Herman sent me a screenshot of a message he had received from a friend of his. He wanted to know if it was true. This is the message:
Yesterday I attended a public lecture organized by the theological faculty of the University of X entitled “Homosexuality in the Old Testament”. The speaker was Prof. Thomas Romer from France.
According to:
- The Bible is not the Word of God.
- God is an invention.
- Human rights are more authoritative than the Bible.
- Interpretation is subjective.
- And much more.
He was applauded by the professors and students of the theological faculty.
I then handed him a brochure explaining the Gospel.
One doesn’t know everything that was said in the talk, but Herman’s friend’s interpretation of it makes one’s hair stand on end. I replied:
That’s not what I think, Herman. The Bible warns us that in the end times people will stand up and proclaim falsehoods as truth. Indeed, God lives. God is real, because if it weren’t for Him, we wouldn’t be here either. I believe his Word is true.
The next morning, while doing my devotional in my study, the following verse was my verse for the day: 9-11 Stay away from pointless, pointless disputes over genealogies and fine print in the legal code. That gets you nowhere. Warn a rowdy person once or twice, but then finish him off. It is obvious that such a person is out of place, rebellious against God. By persisting in the split, he cuts himself.
Although it deals with the hot topics in Paul’s time, namely the Jews and the law of Moses, we also learn how we, Herman and his friend should act today. Most of the time we should not accept them. (I say “most of the time,” because sometimes the Holy Spirit prompts us to say something!)
They are smart, they will easily convince you. They are so sure of what they believe that they have no room for another person’s words. The best thing you can do is show them what you believe.
Hats off to Herman’s friend who did not keep quiet and gave the important professor a booklet on the Gospel. Now he can only pray for a seed to take root and the Holy Spirit to make it grow.
Holy Scripture
Titus 3:8-11
Reflection
Do you sometimes find it hard not to accept a person?
Do you know when to say something and when to prefer not to?
How can you witness more through the way you live?
Prayer
Father, I am so sorry for the people who have lost their way. I want to intercede for each of them and ask you to reveal yourself to them. Please help me also to be a living witness of Your truth. In the name of Jesus, amen.