SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS

Spiritual Blindness

 

People often ask about my eyes because of the recent complications with them. Through these trials God taught me an important lesson. I had always imagined that blindness is darkness, but I learned that when a person loses sight, he doesn’t just see darkness, he does not even perceive what is missing. For example, ask someone to hold up some fingers behind your head. Then tell them how many fingers you see. You can’t; not because you are seeing their hand as darkness, but because there isn’t any signal outside of your vision range to send from your eyes to your brain. And that is what happened when I lost part of my peripheral vision. I no longer see things that are next to me. I don’t perceive darkness; I can’t even discern what I’m missing.

 

“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT)

 

In a way, spiritual blindness or “spiritual darkness” is like this; those who are spiritually blind cannot even perceive what they are missing. The light of the Good News is completely blocked from an unbeliever’s brain, unless the person is humble (seeks) and God removes the veil of darkness from him (so he can find).

The spiritual blindness was much more apparent at Mardi Gras this year than I had noticed in the past. There was incredible wickedness, and yet so many people could not perceive the Light missing there.  Most believed that Christians are “anti-science” and having faith in God is “unreasonable.” However, those I spoke with not only received reasonable answers for the hope that we have, but they also learned they were misinformed. They found they were the ones blindly following beliefs without examining the facts to make informed decisions. The great news I can report, is that when someone was humble enough to receive the Gospel, it was shared!

 

This year I joined a team of twelve passionate, humble people.  We lived in community, and spent the days worshipping God and praying: for the city, for divine appointments, for wisdom and for softened hearts (versus the hardened “I’m a good person,” or “I’ll repent on Wednesday”); and the nights out ministering.  My personal continual prayer is that the false sense of peace that unbelievers/hypocrites have concerning the direction of their lives would be removed. That the light of the One, who is eternal life, would be revealed and glorified! And that I may be an instrument used to help return the lost sheep home.

 

Although I had many encounters, there were three individuals who stood out to me: Tom, the Bio-med student, who thought he knew more about life at 20 than all the “unscientific Christians” in the world. Stuart from Great Britain, a wealthy, promiscuous, world traveler, who loves the party scene. And finally, Elton, the father of two, who was an ex-minister, homeless, and a drug addict.

 

Saturday night, as I stood on the corner of St. Ann and Bourbon Streets, my friend Pastor Lance, brought a young man over to me whom he introduced as Tom, a Biomed student from Duke University.  Tom had some deep scientific questions he wanted answered before he was willing to consider Christianity. Tom recited standard arguments used to try to show Christianity is wrong, and when I recognized that he was just enjoying challenging me and didn’t really care what the answers were, I shifted the questioning over to him by asking him to give me real evidence for molecules-to-man evolution. Since Tom didn’t have an answer, he changed the subject by asking about “The Shroud of Turin.” I politely explained that though I believe that the “Shroud of Turin” is a cloth, and likely nothing more; however, I haven’t done any research on it because the truth of my convictions doesn’t stand on whether it is really the cloth that Jesus had on Him in the tomb.  I added that I wasn’t here to try and stump him, but that I wanted to help him get information he might not have yet and think it through. It was at this point Tom became open to hearing and having a great conversation. Lance took over and spoke with him for more than an hour and was able to pray with Tom before Tom left. To God be the glory!

 

Also on Saturday night I met Stu, from Great Britain. He challenged Christianity contrasting what the majority believes, quoting what he heard from the Bill Nye vs. Ken Ham debate. Although Stu could repeat what he’d heard, he hadn’t thought about the facts themselves, and was surprised to hear some of the many assumptions that go into secular science Ken Ham hadn’t had time to share during the debate. However, when Stu continued to disparage the intellect of Christians, I informed him that if we were not going to continue a cordial exchange of information the conversation was over. The Spirit must have been drawing him because Stu stopped the attacks and asked to hear more of my evidence and convictions. I explained the authenticity of the Scriptures through the manuscripts, archaeological finds (over 24,000), fulfilled prophecy, and the continuity of the Scriptures over thousands of years and their agreement throughout. I am continuing an exchange with Stu via email.  Pray he will submit to Jesus.

