Some questions naturally lead to a good “verbal tussle.” This is one of them. It is a controversial question, which is sadly regrettable. It polarizes Christians into camps: the mainline, stoic, denominational church pitted against the Pentecostal, holiness expression. Mainliners would probably answer the question, “through my baptism.” That invariably leads to the next question, “when were you saved?” Pentecostals will usually say that they remember the exact date with pride. Their life turned completely around. That’s perfectly OK. Commendable really. We who are staid Lutherans can learn from such conversations. I wish we got more excited, on fire about our salvation.

Everybody has their own “coming to Jesus” story. Martin Luther, the dutiful Catholic monk, pondered endlessly until he realized he was justified by grace through mercy and faith. He was reborn, feeling like he had walked into paradise itself,

David Berkowitz, the notorious “Son of Sam,” was told by a fellow inmate that God loved him and had a purpose for his life. Jesus’ love poured over him as he knelt in his cell. Like the thief on the cross, also a murderer, he grasped the unseen outstretched hand that gave him new life.

President George W. Bush (# 43 or “Dubyah”) had a lengthy and deep conversation with Billy Graham and rededicated his life to Christ, attending Bible studies.

I think a deeper, more meaningful question than the title is to change the tense to make it ongoing, continuing action. “How are you meeting Jesus today?” Are you entertaining angels, knowingly or unbeknowst? Do you have those “aha” or “God-wink” moments that make you all tingly? We meet Jesus not in coincidences, but in actions already orchestrated and led by the Holy Spirit. We may relate stories about how God saved us in the time of trial – surgeries, life transitions, grieving. But how about all the countless all-the -time situations we are saved from? Driving our car safely every day. The times when we DON’T trip. Little alerts that tell us when we might be in physical or emotional danger. May you delight in the ongoing, continuing action and companionship of our unconditionally loving amazing Lord.

Pastor Art