Misunderstandings
October 4, 2023Who Are The People Of God?
October 13, 2023
I first met Jacinta in April 2021 when she arrived at my office for counsel, referred by a mutual friend who thought I could answer her theological questions. As I opened the Bible and showed her salvation by grace through faith, she agreed in principle, but doubted that Jesus’ blood was actually sufficient to forgive all of her sins. I heard her story, showed her the clear promises of Scripture, and sent her home to ponder that crucial question.
At our follow-up meeting a week later, Jacinta softly told me she’d concluded that yes, God’s word is true, and Jesus’ blood really has the power to cleanse her from all her sin. As all who have tasted of Christ’s saving grace can testify, this heartfelt affirmation is the gateway to a marvelous lifelong journey. I witnessed remarkable spiritual growth in Jacinta as I discipled her over the following months. The next year she caught the attention of a newcomer to our church, Felisberto, who is astute theologically and already had a good job. By December, they were married!
Last Sunday, October 1, Jacinta gave birth to their son Samuel. He soon fell into respiratory distress and since then has been hospitalized in an incubator, on supplemental oxygen. He was diagnosed with a lung infection and spent a day comatose. He received some nutrition through a feeding tube to his stomach, but that was discontinued when his abdomen bloated. He has received blood transfusions and suffered intermittent convulsions. Pray that God will heal Samuel, that he will be able to go home with his parents and lead a healthy, normal life.
Pray also for Jacinta and Felisberto as they face the trial of their son’s illness and uncertain future. Jacinta is understandably shaken by the unexpected crisis, but so far her faith is holding fast. In words that
