I met a man recently who is of Jewish descent, and upon my asking, told me that he “tried” the Reformed Jewish religion, explored Buddhism, Tao, spiritualism, and even attended a couple of Christian services. He said that he found them all to be ways to enlightenment and he had none that he favored over another. He then described his personal belief system as being a “humanist”.
Hmmm . . . I told him that his spiritual voyage has left him shipwrecked on a deserted island with no provisions. I mean what’s next is he going to paint a face on a basketball or coconut and start asking it questions.
I implored him to come to Honey Lake Church this Sunday and learn more about Jesus Christ being “THE” way as opposed to being “A” way to finding the spiritual guidance, peace, and joy for which he’s been searching.
I iterated to him that I realize how hard it is for Jewish people to come to Jesus due to family and peer pressure; however he will face God standing alone. None of those people will be there with him at that time, and he will be required to explain why he rejected God’s gift of His only Son that gave His life in order that we may be reunited with Him forever; the one and only Messiah – Jesus Christ whose coming has been foretold for thousands of years.
He smiled widely and seemed open to exploring that option more, so please be praying for my new friend.
He told me that he’s an expert grant writer and has strong relationships with non-profit foundations all across the country and has volunteered to assist us in writing grant requests and raising funds to further our ministry.
Huh?
I’m astounded that in spite of his agnostic belief system, that he still retains an earnest desire to assist my ministry. I told him, “You do realize that our mission statement plainly states that we are Christ centered and the Holy Bible is the core foundation for our entire belief system; (every word of it!) We believe that it is the holy, inerrant, inspired word of God that is infallible in every way”. I told him, “In short we do not think there is any other way to see heaven except through Jesus Christ. It is not ‘A’ way; it is ‘The’ only way”.
He smiled and said, “I understand”.
Huh?
I sheepishly stammered, “Well then why would you have an interest in joining us to help evangelize and disciple the world for Jesus Christ?”
He went on to explain that his real passion in life was helping kids to succeed in spite of the awful circumstances that they sometimes grow up in. He’d heard me speak at a conference in Orlando and was deeply moved by it, and has subsequently come to the belief that few kids could hear my testimony and not come away inspired that there is hope for them too; (the premise being if I could overcome my dark circumstances, so could they).
He told me that so many kids don’t believe that they can ever amount to anything and they need HOPE! He sincerely believes that I can deliver that hope to them and he’s ready to roll up his sleeves and go to work and he guarantees that no person in our ministry will outwork him.
Huh?
Wow! Now that seems odd. So many folks are bathed in the precious anointing blood of Christ and will not lift a finger to further our ministry or others and here is an agnostic who has a heart for kids who is ready to commit his every waking hour to making our ministry a success.
Go figure!
I’m humbled by his sincere desire to help these unfortunate kids. They need an advocate such as this man.
Jesus repeatedly told us to help those who are less fortunate and that in so doing we are actually doing it for Him. The Bible states that such an attitude is the one God desires for all of His children and is a measure of their love for Him.
The obvious thing today’s entry brings to my mind is that we should look to what we’ve done, or are doing, for anyone other than ourselves, our family, friends, or employees.
It reminds me (in reverse) of what Jesus told the gentile Roman Centurion in Luke 7:9: (When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”).
Self-professed religious people sit on the sidelines and watch a non-believer fulfill God’s command to His “believer” children? Makes one wonder if they just don’t understand the premise that if one is truly born again, they will have a burning desire to get off the couch and get involved in our Father’s work.
Some might be surprised at how disingenuous their faith is at judgment.
Yikes!
I’m not saying that good works will get you into heaven mind you; I am saying that once someone is truly saved they will want to do the work of the Lord.
In light of the serious consequences that could result, it’s certainly something to think about eh?
Selah . . .
Matt. 25:34
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
December 5, 2013 – Click here to listen