Faith over Knowledge

Happy Birthday J.R.

So glad you joined the fold.

8/16/2020

John 10:3 “He calleth…by name.”

“The soul is in danger when knowledge of doctrine outsteps intimate touch with Jesus.”

                                                          ~Oswald Chambers

Today is the birthday of someone who has been a part of our family for over 40 years. He is an extremely smart and highly educated man. He was raised in the church, but in his pursuit of science, he lost his way for a while. My husband, Randy, and he used to have conversations about many things including God and faith late into the night when they were together. He was very knowledgeable about many world religions, as well as Christianity, but considered himself an agnostic. He is married to a dear sweet Catholic lady, whom I love very dearly.

This man, outside of any witnessing by Randy, his wife, or me, started praying and meeting with Monsignor Connolly, the leader of a nearby church. This man was also very highly educated, so they spoke the same language. It was through these meetings that he came to know Christ, and was confirmed in the Catholic Church. Randy and I were blessed and honored to be the only other people in the church besides the priest, him, and his wife. The power of the Holy Spirit in the church that evening was the most profound I have ever experienced in my life, and it still brings tears to my eyes. God called this man by name, and sent the perfect person into his life to guide him to truth. Amazing Grace.  

We must be vigilant not to let any certain doctrine interfere in our relationship with God. This is what the Pharisees did. They were certainly learned men of the church who knew the doctrine more than anyone else, yet they were also blinded by it. They were in the presence of the Savior of the World, but could not hear His words or see Him. He only brought fear to their lives because of the authority from which He spoke, yet all they did was doubt.

Coming to Jesus is not about education or intellect, for it takes a knowledge of the heart and a turning of the soul alone to yield to Him. It takes true contrition and an acknowledgement of the price Jesus paid for our sin. This is the beginning of faith, and of the most awe-inspiring journey you will ever know.

“…Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29