Tulip Gospel Outreach Blog

Love the Way Jesus Did: An Evangelist’s Perspective

There are hundreds of articles about loving like Jesus did. There are hundreds of verses to plumb the depths of God’s love. The New Testament was written in Greek and Aramaic, and there are 4 different words for love in the Greek language: eros, philia, storge, and agape. We even read in 1 John...

Posted on December 19 2023

6 Reasons I don’t believe the Nephilim were Angels

There are a lot of Christians who believe that the Nephilim mentioned in Genesis 6 (pre-flood) and again in Numbers 13:33 are angels who cross-bred with men to become legends of old. There are still a lot of contrary views out there as well. Recently, a friend asked what I thought about the...

Posted on November 14 2023

3 Passages That Help us Define Success in Evangelism

Many have asked the question about how we define success in evangelism. I’ve heard many different answers. I have learned from many different passages how to shape my thinking in that area. I would like to share with you three ideas from scripture that help us answer that question.

1. It’s not...

Posted on June 06 2023

Are You Guilty of Bibliolatry?

Have you ever been accused of Bibliolatry (holding the Bible up as an idol)?

Some may try to dissuade you from your argument against them by bringing this accusation against you. I have never seen it to be true. You would have to hold the Bible above God, for it to be an idol. Christians hold the...

Posted on December 07 2022

Evangelism Interview with Eddie Roman: Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

Me: When you think about individuals or churches that want to start or further engage in evangelism, what resources would you point them towards?

I will mention that you’ve written a book called “Search n Rescue”. I’ve read through it and give it a high recommendation. I really...

Posted on September 30 2022

Evangelism Interview with Eddie Roman: Evangelism Ministry at Church

Me: You’ve mentioned having a regular routine in evangelism. Tell me about some of the other evangelism ministry you are involved with at your church so others can get some ideas about what they can do.

Eddie: One common complaint I hear from evangelists is that there’s no one else at their...

Posted on September 23 2022

Evangelism Interview with Eddie Roman: Defining Success in Evangelism

Me: People have many different ideas about how we measure evangelism. How do we know if we’ve had a successful encounter? What makes success in evangelism?

Eddie: I think the only time we fail at evangelism is when we fail to evangelize. Just talking with someone, whether it’s preaching or a...

Posted on September 16 2022

Evangelism Interview with Eddie Roman: Profile

This is part of a series of interviews of Christians experienced in evangelism. I hope this is an encouragement to others and spurs on more ideas and action in individuals and churches engaged in the Great Commission.

Me: This is Jon Neifert and I’m sitting here with Eddie Roman, of Living Waters....

Posted on September 09 2022

Do Christians Love the Sexually Immoral?

Love is an interesting and complex word. It has many different meanings, and the context can make a big difference. When we seek to understand love from a Biblical perspective, there are 4 different Greek words used in the New Testament that get translated into the English word love. The...

Posted on March 04 2022

Choosing a Tract: 9 Questions to Ask

There are hundreds of different tracts available from many different sources. Here are some important questions to ask yourself about the tract before you complete a purchase.

In terms of structure:

1. Is it clear and concise in its message? If you can read the tract before purchasing, does it...

Posted on February 16 2022

Shaping the Conversation About Transgender

As the transgender community talks about themselves they seek to control the narrative based on defining or redefining words and their meaning. They tell who they think are the good guys and bad guys. They subtly imply what is inside and outside our control. Yet, as a Christian, I am bound to...

Posted on November 16 2021

Evangelism Interview with Brady Brewer: Closing thoughts and Encouragement

Me: The last question that I have for you today is meant to provide a little help for others. With either pastors, churches, or individuals who may have that desire in their heart to evangelize. What would you say to help encourage them, to help them get started, or to put evangelism at the center...

Posted on July 16 2021

Evangelism Interview with Brady Brewer: Evangelism Centered Church

Me: Let’s talk about your church. My dad was a pastor, so I’ve been in a lot of churches over the years, but since being on my own I probably have been in two or three different ones. The first church I became a member started me out in my first committee, on evangelism. It was interesting because...

