Billy the Geek

I didn't catch all of Rev. Billy Graham's sermon last night on the radio, but I did catch one part (he is here in Oklahoma, you know).

He told the story of a preacher who got an e-mail from a young man. The man asked what does Jesus mean when he says "your sins are forgiven?" The preacher thought about how to put it in terms the young man would understand. He sent an e-mail back and it simply said: "It means, all your files have been deleted."

Hard to believe it is that simple, but that is exactly what happens. The slate is wiped clean. Once you accept Christ as Savior it is as if you never commited those sins, because God doesn't see them anymore.

Honestly, if the guy that approached me in college about faith had taken this approach, I might have had a much different life. Instread he gave me the smackdown about how my (then) recently deceased father was probably in hell and I'd probably be headed there too if I didn't listen to him. Gee, wonder why that pushed me further away? Sure it was true, but no one needs to hear it that way. (Me, my Dad, and this cult-y Religious Science church we went to is a whole essay waiting to be written).

Plus the fact that I'd spent most of my youth in a cult-ish Religion didn't help any.

I have finally turned things around thanks to Jesus, and life really couldn't be better. But it was such a long road to travel, I sure don't wish it on anyone. Man, if I'd just known sooner. Maybe I can save someone else the wait. Hope so. I sure would have appreciated it.

Further Reading:

• FAQ's about The Church of Religious Science - It may not technically be a cult, but it is close enough.
•  The Church of Religious Science - "we call it a cult."
  
• Why I Left Christian Science - a great personal testimony that began with a Billy Graham Crusade
  
• God-u-Like: The site that takes "an irreverent look at the faith industry" has an essay on the First Church of Christ, Scientist.
  
• "The Devil and Peter Tork" - Monkee Fans for Christ "I'm a Believer"
• The un-biblical aspects of the book "Embraced by the Light"
• Freemasonry: The Devil's Playground - Is there a connection between being a Mormon and being a Mason? "Was Masonry Derived from Mormonisim?"
• LDS-Mormon.com presents articles on Masonry and Mormonisim. And the similarities in their rituals.
• So, is Freemasonry a "Cult?" MasonicInfo.com says "no," it is merely a Fraternity. Crossbearar Brian says otherwise, and also claims the Pyramid on US Currency is tied to Masonry.
• Does this mean they are in leauge with Satan? BibleProbe makes its case.
• But maybe it depends on how you define a "cult." Pastor David Rosales has a Real Audio sermon that gives you some ways to tell. And Pastor Ken gives some reasons he feels Freemasonry qualifies.
• Shriners grew out of Freemasonry and are "dedicated to Masonic principles." Each Shriner "is a Mason as well as a Shriner."
• So how does one go from a Mason to a Shriner? First you become a Mason. But according to John Moore's article "Men in Obscene Red Fezzes," what happens next may make many Christians uncomfortable about Shriners.
• If Kenneth Copeland was a Mason, would it matter? Some say "yes."
• Ever notice there are no Female Shriners in the parades? That's beacuse they aren't allowed to join. How about blacks? Now that I think about it, I don't recall ever seeing a black Shriner. What's up with that?
• An essay on how the Masonic Doctrine and Christianity are not compatible
• BibleQuery.org lists at least 5 things wrong with Masonry. Ken would surely refute that, and has an extensive site that does so. SaintsAlive counters with their massive Freemasonry resource files.
  
• Ever wonder what a Masonic Lodge looks like inside? Hm, kinda how I imagined it.
  
• Mysticism - An Overview
  
• Questions a Christian should ask a Jehova's Witness - scroll to Volume 5, Issue 3