 

Finally, on Sunday, as we were finished for the night (or should I say morning), we were heading back to the van when I heard a voice whisper across the parking lot asking if I had a bottle of water to share. The man introduced himself as Elton, and as I handed him a bottle of water, I smiled and mentioned that I had Living Water to share with him too. Pastor Lance came over, and Elton shared that he used to be in the ministry, but heroin and crack were his current gods and he could not seem to get away from them. He had a Bible in his backpack and still prayed that he could be freed. However, Elton also admitted that he wasn’t really ready to go into a program anywhere. Unfortunately, this addiction has cost him contact with his two children, who he seemed to care about dearly. We prayed for Elton and let him know about a local ministry that could help him when he is ready to give up on the drugs and start anew in Christ. The ache for the pain and sadness in Elton’s eyes still show up in my thoughts daily.

Although there were many, many more encounters I would love to share, I would have to write a book. J  So, I end this letter with a very special thanks to the prayer warriors, for the monetary support, and for the thoughtful encouragement many of you gave me leading up to the trip.

 

“I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹ They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.” – Philippians 3:18-19 (NLT)

 

 

With warm regards in Christ,

 

Jeff Sobieralski

"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you have a

full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ."  - Philemon 1:6 (NIV)

Divine Touch Church of God

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Last Saturday’s Outreach was truly blessed.

Iglesia de Dios Toque Divino is located at the corner of S. Michigan and Broadway.

The team consisted of Pastors Joel and Rosie Cavazos, the youth ministry, Pastor Lance Prathaftakis of Raven Mid-west Ministries, Brother Steve Ignowski and Evangelist Larry of Lifeline Ministries, Jenny Furkis and myself. It was a sun-filled beautiful Saturday that we fed and served the community.

We scoured the neighborhood inviting everyone in the community to join us for free food, fellowship, prayer and Jesus.

We were blessed to be able to serve hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and ice-cold water.  Not only were we able to feed their bellies, we handed out Bibles,tracts, and prayed with many folks.  Everyone that came had the opportunity to be ministered and witnessed to.

We also encountered folks from last year’s outreach to the community.  They were appreciative and thankful that the church is continuing its efforts to tell the community that they are a part of it, willing to worship and serve Christ together in any circumstance.  

We were able to pray with many people to go deeper with their walk with the Lord and stay the course of their commitment.

Please enjoy the photo album above. Don’t forget the next outreach is coming up in a couple of weeks. I will send out the update!

In Christ,

Jeff Sobieralski

Broken Hearted

I recently spoke to a family member and he mentioned a couple of things that disturbed me. HE brought up the subject about praying for me and my family. I asked him a simple question, “Who do you pray to?” His response, “Don’t even start to preach at me!”

I responded to him that I had no intention of preaching at him, but it didn’t seem to matter. He heard that I preach at everyone?

1. Is it possible to preach too much or to be too concerned for another’s Salvation?
2. What is funny is I see this family member 2 – 3 times a year at most and usually in a family setting. I have not said anything similar to “preaching” during these particular times.
3. How can someone who claims that he is a good person not want to give up sin?
4. How can someone truly be a good person, when he knows that certain choices are so wrong.
5. How can he claim that me and my family are in his prayers?
6. Are a couple of verses from the Bible, which is written by the God that people supposedly pray to, be considered as preaching too much?
7. Why do so many people claim to be “Christian” because they say they believe in Jesus? And that they pray, and ask for forgiveness?
• Yet he has no interest in church, Bible reading, preaching, fellowshipping with other believers, etc.

I lovingly ask these people to not take my word for it, but take God at His word for it!

Unless, of course, these people claim that Jesus is a liar?

“Only God is truly good” – Luke 18:19 (NLT)

Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone.” – Luke 18:19 (NIV)

Let’s see what God says:

“And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” - 1 John 2:3-6 (NLT)

If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates another brother or sister is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness. - 1 John 2:9-11 (NLT)

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. – 1 John 2:15-16 (NLT)

These people left our churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us. – 1 John 2:19 (NLT)

So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God. - 1 John 3:10 (NLT)

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception. - 1 John 4:4-6 (NLT)

Many people have said that I am religious. I don’t really see myself as religious, unless that means that I have a relationship with my Savior. In light of that, any person who truly says that they are Christians, go to church, and believe in the Bible, is obligated by the very Word of God to speak up whenever they see a person is in danger of an eternity in hell.