Posted on July 09 2021

Evangelism Interview with Brady Brewer: Bus Station Ministry

Me: You already touched on your bus station ministry. What are some of the benefits and fruit that you see. What are the pros and cons about that kind of consistent location or ministry approach?

Brady: Okay, let’s start with the pros.

I would never be critical of anybody, as long as they’re...

Posted on July 02 2021

Evangelism Interview with Brady Brewer: Profile

This is part of a series of interviews of Christians experienced in evangelism. I hope this is an encouragement to others and spurs on more ideas and action in individuals and churches engaged in the Great Commission.

Me: This is Jon Neifert and I’m talking today with Brady Brewer who is an...

Posted on June 25 2021

3 People You Will Talk to When Sharing the Gospel

When you decide to strike up a conversation with a stranger and share the Gospel with them you don’t always know what you are getting into. This can cause a little nervousness or anxiety.

Rather than thinking about all the different scenarios and getting overwhelmed wondering what will I say if...

Posted on April 26 2021

Is Satan Bound?

Many raise this question as they read the book of Revelation and encounter the passage that says Satan will be bound. I don’t want to stir up controversy over specific end-times views as there are several views and much grace is needed and shown between Christians regarding this topic. I want to...

Posted on February 06 2021

Ministering the Loss of an Unborn Child

In our sharing the good news of the gospel with others, even with believers, we need to remember also to minister to them. I’ve encountered those who struggle with God over the loss of a loved one and the common question regarding why a loving God would allow pain and suffering. Many grieve the...

Posted on December 06 2020

Evangelism Interview with Tony Ramsek: Resources

Me: I’ve got one last question for you. Maybe there’s others who are starting evangelism or wanting to learn and grow in their understanding or practice of evangelism. What advice or resources would you like to share with individuals or church leaders , regarding how they or their church can engage...

Posted on November 16 2020

Evangelism Interview with Tony Ramsek: Handling Conversation

Me: You talked a little bit about using questions to engage others in conversation. I know through our friendship that you have been involved in evangelism and sometimes even with some high-profile atheist. It can be a real challenge to manage the conversation without coming to blows or becoming...

Posted on November 09 2020

Evangelism Interview with Tony Ramsek: Using Doctrines

Me: One of the things I’ve noticed with you and your evangelism. You speak a lot about some key doctrines like justification, or the great exchange. Explain why that’s important to you? How do the doctrines of the church fit into evangelism with an unbeliever?

Tony: Oh, what else is there!? We are...

Posted on November 02 2020

Evangelism Interview with Tony Ramsek: Apologetics

Me: You mentioned earlier that you work for Answers in Genesis which is a big apologetics ministry. Can you explain your perspective on apologetics and evangelism, how they relate to each other? Let’s explore that a little.

Tony: Apologetics is so very necessary for the church today. I think...

Posted on October 26 2020

Evangelism Interview with Tony Ramsek: Booth Ministry

Me: Let’s talk a little bit more about booth ministry. What makes it different and what are the key advantages as opposed to other approaches?

Tony: I really like the gospel booth ministry for a number of reasons. It’s interesting Jon, because you know that the NEA was a gospel booth. It was a...

Posted on October 19 2020

Evangelism Interview with Tony Ramsek: Profile

This is part of a series of interviews of Christians experienced in evangelism. I hope this is an encouragement to others and spurs on more ideas and action in individuals and churches engaged in the Great Commission.

Me: This is Jon Neifert and I’m talking today with Tony Ramsek, the founder of...

Posted on October 12 2020

Are We Experiencing Hell Now?

As we were sharing the gospel message with those on the streets downtown, we heard the claim several times that “we are in hell now”. Some say they are experiencing a “living hell” or compare their suffering to “hell on earth”. These are meant to be idioms but some take them as more. I...

Posted on September 25 2020

Evangelism in Crisis: An Interview with Steve Hopkins

This is part of a series of interviews of Christians experienced in evangelism. I hope this is an encouragement to others and spurs on more ideas and action in individuals and churches engaged in the Great Commission.

Me: This is Jon Neifert and I am talking with Steve Hopkins. I know you as my...

Posted on September 09 2020

Hymns Can Be So Controversial

Often it is told that the reason Scholte and others left Holland to emigrate to America and settle in Pella was the lack of freedom of worship. One issue at the forefront of the controversy was the mandatory singing of hymns under the hierarchical governance of the church.

