"Pre-Conversion Disciples"

Jesus is asked two questions about how many people take hold of "salvation."

One, "Who then can be saved?"  Jesus replies, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  That question of "who" redirected our attention to whose Personhood qualifies us to take hold.

Two, "'Lord, are there few who are saved?'  And He said to them, 'Strive to enter through the narrow gate.  For many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.'"  Luke 13:23-24.

I wish evangelists were as humble as this man was to ask Jesus how many are saved.  Jesus said that He would build His church; it's not my job.

I wish more would redefine hope for salvation in terms of pressing into the Kingdom, because the word "salvation" as it is used in the New Testament usually is speaking about our experience of this life and the resurrection life, and infrequently meaning who is going to heaven.

Soul & a Name

Soul # 14

• Soul #14 is an older, married man who holds a steady job.  He has children and grandchildren, some of which live in his home.  He has worked the graveshift for 20 years.  When he wakes up in the afternoon he comes to the coffee shop to have his morning cup.  We grew accustomed to seeing him earlier this summer, when he wouldn't talk hardly at all but would regularly sit there and keep to himself.  After a couple weeks he opened up a little to the most outgoing regular older guy who is part of our group.  However he never said much to Janet or I.  After a couple of months he would small talk for a minute to us.  I would talk about Jesus occasionally and I got no response.  But things changed in September when I offered communion and I asked him what he thought.  He agreed with solemnity and excitement.  From that day on, something happened to him (as it did for all of us).  It was like he saw things through the lens of belonging to a group.  He opened up to us and spent time visiting with all.  He made sure everyone had a seat before he'd take one.  He brought his wife one afternoon.  On another day, one of our physically ill regulars could not make it because he was so sick.  The next time Soul #14 saw him, he put his hand on his shoulder and leaned over and said to him, "We are praying for you."  NO WAY JESUS.  Last week, Janet asked him individually what he thinks of all this God stuff.  She found out that he went to a church when he was a young child, but he doesn't remember what kind of church it was.  He doesn't know much about churches or the Bible, but has always believed in God.  His family goes to church on Easter or at Christmas.  Soul #14 likes small groups.  He likes getting to know people personally without a lot of show or drama and his wife is the same way.       

Jesus, I pray that your Holy Spirit would fill this soul and that his whole family would invite You in to follow You together as their own new little church community.  I pray that this man's family will see You at work and turn to you with their whole hearts, forever, to your glory and praise.




I've been living in this tension of where Soul # 14 was and is.  But God knows!  Does it matter who is saved and who is not?  Yes of course.  But there is more on the line than just going to heaven.  I will strive for the narrow gate!!