Praise God for another life changed.
I have a great friend, Greg K (I am going to not use his last name because he would want God to get the glory) who has always been an encouragement to me shared as story that gives God the glory. Now let me say Greg is a pilot, but he shares the love of God.
He started by saying, “First & foremost, this is NOT about me ...not in the least.”
Greg reminds us that “God is really REALLY BIG.....” You and I are very VERY small, and that's a good thing!”
God's timing is always right, good, and often amazing. About 26 yrs ago John B and Greg K crossed paths while they both flew a night freight job for different companies, but each night they had an hour to kill at the Milwaukee WI airport waiting for the freight to arrive. They became friends. Somewhere during that time JB says that GK gave him a Bible with a bunch of verses outlined .... Greg says, “honestly I don't remember giving him the bible; but I do recall us often talking about spiritual things.” John was pretty quick back then to tell Greg he was NOT a believer.
TIME and LIFE rolled on....
They lost contact, then years later crossed paths ....stayed in touch, but lost contact again as they both chased flying jobs around the country.
1.5 yrs ago they found each other again. Internet, facebook.....you know.
John reminded Greg about the Bible (still has it,) and told Greg that he's been reading it ...a lot.
Although they haven't seen each other in over 15 yrs, during the past year they wrote many emails to keep in touch, and to share bible studies. Greg says, “It was really neat to watch this man, my ole' nonbeliever & cynical friend, come to FAITH.”
John landed in Denver (he's a Captain with USAirways) one night and the next morning Greg picked him up for breakfast and finally a face-to-face reunion.....
They caught-up thru several pots of coffee, went to Greg’s home, wrenched on motorcycles awhile in the garage, & took the bikes for a spin to the mountains & back. THEN they had to head back to the airport hotel so John could get ready for work.
Before out of my parking lot, I said "Ok Johnny, new topic.... For God so Loved the world... Where do you fit in that?"
John started talking, and showed great insight into the scriptures and a solid understanding of the gospel.
He got it!
He knew that "religion" isn't the answer, "works" have no power to save, but that IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS.
As Greg drove, John began to read Bible verses that made a difference to him.... questions & discussion followed.
And then not 15 minutes later (in almost a perfect paraphrase of Acts 8, Phillip & the Ethiopian,) John said, "Greg, find us some water.....I want to complete my faith journey & get baptized into Christ.... and I'd prefer to do it before I takeoff in that Airbus headed for JFK."
Way to go God .....Amen Holy Spirit.
At that point we happened to be 2 miles from the church Greg is connected to, so an exit later we parked at Sanctuary Christian Fellowship and got into the empty building.
There were only a few things left to say....
"John you're right, it's all about Jesus ...always has been & always will be, and confessing Him as Lord. Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God who died for your sins?"
John says, "Yeah Greg, Jesus is Lord ...all the way!"
Greg says, "Well buddy then this is real simple... there's no magic in the water. We're saved by GRACE thru FAITH in the blood of the Lamb ...period.
Without FAITH right now in God's power to connect you with that blood, this baptism will only get you wet.
With FAITH, then Romans 6 happens right here upon you and you claim the promises of Acts 2:38-ff."
"I get it, trust me I do ...I want IN. I believe."
"Because of your confession John, I'm able to baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit......."
You like me, probably wander why share stories like this?
WHY did Greg share this with a few of his Christian friends.....??
He didn't even remember giving John a bible.
It's never about US, but all about His Spirit working thru us to effect others.
We scatter seed...
God does the really cool stuff inside individual hearts.
And whether we get to watch the fruit grow immediately, have to wait 26 years, or never see it......
His Word never returns empty ;-/
How cool and humbling is that....
-gk
