“I would just like to say one thing - for an account that was written 20 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus, that has countless contradictions, and we don’t even have the original writings of, all we have are copies…. someone has a lot of explaining to do!,” said Tom, a recent graduate and atheist who has been coming to our weekly small group and events to take a look at the scriptures and interject his many objections to the Christian faith. He found our group after a campus-wide outreach and has been coming faithfully ever since.
It has been challenging for me and our student leaders to continue to engage with Christian students while also being relevant to address Tom and other not-yet-believer’s questions. I have encouraged our leaders to see how good this engagement process is because it shows us and other Christians how to engage in healthy relationship with all who are seeking truth. Johanna, a student leader, asked Tom “Why do you come to our group?” He replied, “Because I want to know the truth.” He has stated that the more he knows, the more he knows that he doesn’t know very much.
In our study of the woman caught in adultery (Luke), he asked, “Why does the presence of Jesus change the laws? These men should be able to stone her.” I explained that the presence of Jesus means everything. These men who have spent their entire lives dedicated to the scripture have every right to kill and condemn this woman according to their laws. But the presence of Jesus brings fulfillment of the law. They recognize that this Jesus speaks with authority and so they must put down their stones.
Another student, Nathaniel, an agnostic, said, “I wonder if it doesn’t so much matter what Jesus says to the scribes and Pharisees, but if it’s more important that the woman is not condemned.”
And then out of frustration, Tom listed out his reasons why he can’t believe in the Bible, maybe to remind himself of why he doesn’t believe this. This Jesus did not fit what he had thought. God has grown my love and care for Tom as he continues to show up and bring forth his objections. I do believe it is evidence of the Spirit drawing Tom closer to him. Please continue to pray for these students to declare Christ as their Lord. Would you believe with us for this strong passion to be turned and used for the glory of the kingdom?
No comments:
Post a Comment