Confronting Kryptonite…

I was wondering, do you fight against the powerful force of Kryptonite? I do, or at least that’s how it feels to me sometimes.

There have been 16 Superman-related movies released since the character was created in 1941 — not to mention the 32 animated superman movies. If somehow you missed all that while you where growing up (in a cave somewhere), let me give you a little more background — “Superman is faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.”

But, and there is usually a “but” somewhere in these stories; Superman losses his strength when he gets near Kryptonite. Kryptonite in it’s best known form, is a green crystalline material originating from Superman’s home world of Krypton that emits a peculiar radiation that weakens Superman, but is generally harmless to humans when exposed to it in short term.

Well, I don’t pretend to be Superman, but I can usually hold my own with regard to sharing my faith, discussing the Bible, seeking significance or discussing how God is working in my life and in the lives of those around me. Except when it comes to my family, and then it seems as if they possess some sort of Kryptonite. Maybe because like Kryptonite, they knew me when I lived in my old all about me world.

So recently, during my quiet time with God, I was reminded of several facts: That fear is a liar. That I was possibly displaying some sort of Imposter Syndrome. I was choosing to live in the past — the time before I knew Christ as Lord and Savior. I was reminded that, now, my identity is in Christ — and not in the old me.

God led me to these verses: (And as Jim Elliot, the modern-day martyr taught, “Who needs a voice when you’ve got a verse.”) Paul the Apostle says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Paul also says, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires (Hebrews 4:12).

I’ve got five adult kids, their spouses and 14 grandkids in my family. All but one son and his family live outside the St. Louis area. I deeply love all of them, and I have many things on my heart to talk to them about, but speaking directly to each of them about important matters is more than a challenge. I’ll keep trying in spite of the kryptonite, but in addition, and hopefully to spark more direct conversation, I also recently sent the letter below to my kids and to all my grandkids of high school age and older:

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Dear Family:

Last week, 70 people died near Reagan Airport in a terrible plane crash. On that morning, those 70 people woke up and headed out like it was just another day. Little did they know it would be their last day alive. I choose to believe in God’s Word, The Bible, which makes it very clear that each of us only have so much time physically here on earth; the death rate for humans is 100%. Then our soul spends the rest of eternity either in heaven or in hell.

I believe that to be a reality. Some people may not feel that’s fair or not a reality, but as my friend, Jon Benigas told me long ago, “You can argue with reality, but you’ll lose; in fact, you’ll lose 100% of the time.”

I think each of us has the ability to read what God’s Word says about Death, Hell, and Salvation. And as a loving father and grandfather, I’m sending you studies from Legacy Builders on those three subjects — that affect every one of us. You don’t have to answer the questions included in the study, but please just try to process what The Bible has to say. If you read about death and hell — you’ll want to know what God’s Word says about Salvation.

I know where my soul will spend eternity. I will be in heaven with God. Can you make the same claim? I say it not because I’m better than any of you. Arguably, I’ve made bigger mistakes than any of you have. I say it — because I know I’m forgiven. I’m forgiven because I trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord.

I pray that you read the studies I’m sending you on Death, Heaven and Salvation as a way to see what God’s Word says. You don’t have to take my word or anybody else’s word. Read it for yourself.

We all tend to make a lot of assumptions — which is oftentimes a dangerous thing to do. Those 70 people who died last Wednesday assumed they would still be alive on Thursday. Some people assume that because they live a pretty good life, they’ll end up in heaven. Some people assume that because they go to church, they’ll end up in heaven. Some assume that because they belong to a certain denomination or religion or lead a religious life, that they’ll end up in heaven. I can tell you that God’s Word doesn’t say anything like that, but check it out for yourself.

The Sadducees and Pharisees were some of the most religious people ever — and yet Jesus had a lot of issues with them and a lot of warnings for them.

Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). So maybe there’s more to this than meets the eye. And I don’t think that this is a “majority rules” situation.

The thought that any of you would not spend eternity with God in heaven breaks my heart. Because I love you, I’m sharing this information. What kind of dad would I be to not share it with you? I hope you take the time to read it and see what God is trying to tell you through His Word. The reality is, that there are no “do overs” after your body dies or your mind goes. And another reality is that none of us know when our time will come. This subject is too important to put off. Can you honestly think of a more important subject?

BTW, by reading and studying the Bible, I found that many of my original thoughts and assumptions were different than what God’s Word says. That’s probably because many of those assumptions were formed when I was in second or third grade. I’m glad I looked it all over again with the mind of an adult. I have the peace of knowing where I’ll spend eternity — and I’m glad I’m still here to point you in the right direction — says the guy who just had a minor stroke three months ago.

What do you have to lose by reading these studies — on your timetable? We’re talking about less time to read each of them than you would spend watching one movie or viewing one sporting event.

Love always,

PS: I plan to send the study regarding SALVATION later.

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FATC Brothers,

Let me know if you want me to send you these great Legacy Builders’ studies regarding what the Bible says about Death, Hell and Salvation. And I ask you the same question I asked my family: What do you have to lose by reading them?

John Muckerman

FATC Inspirational and Leadership Studies Lead

314-435-4041