A Palawano Prophecy

The Palawano people of the Philippines have a story about an old man named Erot — whose name meant “Guide.” This story occurred before World War II. One evening Erot sat down with his children and some of the other young people of the village.

“I have something important to tell you,” he told them. “One day an American will come to you bringing a book with him. When he comes, you should believe what he teaches, because the book that he will teach from tells of the true God, and how to have eternal life.”

Nearly 40 years passed. The old man’s prophecy lingered in the minds of the clan, still unfulfilled, until missionaries from America moved in among them. They began teaching from a book that they claimed was the Word of God.

Inting wondered, “Could this be the one my father Erot spoke of?” She had to know. And there was only one way to know for sure. She asked her husband repeatedly to go listen to what the American with the book had to say.

Putek was reluctant, but he finally went. He listened and the eyes of his understanding were opened. Putek realized that this was indeed what Erot told them to wait for! This was the true story of the true God.

He listened and believed. Then he couldn’t wait to get home to tell his wife. What joy Putek had when she listened and also believed.

Years passed by. The Palawano church grew, but they did not have God’s Word written in their own language. They were still like newborn babes, dependent on their spiritual parents for truth.

Then in June of 2014 the Palawano New Testament was finished. It was proofed, printed and ready to place into the hands of the believers. A joyous celebration took place as the Palawano believers received God’s Word in their own language for the first time.

“This book is a treasure to us worth more than gold or money,” said Abil, one of the church leaders, as he held the Palawano New Testament in his hand. “We are so thankful to our white uncle that God sent to us to bring us God’s Word in our own language so that now we can read it and understand it for ourselves,” he continued as he wiped tears from his eyes. “Now that we have God’s Word we are responsible to be faithful to study it and obey it.”

Paul wrote to Timothy, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2 Tim. 2:2).” Each year faithful men and women leave here having been trained to serve as missionaries among the unreached people groups of the world. Thanks to all who help make it possible for folks like the Palawano people to have God’s Word written in their own language. Without the prayers and support of God’s people, I could not serve here at the Missionry Training Center.

Bob

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The Sole Basis of Salvation
by Lance Latham (founder of AWANA)

There is something within the heart of a man which constantly presses to make a perverse addition to the sole basis of our salvation, the work of Christ on the cross. Constantly pressed by the sin of pride, the mind of the natural man is ever reluctant to admit its sinful, helpless condition.

Many who understand the gospel refuse to come to Christ because they will not admit that they lack a shred of goodness, righteousness or desirability within themselves that God can accept.

Religious leaders try to add baptism, church membership, faithful living, personal sacrifice or some other human work to the work of Christ to the hope of salvation for the believer. Such philosophies may have filled the coffers of religion but have confused the issue of salvation and thus damaged countless souls.

One who discovers the gospel will instantly realize that the sole basis of his salvation is the work of Christ on Calvary’s cross. Saving faith depends alone on the value of Calvary. All other possible sources for the assurance of salvation are counterfeit.