Meeting Ho Dap (continued.)

"Moody!...ah, yea, yeaaaaa, I know Moody (pause), Mooody Biiible Institute" He said with elongated vowels. "Years ago they would have people going everywhere..." what's the word he used....ummm...well I can't remember but he used a funny word to say that they were street witnessing and open air preaching, "and whatnot" as he finished.

(Earlier in the conversation he invited me to go with him to a spot in the city where one could view the whole city and even Indiana...but at that time i politely declined.Also I explained how I dont really listen to rap past 2005 because its WACK! After he heard why, he nonchalantly agreed and said that I need to take my message to the streets. But I began to pray for a message for him in that moment.)

That was a great invitation i thought to tell a little bit of how I got to Moody, how i didn't even want to come here at first and what the goal is of me being here. To my surprise he wanted to know...So I told him.
I told him how I study communications studies and how I felt that a lack of knowledge and ability to communicate was a big reason why not only Christians but those who are looking for answers are unsatisfied and feel unable to really evangelize or apply the that they hear and are shown truth. Of course accompanied with a solid faith in Christ... I made it clear that I was only speaking from the outlook and perspective of someone whose Faith was in Jesus Christ. My bottom line in sharing with him was to present the Gospel and answer a couple of basic questions in the process. Answers to the 'WHAT?" questions. What is this? what is that? what does this mean? but most importantly in this series of questions to keep in mind,, that when you ask them you ask what is this(for the believer)?

It went a little like this(simplified version)...
When people think of faith they have many definitions like believing in something you can't explain or don't see. Yet I beg to differ. For the believer some people try to give an explanation rather than an answer. They want to sound intelligent rather than understood. The truth is that they really do not know. Is faith in the outcome, the thing, the hope. If I told you I had a job interview tomorrow would you tell em to "just have faith, and I'll get it." I don't even know what you really mean, seems like we use faith as a 'feel better for now' remedy. When really what we should be saying is "The Lord's will be done!" But rarely do we say that. We like to sound all spiritual and quote Hebrews 11:1 if we know it. But can you explain the verse...From what I can say about people in whom I have inquired, the answer has been either no, or another abstract explanation that can't be understood. Unfortunate (this applies for hope, prayer, worship, the will of God and so much more.) but why? Why cant it be as simple as a few words or a sentence? I think it can be that way..."you know what I'm say?" I asked Dap.
He nods and tells me to make sure I speak up since his hearing is not so great with all the city noise going on around us. So he lent me his ear and I finished my proclamation. "If you asked me 'what is Faith?" I would tell you "Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God!"...How? you ask? [well let me just share a piece of how and you can confirm that or find me to be a liar and I pray you lovingly rebuke me.]

Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." 
What I'm going to ask you if if you see that Jesus fits to what this verse here is saying...Ready>Go
1. What is the "assurance"? Jesus!?
2. What things are "hoped(expected) for"? Jesus!?
3. What is "the conviction(evidence)"? Jesus!?
4. What are the "things not seen"? Jesus!?

Did not Jesus say, believe in God, and Believe in Me also. I AM the way/truth/life. Light of the world. That I Am in the Father and the Father is in me and that they were One, that the Helper would be sent in His name. Was not the promise from Genesis that Jesus would come and the End that Jesus will come again and reign eternal. Who is the Beginning and End that the book of Revelation says is? Jesus I think. Ephesians 2:8 says grace through faith. Christians believe only by Jesus. I advise that you study the Bible and look to see if even the Old Testament saints weren't being prepare and led in the prophesying of a King and Messiah(JESUS).  and even though they did not know who specifically they believed, they believed God. Which Philippians and Colossians both say Jesus exist as....

I proceeded to share the gospel. How Jesus who existed as God through the Holy Spirit who is God impregnated a virgin so that a Son, namely Jesus. would be born to save humanity back to Himself by dying on a cross and raising on the third day of His death according to scripture and will one day come back for those who believe to be judged, but not condemned, and spend eternity with Him while those who did not believe were judged and condemned. That is is the Faith of the believer and that Jesus who IS the Son of God as the centerpiece( or better yet cornerstone).

Then with enthusiasm Ho Dap responds with "PRAISE GOD, LORD JESUS, KING ALMIGHTY!"
I just smiled and at that very moment His bus that we had been waiting for from the time I had seen him, finally came. And I promise you we had seen other buses go by at least three each. As people began to line up for the bus he hugged me, asked me my real name, thanked me and gave me a blessing, told me his name in which i gave a blessing back. Then he hugged me one more long time quite tightly and then got on the bus and left. I turned and watched the bus go and after thanking God (silently so), I just began to walk. Ended up at a Turkish event...So I guess you can look out for that post next. HA!