Choose You This Day

I returned from our trip to Kenya to find a letter from a local man that I had been in touch with who was generally antagonistic toward God and those that tried to serve Him. I had given him a copy of the booklet I wrote about Harrison Oulo and his remarkable testimony. This man had read the booklet and returned it with comments like I had submitted it to him as my English paper for the semester. He was a retired English teacher. He had nothing to say about the content only that I had deceived people into thinking this was a first person narrative when in fact it was a third person narrative. I don't believe there is any legitimate cover-up involved. I wrote it biographically. There, it is in print. No deception intended.
My hope was that this friend would read the article and consider the possibility that Jesus is truly the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. From all appearance, it didn't happen.
Admittedly, one of his heroes was the 19th century agnostic, Robert Ingersoll. Ingersoll has roots in Saline County. We have a historical plaque about him in the middle of downtown Raleigh, IL. He once had an law office, with his brother, in the Saline Co. courthouse which was located in Raleigh at that time. Ingersoll was known as an eloquent speaker, but drew the ire of preachers in his time. The founder of the city of Zion, IL, where I grew up, spoke at least 2 sermons directly addressing the message Ingersoll was promoting in that day. Dowie, who founded Zion had nothing good to say about Ingersoll. It is reported around here that Billy Sunday once said that Ingersoll would change his belief that there is no hell within 10 minutes of his arrival there.
My friend, who derided and ridiculed me publicly, chose very specifically to reject the possibility of knowing God through a relationship with Jesus. It is a terrifying thought to picture him in Hell without hope and consciously regretting the decisions he made just a couple weeks ago that now will be with him for eternity. I was not the only one that recetly addressed him regarding his need for Jesus. He was calculated in his rejection, but God through several people was calling to him. When I found the letter he sent me while I was in Kenya, I read it and had determined that it was futile to respond any longer. Just after coming to that conclusion in my mind I received a phone call informing me of his death.
If God was calling him, I know he is calling others. Be sensitive in these days to respond to the voice of the Spirit as He directs our steps to those needing a Savior. Some will respond and that choice is the biggest thing that will ever happen in their lives. Use these days and the power of the Holy Spirit in you to be a witness. I don't want Hell for anyone. Even for those that ridicule and degrade us. It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.