Monday, December 22, 2008
The Holy Spirit's Work
I realize more and more lately that no scientific or historical evidence can convince people that Jesus is their personal savior. Sure science has disproved the theory of evolution. Sure it is historically proven that there was a man named Jesus who performed miracles and was even raised from the dead. But no miracle is great enough to convince a totally depraved human being to believe the gospel except through the Holy Spirit’s opening their eyes to the truth (Luke 10: 21-24, Matthew 17: 14-23, John 16:7-11). I certainly cannot convince them, neither could Paul or any other great apostle or martyr or preacher, but it is God who works in their hearts to show them the truth. With this in mind, it is still my job to be a witness for Christ, pointing everyone I possibly can to that open door. But I shouldn’t get discouraged by their stubborn rejection because it is the Holy Spirit’s work to open their hearts and make them receptive to His word. (See pastor Rayburn’s recent sermon on Revelation 3:7-13, “The Power of the Weak on Behalf of the Helpless.”)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Wow, really? That's what I've been learning! Did I tell you my lady-on-the-airplane story? I think I did... but for anybody else who reads this, recently when I was flying back to college I debated with the lady sitting next to me (and the steward) for a couple of hours, trying to prove that Christianity is the only true way to God. She refused to believe it, even though I was sure all my arguments made sense. Just like Effie said, I realized that it's not my arguments that convince people; it's really the Holy Spirit.
And another really important thing (Katie McCoy pointed this out to me): love is more important than facts. Being a pontificating, intolerant fundamentalist isn't going to make others want to be like me. But if I say, "I care a lot about you and I don't want you to receive eternal punishment," that's going to mean a lot more to the person. Of course, I can only say this if I live it out in my actions--if the person really does know I love them.
Oh, and I'll be sure to listen to that sermon too!
That is so true about what Katie said! It reminds me of an instance with Lisa (my co-worker). I have been in conversation with her sporadically about christianity and Mrs. Feucht invited her to the Christmas Brunch at church this year and we got into a debate about how you know that our Christianity is the only true religion, how do we know we are right? And amongst other things, Lisa said that one thing I had said to her a while back really stuck out and I clearly remember the moment when I said it. I told her that I didn't want to be damned to hell and I didn't want her to either. and I said it really passionately I guess because she remembered it weeks later. So yes, Love and Passion are key, along with knowledge and the Holy Spirit of course.
Wow, and so often it's so hard to get those words out. Kudos to you!
By the way, cute new picture!
Post a Comment