This story goes back...

Posted on June 17 2020

Religious Freedom and Tyranny

The story of Pella’s founder, Hendrik Peter Scholte, is a story of courage in the face of religious tyranny; and ultimately, the importance of separation of church and state, a law which was enacted to protect the church from the state.

Scholte was a prominent church leader in Holland in the...

Posted on May 23 2020

Addressing First Amendment Free Speech in Street Evangelism

God calls us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), to preach the gospel to all people (Mark 16:15), and to honor Christ as holy, being always ready to give an answer to those who asks for a reason for the hope you have (1 Peter 3:15). Many throughout history, since the resurrection of...

Posted on April 23 2020

Sharing Justification by Faith

The gospel of Jesus Christ is a glorious, incredibly deep and multi-faceted message that we have been entrusted with sharing. The centerpiece of the gospel message is the person and work of Jesus Christ. I believe the more we understand the gospel, the more amazed we will stand and the more eager...

Posted on January 16 2020

How to Pray for an Unbeliever

Many Christians have a heart for an unbeliever in their life but struggle with how to pray for them beyond a general prayer for their salvation. I urge you first, to pour out your heart to God on their behalf and assure you that God hears you even when you don’t express yourself well. 1...

Posted on January 03 2020

What Happens After You Die?

Have you ever been asked the question, “Do you know what will happen to you when you die?” The intent is often to discuss our eternal destination in heaven or hell. As a Christian, we understand that there is a heaven and a hell, and that on judgement day God will judge the world and separate...

Posted on October 26 2019

Richwood Flea Market Outreach Report

Here is a report from Tony Ramsek in Northern Kentucky regarding the recent Richwood Flea Market Outreach, see the event link at the bottom of the page.

Praise the Lord and thank you for your prayers for the recent evangelism event at our local flea market. I was amazed by two main things 1) How...

Posted on October 16 2019

Do I have to be an extrovert to share the gospel?

That’s a question I’ve heard many times. We watch the bold proclamation of the gospel in open-air preaching and see them reasoning with antagonistic unbelievers on the street. That leaves many Christian’s with the impression that you must be an extrovert to be an evangelist. But this is a...

Posted on July 15 2019

Pella Tulip Time Outreach Summary 2019

God has blessed our outreach with growth and many laborers. This year we had a great turnout of volunteers; those experienced and seeking opportunity to reach the lost, as well as many new to evangelism. Thanks to Chief of Police, Robert Bokinsky, for connecting us with Joel Rietema, the Bible...

Posted on May 20 2019

Pella’s Biblical Roots

The city of Pella Iowa was founded by Dutch Immigrants, who suffered from religious persecution in Holland by the state-sponsored church (Hervormde). Rev. (Dominie) Hendrik Scholte established an emigration society and led over 800 non-Catholic Christians to leave Holland and travel to America and...

Posted on March 20 2019

6 Reasons to Share the Gospel: God

When we share the gospel with others, we are not simply doing it for the benefit of others, or even our own benefit. The mere act of sharing the gospel is an act of obedience to the God we serve, because He commands it. All we do, is done for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

In this third...

Posted on January 20 2019

10 Reasons To Share the Gospel That Benefit You

When we consider missions and evangelism, we mostly think about the benefits of others, rather than ourselves. At Christmas, we often say ‘Giving is Better than Receiving’, because we recognize our own benefits as well. While the welfare of the unbeliever is our focus, we also recognize the...

Posted on January 10 2019

12 Reasons To Share the Gospel: Others

After taking part in sharing the Gospel with others for the past few years, I thought it would be beneficial to list the reasons we should tell others about the good news of Jesus Christ. This applies to individual co-workers, friends, and family, but also strangers in public settings. For many,...

Posted on December 22 2018

6 Ways We Lower Our View of God

As Christians, nearly all of us have too low a view of God. Yes, we’ve probably all heard sermons on the holiness of God and agree. We’ve read Isaiah 6 where he sees a vision of the Lord sitting upon a throne and his response is “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips”....

