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Trek 2008 - Crib Sheets - Well...I'm Catholic
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Trek 2008 – Crib Sheets – Well...I’m Catholic
By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Rom 10:9-10 NIV
This is the third in a series where I’ll share some of what I hear on the road and how the Holy Spirit has led me to respond. I call them Crib Sheets.
When I meet people, it isn’t long before I ask, “Are you a Christian?”
One answer I often hear is, “Well….I’m Catholic.”
I have many close friends and relatives who are devout Catholics. They are Christians who have a close personal relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, have asked Jesus into their life, study the Bible, and are on their way to heaven when they die. Catholics often identify more with the word Catholic than Christian because of how much they love their church. To them, the word Catholic is all inclusive of church, worship, family, and God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and they say it with reverence. For most, when they answer that they are Catholic, they mean they are a Christian who is a Catholic. Unfortunately, some mean they go to church but have not had a personal encounter with Jesus.
It is important not to jump to any conclusions about what someone means by their answer. Since this may be the most important question anyone can ever answer, I like to get clarification to the answer. I usually ask something like, “What does being Catholic mean to you?”
Listening
I listen until they stop or begin repeating themselves.
If they haven’t already answered the question, I ask, “Do you have a close personal relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Again, I listen.
I end with asking, “Have you specifically invited Jesus to become a part of your life?” I listen.
God’s Word
When they finish talking, I ask, “May I tell you what I meant by the question, ‘are you a Christian?’”
No practicing Catholic has ever said no.
I continue, “According to the Bible, a Christian believes in God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. I know Catholicism teaches that. Do you believe it?”
I usually get a head nod.
I ask, “Christians, including Catholics, believe in the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and that He died for our sins. Am I right that you believe that?”
Every practicing Catholic I’ve ever met agrees with that.
I add, “Christians are to confess and repent of their sins. Most Catholics are great at that. I wish all denominations and religions practiced confession and repentance as well as Catholics do.”
Usually, I get a laugh and a nod.
I end with, “The last thing is the personal invitation to Jesus. The Bible says we must confess with our mouth and believe with our hearts. Jesus gave us free will and He waits for us to ask Him into our lives. The Bible calls this process being “born again” and says that unless you are born again, you won’t see the kingdom of God. When I ask the question, ‘are you a Christian,’ I’m asking if you’ve specifically invited Jesus into your life.”
Testimony
I tell them my story. “I invited Jesus personally into my life at age 8. I believe the Bible so I know beyond a shadow of doubt that if I die tonight, I’m going to heaven. Do you have that assurance?”
Assignments
If I get a solid yes, I celebrate with them. Sometimes I tell them about my close Catholic friend, Janice Sullivan, and how much we enjoy studying the Bible together. Other times, I share some of the fabulous worship experiences I’ve had in the Catholic church. I very much admire how much Catholics enjoy being inside their church building and their sense of reverence.
If I get any hesitation, I ask to pray with them right then. I say something like, “You don’t ever have to wonder again. We can pray right now and settle this issue for all eternity. You already believe in Jesus, which is the hard part but believing isn’t enough. Asking Jesus into your life is the easy part. I’ll lead you, sentence by sentence if you’re willing.”
If they say yes, I say simple words like, “Dear Jesus, please forgive me for the wrong in my life. I believe in your birth, death, and resurrection, and that you died for me. I trust you with my life and all eternity. Please come into my life right now.”
I say each sentence slowly and wait for them to repeat it. When they finish, I say, “The Bible says that the angels throw a party every time someone becomes a Christian. Heaven is having a party for you. The next time someone asks if you are a Christian, just say yes.”
If they are uncomfortable praying with me, I give them a tract and encourage them to pray later.
The Result
People of all faiths can spend their entire life in church, practicing religion, and miss the point. One person said that no one had ever told them before that they had to ask Jesus to be a part of their life. I never apologize for making sure someone understands what the Bible says they need to do to become a Christian. I’ve never had anyone offended by this conversation and I’ve had many thank me for it. It never hurts to allow someone the opportunity to affirm their faith and there is always the chance that we may lead someone to Christ.
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Cheryle M. Touchton is the Director of Pocket Full of Change Ministries. For more information or to schedule a speaker for an event, go to www.pocketfullofchange.org or call Gail Golden at 904 316-5462.
This ministry exists because people like you are called to help fund the work of the kingdom. To help keep the Pocket Full of Quarters Lady on the road as a traveling missionary, send your tax deductible contribution to Pocket Full of Change Ministries, POB 51205, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32240.
© Pocket Full of Change Ministries
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