What Have I Got to Lose? When Hope Is the Only Answer
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15
"I am an alcoholic
I have stage four cancer
and I want to get baptized"
While preaching one Sunday I noticed first time visitor Robert sitting in the congregation. Immediately after the benediction he walked up to me and made the declaration about his condition and what he wanted. Further conversation with him revealed he had been sober for many years, the cancer was a serious ongoing recent problem, and the desire to be baptized was a new idea.
Robert had tried every possible solution available to him to deal with the cancer that was ravaging his body. When nothing else worked he decided that maybe being baptized would result in healing for him. He stated:
"What have I got to lose. I have tried everything else."
It did not take long to determine he was not a candidate for baptism because he had never seriously considered becoming a Jesus follower. Fortunately, he agreed to further conversations and ultimately the assistant pastor was able to lead him to a place where he confessed his sins and become a Jesus follower. Unfortunately, he died from cancer before we were able to baptize him but, based on his confession of faith, we are sure he is now fully healed.
Dilbert creator Scott Adams died of cancer today. Similar to Robert, Scott hareached a point in his life where there are no good answers or solutions for his problem. He has run out of options to deal with his condition. Here is what he said recently:
"I've not been a believer... it is my plan to convert to Christianity. I still have time. My understanding is that you're never too late. So, to my Christians friends, yes it's coming."
These stories indicate why being prepared as a disciple-maker is critically important. Discerning the real condition of a seeking person is essential to directing them to the right path. Without the proper training someone might be willing to baptize a person like Robert without discerning his real need.
I hope among Scott's friends there was someone who pointed him to Jesus and not just to a belief system which Christianity can be if it is absent teaching on saving faith.
Disciples of Jesus have an inner hope, confidence and peace that is contagious. Prepared disciples are able to give a reason why they have hope and how others can find the same hope.
