My Apology to Art

To Art,

Needless to say, I was saddened by your response to my last e-communication with you. If I have offended you by some way that I have expressed myself in writing to you, I apologize sincerely, Art. I am well aware that I am imperfect, and therefore I may be vulnerable to offending others. However, if you or anyone at all is offended by the Gospel of Christ our only Savior, then I really cannot help that.

I didn’t originate or formulate the Gospel. Instead, it came from God alone. What is the Gospel? It is the wonderful plan of our great Creator God, devised and implemented for our redemption. He revealed it to us in His Book, the Bible, and in the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ. He is expressing His great love for you and me, Art, through that plan, -- His love for all the world!

Friend, I want to make it clear that I certainly do not pretend to be better than others, nor to have any special “in” with God, apart from His love and grace, which are available to all. I do know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I am now a child of God, by grace through faith in His Son. And I know that when I complete my earthly journey, I will be at home with the Lord. You, too, can know that, Art. Anyone can. I have NOT worked for it, because I couldn’t succeed in a million years, and neither can anyone else.

There’s more that I want to write you, Art, if you’re willing. You sounded very skeptical when you wrote me on the 27th. You had asked me about the end of the world. Would you like to know more? I don’t claim to have all the answers, but would be glad to pass along to you some of the Bible teachings that I have learned. They can be of tremendous comfort and encouragement to you, Art.

I sincerely care about you, as well as the many other friends that I have known over the years. My desire is to know that you will prepare your self now, to join me someday in the Heavenly mansions that our Savior went to prepare.

Sincerely,
PapaPops