How Can I know My Religion Is Correct?
Here in Ghana at least, many are not convinced about their religion. Maybe they have inherited the religion from their family? Or they just kinda fell into it and started attending a youth group with their friends; or going to the mosque because many in their community were doing that?
When you talk to the people (as we try to do here with the Mission on an almost daily basis) you come to see that too many do not have any sense of assurance/certainty about eternal issues they seem to often lack eternal security. Hence they have doubts about their religion.
When you ask them searching questions like: “Do you know if your name is written in the book of Life” most say they don’t know, and that really only God knows.
This question is based on Revelation 20:15-And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. + Philippians 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. + other verses can be found in Revelation.
I would love to put together a little booklet to give to the people, to help them understand the wonderful assurances and realities that are available through faith in God/Jesus. Our Heavenly Father wants us to know Him, to have fellowship with Him to find rest and peace for our soul in Him, and to daily Know His presence, and leading. In short to hear His voice and heart beat, and to have His Spirit strengthen us for the doing of His will.
I would like to look at topics like: how we have an inner witness from God (Romans 8:16- The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. )
How we receive spiritual gifts like prophecy, and discernment of spirits, and healing etc, 1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. These gifts are given to benefit everyone but they also edify the user. For example when I pray in tongues it stirs my faith and it often gives me boldness for the evangelism work. These gifts help us to have assurance in Him as they lead us to put faith in the power of God.
I would also like to look at how we can know our religion is correct because of a willingness and we in fact have an ever increasing desire to talk about the wonderful things that we have because of God/Christ. Meaning that we want to testify/witness freely because of what we have received from Him. As opposed to having to do evangelism because we think that by doing so that some how we can earn eternal life- yuck, what a false idea….really how could we sinful and fallen from His glory humans, hope to earn eternity/salvation by our own means?.
Here at the mission we often ask people what they have received since they became a Muslim or a Jehovah’s Witness or a Mormon? (whatever the case maybe). Most can only testify to being thankful that today they are alive while others have not survived to live another day. Some also say they are thankful that they have the bible (they have the bible as they can see it, but they never really testify to having/knowing God. Could that be because of having a wrong doctrine about Christ? ..See 2John verse 9).
Yet when you talk to a Born Again Christian often they testify to eternal security and to having a personal relationship with Christ. They are then equipped to Witness for God.
I am open to ideas for this booklet, as I see that there is something of a need for teaching/material on such topics………..
Steve.
