Conversations

You never know what you're going to get when you ask someone about their spiritual beliefs. It has the potential of being a scary situation. Such was the conversation I had with a guy we'll call Ric. A few of us were at a local Fair that had drawn hundreds of folks, if not a few thousand (no idea). Anyway, we were there to engage in conversation so that we could simply share the Gospel. We weren't Bible thumpin' on anyone, just sharing Jesus if permitted. I'm not one for conflict, but I really am puzzled by an unbelieving world we live in, so I was game to hear from a guy that seemed agitated at God. ---I just asked if he had any spiritual beliefs, and he went off! He was like a powder keg waiting to explode. I had my few folks around me watching to see how pastor was going to handle the wild man. (Pastor was wondering too.) I let him go. He ran. It was painful to hear him talk about God and the church that way, but I wanted to hear. His wife came near and tried to calm his language, but I assured her it was fine. I didn't want Ric to leave. I wanted to understand. He went on to tell me that as a child he learned to get drunk, smoke pot and have sex at church (not all at the same time). He ranted about all the sorry churches and pastors of the past. (He's right. I couldn't argue, nor was that my purpose. People have a reason they believe what they believe, and I wanted to hear that.) He went off on the Angry God talk...you know...how can God send such nice, innocent people to hell. What about all the religions? Which one is right? He was full. I must have sweated a years supply as I just calmly listened. I agreed with him, where I could agree and then I feebly attempted to bring him to all we've got...Jesus, the cross, the resurrection. I managed to get him to read Rom.3:23; 6:23. He acknowledged we're all sinners. (in the end that may be the only victory I had.) Of course, I told him Jesus Christ is the way, the only way. I asked him if he even believed the whole Jesus came and died and was resurrected story, especially since it was done in public and there were over 500 witnesses of the resurrection. He readily confessed that. ---In the end, his excuse is the safest excuse anyone will ever go to hell over...other people. You see, we can't answer for how other Christians act. All we can do is take the conversation back to Jesus. What will you do with Jesus? He didn't die for nothing. ---Sadly, Ric wouldn't stay around and talk some more. ---What I wish I had said....I wish he would have given me time to tell how Christ came into my life and how that has worked for me. Remember, your personal experience with Christ is huge in the conversation. ---I look forward to more conversations with folks that are alienated from God. They are hurting for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with God. Don't run from the conversation. Listen, take it back to the cross, make much to do about Jesus, and tell your story.