Missions Perspective
Look to the sky. Look to the moment. Look at this perspective on how and why we are sharing the gospel from Jutty, our project leader.
It's interesting being in another culture, where the same message needs to be proclaimed in a totally different way. The bullet points are the same:
1. We are all wretched and in need of a savior
2. Christ died for the ungodly, to pay for their sins
3. Belief in Christ's death is the only way unto salvation
But, in Italy, the things we spend more time on are different. They all know about Jesus, and can even state why he died... "for the sins of the world." But, they don't understand how much power their sin has to bring about the wrath of God in judgment. Nearly every Italian, with roots in Catholicism, think that they will earn their way to heaven by living a good life. This poses the question once again... then why did Jesus die?
"For the sins of the world."
"But, if you are earning your way to the Father, then his death is not paying for anything... you are"
It's amazing to see reality hit a mind so set in a doctrine. Despite the contradiction. This is why it is so important for an Italian to understand just how wretched they are. Guilty of break every law, nearly every day. And to read James 2:10 "For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it." Guilty as charged.
Until sin is realized, Christ is unnecessary. "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if justification were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose." Galatians 2:20
Once sin is revealed, now we move to grace. The free gift of God to pay for the sins of the repentant heart. If we breeze by sin and move to grace, they will not see the need to believe. But when we see ourselves in the light of the gospel, grace is the only option. Christ then becomes necessary, and his death has meaning.
Italians need to hear it put in this light. But then again, don't we all?
Quote of the Day:
"You can't eat the whole Bible at one time. It's impossible."
It's interesting being in another culture, where the same message needs to be proclaimed in a totally different way. The bullet points are the same:
1. We are all wretched and in need of a savior
2. Christ died for the ungodly, to pay for their sins
3. Belief in Christ's death is the only way unto salvation
But, in Italy, the things we spend more time on are different. They all know about Jesus, and can even state why he died... "for the sins of the world." But, they don't understand how much power their sin has to bring about the wrath of God in judgment. Nearly every Italian, with roots in Catholicism, think that they will earn their way to heaven by living a good life. This poses the question once again... then why did Jesus die?
"For the sins of the world."
"But, if you are earning your way to the Father, then his death is not paying for anything... you are"
It's amazing to see reality hit a mind so set in a doctrine. Despite the contradiction. This is why it is so important for an Italian to understand just how wretched they are. Guilty of break every law, nearly every day. And to read James 2:10 "For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it." Guilty as charged.
Until sin is realized, Christ is unnecessary. "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if justification were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose." Galatians 2:20
Once sin is revealed, now we move to grace. The free gift of God to pay for the sins of the repentant heart. If we breeze by sin and move to grace, they will not see the need to believe. But when we see ourselves in the light of the gospel, grace is the only option. Christ then becomes necessary, and his death has meaning.
Italians need to hear it put in this light. But then again, don't we all?
Quote of the Day:
"You can't eat the whole Bible at one time. It's impossible."
posted by Salerno Summer Project Team @ 11:36 PM
2 Comments:
At 10:33 PM,
Anonymous said…
We're so excited for all that God is doing in Salerno! Its really amazing. We pray that God would continue to bless you all and the Italian students. - Baldwin
At 6:25 AM,
Anonymous said…
I say briefly: Best! Useful information. Good job guys.
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