A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE PETERSONS
“SWEETHEART, you did an exceptional job moderating the debate,” said Susan Peterson.
“Thank you, Susan,” responded the professor as he took off his jacket and tie.
“Did you tell Jamal or Nick about your new faith?” asked Susan as she handed Dr. Peterson a small bowl of Blue Bunny ice cream.
“No, not yet. I haven’t told anyone but you.”
“Why not?”
Dr. Peterson didn’t answer.
“You haven’t told anyone but me? It’s been over a month since you prayed to receive Christ.”
“Well, it just wasn’t the right time. I wanted to tell Pastor Greg this Sunday, but he seemed busy and I just didn’t have a good opportunity.”
“Bill, I hope you are not afraid of a backlash. I think at some point soon it would be good to tell your friends. You know Jamal and Nick will be excited, and even though some of your colleagues might give you a hard time, they will still respect you. Even more importantly, God will honor you. Remember the teaching of Christ, ‘Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.’43 Bill, you’ve taught a false view of Christ for so long, I think you should start telling everyone about your conversion and humbly admit you were wrong in some of your teaching. Why not start proclaiming the true historic Christ?”
“Susan, you’re absolutely right.” Dr. Peterson paused to scoop them both more ice cream, then continued. “I didn’t want the word to get out before tonight. As the moderator, I didn’t want the attention shifted toward me. I also didn’t want the audience to think I was biased, but I figured that at the right time I would share my change of thinking about Christ to all the faculty and students. In fact, I have been seriously thinking about reserving Wesley Auditorium so that I can lecture on “Did Jesus claim to be God?” I am unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ and believethis would provide a good opportunity to present my case for Him.”
Susan threw her arms around her husband. “I believe in you, honey. God will use your testimony.”
“I know the critics will come after me, but that’s what I deserve for being so stubborn and deceiving so many young minds over the years. May God have mercy on me.”
“Bill, if God could use Saul of Tarsus, who persecuted the Christian church, to write large portions of the New Testament, I’m confident He will give you wisdom to influence Opal University.”