Live lessons from a dead branch
It took only one quick slash from a large machete. Suddenly the branch that moments before had been fastened to the tree for life and nourishment, was effectively dead because of its abrupt separation.
In that dynamic moment, several Dinangat Bible teachers very powerfully illustrated the separation from God that took place when Adam and Eve sinned.
These Dinangat believers, whose lives and village have been transformed by the gospel, are burdened for the lost and hopeless people in a nearby village--people who are without Christ.
When their neighbors saw that branch suddenly and permanently cut off, “they were reminded that they were cut off from a holy and righteous God because of their sin,” explains Jeremiah Markley.
Even though the branch was, for awhile, still green and pliable, no one doubted that once it was separated from the tree, it was dead.
The wilting branch was subsequently hung in the Dinangat teaching area as an illustration.
A month later it still hangs there. The leaves are dying and falling to the ground; the separated branch, once supple and green, is now rigid and dead.
“The death of that branch is a very tangible reminder to the people in that village how they stand in relation to God—separated,” Jeremiah writes. “They know they are in big trouble because of that separation from God.”
The power of that illustration has caused various members of the village to come to the Dinangat Bible teachers, troubled and burdened about their sin.
“I am just like that branch,” one of them told the Bible teachers. “Because of my sin, I have been cut off from God. You say there is a promised Deliverer. Can you ask Him to somehow join me back to God?”
The Dinangat believers are excited to share the joyful Good News about Jesus. They explain joyfully to these people that, as they come to hear teaching from God’s Word, they will learn how to be joined back to God.
“Please keep the dear ones in this village in your hearts and prayers,” Jeremiah shares, “that … they will be drawn to our loving God and believe! Pray, too, that this time of evangelism for the Dinangat Bible teachers … will strengthen their dependency on the Lord.”
You too can learn how to clearly present the Good News to people who know nothing about God. Find out how.