Mark spent the morning down at the boat docks, passing out our new postcard gospel literature. Then we all went on a walk, found a few geocaches, and realized that it is a pretty warm day, mid- 70's and rather humid. Tuesday is sort of our day off, though with cruise ship evangelism and a visit to the local jail tonight, it isn't a whole day off, but a time to spend together.
We walked about 3 miles today together, plus Mark biked 2 miles. Though that isn't exactly long term exercise, with decreasing back pain it has been good to get some time in walking. We placed our first geocache today, and hope to meet some of the folks who stop in to find our little treasure. Thanks to the Jiminez and Slusser families for introducing us to this sport that encourages us to learn more about the history of our new hometown and get out in the sun for some good exercise.
All along the way, we have chances to share the Gospel with folks, give some literature for them to ponder more after they go home. Last night's Open Casa brought in a couple of young men from up north. One from Michigan and another from North Dakota. We had a great talk about the Lord and I challenged them in their thinking about Jesus as truly God rather than just a man who spoke for God sometimes. Jesus Christ is much different than the prophets or apostles, who always gave credit to God for His Word. Hebrews 1 and Revelation 1 are just a few passages of the Bible that clearly define Jesus as wholly God and not just a representation, but the exact image of God manifested in human flesh.
The religions of the world have many various teachings and books they consider to be holy and inspired by God, but the Bible in its original language and documentation is the only one that answers the question of origins and purpose for the human race, and that entirely without error. I thank God for the authority of the Bible and that gives me great confidence that God will do as He promises. We can rest assured that those who are in Christ will not be condemned, but also that God's justice demands payment for sin. God never sweeps anything under the rug. Rather, God sacrificed His own Son, Jesus, as the full payment for all sin of those who will repent and trust in Him for salvation. What a wonderful and blessed truth, and one that we only know because God chose to reveal it in His Word and by Jesus being made manifest. What a blessed hope!
As we walk through our lives on this earth day by day, we can have confidence that the Creator God with infinite power is in fact love. Not that God does love, but that He IS love! Accepting that love from God will make the difference between eternity in Heaven due to the payment of Jesus Christ on your behalf, or eternity in Hell paying for your own sins against God. Which will you choose? I hope you choose wisely and follow the only way, the only truth, and the only One who can grant eternal life, my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ the Righteous, who is, was, and always will be God.
