The Wacko Stuff Doesn't Help Anyone!

Yesterday, after our cell meeting at Bob Evans, I was approached by a waitress who was terrified after a conversation with a Christian elderly lady she had a few days earlier. This waitress has been to our church and waited on our cell group many times over the last few years. She was very animated while telling me that this elderly lady told her to talk to me and that I would verify everything that she shared with the waitress. Now I will do my best to repeat what the waitress shared with me even though I'm sure I will not get some of the details exactly right.

From what I remember the little elderly lady told her that Jesus was coming because of the various things that are happening today...so good so far. But then she preceded to tell her about the purple money that the book of Acts mentions as a sign that Jesus is coming. She also told her she had to be filled with the Holy Ghost and speak in other tongues or her and her children would be left when Jesus comes. She then continued with her preaching by telling her that she wouldn't know her kids in heaven and she shared with her more "out there stuff" that I can't remember. At one point in the conversation she told the waitress, "You have Holy Ghost goose bumps don't you, thats because you're scared and under conviction." To which the waitress frantically replied, "Yeah, I have goose bumps all right because YOU are freaking me out!"

My waitress friend then began to ask me if what she was saying was true? This gave me a great opportunity to take her to the Word of God and share with her what the Bible says and what it doesn't say. We set up an appointment later at the restaurant to talk more.

I shared this story to underscore THAT PEOPLE REALLY ARE TODAY QUESTIONING WHAT IS GOING ON AND EVEN THE WACKO NUTS OUT THERE LIKE THIS ELDERLY LADY IS GETTING AN AUDIENCE RIGHT NOW. As believers, it is so important that you know what the Word of God says and that is what we share with others. It is our solemn responsibility as disciples of Christ to share with people the signs that are in God's Word and verify everything we hear by what the Word of God says. Jesus said true disciples are those that continue in God's Word. With so much happening in the news today that points to the spirit of Antichrist, it's easy get "carried away" if we don't stay grounded in the Word of God. People want answers, but most people are more likely to receive answers that can be verified by an objected source such as the Bible. Everything from the swine flu to the world economic troubles are a part of the last days picture as outlined in the Bible. God's Word covers it all. There's no reason as believers to point unbelievers to the wild and wacky stuff out there that for the most part only tickles the ears of the "hearers only and not doers crowd." [You that are a part of the crowd know who you are.]

By the way, Christians today with "itching ears" that love to pass on their "ear tickling garbage" to unbelievers do only greater damage to the kingdom of God. You are not doing God service. Your foolishness only causes people to become even more skeptical and hardens the heart so that the real gospel seed is met with greater resistance.

How should we then speak and live before unbelievers? I like Paul's advice to the Christians at Philippi, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

Have a great week!

-Pastor Randy