Today our power walk took us out on the pier where there were fishermen to meet. We watched one guy haul in a baby sting ray! Another pulled up his crab basket with a small catch.
We enjoyed our chat with three young people: the two guys fishing said the fish were stealing their bait! The young woman with them was putting her well-worn Bible into her purse, so I asked about her faith background. She said she was a Christian and all three of them attended the same Korean Church. We told them we were both Christians as well. She asked if we had been born Christians.
I said, “Nobody is born a Christian. I grew up going to church, but didn’t begin studying the Bible until I was 27. That’s when I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. That’s when I was born again.”
She said, “I too grew up in a Christian home, but Christ didn’t become my Lord until a few years ago.”
The guys both reeled in their lines and joined the conversation. One said he was an engineer with NASA and grew up in a Christian home, but didn’t make Jesus the Lord of his life until five years ago. He said it was after he saw a friend change from being a quiet church-goer to an on-fire evangelist for Christ. He investigated and soon he too was born again. The second guy, a university student, had a similar story: grew up in a Christian home, but two years ago Jesus became real to him and changed his life.
Nobody is born a Christian. Becoming a Christian only occurs after one is born again.
- Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again John 3:3
- [Jesus speaking:] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ John 3:6-7
- SONG: ONLY ONE LIFE: Lyrics by C.T. Studd circa 1900, Music by Kathleen
Kathleen, I could say I almost envy you for all the opportunities you have and encounter people to talk about God. He has given you this special gift and I praise Him for using you and you following the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This is not my strength – I rarely meet strangers and my neighbors have made it clear that they are not interested in my GOD. I thank Him that He has given me a gift I am pursuing and supporting those in places where being a Christian is a crime.
Dear Helene,
God leads us differently because each of us is different. God is leading you to pray for and support our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering persecution. Thank you for what you do. In addition, you have been a godly encouragement to me.
Hi Kathleen, it’s always nice to read about your adventures, and how God is at work in your life. You are a true encouragement
Thanks, Dave! There’s nothing more exciting, nor fun, than talking to people about Jesus!