Soup soap
salvation
«I believe there is more between heaven and earth…» Have you ever heard anyone say these words? Many people accept that there are dimensions they cannot quite understand. Some people feel quite at home to speak of faith and doubts whilst others find it difficult to express their thoughts. The purpose of these guidelines is to give inspiration to those of us who are employed by the Salvation Army as to how we can speak to colleagues and those we meet in our work situations about faith, doubts and other spiritual issues. Soup, soap and salvation are the foundation stones in the work of the Salvation Army. With soup and soap we meet the basic needs of those we meet. Among other things we offer food and clothing, a roof over their heads, someone with whom to share the ups and downs in life and we give help in finding employment. Salvation can also be found through soup and soap. 2
The Salvation Army’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination Working in the Salvation Army are officers (in fulltime service and with red epaulettes on their uniform), soldiers (members with blue epaulettes on their uniform), adherent members and civilian employees. Each one has a role in the mission with soup, soap and salvation. When we work in the Salvation Army we must tolerate being present at a service, listening to a prayer or a Christian song. A working day for our employees is filled with conversations about faith and doubt, bible reading, bible stories, meditation and an active prayer life. In all this variation we work together to further soup, soap and salvation. This booklet has been prepared so that everyone who works in the Salvation Army should be able to speak about salvation, faith and doubt. 3
What are your thoughts on hearing the word salvation Are you comfortable in speaking about salvation? What do you associate with salvation? What do you think about people who are saved – or are not saved? The War Cry writes often about salvation – has anything you have read there made a special impression on you? Salvation is sometimes described as: coming home, experiencing forgiveness, receiving eternal life, becoming a Christian. The Bible tells us that God created the earth and all living creatures. It tells us that God wishes to have contact with everyone.
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We read in the Bible about Adam and Eve who, because they disobeyed God had to leave the good life with Him in the garden of Eden. Jesus came to the world to restore the relationship between God and mankind. He died on the cross and carried all our sin. How do you relate to the bible story of creation? How do you relate to the bible story of Jesus? Have you any experience of the Christian faith? Why or why not is Jesus a relevant person in your life? What do you think happens when we die? These are questions that are relevant when looking at the perspective of salvation.
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Why should we speak about salvation? • Many people have questions concerning these issues. • Some people are hurting and it can be helpful to speak about these things. • We who work for the Salvation Army need to look to the whole person – body, soul, the social and the spiritual. • Salvation is a part of the Salvation Army’s mission. How do you relate to being a part of the Salvation Army`s mission with soup, soap and salvation? Has anyone questioned you about faith and salvation because you are employed by the Salvation Army? If so, how did you experience that? How do you meet people who have wounds and are hurting spiritually? Has anything or anyone made it difficult for you to believe in Jesus?
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Who can speak about salvation? All employees in the Salvation Army can speak about faith, doubts, spiritual needs and salvation. Speaking about salvation is not about winning in a debate or coming up with the right answers. Not every employee is expected to be able to answer every question. Perhaps you can refer the questioner to a counsellor or maybe contact a counsellor yourself to become stronger in these conversations. In some of our programs, we meet restrictions concerning preaching. These we must always respect. Was salvation a reason for your desire to work for the Salvation Army? Do you find it interesting to speak about faith? Are there questions you wonder about? Do you want to hear about other peoples spiritual experience or convictions? Do you wonder why it is that some people believe in Jesus and others don’t? 7
How can we speak about salvation? Sometimes the subjects of faith and salvation come naturally and spontaneously. Perhaps because of a service or meeting attended over the weekend or because of the death of a family member. It’s also possible to take the initiative for a conversation about salvation and decide upon a time and place. In every situation respect must be shown for privacy. In speaking about salvation we can choose the expressions which are most suitable. It’s also possible to use bible stories, songs or written prayers. In which situations do you find the theme of salvation comes spontaneously? Respect for ones own and others privacy is a matter of course – have you experienced coming close to the borderline? 8
When can we speak about salvation? It is natural to speak about faith and salvation at someone’s request. We can have the conversation or seek help from a colleague or counsellor. In conversation we can give information on services and meetings and also of possibilities of speaking with a counsellor.
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Where can we speak about salvation? Salvation and faith are subjects that are often spoken of in the setting of a church or other place of worship but also quite natural in other places and situations. On a park bench, in the canteen, in the reception, in your or my office, in the playground, on the train or bus, by the coffee machine, in the conference room, on the telephone, in the car, in the shop etc. On the next pages you will find resources that can be helpful when speaking about salvation.
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Resources The Lord’s Prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, *for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matt 6,9-13
* Included in some late manuscripts.
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Prayer for Salvation Jesus, you have said that all are welcome to come to you and I come now. I know that you gave your life to atone for the sins of the world, and I believe that you died for me. Forgive me for what I have done wrong. I know that you came to open the way for me into Gods presence and I know that I need you. Thank you for loving me. I thank you for coming into my life and will help me to believe and to live. I thank you for saving me now and for giving me your blessing. Thank you Jesus. Amen.
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Morning Prayer Morning has broken like the first morning, blackbird has spoken like the first bird. Praise for the singing, praise for the morning. Praise for them springing fresh from the Word. Eleanor Farjeon
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Evening Prayer Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. May angels watch me through the night, And wake me with the morning light. Amen.
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Grace For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful. Amen.
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Frans of Assisi Prayer Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is error, the truth; Where there is doubt, the faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled, as to console; To be understood, as to understand; To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
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Scripture Texts In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matt 7:7
I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live. John 11:25
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28
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More Scripture Texts Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Prov 4:23
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Pet 5:7
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Rom 8:1-2
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matt 7:12
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Benedictions The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. 4 Mos 6,24-26
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen. Rom 16,24
May the road open up before you, and the wind blow from behind you my friend. May the sun shine on your face and the rain fall gently on your fields until we meet again. May you always be in the hand of God. Trad. Celtic
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when what
is salvation?
who
can speak about salvation?
can we speak about salvation?
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where
how
can we speak about salvation?
why
should we speak about salvation?
can we speak about salvation?
The Salvation Army in Norway, Iceland and the Faeroes 2015