I am not the judge, just an ambassador of the message. I don’t want anyone to step into eternity and not have Jesus as their Lord and Savior!

One of the devil’s best deceptions is letting humanity believe that they are good! If all the people that I witnessed to were as good as they claim, this world would be a much better place!

Of course these people believe in Jesus, but even the devil believes in Jesus. The devil has actually seen him, the true question is what makes us different?

With all love and sincerity meant,

In Christ,

Jeff

Upcoming Outreaches

Greetings, We will be reaching out with the love of Jesus….the months of June, July, and August. More of the "block party" type outreaches. • We take grills and prepare food in the neighborhoods. • We canvas the area inviting all we meet to join us for a great time. • We have tables and chairs set up for people to eat and for fellowship. • We love, minister, and pray to/for all who come to the free cook out. • We play games, have balloons, and face painting for the children. • We hand out Bibles for all who do not have one. • We minister one-on-one and face-to-face to all who need Jesus. (And everyone needs Jesus, even those that are already counted among the saints!) • We pray for the sick and for people to be set free from bondage. • We listen to people that just need an ear and share the hope and joy found in the One to Whom to know is eternal life! Anyone with a heart for the lost can assist in these outreaches. Volunteers needed: • Face painters – paint is provided • Balloon makers – balloons are provided • Someone willing to dress as a clown – yep, a clown outfit will be provided. • We need prayer warriors • We need those willing to share • We need those willing to sit and talk. • Come all ages! Outreach Dates- Times – Locations: June 19th, Highland Park Trailer Park in Elkhart. June 26th, Iglesia de Dios Toque Divino in South Bend. (Michigan Street and Broadway) July 10th, OUTREACH at S Bend Juvenile Correction (*Evangelism Concert) in the Court Yard July 16th, Friday night, S Bend (Michigan Street) August 21st, Highland Trailer Park-Elkhart We also will be going out ministering in the neighborhoods prior to the outreaches on some Friday and Saturday nights. These Friday and Saturday nights is where we pass out flyer invitations to the upcoming outreach and we start building relationships with the people of the area. These have always been powerful times in the Lord as we walk the streets in the name of Jesus. • There are a couple of trailers at Highland Trailer Park where the owners are going to be evicted soon, if the trailers are not painted soon. • These folks do not have the means financially or physically to do so….. any help is appreciated. • We are currently putting together some dates. • If enough people volunteer and we obtain enough supplies, we will try to do both trailers in a day! •

 There also are some fences that need graffiti painted over; as well as, some areas that need trash picked up. *remember we conduct ourselves as a team- we minister as a team – We are the body of Christ! If you would like to come, pray, support in any way, or may just have questions please call me or Steve Ignowski. May His grace and peace abound on you all! In Christ, Jeff Sobieralski 574.514.4046 (Cell) Steve Ignowski Life Line Outreach Ministries http://www.lifelineoutreach.blogspot.com/ 574-612-0555 If you prefer not to receive any further emails, please reply to this message and let me know. I will take you off of the list.

Another Late Edition

Greetings,
My sincerest apologies for the extended delay on this letter. This trip was a challenge for me because I did not see a lot of tangible fruit from our evangelistic efforts, but I felt the Lord working in me deeply in two areas:

1. Teaching me to simply trust Him and obey, no matter what fruit I see or how I may appear to others.
2. Growing my heart for discipleship. The Good News, the seed, if you will, only bears fruit when we plant and water it, and God has given me some exciting watering opportunities, since returning to the South Bend area. It has been an amazing experience to help feed hungry seekers and new believers the truth in terms they can understand, and to mentor them through steps of growth.
   

Back to the trip though. From the moment I got on the plane in South Bend, I knew that this was going to be a tough outreach. The man seated next to me saw that I going to do some Bible reading and was so offended he went as far as switching seats. Wow, the Spirit of God and His Word are so powerful the darkness runs before the words can even leave my lips...

