During the six hour drive, I had been able to expound the Scriptures and answer almost all of his questions concerning Christ being Lord, eternity with God versus eternity in hell, and a personal relationship with Jesus versus being religious. With joy in his heart, he said that it was something I had said during our drive that caused him to ask Jesus into his heart to be his Lord.
My mind was racing over that long car ride. I was trying to remember the apologetics that brought such a transformation. What was the great spiritual nugget that had been spoken that had resulted in such a miracle that even the angels rejoice in heaven? Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.
Well, I was surprised at what he said. He said. “It’s when you said ‘It was dumb to go to hell if you do not have to.” There it is, saints, wisdom personified. How simple a word God used to change a heart for eternity.
How simple and uncomplicated the argument for receiving Jesus as Lord. Jesus went about doing good and healing all. This was a foundation of belief that could be trusted and that Jesus was a true witness who delivered souls. Jesus Himself makes a similar statement when confronting the hypocrisy of the leaders of the day. John 10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
The religious leaders that Jesus was trying to wake-up in their spirits had complicated the way to God to the point of ridiculousness and difficulty. They had created laws for the laws that no longer worked because as Thomas Erskine of Linlathen says, “Those who make religion their god will not have God for their religion.” Jesus did the will of the Father and the result was Mark 7:37 And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he makes both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
I said, “Yes, we can pray and you can ask Jesus to come into your life right now to help you with your addiction.”
There are times of difficulty and apparent hopelessness during our desire to see our family and friends saved, but as found in Prov. 14:25 A true witness delivers souls: but a deceitful witness speaks lies. Our lives will not lie if we stay true to our Lord.
We have the Holy Spirit guiding us toward our expected end and the glorification of Jesus our Lord. Keep it simple saints and we will be blessed. Father, in Jesus name, help us to be your hand extended and represent you with the heart of Jesus and may it be said of us, “That we did all things well.” Amen.
Amen!
Good word!