Friday was a tiring day at work and I planned on going to a pool party that night. I went, while I was dragging around and content to just sit on the couch with the A/C for about an hour (I got there really early because the time was changed and I didn't know). It was alright since I hadn't been in a swimming pool in over a year. I'm also kinda inclined to stay away from water parks and pools due to the stumble factor. Swimsuits don't have to be skimpy to catch the eye. There was some mild trouble with that, but it wasn't for the same reason. I enjoyed getting out and hanging out, but a few things I wasn't prepared for... lol. I assumed it would be a party of believers, when it was mostly not. That makes things awkward when you pray over the food for "a good time of fellowship."
I also wasn't prepared for something else. Typically when it comes to parties (of any kind) and if they are small with the right characteristics... an interesting phenomenon develops. When single people get together, some of them may tend to size up their potential compatibility with those of the opposite sex in the group and they will either choose to gravitate toward the one they are more attracted to or the ONLY candidate they are attracted to. At this party, I was 1 of 2 guys among 5 girls. In this case it was an old friend of person (whom I knew) that was hosting the party. She had an affinity or a pull to me and those eyes that were kinda waiting for you to show a sign of flirtation. Because I am not interested in pursuing a relationship, this made for an awkward evening. I began asking myself how I would act in my past or maybe even now if I was interested in someone and it all fit perfectly. She may have been physically attractive, but if you've made up your mind about something... at that time at least... it can prove to be a tough situation. I was thankful when I had to head home.
It was the mgr.'s last day of work yesterday and he called in, so I was called in. I expected it and it gave me more hours... which is always good! :) It was a good day overall too. It appears by the end of this month I will have saved back all the money I am spending on tuition for the Fall semester before it even starts! If I'm accepted to Moody for the Spring, this will give room for the funds to visit the school in September as I'd like to. It's also possible for me to transfer to a grocery store within the Safeway company right down the road from Moody. I called the manager there and gave him a time frame. It would be cool to have a secure job in place when I got there... even if I wanted to look for another one. So that's exciting!
I also wanted to talk about last night. Because Jon Speed felt like preaching longer, we were there until like 10pm. I was surprised to see that I was fully awake in church this morning without being sleepy in the least. It could be due to being so burnt out from working. I played dead under the sheet while Jon preached for 45 minutes! It was so humid I almost passed out. I'm thankful Travis came by to ask if I was alright. When we traded places and as I got up, I was dizzy. I hadn't even noticed it! I would have nodded right off to sleep without thinking twice.... untila group of medical personnel woke me up! But I gained my bearings and began handing out tracts. Jon got a good crowd though. That's why he kept going.
Before he got there, Travis and I had a long discussion with a pair of Jehovah's Witnesses. I can't do a full analysis of our discussion and what happened because I'd be writing all night, but a few points I can make that you may find helpful in your evangelistic efforts are as follows...
1. I brought up what I've found to be the #1 biblical support of the deity of Christ. This is the first time I've heard an argument against it. I mentioned it earlier in the blog, but if you compare Revelation 1:8 with 1:17-19, it's clearly a connection in context with Jehovah and Jesus Christ. You have to do some leaps to get another interpretation. Jesus died and rose again so the latter passage in chapter 1 is referring to Him. The connection comes in the simple parallel of "Alpha and Omega" with "First and Last." Alpha is the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter. God is saying He is the beginning and the end of all things. He is over all things. This describes His awesomeness and His character. It is a clear connection and only 9-10 verses apart.
They told me it simply means Jesus was the "firstborn of all creation." They believe Jesus was the first created being. This is why I love Hermeneutics!! Context is SO important! Our presuppositions are crucial as well.
2. I also quoted John 8:58, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM." I've heard the argument that this also means Jesus was the firstborn of all creation, but that wouldn't be consistent with all else that He's said, done, and claimed and how those things made the religious leaders so angry. They wanted to STONE HIM because of these words. Strangely... that wasn't the argument I heard last night though. They said Jesus was using "I am" the common way we do today. We know God specifically identified Himself as I AM to Moses in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14). This is an obvious parallel and makes sense as to why they would want to stone Him immediately after that! If it is like we use it today, would it offend any stranger if I made the same statement (even substituting Abraham for another name) enough for them to want to kill me? Surely not! They would think I was crazy. We don't talk like that today.
3. They also believe Jesus is a mighty god, but not almighty God. Questions... Is there only one true God? OK, is Jesus a true God or a false god? Also, if He is just another "god," are Jehovah's Witnesses polytheistic?
Overall it was an awesome night of ministry. Travis and I were itching to stay later but we both had commitments to get home for. While the 2 JW's could explain themselves rather well, I'm thankful we have the sound confidence in the Word of God in context! Praise Him for the power of His Word and pray for those two gentlemen. May God use the tracts they took to show them their need for the Savior, Messiah, and God Himself... Jesus Christ.
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