"I knew her for years and we were good friends," Connie told me sadly. "She was a Mormon and I wanted to tell her about the real Jesus, but her death was so unexpected, and I never had time."
Death is often unexpected. We don't know what tomorrow holds (James 4:13-14).
That's why it's important to listen to God's promptings and share the Good News whenever we have the opportunity (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Some people, like Connie's friend, are involved in cults and false religions. Some think they can earn their place in heaven. And some think there's nothing beyond this earthly life.
We must tell them there's only one way to be saved (1 John 5:1-12). And it doesn't involve working their way to heaven--it involves believing in Jesus and receiving the free gift of salvation he offers (Ephesians 2:1-10).
So let's pray for wisdom, timing, and boldness to naturally, accurately, and lovingly share Jesus with those in our lives.
For insights, encouragement, and inspiration for sharing Christ in ways that are natural to you, see the Bible Love Notes Sharing Christ Collection. And to help identify the evangelism style that is most natural for you, see the collection What's Your Evangelism Style?
Note: The LDS (Mormon) church denies the Trinity and denies that Jesus is God. It teaches that Jesus is a created being, born to God the Father and a celestial mother. Mormons define Jesus as “God” but they believe all humans “possess the same potential to become gods (like the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost).” (source)
If you don't know about the many false teachings of the LDS church, please see the Bible Love Notes collection Articles on Mormonism and Use Discernment When Watching the Chosen.
Great Post! Thanks for such encouraging words :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings from - A Victorious Woman of Faith: nontokozomaposa.blogspot.com
I love reading your posts. I read them almost everyday since last year. However, I am confused by this part of your post, "When we're saved, we want to do what God commands. But doing what God commands doesn't save us." I am a Roman Catholic and I have been to Christian bible studies. However, I stopped going after realizing that they were hypocrites (the Christians I met). They kept teaching the same thing, that believing He will save us and not striving to clean up our act is enough to bring us to Heaven. They would attend bible studies and I could see how much of a contrast their beliefs are to their lifestyle. They do not live a humble life, they go "clubbing", they live in excess -- basically, they reek of the world... Anyway, I have a hard time digesting what you just said. Is this not conflicting with Matthew 7:23, "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' 23"And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.' "?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I also wanted to ask you about which version of the bible would be best to use. I currently have the NIrV but I am getting rid of it after learning that the NIV and similar versions like the NIrV are corrupt versions of the bible.
I hope to hear from you soon. God bless!
Thanks for your thoughtful comments and questions.
DeleteYes, hypocrisy has always been a part of the church throughout history. That's why we should find the best Bible-believing church we can, learn from the godly Christians and pray for the hypocrites.
About the statement "When we're saved, we want to do what God commands. But doing what God commands doesn't save us.":
We probably agree more than you realize--what I'm saying is that we come to Jesus as sinners who have done nothing to earn our salvation.
But, once we are saved, we will naturally become more godly and begin to do good works. We won't be perfect, but we will begin to grow in godliness. 1 John 2:3-6 speaks about this as well as the Matthew passage you quote.
To say it another way: good works don't lead to salvation, but genuine salvation leads to good works.
About Bible translations: I use the NIV most often, but there are other good translations as well. The only thing I would be careful about using is paraphrases such as the Message. Since they're not translations, they aren't as accurate and should only supplement our Bible study, not be our main source of study.
I know there are some people who teach that the only un-corrupted version of the Bible is the KJV, but before making up your mind, I hope you'll read what other Bible authorities teach. For example:
http://www.gotquestions.org/KJV-only.html
http://www.equip.org/articles/is-your-modern-translation-corrupt/#christian-books-1
Thanks and God bless you,
Gail
Thank you for the quick response. I finally understand and completely agree with everything you just said. I think I misinterpreted what you wrote on your post. Perhaps, it was the wording? (I'm from the Philippines and I'm sure you can tell by the way I structure my sentences that I'm not American).
DeleteAlso, thank you for the links you provided. I will make sure to read them before I purchase a new bible.
Thank you again, Gail. God bless you!
Your English is great.
DeleteMy devotions are very short, and sometimes it just helps to have a little more explanation.
I'm glad I was able to make it clearer for you.
God bless you,
Gail
Another Roman Catholic reader here. I do love reading your posts, thank you!!!
DeleteYes ,because we are saved by God's Grace not doing good. Our sins are washed as white as snow if we ask, turn and repent of the. Do not be discouraged you will have trial and tribulation in this world, Christ has over come it all. Some people will be told go Away I do not even know you, because of their unrepentant , unforgiving ways they behaved to others on earth. We must as Christians try to behave more Christlike. Be in the world not of the world.
DeleteThank you, Gail, for sharing this. I loved your clear way of sharing what to say to someone who needs Christ. It is so simple. I hope to have an opportunity soon.
ReplyDeletea very lovely post, Gail! we need to tell other people that do not know Christ so they may know him and for them to invite him into their lives.
ReplyDelete