Grace,
mercy, and truth will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus
Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 2 John 3 (NKJV)
In
the name of Him who was given all authority in heaven and on earth, Messiah
Yeshua “Jesus,” greetings. Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)
Todd is 30 years old and up until a week ago known for
having nothing good to say about the [Bible].
Todd is now a firm believer in Jesus and people are amazed by the sudden
change in Todd’s life. Richard, whose 90
year old grandfather refuses to talk about Jesus, heard about the change in Todd’s
life. Richard hasn’t seen Todd for 10
years. Richard and Todd are now on their
way to see Richards grandfather.
Richard begins with, “I like what I’m hearing about you. What turned you around?”
“The gospel of Jesus Christ,” replied Todd. “This guy was going on and on about
Jesus. How I needed to repent and
believe. Instead of walking away as
usual… this time was different Richard. The
more he talked about Jesus the more uncomfortable I felt about who I was. Simply put I was doing it all wrong. Turning from my wicked ways and believing in
Jesus, is exactly what I needed to do. How
about you? Have you repented of your
sins and turned to Jesus?”
“I have,” replied Richard with great confidence. “Best decision ever! My grandfather isn’t doing well Todd. I’m hoping he’ll see the change in your
life. He’s not listening to me.”
In a humorous way, Todd says, “I remember when your grandfather
used to say I was just like him in his younger days. To tell you the truth I liked hearing
it. He was always fun to be around.”
“He needs to see the difference Jesus made in your life,”
said Richard. “He needs Jesus. Will you talk to him?”
As they face the front door of Richard’s grandfather’s house,
Todd and Richard pray.
Richard begins with, “Heavenly Father… where to begin. Thank You for the new Todd. For sending Jesus to die on a cross for the
sin of the world. My grandfather God…
thy will be done.”
Softly and with compassion, Todd says, “Yes Father. Thy will be done. In Jesus’ name we pray.”
Together Richard and Todd say, “Amen!” Richard’s grandfather opens the door.
“Todd! Come on
in. You look great,” said Richard’s
grandfather with great joy. Looking at
Richard, “Why didn’t you tell me he was coming?
No. The surprise was much
better.” Looking at Todd, quickly and
cheerfully, “What has it been? Ten
Years? Tell me, what have you been
doing?”
“I’m a born again believer in Jesus Christ,” cried Todd with
great joy.
“Well that’s news!” said Richard’s grandfather. “Any chance of you changing your mind.”
“You either have Jesus or you don’t have Jesus. And I have Jesus,” replied Todd convincingly.
“So it’s true,” said Richard’s grandfather happily. “News travels fast around here. They were right. You’ve certainly changed. I’m happy for you Todd. Richard too.”
Looking at Richard’s grandfather, Todd says, “We want you to
be with Jesus. Happy forever.”
“I’m beyond all that.
Set in my ways. There’s nothing
Jesus could do for me now,” said Richard’s grandfather sadly.
With great compassion, looking at Richard’s grandfather,
Todd says, “That’s the thing, He’s already done it for you. You just have to believe in Him.”
“If you’re talking about Jesus dying on a cross, I believe that
it happened,” replied Richard’s grandfather.
“I just don’t see what it has to do with me.”
Looking at Richard’s grandfather, “Jesus died on that cross
for you,” said Todd convincingly. “You
and everyone else like you. It’s not too
late. You can settle the matter right
now. You either believe in Jesus or you
don’t believe in Jesus.”
“Tell me more,” replied Richard’s grandfather.
Richard’s grandfather sought forgiveness and will be happy
forever with Jesus, in the kingdom of God.
Would it have been better for Richard’s grandfather to be
standing in a different place and time, when the Anthanasian Creed was birthed
in 325-AD for example, than when Richard and Todd came to visit him this day?
Richard’s grandfather was in the right place, and at the
right time. There’s absolutely no reason
to believe the Anthanasian Creed has anything to do with anyone being happy
forever, which is to say with Jesus in the kingdom of God. It was not needed to save Richard’s
grandfather.
God bless.
In His Care… Jim
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