Just got a chance to share Christ with a guy in Starbucks.
We started talking about business and technology (because I recognized and commented on the corporate logo on his polo.) One of the big things we talked about is the globalization of business and economy and how companies that don’t change will die. I shared with him how we are trying to incorporate some of the principles of globalization at Dare 2 Share Ministries. He asked questions about what Dare 2 Share was all about and the conversation evolved spiritually from there.
He started asking me questions about what I viewed the next phase of worldwide religions to be. He believes the world is on the brink of a kind of globalization of religion where many people currently in the major strands of belief systems out there (Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, etc) come together with a much more comprehensive and inclusive voice than any one belief system offers.
While I shared with him that I am convinced that we all need to come together to have the conversation in a loving, thoughtful and intelligent way, I also shared with him the challenge of the claims of Jesus himself in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
In the words of C.S. Lewis (the guy who came up with the book series The Chronicles of Narnia and the foremost Christian philosopher of the 20th Century), because of Jesus’ divine claims throughout the gospels, Jesus is either Lord God, a lunatic or a liar. If Jesus is a kook or a con then the whole Bible is a crock. If Jesus is Lord then, not only is he the only way to heaven, but the rejection of him is a sure way to hell. That’s why it would be tough for basic, orthodox Christians to come together for a hodgepodge, mix-n-match worldwide religion. It would be impossible to get away from the forthright sayings of Jesus claiming to be more than just a mere man, good teacher or powerful prophet. He claimed to be God plain and simple. He either was or wasn’t.
My friend begged to differ.
Pray for us as we have the ongoing conversation via e-mail and occasional Starbucks run ins. BTW, who have you shared Jesus with lately? Post your story below. I really want to hear it!
Keep daring to share!