Posted on December 14 2018

The Church’s Search and Rescue Mission

The US Coast Guard is a well-respected branch of our military. It is also unique in that it has multiple missions and conducts other activities besides national defense during war. They are renowned for their search and rescue activities in our seas.

As I was meditating – reading, studying, and...

Posted on December 02 2018

Evangelism in the Church Order: Christian Reformed Church

In an effort to encourage pastors and church leaders to support and engage in public evangelistic efforts, I am sharing and commenting on how the church government supports this activity. My own denomination is the Christian Reformed Church of North America, so I start here. These are notes from...

Posted on November 04 2018

He Had Compassion For Them

When you picture an evangelist in your head, what comes to mind? Is it a gentle compassionate person, or is it someone with a superior intellect who compels others to repent and believe?

One of the primary verses that comes to mind when Christians talk about sharing their faith is 1 Peter 3:15. You...

Posted on March 23 2018

Make a Joyful Noise!

Most Christians will not claim to be great, or even good, singers. Yet every week we gather together in churches and sing together in worship. It is not perfect, yet there is beauty in its imperfection.

Posted on March 18 2018

How Do I Proclaim the Gospel Boldly, but with Gentleness and Respect?

Most Christians understand that we have a responsibility to the Great Commission, to go preach the gospel and make disciples. However, we’re not sure how to do that with gentleness and respect as Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:15. In our human weakness, we can easily fall into arguments or attacks...

Posted on January 20 2018

Iowa State Fair Gospel Outreach

For those of you who volunteered at the Pella Tulip Time Outreach booth this year, first I want to extend my thanks. The number of volunteers and the commitment of those to share the gospel with the lost was humbling and beyond what I expected for our first year. Stay tuned, we will plan on doing...

Posted on July 11 2017

Christian History of Pella

Sharing the gospel in Pella, during Pella Tulip Time Festival, is a great pleasure for me as a Christian. It is a festival devoted not only to the wonderful beauty of God’s Creation in the tulips at the festival, but also to the Christian history and foundation built by the early settlers in...

Posted on April 01 2017

How to Gain Salvation

“It is about being good. That’s what ALL religions are about anyway”, said Raven-Symone on a segment of “The View”. They were discussing the American Atheist billboard which stated, “Go ahead and skip church! Just be good for goodness’ sake.” This statement by Raven expresses the...

Posted on March 17 2017

Evolution and the Origin of Life

“I’m an atheist,” the young man stated boldly. He had a typical hipster appearance with long straggly hair and tattoos. His girlfriend was hanging on his arm.

“Would you say you’re an atheist or an agnostic?” I asked him. I explained, “An atheist says they know there is no God, but an...

Posted on March 13 2017

God’s Grace in the Gospel

A framework for understanding and explaining the gospel highlights God’s grace. It also highlights His justice. There are many foundational questions that people ask and are explained in a proper understanding of the good news of Christ and the redemption, or salvation, of His people. At the root...

Posted on February 28 2017

Always Be Prepared

The Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 3:15, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” As we go into a situation where we are seeking gospel...

Posted on February 21 2017

Astonished by God’s Word

As we approach the task of sharing the gospel with our neighbors, we look to scripture to better understand the message of good news. Take a moment to read through Acts chapter 13 and watch how Paul and the others were sent and presented the gospel.

Posted on February 12 2017

Sharing with Gentleness and Respect

There are two things that we are told never to talk about: religion and politics. Many people follow this common adage and avoid any discussion about religion. According to a recent Pew Research survey, it is nearly evenly split between those who Never or Seldom discuss religion with those outside...

Posted on January 22 2017

6 Ways to Make Disciples

In the Great Commission Jesus told us to make disciples. Every Christian must do this first, in his own life, then with his family, and stretching out to make disciples of his neighbors. The foundation of growth in our faith is built by feeding ourselves through reading the Bible, praying,...

Posted on January 16 2017

Tulip Time Outreach – Introduction

Welcome!

In 2017 we are planning the first Pella Tulip Time Outreach to “proclaim the absolute truth and authority of the Bible with boldness.” As Christians, we have a desire to “obey God’s call to deliver the gospel of Jesus Christ” to all nations. Many refer to this as the Great...

Posted on January 16 2017