriage bond that joins two hearts no power on earth can break
If they commit their lives to Christ and of His love partake.
~De Haan


Paul said, "Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun." ~Ecclesiastes 9:9


Q: So how are you and I doing—how is your marriage? Guys, are you and I will be doing our part.. to simply lay aside our own wants to put first things first in the family? Not always an easy task huh. May I ask you a question? Are you currently putting your spouse or children ahead of God, or own your work ahead of your spouse? Ladies, what are you putting ahead of your quiet time with Jesus—anything or anyone? Do your girlfriends or career or entertainment come ahead of smiply going to church, prayer time or maybe a midweek Bible study? How has God called you to be involved with His Church? What currently comes ahead of your husbands or should be placed before them? You got it—it's your relationship with Jesus Christ. Priorities are important when we want to live with peace and God's divine order. And our marriages are worth fighting for and the best place for us to start is on our knees ..today (see Matt. 6:33)!

If you show me an insecure wife, I’ll show you an unfaithful husband. If you show me a bitter wife, I’ll be able to (for the most part) show you a rude selfish husband.. a secure wife, then I’ll show you an obedient Christian husband... a growing Christian wife, then (for the most part) I’ll be able to show you an encouraging complimentary husband who examples Christ-like selfless love with right priorities.

Bottom-line; a wife typically reflects her husband in this world ..what he is like.. just like the moon the sun. At least both should be putting out light into the darkness like that. Yup, as we both ..both persons hitched.. in the marriage draw closer to God in His Son, we’ll indeed draw closer together and subsequently better reflect His light to the lost. Duh! He gives us His love for them.

It’s so simple, in Jesus when we both just repent, believe, are prayerful together, and we commit to walking in humility. Think about it! There are basically only two rules for Christian marriage that make this union work; love and submit. Husbands and wives can try and find all the religious loopholes they want to excuse themselvs or get around doing their duty, but God sees it all and will hold each one of us accountable. Do you want God’s blessing on your marital relationship and family ministry?

The Bible talks about us married folk, “submitting to one another in the fear of God. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word” (Eph. 5:21-26). Of course so many people hate that "S" word in that passage.. 'cause so many guys have misapplied it over the years even in Jesus' Name.. like some coldblooded dictators wanting what they want for themselves, but we all are to submit to authority if we want what's best for us. Don't get me wrong, I have seen many husbands who have applied God's love consistantly as well as seen wives living those verses out year after year. Being an effective witness in the home can take much prayer and years before the spouse is won to Christ. Keep up the Good work!

The Bible clearly says,
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged” (Col. 3:16-21).

Do you know how to begin so you will have the strength to carry on? Ya gotta start in the One who invented marriage.. doing it His Way instead of your own!


Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Should I Be E-fishing?

Thanks for landing on ..finding your way to my blog for some random e-musings that are meant to encourage and edify you! Why do I blog? I want to challenge Christians to follow Christ (not me) better, bringing others with them using whatever efficient tools they have at their disposal. Perhaps you tweet (BTW: that's my twitter.com handle if you want to follow, or maybe you want to become a fan of evangelism at my new page)?

Most people in the world do not know it yet.. but please go ahead and tell me why social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Linkedin and even email or blogs exist.. temporarily. Yes, please do. I want everyone to know why. I also wanna hear your perspective on it.

And I use the word "temporarily" here, because of course, one day soon the Lion of the tribe of Judah will roll up the heavens like an old garment and blow out the brightness of the sun like a flickering candle.. we each will be in one of two places.. Heaven or hell.. and all these tools of communication we like so much will no longer be needed at all. We have social networks to use for a while.

OK, here is why these tools exist…

Paul said, "Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see—kings, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities. Everything has been created through Him and for Him" (Col. 1:16 nlt).

So should we use these tools for ourselves? You know the answer! No.

Should some Christians use such mediums. Yes.. I say some, but not all ..and God will show them what to say. We that do.. need to use these tools for Jesus ..in Him as He leads us in getting the truth out!

God said, "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea" (Hab. 2:14). Just think about how the Gospel Message and the Word of God will go out far and wide in these last days! That is a whole lot of covering isn't it.. like an ocean. There are indeed people groups who are still unreached and have no computers, TVs, or cell phones ..or radios today. But so many open-unbelievers can hear the Message from missinaries, pastors, lay ministers etc.. the hearers can repent (totally turning away from all sin.. a must) and can trust in Jesus Christ today (that takes saving faith, another must)! And then we all have a part to play in reaching our friends!

It's so exciting!

I believe the Church needs to use every possible tool that we can ..minus sinning.. and do this for Him alone, allowing Him to lead in this and get the glory.

