His words caught me off guard: “...I have no stake in this argument, because I’m atheist.” The “argument” referenced his disagreement with an article I wrote. A spiritual conversation with my friend Nancy was the central theme.
Eternal destinies were discussed; Heaven, Hell, who’s going where was looked at in the light of the Bible.
The atheist concluded that I had judged my friend as unfit for Heaven. He clearly knew Scripture’s warning: “Judge not.” All religions with a “do unto others as you would have them do unto you theme” were praised. The book of Job was referenced as he concluded his disagreements with me.
I carefully scrutinized my words regarding Nancy. Concluding I believe her to be hell-bound would be difficult. Bottom line: this is between her and God.
For me spiritual conversations with Nancy or anyone else are a great way to get to know a person—to deepen friendships as life-beliefs are shared.
Yes, I am a follower of Jesus. I believe the Bible. And yes this offends some people. Jesus himself was referred to as, “A Rock of Offence.” Jesus and His Gospel.
An atheist by definition is someone who denies the existence of God. Concepts of Heaven, Hell and eternal judgment are not life-truths. Followers of Jesus can seem offensive.
I know, because eleven years ago all this judging and hell-condemning talk was confusing and offensive to me. Until these Scriptures became real: “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already…This is the verdict—the Light (Jesus) has come into the world.”
We all follow some light. Choose Jesus, the True Light.
Eternal destinies were discussed; Heaven, Hell, who’s going where was looked at in the light of the Bible.
The atheist concluded that I had judged my friend as unfit for Heaven. He clearly knew Scripture’s warning: “Judge not.” All religions with a “do unto others as you would have them do unto you theme” were praised. The book of Job was referenced as he concluded his disagreements with me.
I carefully scrutinized my words regarding Nancy. Concluding I believe her to be hell-bound would be difficult. Bottom line: this is between her and God.
For me spiritual conversations with Nancy or anyone else are a great way to get to know a person—to deepen friendships as life-beliefs are shared.
Yes, I am a follower of Jesus. I believe the Bible. And yes this offends some people. Jesus himself was referred to as, “A Rock of Offence.” Jesus and His Gospel.
An atheist by definition is someone who denies the existence of God. Concepts of Heaven, Hell and eternal judgment are not life-truths. Followers of Jesus can seem offensive.
I know, because eleven years ago all this judging and hell-condemning talk was confusing and offensive to me. Until these Scriptures became real: “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already…This is the verdict—the Light (Jesus) has come into the world.”
We all follow some light. Choose Jesus, the True Light.
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