VFNRadio Second Hour April 25, 2014

LISTEN NOW! Steve, John, and Pat have an encouraging conversation as Steve shares what the Lord shared to him in his abiding time. It is always exciting to see how God reveals deeper understanding into a scripture that we may have already read many times before.  The gospel of John shares an encounter that Jesus has with a woman at a well.  Jesus was thirsty and asked her for a drink.  She focused on Jesus’ the fact that Jesus did not have anything in which to gather water to drink from.  Jesus begins a conversation with this woman about who he is while she is still focused on his lack of a cup.

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life John 4:13-14

They share that both the woman and Jesus were talking about water. The difference is that one of the waters was dead and the other was living. When we taste the living water of Jesus, we will never thirst for the dead waters of men. The water of men puts a fire out while the water of Jesus stokes the fire in us for more of him. The living water of Jesus both fills you and causes you to thirst for more of Jesus. They continue to share that the devil will always seek to deceive with a copy of what is real and true. It may sound the same, it may even look the same but, ultimately, it is the opposite of what Jesus has for you.   Religion is dead but Jesus is alive. There are the dead words of men and there are the living words of Jesus Christ. Taste and see that Jesus is alive. Drink from his water and never thirst again for what is dead.

 John, Steve, and Pat discuss how Hell is real too.  There has been a lot of talk recently about the afterlife especially since the new movie “Heaven is for Real” has been released.  In a previous segment we shared how Heaven is for real but it is also important to know that Hell is for real too.  Everyone has a choice. No one has a default setting for heaven or hell we get to choose where we will go by exercising our sovereign will.  According to statistics from the Barna Group regarding what people believe regarding heaven, hell, and the afterlife. They found out that 76% of Americans believe that heaven exist, while nearly the same proportion 71 % said that there is no such thing as hell.  They continued to discuss that although 71% of Americans believe hell is real only one half of one percent expects to go to hell upon their death.  They begin to ask who then is going to hell? Those who reject Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Today many people don’t have a problem believing in heaven or that they will go there but when it comes to hell that is a different story.  Jesus spoke about hell more than any other subject.  It stands to reason since he gave his life so that no one would go there.  The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  God’s desire is for everyone to choose His son Jesus.  The word is very clear that there is only one way to heaven and that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.  They also discussed a study in which some Christians have accepted Jesus into their life but have redefined grace to mean that God is so eager to save people from hell that he changed the criteria for an individual’s benefit.  God doesn’t have different criteria for salvation for other people nor do you or anyone else have the right to falsely represent Him as if he does.   Some also fear the stigmatization of talking about hell with their friends.  The question is can a Christian truly be okay with having a “friend” at the expense of Jesus losing a soul because they were afraid of losing a friendship by sharing Jesus with them.    So many people are trying so hard to live in this life while not paying attention to the life that is to come.    The Bible says in Matthew 10:28 “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”  They encourage us not to miss the opportunity to exercise our will and to choose Jesus from our heart.  You must first believe that he exists, receive Him in your heart and take up your cross and follow him.  Make him not just Savior but Lord of your life.  Hell is a very bad place one which you will not want to go; one which was never created for you choose follow Jesus to live with Him for eternity.

John, Steve, and Pat discuss a recent interview with Steve Ma whose mission field is Hollywood.  He shares how he fist wanted to become a movie director but when that route was not possible he pursued acting as a possible way to have access to the movie industry.  He goes on to share how he encountered a friend who was in love with Jesus and was sharing the gospel with several movie stars.  Steve was inspired and challenged to do the same and became obedient to the Great Commission.  He continues to share how he had the opportunity to share a gospel tract with actor Brad Pitt on a movie set.  A short time later he was fired.  They continued to discuss Steve’s inspiring passion to win souls.  They share if most Christians today if given the opportunity would share the gospel with a celebrity or would they just be enamored by them.  They encourage us to address the two common hindrances in witnessing for Jesus; fear and not being prepared.  There is no reason to fear man when eternity hangs in the balance. There are 7 billion people in the world and God has allowed your life to intersect with your specific neighbors, coworkers, classmates, friends and family for a reason.  One of the most important things a soul winner can do is to be filled with compassion for people and to cry out to God and ask him to burden you for their soul.  It’s the love of God that compels us to share with as many people as we can the GREAT NEWS of the gospel.  Jesus Saves and He will save you; if you let Him.