Some Christians who want to impose their own personal convictions of holiness upon others (who might personally lack a certain conviction and liberty to go ahead and use these tools for say.. evangelism and for discipleship) tell us how we must avoid all this worldly internet stuff, "because you know.. the anti Christ will soon use the web to ensnare and gain control over us all."

And others have truthfully said that these types of media tend to shrink the soul's capacity for greatness, yes, to keep us from thinking deeply about truth ..and to make us become "second-handers" so to speak. You know what I mean, those who comment on life when they have no experience of their own to say anything really, because they have not gotten up to go live life yet.. those who vicariously try to live their lives and gain pleasure through viewing other's good or wicked pleasures. Have you ever met people who need to "get a life" because they live through others good and evil experiences ..yes, as those they watch are actually out doing something. Ever seen those who want the senual feelings minus all the culpability, by living through say the lives of TV soap opera actors and movie celebrities who are out partying or just living wild off the chain (and again, not all "wild" is bad.. some of the prophets of old were very wild but in a good way).

Perhaps you are this type of couch potato who often comforts yourself by repeatedly saying to yourself, "Hey, I'm not the one sinning inthat show. They are the ones and I am merely sitting here enjoying seeing it all play out. I watch it happen. What's wrong with merely gazing at all the eye-candy?" Hey gang, here's the bottomline: taking pleasure in and relishing in seeing perverts sin... that's also wrong!

But these types of social media that are available ..can indeed be dangerous and we should be aware of this.. especially with so many predators out there lurking and waiting for some naive fool to come along and share too much personal info (Be cautious!).

Social media can also weaken discursive reasoning (discursive reasoning a.k.a. cogitation ..it deals with the formation of chains of inference), these types of media can become bad for you because they can lure you away from valuable devotional time in the Bible and in prayer. We all need to be studying and wisely applying the Scriptures as God wants you to in order to grow. The social media options can disembody vital relationships during a time when we Christians need to get together for koinonia fellowship more. Social media involvement can cater to that inordinate and pervasive craving so many have for gobs of attention, it can sow to the fires of intense narcissism in people.. yes, in a world-that's-to-be-all-about-me! They can take you away from quality family time, from friends, relatives and learning. It can just fill up the world with more worthless time wasting drivel—the counsel of the ungodly (see Ps. 1). We already have way too much of that!

I say beware of the things that can distract you from you first love relationship.. but if you by chance and God's directives are called to get involved with social media, then do make wise efforts to saturate a media world out there with accurate thoughts about the Lord, His love, His eternal plan.. and the truth of the Scripture ..and yes, of the glory of our risen Christ ..and the radical joy of the Gospel!

Block all the pervs who insist upon pushing their trash (don't let them be clever for a minute to lure you in for bucks), and maybe witness to them if you can do this without compromising or becoming soiled inside. We are in the world but don't need the world in us! Maybe God would have you Tweet to inform other people in 140 characters about what you are "for" and about the insanity of sin with its harsh consequences. Remember that people in the world these days tend to know more about what we Christians are against than what we are for. Why be a sourpuss? Why see yourself as.. and act as their cold-hearted policeman who is ready to enforce all the laws and to condemn them when you don't even wear a badge?

Instead be a passionate, on-fire witness who genuinely cares for other people.. living the life clean and pure.. and then go tell them even using Fios with fitting Bible links and good Christian music links, or sound Christian article-links that clearly explain the 24/7/365 radical nature of this committed Christian life in the Spirit! Many on the web are there to get, but you can be there to give, to feed, to challange, to provoke, to comfort ..to add value to people's lives as God wants you to!

They say, if you want to reach fish these days, you might need to get in the tank! Paul entered his culture minus compromise. And with God being your Helper like He was for Paul, you too can minister to people at the point of their greatest need. The Apostle Paul said, "What is my reward then? That when I preach the Gospel, I may present the Gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the Gospel. For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (1 Cor. 9:18-22).

Wanna build a bridge and make friends for Christ? Are you a Christian surfer, then respectfully visit the northshore and learn to surf excellent. Pray, ask questions, take the time to listen and learn. Open your mouth when the time is right. Are you a geek or a Christian nerd? Then program with a purpose--be the best that you can be without taking lame shortcuts that would undercut quality! Why don't you just pray about all this some, Christian. God might just use you in ways that haven't even entered your thinking yet. I pray He does show you His Way and use you where you are!

Kurt's Facebook Page

Friday, July 10, 2009

Home Bible Study Groups: Prioritizing The Savior Or Service First?


Q: Christian, which should come first, worship, Bible study, small group fellowship, or personal evangelism as we serve the Lord?
I'm kind of tired and it is getting late here in Dallas, but I'll try to be somewhat clear as I muse outloud here. I personally love this question above and I need to ask myself this regularly. I believe that our vertical worship of Christ must come first and thought we could discuss this a little. Now can you list any verses here (at the bottom) that make the answer to this question very clear or will basically refute this kind of thinking?

