catching up

I honestly thought once we got through the missions trip to England things would slow down. Well a missions trip to Stratford, a funeral, a wedding, and a million other things to do they still haven't. turns out keeping up a daily blog is stunningly difficult, but we will press on and hope to get it down eventually.

Since last Saturday I have had the blessing of leading two people to Christ. The second yesterday, my wife's uncle Ted. In studying for the advanced personal evangelism course that I will be teaching in August I came across an article describing a presentation of the gospel. It was unlike anything I had seen before, and I was intrigued.

The presentation relied on I Peter 2:21-25, "1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."

Having entered into a conversation already with a Lady last Saturday and finding ourselves at a familiar crossroads, namely "I have done that a thousand times" I was impressed to venture into this passage. pointing out that verse 21 tells us that Christ suffered and left us an example to follow, we looked at that example in the following verses. Obviously we cannot follow the example in verse 22, since we have sin. We also cannot follow the example in the first part of verse 23 since we retaliate against others who attack us. However, in the end of verse 23 we find an example we can follow, that we also can commit ourselves to Him that judgeth righteously. Verse 24 is the key verse in this, as you read that verse to them, ask them this question. "where are our sins?" the answer is very clear, they are on Jesus Christ according to the Scripture. The next question is very personal, "Where are your sins?" It is at this point that you should be prepared to hear a very long explanation of all things they have done. Let them finish, don't interrupt or take part in the conversation until they are through. When they stop, tell them "that is very interesting, but I think you may have misunderstood my question." re-read the verse and ask again, "where are your sins?" both times the individuals stopped and with stark realization that they had been trusting in their own works said, they are still on me aren't they.

Upon this realization I asked if they would like to put them on Christ, and they were ready to receive Him. I took them over to Romans 10, and explained that all they had to do was to call on Him as Lord, believing in His Resurrection from the dead. The boss is always responsible, accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour is putting your sins on Him where they need to be.

It was a great blessing to see these two folks trust Christ. I hope that you can use these scriptures to see others follow Him as well.