Pastors John Sherwood and Peter Simpson were preaching the gospel in the centre of Uxbridge on November 25. Pastor Sherwood spoke at some length on 1 Timothy 1:15, which reads,
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).
Why did God come down to earth as a man? It was in order to save sinners, and all people need to accept this faithful saying, this public declaration, because “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Pastor Simpson began his first preaching session by stating what a miserable thing it is not to be a Christian. In support of this statement, he quoted the following words from Romans chapter 3 describing the non-believer :
“Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness … And the way of peace have they not known” (Romans 3:14,17). Without Christ, no one possesses true peace in their heart; indeed, they are the enemies of God, being alienated from him because of sin. Pastor Simpson then followed with an urgent appeal for the hearers to make their peace with God without further delay.
One of the helpers, Mrs Pilkington, was encouraged by the number of leaflets handed out. One of her conversations was with a young man from Sri Lanka who was studying at Brunel University. He was a committed Catholic, but also had many questions. When he was told that Mary needed a Saviour just like everyone else (Luke 1:47), he was genuinely shocked. He was given the appropriate Bible reference, and said that he would study it.
Conversation about the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ then ensued. The student did admit to having some reservations about the prominent role of images within the Catholic faith, and he was willing to receive some literature about prayer, stating that he would like to come back for some more discussion.
In contrast to this positive conversation, a passing lady told Mrs Pilkington that the Roman Catholic Church was the only true church, and that she would pray for our sister to repent and become a Catholic!
At another point in the witness, an elderly lady went by and only very hesitantly took a leaflet, but she slowly began to read it, and she appeared as if she was taking it seriously.
May the Lord open her heart, and indeed the hearts of many others who heard the glorious gospel of salvation in Uxbridge upon this day.
