This message summarizes the most important truth to ever know and believe. It is time I start living in God's love, and not fear.
“I’ve always said that I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a heaven and a hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life, and you think that it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward—and atheists who think people shouldn’t proselytize and who say just leave me alone and keep your religion to yourself—how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that? “I mean, if I believed, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe that truck was bearing down on you, there is a certain point where I tackle you. And this is more important than that.” -Penn Jillette (atheist)
To my facebook friends, chances are we are truly friends. About 6 months ago my mind and my heart was awakened to a truth that has transformed my life. Although I have been a Christian for many years, decades even, I was missing a critical aspect. Thankfully God grew tired of my hardness and has shown me grace. I confess to you all that I have allowed fear and pride to keep me from proclaiming to you the good news of Jesus. I was afraid of rejection, and too prideful to obey what I have always known to be true. I truly love you all, and any of you who know me know that I genuinely enjoy our relationship. The above quote says it better than I ever could. And so I have repented before God, and now want to proclaim to you all, that the only truth worth living for is God’s truth. Recently I have been active in evangelizing. Maybe you have seen me, maybe not. It sounds silly to say out loud, but preaching the gospel in Grants Pass has been fearful for me. Many of you I have known for years. I needed to make this post so that you can know my heart in this matter, and understand why I am doing what you now see me do. I know that there is a God in heaven. I know that I, and the rest of humanity, have broken his law. If we stand before God accountable for our sins we will be judged guilty and be sentenced to hell. Not because God is looking for reasons to smack me on the head, but because He is holy and perfect, and since I am not I cannot even stand in His presence! My sins, all of our sins, have stored up wrath. But God is not only the Perfect Judge, He is also Perfectly Merciful. And so this is how we know what love is. While we were God’s enemy, and lost in sin, He sent his Son Jesus to come to earth and die for our sins. He sent Jesus to take the wrath of my sins, my judgement was placed on Jesus. So by believing that Jesus died for my sins I am saved, free to finally worship God as He deserves to be worshiped. To you all, I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation. And I am finally overwhelmed by the love of God so much that I will love you the way you deserve to be, but proclaiming His good news. I finally love you enough to tell you the Truth. God bless you all.