Well, nuts. I mean, really. Nuts. We got a call at noon-time from neighbor across the street about her brother (also a neighbor) who had died on Sunday. I told Gary considering the news we've gotten about deaths lately, I could take up cussing. But won't. Wouldn't do any good, and just end up making me feel bad.
The thing is, this most recent death is someone who's rejected the Lord. He just wouldn't have anything to do with Him. One of our boys, who used to cut this friend's grass, spent several afternoons on his front porch, sharing the Gospel with him. He'd listen, but always was able to reason his way out of making a commitment. And today, his sister talked about the service he would have and that since they, neither one, believed in hell, that that topic wouldn't come up at the funeral (which will be later on in the week).
Well, okay. Doesn't make the reality go away, though, does it?
And even the elderly neighbor who passed away on New Years would slip out of conversations that had anything to do with Christ. Two of our boys had shared with him, trying to find out where his heart was in regards to the Lord. The pastor at his service said this man was a 'Christian of the Lutheran persuasion.' His exact words. Then the pastor (being, I believe a Baptist minister) gave a winning sermon on salvation for the eulogy. Still don't know if that neighbor was a believer in the Lord or not, but the pastor sure was.
It's a shame when we minimize the importance of a relationship with Jesus Christ. When being 'good enough' is supposed to be our ticket into heaven, and saying the word ticket isn't supposed to minimize it, either.
I even get a bit riled at the Anglican church when they say salvation takes place at infant baptism. Don't get me started. It's a relationship. A gift. And one that requires participation. Nuts.
