I'm invited to speak at a Wiccan Church IF

Post by **_STEVE7150** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 6:04 pm

i can give an inspiring message about Good Friday and Easter and "why we do not grieve for the tragic death of a saint but rather celebrate."

A few weeks ago my wife and i attended a service to support a friend and an individual spoke for a few minutes about Jesus and the bible in a negative way and ended by burning the bible on the stage. I e-mailed them re how unfair this demonstration was and i asked if i could speak on behalf of Jesus Christ. I never dreamed they would respond but they will give me 10 minutes on April 8th (a full moon) IF i limit my presentation to the above.
Any thoughts about this would be appreciated, thanks.

Post by **_Father_of_five** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 7:43 pm

Hi Steve,

This sounds like a great opportunity. My short answer to their question is that we do not celebrate the suffering the Jesus experienced; rather, we are thankful for the reconciliation that has occurred as a result of Christ offering himself for the benefit of mankind. I would think that it would be wise to spend the short time you have speaking about the Love of God that was revealed to us in Christ.

Best wishes, and let us know how it goes.

Todd

Post by **_livingink** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 7:45 pm

Steve7150,

It appears that they have not eliminated a discussion of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and of all believers. Can you cover it in 10 minutes?

livingink

Post by **_Derek** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 8:03 pm

Go for it brother! Let us know what day it will be on, so we can really cover you in prayer. I agree with Todd and Living Ink.

You can share the love of God and what He did in reconciling us to Himself, and mention the hope we have because of the ressurection. After all, if Christ be not raised, our faith is in vain.

God bless, and best wishes!

Post by **_Michelle** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 8:14 pm

I agree with what the brothers above said. I'll be praying for you too.

Post by **_STEVE7150** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 8:21 pm

Thank you all i really appreciate it, it's on April 8th.

Post by **_JC** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 7:18 am

I agree that this sounds like a great opportunity. If it were me, I'd learn as much as possible about their beliefs and use that to point toward Jesus. They worship the creation rather than the creator so it'll be tough to make the leap in only 10 minutes. I once heard Steve Gregg present the gospel using astrology so it's possible.

I would probably start with an observation of nature. You plan a seed, the seed dies... then a plant springs forth. After giving several examples of this, I'd use that to explain how our Creator has given us, in nature, his message of hope through resurrection. They'll reject the bible and you won't be able to offer a comprehensive apologetic on that topic in the timeframe you've been given. I'd just "plant a seed" as it were and show them the beautiful side of the gospel. They've probably only heard the "turn or burn" gospel preached and that's not the one Paul preached to the pagans.

Post by **_STEVE7150** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 7:30 am

I would probably start with an observation of nature. You plan a seed, the seed dies... then a plant springs forth. After giving several examples of this, I'd use that to explain how our Creator has given us, in nature, his message of hope through resurrection. They'll reject the bible and you won't be able to offer a

Thanks JC, Your suggestions sound good and i gave my word to stay positive so i was thinking about verses on forgiveness, Luke 6.37-38 and on why we do not grieve and judging and reconciliation and resurrection and Jesus claiming he would rise on the third day and the transformation in his followers after he rose.
And Luke 6.38 "give and it will be given to you" Luke 23.34 "Father forgive them" and Luke 23.43 "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Here is the connection as i understand it, Their Easter is called Oestara which symbolizes renewal and hope and they celebrate the resurrection of the SUN which commemorates rebirth and being born again.
Good heavens it sounds like the OT all over again

Post by **_Michelle** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 10:06 am

That sounds like good advice, JC. Steve7150, can you talk really fast?

Post by **_Allyn** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 4:50 pm

If I were doing it I would read the account straight from the bible and then demonstrate how Christ satisfied the feast of Passover, Unleavened Bread and First fruits all within that one weekend. Show the miracle of that event and let the Holy Spirit bring in the increase.