Yesterday, the Dinangats heard very clearly that the only way to eternal life is through Jesus. The lesson emphasized that a person cannot merit salvation through their works as the people have been taught by others.
As missionaries Gary Smith and Ralf Schlegel finished the lesson they asked the people if they had any questions or thoughts.
Rengke asked, "People in [Papua New Guinea] believe that if we read our Bibles and go to church faithfully then God will save us. Is that true?"
Gary opened the scriptures to John 14:6 which was read earlier in the lesson and reread it. Then he changed the words to say, "No one comes to the father except by reading the Bible every day."
He asked, "Is that what Jesus said?
"No!" the people shouted.
Then Gary read, "No one comes to the Father except by going to church every day. Is that what Jesus said?"
Again they replied, "No!"
Then Gary reminded them about the penalty for sin and asked, "Does reading your Bible pay for your sin? Does going to church pay for your sin? What's the only thing that can pay for your sin?"
"Death!" they all shouted.
"Yes. That's right," Gary said. "And what did we just hear today that Jesus came to do for His sheep?"
Gary looked at Rengke who was smiling from ear to ear and asked, "Are you happy? Is that why you are smiling?"
"Yes, I'm very happy," Rengke replied.
Others in the crowd were also smiling as they started to realize that Jesus was going to save them from the sin that traps them.
Basa's heart was stirred so he stood to speak. He gave an impassioned speech telling the people that they needed to stop praising their efforts and believe only in Jesus.
"It was awesome," Gary wrote.
After the lesson Esingke told Gary, "I am a leader in this village, but I too am a sinner. I should not believe in what I do to save me because I am not able to, but God can save me and Jesus is the only Redeemer."
Please pray that many Dinangats will place their faith in Christ as they hear the rest of the story.
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