I believe that personal and mass evangelism; yes, both are to be the natural outgrowth of us sowing to the Spirit in all those other areas. We have a best Friend and we act like it because we love Him.

All discipleship should also be an outgrowth of time spent with Jesus alone and with His body. Our vertical relationship must come before our horizontal service. Duh.

Are you currently more like a Mary type of person or a Martha type of person? Admittedly, there have been times in my past experience with Jesus where I have gotten so distracted by all the busyness and have inadvertently become like a workaholic for God. I was basically ineffective in all my witnessing efforts for Jesus. Has that ever happened to you?

Hey gang, I know of course.. that you more than likely are already seeking the Lord daily and are pretty well-fed to boot huh.


I know that I feel so grateful inside and I merely want to stir up your pure thinking even more along these lines, to get some kind of edification and discussion going here. It just motivates me all the more!


I was just noticing the words of the Apostle Paul today dealing with serving. He said, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord" (Rom. 12:11). Now, I really like that order here and I've found that I have had a really hard time with serving the Lord in any way if I am not first fervent in spirit due to a lifestyle of full-on worship and fellowship with other on-fire growing Christians.

How about you?

So, what say you ..in this regard?


Maybe you desire to tactfully cast a net ..or a well baited hook.. in every opportunity you can without being pushy.. like in your neighborhood, or with relatives, or with coworkers, or with fellow students ..or politely with your social network connections?


I say we all boldly enlarge our circles of love for the purpose of including new and old friends for God's Kingdom! Your involvement with effective Spirit-led personal evangelism is vital! This stuff is for you and for me! Yes, it is God's will for every Christian, for every home Bible study group and for every local church. Paul said, "Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God" (2 Cor.5:18-20, nkjv).



When the church and home groups lose their evangelistic edge, the sentence is spiritual stagnation and death for many. No amount of study, acts of serving, sharing, or serving will save the church's future vision when then no longer include this ministry of personal evangelism. They will soon get inverted eyeballs, when there is a needy world desperate for our magnificent Message. This is the first priority for all Christian leaders. Jesus has reconciled us to Himself and privileged us to be a part of His world-changing enterprise so to speak, so we must all pray and do our part in going to tell others what He wants them to hear …from a basis of strength in Him.


Although we can use a wide variety of evangelistic methods and righteous bait if you will, our duty as leaders is to understand and teach those principles from God's Word that never change and are most suitable for our particular home group and church.


Sometimes people can become very defensive or angry when they feel guilty and are under conviction. Some of us were the same way, shortly before receiving Christ. They say you can always tell when someone casts a brick into a pack of dogs.. it's the one that yelps that got hit. You know people aren't literal dogs, but we can all yelp real loud and throw a fit when the Spirit is directly dealing with us (if they do yelp, let it be due to the truth in love spoken, and not be due to your callous insensitivity). Who wants to give up their beloved idols all alone ..until we clearly see what is offered to us by Christ and how much better it really is?


Witnesses shouldn't ever take it personal when they are mocked or attacked. It often takes some time for family, relatives, coworkers and friends to accept the idea of God changing them. Each home group can work as a team in prayerfully sowing seeds, in planting truth, in watering the seeds, in cultivate to get the weeds out with open people and then when the time is right, we reap.


To prepare for personal evangelism like say ..from the home.. to prepare to lead in this type of initiative overt evangelism.. to get empowered for any type of evangelism for that mattery, nothing helps more than to have regular, to-the-point, Christ-centered, non-gossipy prayer meetings where you earnestly call out to the Lord for His guidance and confidence. We pray for open doors, for prepared hearts, for favor, for the scales on the eyes to be removed, for God's wisdom, for real anointing, for genuine love and for a harvest. God wants to add to the church.. through you obeying Him!


Then after praying together (and possible fasting if the Spirit leads you to), simply set a time and just go for it together. New believers can team up with humble experienced saints.


Go out there where the lost people are! It could be in the park, a skate ramp, or near any major event in your city where they will come together. Now go do your homework and get the permits if you'll need them to set up a table or whatever your plan involves. We always want to do things respecting the laws and city authorities, but the important part is getting started. Fear of failure and rejection must be overcome. It's a real joy; an exciting adventure!



Remember.. collectively and individually.. we never want to depend upon ourselves and witness in our own ingenuity or power. Jesus said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life" (Jn. 6:63). Unlike many TV preachers, speak Christ's words in a non-spooky or religious way. I've found that most unbelievers don't have a problem with Jesus at all. It's typically Christians or ministries they have a problem with.

