SERIOUS Evangelism

I don't know where she gets it...

but my sister said that in church on Sunday my niece was really enjoying the singing of some old hymns. My sister was kind of surprised, because Lindsey is a HUGE fan of contemporary Christian music...plays it in her room, dances to it, sings to it really LOUD...but she has been pretty vocal about "old songs" just not being her favorite because she doesn't understand what they mean.

Anyway, on Sunday, my sister noticed that Lindsey was singing along to "Victory in Jesus" and seemed to be very enthusiastic about it...right up to the words..."He PUNCHED me to victory, beneath the cleansing flood."

My sister couldn't help but laugh because she remembered that when I was little, I thought those were the words too...and made a mental note to talk with Lindsey later. The conversation went something like this...

Robyn: "Lindsey what were the words to the song today?"

Lindsey: "Victory in Jesus..."

R: "and later on?"

L: "He punched me to victory beneath the cleansing flood"

R: "I don't think that Jesus would punch anyone"

L: "He would if they were stupid."

R: "No, I don't think He would -- then people would become Christians because they were scared of getting punched."

L: "They should be scared...a punch is better than going to hell."

R: (having a hard time arguing with her logic) "But Lindsey, Jesus wants people to have a free choice in choosing Him."

L: "Yes He does...so He lets the smart ones choose...and the stupid ones He punches beneath the cleansing flood so they can go to heaven even though they are stupid...and nobody sees it."

R: (giving up) what do you want to eat?

much later:

L: "Mom, do you think it is just Jesus that is allowed to do the punching or can I invite some of my friends over who don't know Jesus for a swimming party?"

R: {groan} "Lindsey, we need to talk..."