Bring Down The Barriers

"I have always found that praying for souls is the best way to enter hostile territory," John said.

"Really?" Woody asked.

"Yes. On many occasions when I was instructed to enter a new city with the gospel, I prayed for men and their families to be converted. No matter how much opposition I met, many came to accept Jesus as the Messiah," John explained.

"But wasn't most of that backed-up with some sort of miracles?" Woody asked.

"Not all the time. Jesus did tell us some would accept our word because of who we were. Others did need miracles, but it was mostly those based on need," John said.

"Need?" I asked.

"Certainly. Many were sick in that day, and some were vexed with devils of many sorts. I am glad to say all succumbed to the name of Jesus," John explained.

"Wow. That must have been exciting!" Bill said.

"I guess you could say that, Bill. But remember, all this 'excitement' came at a great cost to God," John said, reflectively.

"I guess there's not a higher price to pay than to give your only son as a ransom for people who really didn't seem to want any help," Woody pondered.

"It is hard for me to imagine what God was thinking in the grand scheme of things, but this much I am assured of: He loves his creation more than words can articulate," John said.

"You have certainly brought a new light to the failing faith we've hidden in the closets of our hearts all these years," Woody said.