Question mark lapel button
Dr Howard Kelly always wore a button with a question mark on it. He was constantly asked for the reason he always wore it, to which he asked in reply, “What do you think is the greatest thing in all the world?” Knowing they were speaking to one of the most renowned surgeons of the time, many replied “Health.” Others replied that love, family, security etc were the greatest things in the world.
Dr Kelly would then reply, “No! The BIGGEST QUESTION in all the world is ‘What think ye of Christ?’ and the GREATEST THING IN ALL THE WORLD is to KNOW CHRIST.”
The late Dr. Howard A. Kelly was professor of gynaecology at Johns Hopkins University. He held honorary degrees from the Universities of Pennsylvania, Washington and Lee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. He was one of the four great men who made Johns Hopkins famous and he was a pioneer in the field of gynaecology and radium therapy, as well as in the field of medical illustrations. His published works were unsurpassed in his day.
Taken from Dr Kelly’s writings: (remember he is a renowned gynaecologist)
I have been intimately associated with eminent scientific workers, have heard them discuss the most profound questions, and have myself engaged in scientific work and so know the value of their opinions in science and religion.
I believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of God, without human father, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary. I believe that all men are sinners by nature, alienated from God, and that, when we were thus utterly lost in sin, the Son of God Himself came down to earth and, by shedding His blood upon the cross, paid the infinite penalty of the guilt of the whole world. I believe that he who thus receives Jesus Christ as his Saviour is born again spiritually, as definitely as in his first birth, and, so born spiritually, has new privileges, appetites, and affections and will live and grow with Him forever. I believe also that no man can save himself by good works or by what men call a “moral life,” while good works are the necessary fruits and evidence of Faith.
Would you agree with Dr Kelly that to KNOW CHRIST is the greatest thing in the world?
My experience is no where near as great as his, but I certainly agree with Him.
The REALITY of the living Christ cannot be denied. That He CHOSE to be my Saviour and CHOOSES to be my Companion is incomprehensible but true!
Incomprehensible questions
MEETING IN THE CLOUDS 
Your post reminds me of my Evangelism Explosion training many years ago. People whio had done the course were eligible to wear a badge with 2 question marks (designed to create an interest & stimulate a conversation).
question 1:
have you come to a place in your spiritual life where you can know for certain that if you were to die today you’d go to heaven? Or is it something your still working on?
question 2:
Suppose you were to die today and stand before God and He were to
say to you, “Why should I let you into My heaven?” What
would you say?
The whole EE course relies on teams praying whilst others “do the visits/make conversations”. Sadly I couldn’t inspire anyone to join me….
Stephen
LikeLike
I have used that second question many times myself. (I preface it by saying that it won’t happen that way) It is a great opener and cuts straight to the point, letting you know exactly where they are at in their thinking.
I also find it good to use with children. It works well with children because they are literal thinkers and actually put themselves into the situation, whereas adults tend to dodge the real issue.
No one to join you? Can’t understand that . . .
Angela
LikeLike
Thanks Ben. I tried to fill that empty void inside of me for 22 years without success. NOTHING satisfied. Since I acknowledged my deepest need and accepted Christ as my Saviour, that empty void has been filled, often to overflowing. We serve a great and mighty God!
Angela
LikeLike
I absolutely agree! There is nothing more satisfying than to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Nothing else in the world can fill the emptiness in our souls. It’s neat that you quote these doctors. All our physical ailments are really a manifestation of our deep spiritual wounds. The wages of sin is death, and only the Great Physician can heal the real disease that we have.
Of course you knew I’d have to comment on your health/science-themed post. :) Thanks for writing. Your posts are always thought provoking.
LikeLike