Not just for assemblies

This morning I woke up with a burden...feeling like I haven't "done enough" in my time with the LORD this week. I immediately opened my journal and began to thank the LORD for the Gospel. Praying Truth. Thanking Him that I can't earn my way to Him. The work in me is His completely. I can't touch it. Worship was the result of that prayer.

Then on my walk into town to pick up train tickets from the post office, I was stopped by two Mormons.

We talked for half hour about the gospel. When asked what I knew about "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" I responded by telling them that we disagree on some of the fundamentals of Christianity. That I believe "atonement" means that Christ has paid completely for my sin, and that's it. And that they believe "atonement" then frees them to earn their way to heaven. They agreed.

They asked what I believed the gospel was. I was elated that they gave me an opportunity to explain it! Then they added on to what I said-- needing to be saved and then "earn mercy" as they put it. Oh my heart burst with grieving compassion towards them and gratefulness to God, "THANK YOU, LORD that I don't need to earn mercy...for that is impossible!" We discussed current day "prophets," "apostles" and I defended the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture as our only need for insight. God is so kind in the way He helps me. The Holy Spirit brought Scripture and the Gospel Primer poem that I'm memorizing to mind to help me communicate what I believe. "Christ's death is completely sufficient to atone for every sin that I have or will commit throughout my lifetime." "Even if an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to this, let him be accursed."

The conversation ended with agreeing to disagree. And I left more amazed by the gospel. More grateful for the truth that I can't do anything to earn anything. Aware that just hours prior, I was tempted to believe the same things these guys were "preaching" to me. Aware of God's abundant grace to me...and thankful for how God is teaching me to explain what I believe in this season...

...its not just for assemblies.