Atlanta Pastor On News

[AreYouReady?]

Originally Posted by Sam

This reminds me of something I read about David Wilkerson.
He felt called to minister to the gang members and drug addicts in New York City so he left the church he pastored in Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania and went to live among the people he wanted to reach.

I remember reading that as the preached on the street, some times the "altar call" could take 45 minutes as people came down from roof tops, out of tenement buildings, out of alleys, and off the street. People would then kneel on the street, invite Jesus Christ in and become new creatures in Christ. What examples of the Gospel being "the power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16). If we are not careful we can get so involved in Churchianity as we argue our little theological points, try to get people from their church to ours, and judge and nitpick instead of just turning the Holy Spirit loose to let Him do His thing.

I had a pastor, Joe David Sizemore, who used to say, "We can get so busy doing church work that we forget the work of the church."

[jeffadams]

I know they have baptized over 700 and have over 200 coming regular every sunday....not a percentage, and I do know the church didn't give out iPads to get them baptized haha

[AreYouReady?]

Well Jeff, I think this is wonderful...like going on overseas missions.

It's crazy how we in America have churches on every corner, yet many Americans do not know who Jesus is and why he died for us on the Cross. I grew up Catholic and still did not have the impact in my heart what Christ did for me on that Cross.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by jeffadams

I know they have baptized over 700 and have over 200 coming regular every sunday....not a percentage, and I do know the church didn't give out iPads to get them baptized haha

Free GED classes - Now that rocks!!!!!

Congratulations on all the hard work!!! Very awesome report!!!

[Sam]

Originally Posted by jeffadams

I know they have baptized over 700 and have over 200 coming regular every sunday....not a percentage, and I do know the church didn't give out iPads to get them baptized haha

Jesus gave a parable of the sower who sowed the seed of the Word.

One fourth of the people had the Word stolen from their hearts by the birds/demons before it took root.

Out of those who did receive the Word/Jesus:
one third did not continue on but fell away because of difficulties
one third allowed the Word to be choked out and smothered by "other things"
one third brought forth varying degrees of fruit.
Reference Matthew chapter 13.

200 in church out of 700 being baptized might not be so bad.
Since Pastor Downs emphasizes baptism in Jesus' name and practices re-baptism of those who have been baptized in the traditional FS&HG manner, some who were baptized may have gone on to other places but not stayed there with the local church. Also, there may be a lot of transients in that area who would not stay and be a part of the church. At least they were saved and baptized wherever they may be now.

[Dordrecht]

Can't see your video, Sam.
It's Private now

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by Sam

This reminds me of something I read about David Wilkerson.
He felt called to minister to the gang members and drug addicts in New York City so he left the church he pastored in Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania and went to live among the people he wanted to reach.

I remember reading that as the preached on the street, some times the "altar call" could take 45 minutes as people came down from roof tops, out of tenement buildings, out of alleys, and off the street. People would then kneel on the street, invite Jesus Christ in and become new creatures in Christ. What examples of the Gospel being "the power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16). If we are not careful we can get so involved in Churchianity as we argue our little theological points, try to get people from their church to ours, and judge and nitpick instead of just turning the Holy Spirit loose to let Him do His thing.

I had a pastor, Joe David Sizemore, who used to say, "We can get so busy doing church work that we forget the work of the church."

He also housed drug addicts in his home. And sat with them for hours at a time as they went through withdrawals. He also ministered to gang members.

[HolyFire]

That's what the gospel is all about. Shame on us! Shame on us for not stooping lower. I attended a church in N. Louisiana and we had people like some in the video - poor, former addicts/alcoholics. I miss that place sometimes, but we have a lot of those in my church in B'Ham, AL now!

[houston]

B'Ham? Are you in Israel?

[AreYouReady?]

That's B'Hem, houston.