Who you you say that I am?

     I wanted to begin this article with a question for the reader; “Who do you say that Jesus is?” 
      You may be familiar with this question. It is the same question that Jesus asked His disciples in Luke chapter nine. “They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’” 
     During my last visit on campus I spoke with two different groups of teens in their units. In the first group I was approached by a young lady who said she was confused with respect to religion.  This young lady (who I will call Shay) said, “the Muslims also acknowledge Jesus so I’m trying to pick between Christianity and the Muslim faith.” 
      I told her, “I can help clear that up real for you real quick.”  So, I asked Shay the same question that Jesus asked his disciples with a slight modification. 
     I asked, “Who do the Muslims say that Jesus is?”  I asked that question because the Muslim faith holds that Jesus is a prophet. This belief is actually one of the same responses that the original twelve disciples gave Jesus, but Jesus did not affirm that claim. I went on to share Peter’s exclamation in that passage, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.”  As I explained this, it seemed to clear up her understanding quite a bit. This led Shay to ask more questions. Sharing the basic truths of the Gospel is very important in not only evangelism but also in discipleship. 
     As I visited with a second group of residents later that day, another young lady (who I will call Pam) I had the opportunity to speak with me.
     “Is there such thing a ghost?”  Pam asked this question because her roommate was worshiping and praying to a spirit that she claimed was a man.  This caused Pam to be afraid in her room and wanted some clarification.  I assured her that God will protect her. I reminded her of the passage in 1 John 4:4; You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
     I think that the first epistle of John communicates a very significant truth.  John identifies the different levels of maturity within the Body of Christ.  John addresses three groups- ‘little children,’ ‘fathers,’ and ‘young men.’ He shares with each one a message that is tailor-made to combat their individual struggles.  John reminds us that the ‘little children’ (who can also be considered babes in Christ) need to be constantly reminded of what Jesus has done. They need to hear again the promise that God made to protect us and keep us from falling. 
     As I left the facility this week, I realized how often I am dealing with babes in Christ who need to be affirmed and reminded of their state. Their struggles need to be met with the Promises of God.  Please keep these young ladies and myself in your prayer.  I pray that God will continue to equip me to respond and lead each child that I encounter to the truth of the Gospel and the one and only true living God our Savior Jesus the Christ.
 
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