The Williamson Chronicles. . . Things              Clearly Seen

"Niles!. . . really. . . ."    "Now Martha, I was only suggesting to the boy that he find more productive endeavors with his time."    But Dad, I wanted to attend.   I'm really. . ."    "Charles, I'll have none of this foolishness.   You don't need a church or a God, assuming one exists."    "Niles," Martha said.   "He said he was only visiting. . ."    "But that's how it starts."   Niles used the napkin on his lap to wipe the scrambled eggs off his beard.   "If I've said it a thousand times, I haven't said is enough, religion is a crutch for the weak."    "But Niles," Martha continued.   "If Charles wants to form his own opinion, he should have the right to."    Charles nodded in complete agreement.    "He doesn't have to settle for a mere opinion," Niles said, having finished his orange juice.   "He has science."    "But, Dad, I don't think science has all the answers."    The statement drew that piercing look the family was well familiar with.   "Son, I realize that it hasn't provided all the answers you want-yet.   But I seriously doubt if religion will fare any better."    "But everyone needs something higher than themselves to believe in," Charles said.    "Then believe in science!   You can't get any higher than that."   Niles gave his mouth a final wipe, got up, and flung the napkin on his plate.   "I must go or I'll be late for class."    "But Niles. . . ."    "We'll talk more about this later Martha, perhaps Charles will have come to his senses by then."    [...] [...]

Throughout their heated argument Martha tried to intervene, to which Niles several times politely said: "shut up."   Finally, when neither two would budge, Niles grabbed his hat and coat and stormed out of the house. . . .    Niles held up the booklet one more time to verify the address.   He had found the church.   It was Wednesday night and the invitation on the back cover said services were at 7:00 p.m.   Niles looked at his watch, it was 8:05 p.m.   Entering the building he encountered a couple on their way out.    "Excuse me, is Mr. Williamson still around?"    "Yes," the woman said.   "He's in his office."   She looked down the hall toward his door and noticed it was partly open.   "I guess he's not seeing anyone."    "I know for a fact he isn't," her husband interjected.    "Thank you," Niles said.   Making his way down the hall he caught Williamson walking out.   "Ah!   You must be Mr. Williamson."    "Yes."   The Pastor said, extending his hand.   Niles kept his back.    "May I have a few moments with you?"   Niles motioned towards the office.   Soon the two men were seated.    "I don't believe I caught your name," Williamson said.    "You've met my stepson."   Niles removed the booklet from his coat and threw it on the desk.    "I see. . . you must be Charles' stepfather.   I hope the booklet didn't create a problem. . ."    "It did."    "I'm sorry I didn't mean to. . ."    "I don't appreciate other people meddling in the affairs of my family," Niles said.    Williamson sat back in his chair.   "Your son had questions.   If he didn't want the booklet he could have said so."    "He doesn't know any better."    "But Mr. . ."    "Thatcher, Doctor Niles Thatcher"    "Doctor Thatcher, your son is old enough to form his own opinions."    "He doesn't need opinions, he has the facts."   Niles made a sarcastic grin.   "But I suppose you wouldn't know much about facts since you deal with fantasy."    "I guess you're not a religious man."    Niles stopped grinning and leaned forward.   "Yes, you are quite correct.   And I have no intention of allowing Charles to become one either.   So you will keep your fictitious propaganda to yourself, or I'll be forced to take legal action."    Williamson was taken back, but then remembered what the Lord had said, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Mat. 10:16    "What part of the book did you find fictitious?" Williamson asked.    "Mr. Williamson, I don't think you fully understand. . . ."    "I'm assuming you read it."    "Surely you jest sir," Niles replied.   "I don't have to read it.   Its very premise is fictitious because it assumes them is a God."    "You don't think He exists?'    "I know he doesn't."    "You've searched everywhere to arrive at your conclusion?"    "Mr. Williamson, I refuse to succumb to any of your little tricks.   Yes, I realize that I cannot absolutely prove the non-existence of God.   But I'm afraid that you cannot prove his existence either."    "You're right, I accept it by faith.   You're the one claiming to use science, and science depends heavily on observation.   The burden of proof is on you."    Both men were surprised by a knock on the door.   It was Charles.    "Charles!   What on earth. . .?"    "I came to talk to Mr. Williamson."   Charles said, avoiding eye contact with his stepfather.    "There is nothing to talk about.   We are leaving; let's go Charles."

[...]

GOD'S PLAN FOR SALVATION
(The Bible Way to Heaven)

If you died today, are you 100% sure you would go to Heaven? . . . The Bible says you can be!
"These things have I written...that ye may know that ye have eternal life," I JOHN 5:13

Consider life's greatest question:
"What must I do to get to Heaven?"

A. You must understand where you stand with God.

1. Your sins separate you from God.
    "your iniquities have separated between you and your God," ISAIAH 59:2
2. That includes everyone.
    "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" ROMANS 3:23
    * Jesus died on the cross 2000 years ago to pay for your sins.

B. You must understand Heaven cannot be earned.

1. Not by doing enough good things.
    "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us..." TITUS 3:5.
2. Not by being baptized, joining a church, or obeying the Ten Commandments.
    "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."   EPHESIANS 2:8-9

C. You must be willing to change your direction from sin.

1. Sin will take you to Hell.
    "the wages of sin is death;" ROMANS 6:23
2. Faith in yourself, your baptism, or your church will cause you to miss Heaven.
    ROMANS 3:24-25; JOHN 1:12-13; JOHN 3:3
3. You must be willing to repent of your sins.
    "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out..." ACTS 3:19
    "The Lord is...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."   II PETER 3:9
    * Repentance means to change your mind or attitude about sin.

D. You must believe in Jesus Christ with all your heart.

1. You must receive Jesus Christ by faith as your personal Saviour.
    "being justified by faith," ROMANS 5:1
    * Eternal life was paid for by the shed blood of Christ.   Accept it as a free gift.
    "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."   ROMANS 10:13

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