Mark, I have read a few of your posts and impressed with your
a) clarity of expression
b) perception of those that write
c) kindness and gentleness of spirit
I tip of the hat...I've been around almost as long as anybody that posts on this thread, but due to two deaths in my family,
(a sister-in-law and double cousin) and then reading a couple of Graystone posts---I decided after the funerals, I needed to withdraw from this place for awhile. In fact I'm not certain how long I'll stick around this time.
Ironically, you come across as a gracious "Christian" when in dialogue
with Emile, and he comes across, as---well---you have already pin-pointed it. Interestingly, he 'sez he once was on staff of Campus Crusade, and I know that they don't teach their personnel to "witness" like he does. In deference to him, giving him the benefit of doubt, he is like a tenacious bulldog in his approach.
May God grant you insight in your pilgrimage. "For life is a pilgrimage from one's birth 'til death---help me God to find you, while I still have breath."
I was in Buffalo New York a number of years ago and led a Bible Study one evening around the dining room table of a husband & wife. As we got into the Bible study, the wife, Barbara told me she was "Jewish" and didn't accept nor believe the Bible. I responded that was okay, we'd just continue to conclusion as though the Bible were true---and---it would be God's responsiblity to "prove to her" whether what we were reading and sharing was indeed truth---or error.
The Bible Study that I have shared in 100's of homes through the years cover the following points:
A) The fact of sin
B) The penalty of sin
C) The insufficiency of "works" to get me to heaven
D) Christ is the answer
I always made it a point to share a sinner's prayer and ask for a decision---which I did in this case---Barbara said when I asked her if the prayer expressed the desire of her heart she replied: "I already told you, I don't believe, nor accept the Bible as you shared it."
I then asked: "Would you be willing to pray the prayer and include this phrase- "God, I have trouble accepting and believing, but am willing to give You and the prayer a "try", it will be up to You to "prove it to me."
She said: "Yes, I'd be able to pray it that way."
So we prayed the prayer phrase by phrase, Barbara repeating the prayer and I included the addendum."
When we were through praying, Barbara began weeping and then said: "My doubts are all gone!" Then she startled me completely by her following story. She said---"I knew you were coming this evening to share a Bible Study, and I knew I didn't believe or accept it---but because my husband wanted to go through with it, I wanted to please him---and---on my way to work this morning---(she paused) I cried out to God in my heart and he showed me a vision of Jesus."
My point?
God will prove himself to us when we show ourselves to be authentic sinners and seekers for truth. While we are still ornery sinners God allows our "orneryness"---and our rebellious "free will" gets the upper hand.
I believe you are an authentic sinner/seeker.
Have a sensational balance of the week.
J. |
