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photo © 2010 Alex Murphy | more info (via: Wylio)Good Tuesday morning, everyone. I took the dog outside this morning, pulling the door shut behind me. Yep! Locked myself out of the house! No big deal. I still had two kids inside.
Except...
They were asleep in their beds. Upstairs. I was on the back porch. In my jammies. Barefoot. I pounded on the back door, hoping someone would hear me before I had to suffer the embarrassment of running to the front porch in my jammies.
Pound. Pound. Pound.
Then, grumpy but loud, I heard, "I'm coming. Stop it."
Yay! I got in! The first thing I did (Ben was already headed back to bed), was update my facebook status. (I'm so technologically gifted). That led to checking email...
My inbox contained an email from an "atheist friend of mine." Somehow, he discovered my blog. He regularly responds to my Bible-quoting posts. He doesn't agree with my theology. I read his email and my heart grew heavy. He doesn't see the hope, the love or the power of God in scripture. He sees hurt, pain, evil, and darkness.
I was locked out of my house. He is locked out of the joy of life in Christ. It breaks my heart.
1 Corinthians 2:12-14 says:
What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Sprit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.We cannot understand the Word of God without the Spirit of God dwelling in us. Understanding His Word begins when we accept, by faith, that Jesus is His One and Only Son, sent to earth to live as a man and die as a man, though sinless, on our behalf. He did this, not for Himself, but for us, who sin, so that we may live forever in Heaven with Him.
I can't debate scripture with my friend. Until he -- or any non-believer -- chooses to take that important step of faith into the unknowable, he will never understand the deeper meaning of God's Word. I pray that one day, my friend will take that step and discover the wonder and joy of life in Christ.
Dear God,
I pray that those who read this post will know your hope, joy and peace, which comes from the Holy Spirit. I pray that unbelievers will answer your call as you "stand at the door and knock." May they unlock their hearts and let You in. In Jesus' name,
Amen
9 comments:
I think the spirit of God can be in anyone even if they don't know Christ. I've witnessed people learning to love Christ through my actions, without me saying anything. The less I preach, the more people seem shocked and amazed by willingness to serve based on my faith alone. So even if they haven't accepted Jesus, they see Jesus in me and although it may take awhile, I feel they will one day come to know Him as I have. Until then, I pray for them.
Karen,
The first thing that comes to mind is having a dialogue. You can respond to his comments by inquiring how and where he came to his conclusions. This may give you some insight and give you an opportunity at an in. Listening is a lost art, but is necessary when ministering to a lost soul. Listen non-judgmentally, without backing down from truth. Speaking truth in love speaks volumes!
Hope this helps!
We need to love people where they are at and by doing so we will show them the love of Christ. We may very well be the Jesus they see!
Karen, I love how you relating your being "locked out" with that of your friend. Very nice post. I shall pray for a soft heart. I much agree with Stefanie Brown, speak the truth in love. The truth is what will free your friend. I was blessed by you today. Thank you
Oh - I have done that before and had to go to the neighbors in my jammy's.....
Thanks for your reply to my post on Blog Frog - I am your newest follower!
Please feel free to check out my blog if you have not already.
Carol
http://retailtherapylounge.blogspot.com
what a great post! It breaks my heart to hear of someone so closed to God's love and His truth.
The encouraging thing is that God is able to reach out to your friend regardless and reveal the reality of who He is.
May God to bring people around him that reflect God's love and truth. God will do the rest!
I agree with what Stephanie said. Hopefully this guy is talking with you and not trying to sway you to his viewpoint. However, if he keeps coming back to you, he might really be seeking some answers. Keeping you and him in my prayers.
God allows us free will but we are not willing to allow it in each other.
Grace, grace, grace to the mountain.
Reese,
It's precisely because he doesn't push me that I am so burdened for him. He states his viewpoint and then shares his history. Always respectful.
Thanks for the prayers and the encouragement!
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