MINISTRY / A first responder's faith

The small house church groups 316NOW works with in China actively reach out to others with the gospel.

First responder’s faith

One of those house churches has had contact with a first responder who is a Christian. Or at least, he may be a Christian.

This was proof he offered he is right with God. "As a first responder, I put myself in danger every day. God has to love me because of my willingness to sacrifice my life for people I don't know."

The Christian’s faith

Of course, this first responder had it backwards. God is the one who has sacrificed himself for him, a person who wasn't a stranger but an enemy. It isn't that his sacrifice prompted God to love him; it is God's sacrifice that prompts us to love God.

It's unfortunate that this brave individual thought that his courage earned him God's love. But the benefit is, this man's faulty belief provided an opportunity for our Christian friends to talk with him about what it means to be saved by grace and not by works.