Everything Can Change in a Moment
Doctrine Does Not Save People
We have a new episode of the Redeeming Missions podcast out today, from an unnamed nation with a ministry leader whose name has been changed for security purposes (we call him Andrew). This is a sobering conversation—a real, on-the-ground perspective from someone leading ministry in a country where Christians face actual persecution. And yet, the episode is also filled with incredible stories of inspiring miracles and encouraging hope.
Following is an excerpt of our conversation—Andrew’s answer to my favorite podcast question.
Question:
What does it mean to carry Christ to this nation? When I say that, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Andrew:
Love them as God loves them. First, show them the love of the Christ. You know, every—every booklet, every literature which we give them, if they don’t have a message of the love, it’s nothing. . .
I’ve read a lot of books about the doctrines, about theology, and, you know, the doctrine does not save people. Only the love of God saves people. Only Jesus saves people. And we should show them Jesus. Mahatma Gandhi, he had a slogan, he said [something like], “I would become a Christian if I did not know a Christian.”* Sometimes our character [doesn’t] let us show the love of Christ. . .
If you have the hope of Christ in you, if you have the joy of Christ in you, if you have the love of Christ in you, people will easily see this. And they will come and ask you, “You are different. . . Even though I’m against you, you love me, you show me love. How does this happen?” It’s the love of Christ.
*The exact Gandhi quote is unclear, but many sources point to a statement along the lines of, “If it weren’t for Christians, I’d be a Christian,” or, “I like your Christ; I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
Listen to the entire Redeeming Missions podcast episode, available now wherever you stream your podcasts!