Yes...Ralph has a lesson...keep reading...
Have you ever wondered if we are too careful in dealing with people about the gospel?
After all, you have probably heard many testimonies of large groups of people getting “saved” when a preacher from America visits somewhere in Africa and gives an invitation.
I thought I would let you see a normal conversation…one that is like those I have multiple times a week with people.
Having the vantage point of over 40,000 Gospel students online now, and corresponding with people from all over this continent, this discussion is very common and the misconception is very real. Ralph is on lesson 10 of 36. So he is not completely new to the studies, nor is he well advanced.
This will show you the thinking of many AND the lack of understanding even though he knows English rather well.
Here is the question in this study:
8. A person that tries hard enough (good works) to please God can escape from the Lake of Fire. True or False.
Ralph answered “TRUE”
So the conversation began…
Trusting in our own works and NOT in Christ is very common here. (I might add it is common in the US also)
How to correct a man and not offend him becomes an issue. Truth always trumps etiquette, but it is good to be wise and yet harmless. (I am working on that one)
Notice how he says he understands, but in the end he does NOT understand at all.
Only one on one questions can uncover this.
Helping people see they are trusting their own reasoning and they have no Bible basis for it is necessary, but difficult to do.
But see how this man is open about where he got this idea. That is progress!
Now to drive the truth home. Does he see the real purpose of the law?
Now his answers seem good and we will move forward with the lessons.
But the real question… did he just give me the answers I wanted? Or does he truly see the truth?
This is part of why we continue on with further lessons and asking similar questions all along the way. It is not unusual for men to answer this one right, explain that they understand…and later the truth is uncovered that they are still trusting in their works for salvation.
As Christmas is approaching, would you pray for Ralph and the hundreds of others I am dealing with who have no idea why Christ came to earth, but yet call themselves Christian?
Thank you for your prayers!
Douglas Hammett
Dec. 12, 2019
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Appreciate your work and tips, purposedcoaching. Has been instructive and helpful to me and our Church.
We have had 3 people who made previous professions baptized this year. The root of each was a lack of understanding of the truth that all our righteousnesses are filthy rags and are condemned before God, deserving His wrath.
Praying for you.
JByler