Speaking about running, when I arrived in New Orleans, I was picked up and we went directly to Jackson Square. It was there that I met Alex, a tarot card reader. It was chilly and beginning to rain, so I helped him move his gear to get under an awning, and to get to know him. After asking him some questions and leading him toward some holes in his logic, I finally asked, “Where does Jesus fit into this?” Alex’s response shocked me.

“You’re not one of those Ravens are you? Because if you are, we are finished with this conversation.” Alex maintained, while gulping down some whiskey, that Militant Ravens violently attack anyone with their crosses, who does not adhere to their beliefs. I allowed Alex to finish his tale, and replied that I was a Raven, but that we do not condone any violence, but rather come because we love people and want to see them in heaven. Over that week, I spent almost every day ministering with Alex. He wouldn’t give anyone with a Raven shirt the time of day, but his eyes lit up and he willingly listened every time I came to speak about Jesus with him. Alex knows about many different religions and is a pagan. I continue to pray for him and for others to intercede for him!

Coming back to our “home” for the week, I helped set up cots in a bare unheated warehouse (quite different from the school gymnasium with bunks we had used previously) with no running water or electricity to dry our perpetually wet clothes from the cold rain. There were two restrooms with six showers each in an attached building (one was cold water only) for the 300+ of us to share, but people were still eager to be there and share Christ’s love.

Another deeply challenging encounter was with Max. He was homeless and had lived in New Orleans for three months, but unlike other homeless people, he seemed sober and “with it.” However, it quickly became apparent that Max may be schizophrenic and possibly under demonic influence. It was a rather scary thing. I watched for Max every night to continue giving him God’s Word and saw him only once more before I left. Like Alex, Max was cursing other Christians as I approached him, and instantly calmed down to hug me and thank me for talking to him about Christ. I continue to pray that he comes to know Christ’s peace and can return home to his wife and two children who miss him dearly.

In the Iberville Projects there were many familiar families who came out to greet us. They were excited to see us and were lining up to come eat and fellowship. I spoke with a young drug dealer we’ll call Dion and I was able to give him a Bible. Later I saw him with his friends and invited them to come and eat, but they laughed and claimed they were too busy. After a couple of hours though, “Dion” came by alone again, and I was able to share a little more with him, talking about his influence on his four children and the consequences if he doesn’t change. He was a willing listener when one-on-one. He is a young man who needs someone to be there and continue to share the Good News and live it out before him. I pray that he will read the Bible he received and understand God’s great love for him. “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)

On a fruitful note, I was able to see a young man named Darron come to Christ after spending about 3 hours talking with a fellow Raven named Pastor Sam. He ended up going back to Philadelphia with Pastor Sam after the trip, to continue to grow spiritually and get help to make good choices for his life.

On the last day, after most of the team had already left, we were breaking down the camp. As I waited for another truck to arrive to unload into storage, I saw some guys standing around eating about a block away. After waiting for a few minutes, I felt the Lord tug at my heart to speak to them. As I approached, I noticed that they were speaking in Spanish, so I asked them if they were “living for Jesús” in Spanish. One of the guys looked at me and replied, “Sorry, we fired him yesterday.” After I chuckled, I said, “No, no, are you living for Jesucristo?” The man laughed and said yes, but there was an English-speaking guy that he wanted me to talk to that didn’t know the Lord. This guy was approaching with his lunch in hand, and I introduced myself.

We had a nice conversation, and I asked if he’d ever read a Bible. He commented back that he would read one if he had one. I replied, “If I give you one, would you really read it?” After some more talk, I let him know that I would be back before I went to the airport. I did drop the Bible off, and he was excited and thanked me. He gave me a hug and I told him that I looked forward to seeing him on the other side of eternity.

The 2010 Mardi Gras Outreach was not like any other. I walked deeper with Christ, and saw God working in the City of New Orleans in a way that I had not really expected. Thank you for your many prayers that kept me safe, that planted many seeds, and helped me to honor the call to “GO!” May His grace and peace abound in your lives.
In Christ,

Jeff Sobieralski