MINISTRY//Notes from our 316NOW team
Notes from our 316NOW team
No condemnation
Between now and the end of the year, our 316NOW team will have the opportunity to share with you some of their stories.
As you read their stories, please do two things.
Pray for our team and the souls they care for.
Consider how you might partner with them. https://www.316now.org/firmlyforward
In addition to our online courses for church leaders and potential church leaders, 316NOW offers several Bible classes for women. They are led by Confessional Lutheran women in the U.S.
One of those women's Bible study leaders writes about the impact of inaccurate teaching that Chinese Christians are exposed to.
A newer student in my class answered a question. To illustrate her answer she stated that a woman in her church was not a "true believer." The reason: she gossiped and spoke in an angry way.
My translator clarified for me that Chinese churches often teach that anyone with obvious sins in their lives cannot be Christians.
But that causes insecurity for every Christian. If believers are honest with themselves, they must conclude that, since they have sins in their lives, they can't be sure they are Christians.
Our discussion turned out to be a wonderful opportunity to more clearly define what a true believer actually is. No one, not even Christians, are perfect but the forgiveness Jesus won for us makes us saints in God's eyes. That's our comfort and assurance.
I am not sure how many in my class believe that Christian sister's definition of a "true believer." But it is something I continue to clarify in our study of God's Word together.
Praise God that the Spirit gives us these glimpses into the false teaching the devil uses to devour our peace. And then gives us a voice to show what the Bible says.