“We give
thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.”
Colossians 1:3 (NKJV)
In
the name of Him who makes us kings and priests to His God and Father Messiah
Yeshua “Jesus,” greetings. Revelation
1:6 (NKJV)
It’s Tuesday. Fred
finds himself in the back of a large department store. Within hearing distance of John and Emily who
confess to be Christians and their friend Eric who like Fred does not. Fred doesn’t know John Emily or Eric but is
curious about what’s taking place before his very eyes. John and Emily have had a couple of lengthy
conversation with Eric about Jesus in the recent past. Henry who is unknown to John, Emily, Eric and
Fred, but who confesses to be a Christian is nearby. He didn’t intend to ease drop but has found
he is more interested in what’s being said, than the possibly of Eric getting
saved.
Emily and John encounter Eric in the store. She Emily begins with, “Eric. We were just talking about you. All is well?”
“John. Emily. Good to see you. All is well.
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking… about Jesus,” replied Eric.
With great joy John says to Eric, “That’s great! We’ve been praying… this thinking, is it a
good thing?”
“Good thing? I’d say
so,” said Eric convincingly. “I knew
about Jesus. I just didn’t know he died
on that cross for me. I’ve been reading
the bible and what you’ve been saying about Jesus is true. I am a sinner, and I have realized I need
Jesus.”
“No time like the present,” said Emily calmly.
“Right here, in the photo department,” said Eric looking concerned.
In a comforting way John says to Eric, “I was waiting in
line to use the rest room at the hardware store when I got saved.”
Interrupting John, Eric says, “Good enough for me. Do we have to hold hands?”
“No need to hold hands Eric.
This is between you and God,” explained John.
Happily, Emily says, “You and God. We’ve talked about the significance of
believing in Jesus. Just say what’s on
your heart Eric.”
With a soft and peaceful voice, and eyes closed, Eric says,
“God. I know I’m a sinner. I also know and believe Jesus died for my
sins. I believe in Jesus God. Forgive me for not realizing it sooner. For John and Emily it’s easy, telling others
about Jesus, but I’m going to need some help.
Help me. I read about how you
loved the world in the bible God. I want
you to know that I love you.”
With eyes opened, Eric says to John and Emily, “You said
when a person accepts Jesus into their heart their whole life changes. I just told God that I love him.”
“God loves you too Eric.
We love you. Don’t ever lose
sight of the cross or what Jesus did for you that day. It’s what gets us through each day,” said
Emily compassionately. “Remember what we
said about being born again? How who we
used to be dies the moment we believe in Jesus?
You telling God that you love him, that’s the new you Eric.”
With John and Emily holding Eric’s hand, John says, “That is
the new you Eric. Born again! Thank you Jesus. Welcome to the family of God my brother in
Christ.”
Ten minutes later. The
mismatched group again finds themselves together at the checkout counter. Eric finds himself third in line, with John
and Emily behind them, Fred happens to be behind John, and Henry walks up and
settles in line behind Fred. Eric, John,
and Emily are talking about what took place at the back of the store.
Looking to get Eric’s attention the cashier, says, “Next. Excuse me sir. You’re next in line.”
Eric with his back to the cashier notices Henry pointing
towards the cashier. Realizing he’s
holding up the line but wants to continue talking with John and Emily. Eric invites Fred to move to the front of the
line. Fred is enjoying the conversation
as well and invited Henry to move to the front of the line. Henry accepts. Eric continues talking with John and
Emily. Henry completes the
transaction. Leaves the store. With the hopes of talking with Fred, Henry waits
outside.
“Keep the line moving,” said the cashier in a friendly
manner.
With John encouraging Eric to do so, Eric turns and faces
the cashier, saying, “I’m so sorry, forgive me.
I just got born again.”
“I heard,” replied the cashier. “I remember when I got saved which is why I
need to keep the line moving. God, and
my supervisor, are watching. You’ll
understand soon enough brother.”
Eric completes the transaction and leaves the store. John, Emily, and Fred have a conversation in
the store and Fred gets saved as well.
Meanwhile outside the store, Eric is hurrying to get home to
tell his family what happened, when he encounters Henry waiting, “Eric. Excuse me.
Just a second. Can we talk?”
Slowing down and with a confused look on his face, “Sure. What about?” replied Eric.
Looking to ease the tension, Henry says to Eric, “I was at
the back of the store and overheard your conversation with that couple. My name is Henry.”
With total confidence and joy, “Me getting saved! I remember seeing you there and at the
checkout line,” explained Eric. “How can
I help you?”
“I’m not so sure about you being saved Eric,” said Henry.
“Everything I experienced these past few weeks was for not?”
said Eric shocked by what he had just heard.
“Realizing I need Jesus? Telling
God that I love him? I’m on my way home
to tell my family about what just took place and you’re saying there’s no…”
Interrupting Eric, Henry says, “I love God Eric but that
alone doesn’t assure my salvation.”
Eric is not feeling too good about the conversation so far, Fred
has just emerged from the store and is within hearing distance of Eric and
Henry’s conversation. Eric says to Henry,
“Is that how you demonstrate that love, telling me I’m not saved?”
“Brother Eric! I got
saved too! Remember what the cashier
said, ‘You’ll understand soon enough’?
That was the moment I realized that I needed Jesus,” cried Fred with
great joy.
Eric looking at Henry and pointing towards Fred, says to
Henry, “is he saved?”
“I don’t know. I
wasn’t there,” said Henry. “Eric. The only thing you should take away from
today is the cashier’s ‘You’ll understand soon enough,’ because unless you
believe the doctrine of the trinity you’re not saved.”
The doctrine of the “Trinity” doesn’t exist, if not for the
Anthanasian Creed. Followers of the
Anthanasian Creed are forced to say it is more important than the [Bible]. “The Son is
God” is a must have for them.
When it comes to the salvation of one’s soul, the
Anthanasian Creed has absolutely nothing to do with it. Both Eric and Fred are saved, not because I
say so, but because the [Bible] does.
God Bless.
In His Care… Jim
