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Christianity Explored
07-12-2007 | Christchurch Blog | Church | 07 Review »
On Tuesday Dec 4th, we finished out the latest ‘Christianity Explored’ course. Throughout the previous 8 weeks, we had the privilege of sharing the Gospel with a group of about 10 folks who came out consistently to hear various talks on the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the course was drawing to a close, one man made this comment: “My Tuesday nights won’t be the same without coming here”. It’s amazing how in such a short time, our hearts had become knit together as we shared our stories and revealed where we were on the journey of faith. We began as strangers and ended as friends.

From my perspective, it was an immense joy to see God at work in the lives of these people. One lady shared how she became a Christian on the course, and to the amazement of her co-workers, put other agendas aside to make sure she attended every Tuesday night! She came to find out what Christianity was all about and now is determined to publicly declare Jesus as Lord and Saviour by being baptized on Jan 6th.

Another man shared how he had attended church with his wife for a number of years and thought of himself as a ‘good person’. As the course progressed, he came to realize the error of that perspective and became aware of his own need for a saviour. God was at work in his heart, and one week he came and shared excitedly how he had raised his hands during worship the previous Sunday. Salvation had become real for him as he shared with us in his own words: “Yes! I now believe Jesus died for me”.

Everybody seemed to benefit from the course. Two other people who came as believers have made the decision to get baptized. It was clear as we engaged in dialogue that everyone else was wrestling with these great truths and although not believers yet, we entrust them to the work of the Holy Spirit who alone can open the eyes of their hearts. Let us pray that the seeds that were sown would someday bear fruit.

My friends, there is no greater joy in this life than knowing our salvation is real and that it is assured because of the finished work of Christ on our behalf. But that joy is experienced by more than us. In Luke’s gospel, Jesus declared: “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). I share these testimonies so that you likewise can rejoice in the redeeming work of God in our midst. Thank you for reaching out and inviting and praying for those people who came on this course. A special thank you also to those of you who accompanied someone on the course who doesn’t know Jesus. Let us continue to share the gospel with those around us so that God indeed may receive all the glory due his name.

The next ‘Christianity Explored’ course begins on January 15th, 2008. Please use the next few weeks strategically to invite people to come. Let us not tire of telling the old, old story, anticipating that God will reap a harvest in our midst.
Bob Mc Can