Acts 2:22, 36-38 God publicly endorsed Jesus by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him. … Let everyone know for certain that God has made Jesus to be both Lord and Messiah! … Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Note from Debra: When Ken told me the name of my blog caught his attention because his dad titled his autobiography “But God,” I asked him to tell me more. The story Ken told me (below) matches what’s going on in Acts 2: It’s all about Jesus, Messiah and Lord. Messias and christos have the same meaning: the anointed king who has God’s authority and approval.
First, the mystery of resilience
Look at what’s happening to the pansies!!
When I woke up in the middle of the night, three deer were cuddled together in our front yard, but so far they haven’t re-attacked the pansies. And in the photo you can see the pot beside this one, planted with the same type of pansies and decimated by the deer in the same way, hasn’t grown back at all. There’s a parable here…
And now, Ken’s story:
I guess the biggest “But God” event I recognize from Dad’s life is that when my parents got married, it was a mixed marriage. My Mom was raised Catholic, and my Dad was a Lutheran. They married against their parent’s wishes, and decided that to avoid conflict, they would simply never discuss religion or God in their marriage. Dad would go to his church on Sundays and Mom (and the kids) would go to the Catholic church.
In the early 1970’s my Mom got caught up in the Catholic Charismatic movement and was born again. She began reading the Bible and felt led to submit her will to Dad as the spiritual leader of the home. Bible verses that Mom put into practice (and that are not at all popular today) are 1 Peter 3:1-7.
Mom’s life changed dramatically, and Dad noticed. He began asking questions, but as a “good person” he didn’t see his need for Jesus for a few more years. He eventually gave his heart to the Lord though as well, and one by one, their children (including me) met Jesus.
I just marvel how good God is, and how He revealed himself to my parents and myself despite their plans to avoid Him.
Thank you, Ken. It’s all about Jesus.
What’s YOUR But God story?
Debra Kornfield 