RE: [TruthTalk] Fw: Rikk Watts on Genesis 1

[ShieldsFamily]

Exactly.  I have no burden of responsibility—only the burden of love.  Izzy   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Caroline Wong Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 9:44 PM To: TruthTalk@mail.innglory.org Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Fw: Rikk Watts on Genesis 1   Izzy, being Jesus to another person is the most awesome, best thing any human can be. I pray that the Lord bless you, empower you and give you all wisdom and strength as you walk with Peggy and John during these trying and dark days. We are not responsible for another person's salvation. It is between them and God and only He knows where the person is at, what she needs and how it will all turn out. May you rest assured in His sovereign mercy and justice.   Love,   Caroline  ----- Original Message ----- From: ShieldsFamily To: TruthTalk@mail.innglory.org Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 9:46 AM Subject: RE: [TruthTalk] Fw: Rikk Watts on Genesis 1   Caroline, I have a dear friend (Peggy) who chooses to not believe in Jesus Christ.  My husband and I have befriended her and her husband (John) for years (since they were our former neighbors) and given her the gospel numerous times and prayed for her often.  But she consistently says “I don’t believe that.”  She finished 9 months of difficult chemotherapy for breast cancer a year ago.  She was the only one in her chemo group that survived.  She doesn’t thank God for it.  A month ago her husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer and began 8 weeks of radiation therapy.  He is a Catholic who faithfully goes to mass every Sunday. He worries about Peg’s unbelief as well. They are both alcoholics; she’s a heavy smoker as well.    Last week I was in her neighborhood and decided at the last minute to stop by and drop something off for her. John answered the door and looked upset; I asked why.  “Peggy just got a bad report from this morning’s CT scan.  A spot on her lungs.”  She was terrified.  I went out to dinner with them and another couple (also lost.)  She went for a follow up PET scan Friday.  We await the results as her life hangs in the balance.  But I have little hope of her ever changing her mind about Jesus. I only try to befriend her and be Jesus in skin in her life.  She knows what I believe, and I don’t try to force it down her throat.  I would if I could.  Izzy   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Caroline Wong Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 7:54 AM To: TruthTalk@mail.innglory.org Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Fw: Rikk Watts on Genesis 1   Sometimes we forget how absurd the message is. Naaman almost didn't get his healing because the advice was absurd in his ears. His servants begged him to try on account that he has nothing to lose except his dignity. After Naaman was healed, he became a believer in Israel's YHWH.   We receive messages better from people we trust and whom we believe is the expert in this area. This applies to teachers, doctors, salesman and politicians. Our message concerns God, life, reality and eternal destination. Our hearers, in brain processes so sub-conscious that only the Holy Spirit knows what's going on, have to decide if we're the trustworthy guides in this area. In our present time and culture, there are lots of other people claiming they have the answer. I watched Larry King Live when he had a show about what happens after we die and his guests were John MacArthur, a rabbi, a Catholic priest, an Islamic scholar, an atheist and a new age. Who would the viewer think is the most trustworthy guide?   Unless God elects, gives faith, and opens the eyes, ears and mind of the person, then that person can not believe. No one who believes your message about eternal damnation is true, would choose that. If a doctor told you chemo may not cure your cancer but would extend your life and a naturopath told you chemo would cause you to suffer greatly and die sooner, who would you believe? Because of who I am, I would side with the doctor. My sister in law would side with the naturopath. My dad would get a few more opinions and then ask the family what is the best course of action. My mom would defer all decision to my dad.   Nevertheless, it is good that you continue to tell people the gospel and I know you do it with the grace, love and wisdom God gave you.   Love,   Caroline     ----- Original Message ----- From: Terry Clifton To: TruthTalk@mail.innglory.org Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 7:15 AM Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Fw: Rikk Watts on Genesis 1   Caroline Wong wrote: Perhaps they did not believe your version of reality. Perhaps the Lord did not give them the faith to believe in the first place.   Love,   Caroline - =================================================================== I did not give them a version.  I told them what the Bible says to everyone. God is not willing for any to be lost.  Everyone who asks will be given. Terry