A knock at the door

Finally!  Missionaries at the door.  And the truth is they only really wanted to visit our house so they could come inside and see it.  But that's ok . . . . if our house is the draw for me to talk to them about Jesus and the gospel of grace, I'll take it.

They came yesterday evening for the first time and then invited themselves back and they were already here this morning.  I made it very clear that these conversations would not end in baptism of me into the LDS church.  They were fine with that and acted interested in what we believe.

They started this morning with their booklet 'The Plan of Salvation' which starts with pre-earth life.  So, it took us one hour to go over two paragraphs of their booklet because I had lots of questions and then just wanted to direct it to the salvation plan.  The classes we go to from Share the Son ministries instructs to keep it to the main point.   Disregard polygamy, all the weird rules, temple garments, etc.  Keep it to salvation and how you remove the stain of sin.  Because really, that is the main point.  I pray that a seed was planted before they left--I was very clear what I believed and didn't want there to be any question that I agreed with them--because I don't.  LDS are very commandment driven and their salvation depends on it.    I gave them the example of the criminal being crucified beside Christ.  He didn't have any opportunity to obey any commandments but he did go to heaven.  Jesus said he will see him in Paradise on that day.  So how could he possibly go to heaven without keeping commandments?  I got blank stares back from them.  I'm in a bit of a quandary now because I'm meeting with them again and need to study up a little before I do but am going through Grudem's systematic theology course (without quizzes and tests at the end) and would rather study it instead.  My time is limited . . . but God is faithful.

Here is one of the sister's illustration of salvation.  Notice the stair steps to get out of the pit of sin to God.  If you don't complete the stair steps, no enchilada.

Next week we will meet again.  I invited my neighbor to participate.  I have had a hard time finding a decent way to share my faith with her while still pointing out flaws in hers.  And keeping a friendship that is dear to me.  Next week will be an opportunity to do each of those things, for both of us.  I'm sure the feeling is mutual for her.