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Salvogesis Guidebook
JAC Interview
with Major Michael Ramsay
Major Michael Ramsay has published a
book on evangelism that is now available across the territory.
JAC interviews the Major on this new resource.
JAC: Major, tell us about your new
book, please.
MR: I am so thankful that Salvogesis
Guidebook to Romans Road is now available.
The Salvogesis Guidebook to Romans
Road. This is not your typical Guidebook. Romans Road leads to
God’s Eternal Kingdom. While this book is a useful guide if
you are a tourist and have never walked down Romans Road
yourself, it is intended to help you as you become a guide
yourself.
Many of us who guide people down Romans
Road have found that the only resources readily available are
tiny tracts published as recently as the 1970s or 1980s. While
they have served their purpose well, it is time for the
guidebooks to be updated and explored in more detail. That is
what this book is: the Salvogesis GUIDEBOOK to ROMANS ROAD
will give you great information about each of the stops along
the way. Whether or not you have previously led people on a
tour of the Romans Road, this is the book for you.
Lt.-Col. Jaimie Braund puts it this
way:
“Michael gives an interesting and
thorough review of the ‘Romans Road’ referring to a tract
often used in the 1980’s for evangelistic outreach purposes.
This tract was a simplistic guide through a number of
verses from Paul’s letter to the Romans.
Having fallen out of use, Michael reminds us of the
original intent – the use of Scripture to reveal truth to
people who are searching for answers.
This book takes us through these Romans verses once
again reminding of us God’s intent for His people to come to
know Him in a personal and powerful way.
The focus is on the Bible verses and yet is also
personal and interesting as Michael relates the telling of
Scripture to both history and his own life and journey.
This book is a great way to be reminded of the message
of and the need for salvation, with the convincing left to
God’s Word.”
And Major Stephen Court writes this:
“Salvogesis’ Guide To The Romans Road
is a Biblical sight-seeing tour providing background context
and applicable tips to timeless and transferable truths.
This book walks you through the significant salvation
signposts of Paul’s letter to the Romans on the Road to
reconciliation with God.
It’s by far the most consequential trip anyone can ever
take. And Michael
Ramsay is a trustworthy guide.
He’s travelled this way many times, first, himself,
finding Jesus for his own salvation, and subsequently with
others in cities across Canada, guiding them to meet the
Christ and submit to His Lordship and follow Jesus.
As you pray your way through these pages, may God
instruct your mind and inspire your heart to enable and
empower you to be a worthy guide for many others to meet
Jesus.”
JAC: What sets it apart from other
books of the genre?
MR: I am not entirely sure there are
many books in this genre really. This is not a 'how to' book.
This is not a commentary. It is an encouragement. This book
looks a little bit at some of the verses to which we often
refer when we formally introduce people to Christ. It offers
us confidence and encouragement to introduce others to our
Lord. I have already heard from others that it is indeed being
used for that purpose. Hearing that is such a blessing to me
because empowering us to invite others to experience the love
of God for now and forever so vitally important.
JAC: What similarities does it have
with your previous writing, and where does it go beyond that?
MR: My previous book that was published
by the Salvation Army, Praise the Lord for Covenants, is
written in a similar style, drawing on testimonies, stories,
and analogies. Like most things I write, I have refined it
over the years. Versions of many of the chapters have appeared
as articles in publications such as JAC or in sermons or
public addresses over the years. I do very much value the
input and feedback that I gain from having so many
opportunities for God to speak to me through others feedback
even prior to the book being published.
JAC: what inspired you to write it?
MR: What can be more important than
Salvation? We can begin our walk with God today that will
continue on for eternity. Just think: whatever you are going
through right now, you don't need to go through it alone; you
can begin your walk with the Lord right now experiencing all
His love, support, and strength and this walk can continue on
forever.
JAC: can you share an idea of what
potential readers will learn? How will it help Salvationists
across the territory and beyond?
MR: We will learn more about the stops
along Romans Road, what the scriptures are speaking about, and
be encouraged to share the Good News of Salvation for now and
forever with our friends, colleagues and acquaintances.
JAC: How can readers get the book?
MR: Online at
www.facebook.com/RomansGuideBook
<order link>, by
e-mail at michael.ramsay@salvationarmy.ca
<email link>, at the
Salvation Army Thrift Stores in Port Alberni and Swift
Current, or ask your local Salvation Army Officer how to get
in touch with The Salvation Army Alberni Valley Ministries.
JAC: What tips do you have for
evangelism in the 2020s? What advice do you have for LTWS
readers when it comes to evangelism?
MR: Just do it. Tell people how God
helps you. Tell people what He does daily in your life. Ask
people when (not if) they have previously encountered God. Ask
them what (not if) God has said to them previously. It is my
experience that most people know that God is / has reached out
to them and they will tell you about that if reminded of that
in a kindly and genuinely. From there just offer to pray with
people making the formal introductions to our Lord.
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