The Story of Easter Goes On |
Last Sunday Marsha and I joined millions of Christians to celebrate the story, the history, and the truth of Easter. The morning service we attended was magnificent with singing and preaching, and proclaiming the resurrection of Christ. But later in the afternoon, I got a call from a young Muslim woman who was directed to me by a mutual friend. This Islamic woman was not belligerent about her religion and was very open about Christianity. In fact, she had been to a church for a few weeks but did not go on Easter due to work issues. She had many questions about Jesus. They included the issue of the trinity, the deity of Jesus, and the propitiation and atonement for sin. She also had heard that Jesus actually did not die on the cross, but some people took a slave and killed him and put the slave on the cross. Talk about a theological and apologetic opportunity! But primarily it was an evangelistic opportunity. I shared the simple and clear message and gave her an opportunity to receive the free gift of eternal life by placing her faith in Christ. I found it predictable given her background that she would bring up the issue of works, and doing enough, and being good enough to be saved and acceptable to God. This is a universal response since our default button seems to be, “I must contribute to getting saved, just a little.” The Apostle Paul makes it crystal clear that by works of the law shall no man be justified (Galatians 2:16) and that it is by grace through faith that you are saved, and not by works lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) The story is not over for my new Muslim friend. I and others are praying for her to be drawn by the Father and believe the Gospel of Jesus, and be born again by the Spirit. (John 6:44) I do not think I will forget this Easter. Serving Him with you until He comes for us, Fred |