Think back on how was it the Spirit using the Scripture as Saints read it to me ..and this truth will impacted anyone if they choose not to have a hard, cold, closed heart?

Do you remember the day when the Holy Spirit shined His light into your heart and showed you that you were a needy sinner? Were you a party animal just like I was?

Man, I was taken to a home Bible study group up the coast near Newport Beach and was hearings some sweet songs sung ..with a bunch of Spirit-filled, middle aged and elderly ladies when it happened to me.

Like me for the longest time, you probably thought that you were simply an "okay person," but suddenly you felt all convicted inside …of your sin and wickedness. You were also probably overwhelmed by God's love as He wooed you to Himself.

That conviction wasn't ever an ugly feeling to me ..like condemnation is. But it's far better than that. God know how we need to be convinced. Yes, perhaps the gentle Holy Spirit brought about that radical regeneration change in you with Bible stories you together were going over.

Where you changed the first time you heard the Gospel? Some people are, but others need to be witnessed to several times as Christians keep on praying for them. Jesus said, "'Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit'" (Jn. 3:5–6). Being raised in a non-Bible teaching church, this passage made a difference in my life.

Yes, it was literally the Holy Spirit who brought about the work of conversion in you and me—free of charge.

And then it was the Holy Spirit who gave you and me that inner assurance that we are truly believers. It's plays out just like it says in Romans 8:16, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."

Perhaps you are already a fan of devotions, prayer and of small-group evangelism.. and are now wanting to hear more on this important subject? More importantly… perhaps you somehow accidentally landed on this blog and are wondering what I am even talking about.. and aren't even sure if you are a real Christian in the first place.


Do you need some more instruction with this fishing stuff?

Here's Some Classic Suggested Reading…

A. The Master Plan of Evangelism, R. Coleman
B. The Universe Next Door, Sire
C. Say It With Love, Hendricks
D. Out of the Salt Shaker and Into the World, Pippert
E. Evidence That Demands a Verdict, McDowell
F. Encounter; Face to Face with Jesus, Heitzig
G. Christianity: The Faith That Makes Sense, McCallum
H. The Death of Truth, McCallum
I. A Passion for the Gospel, Greg Laurie with Chuck Swindoll
J. The Claims of Christ, Chuck Smith, Sr.
K. Witnessing Without Fear, Bright

Sunday, July 5, 2009

So How's Your Fireworks Weekend Going?

Hope you are having a wonderful Fourth of July weekend with your loved ones.

Americans, don't you still feel so grateful to live in this unique Land? We indeed aren't better than those of other countries by any means and shouldn't be filled with pride like we somehow are, but we are so radically blessed! I never want to take that for granted. I always want to keep at it too, so that those who come after me can also know this kind of blessing here.

Q: Why have so many people tried to come to this nation (the USA) to live, work and raise a family ..rather than to say some country like, Cuba (and I'm not asking this to slight any Cubans in any way believe me)?

I think it's because of the foundation that was laid by our forefathers.

Have we no large issues to deal with here? Sure. Yeah, we certainly have got em after drifting away from God and the Bible, but grace and full cleansing via Christ's precious blood that still flows free of cost from
Calvary ..is still available for all of us sinners.


And we saved sinners ought to walk in holy fear and indeed keep short accounts with God when we blow it ...I mean get up and run back to Him with true repentance quickly (See 1 John 1:9).

Praise God that our basic laws are still biblical and were set according to the Judeo-Christian ethic. How cool is that for a nation! Of course our founding fathers never envisioned or desired that abortion would be made legal here. They never even intended for the Supreme Court to even make laws. That is and was for the Legislature to take care of.

But I love the freedom of worship that we can express and enjoy here too! Let Christ continue to be magnified!

Many unbelieving progressives (perhaps some with deep religion/church-hurt?) are fighting hard to have God removed from students in schools (who still pray before tests etc) and from everything, but we all can still sing of our love to Christ almost anywhere we want if we aren't disrupting others.

We had a great time today hanging with our friends the Stropes and the Gandias.. and also while teaching the Bible with zeal and inner passion. Want to do that more and more and more!

It was a blast!!!

And guess what.. no one got all up in my face to say, "Hey Kurt, you can't teach that part anymore. Hate crimes!" Listen, I love people. I only hate sin and Mr Lu Cifier for how they rip people off.

The Bible says, "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever" (1 Peter 4:11).

Let's all pray that the Gospel Message and teaching from all the counsels of God with power ..will continue to go out wisely in His love ..until all have heard and can choose on their own! We aren't responsible to choose for them, so we'll leave the results up to the Lord.

I want to thank you for your prayers for us! I like what Paul said, "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith" (2 Thess. 3:1-2). Keep on fighting the good fight of faith (in the Spirit not in the flesh) and have a great Sunday in Jesus!