Amish: Born Again the Same Way as Others?

by Joe Keim

The Amish Way Joe Keim, founder of Mission to the Amish People, deciphers the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus and explains the biblical teaching of Jesus regarding the second birth and why it is necessary to salvation. He then contrasts Jesus' direct teaching versus the Amish idea that we can earn salvation by following the traditions and religious practices of the Amish people. The Amish religion is led by a strict belief that we must do our best in life on earth in order to have a shot at spending eternity in Heaven. The Amish way is to confess all sin in order to be sure that no sins stand between themselves and God. Because of these works based beliefs, many ex Amish struggle with a feeling of failure, believing that they may well be doomed because of their leaving the Amish culture. Jesus never intended that we rely on our works, and the author plainly points out how all Amish, and ex Amish, can accept Christ’s righteousness in order to be certain of their salvation and future. He shows how they can have faith, knowing Jesus Christ, and have a very fulfilling purpose in this life on earth. About the Author and His Ministry Since the establishment of MAP in February of 2000, Joe and Esther Keim (both formerly Amish) have been doing all they can to further assist the plain Amish folk of our country. Having been Amish gives Joe first-hand experience with the religion, and because of that he and his wife have been a blessing to many Amish people whom have been seeking the Lord in replacement of Amish religion. Three Fold Purpose of MAP • Evangelize and disciple Amish and Former Amish people • Assist older teenagers and young adults who have already left the Amish culture • Expand MAP all over North America

Genres: Amish

39 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 28, 2012

About the author

Joe Keim was born and raised in Ashland, Ohio. He married Esther Keim in 1986 and they left the Old Order Amish community in 1987. They have two grown children, Jonathan and Rachel. In 2001, Joe left his job as a tool and die maker for full-time ministry. The Keims travel all over the US, speaking in churches, as well as to hospital staff, to law enforcement, and at colleges, helping people understand how to communicate with the Amish.

Through personal witness, home Bible studies, home prayer meetings, the Bible Club, The Amish Voice, and the Audio Ministry, the Keims want to see every Amish person hear the clear message of salvation. MAP offers counseling and protection to those who are victims of sexual, mental, and physical abuse. The ministry also provides help with needs such as getting a GED, obtaining a birth certificate, and finding a job. Through the Bible Club alone, they have seen more than 2,500 Amish make commitments for Christ.

Reviews

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Keim has written an excellent book regarding salvation cannot be "earned". Bible verses are used well. The Amish used in the title really has little to do with the book; however, the author does have a mission to the Amish.

The Amish faith while completely centered in being in God's Will is based on being a good person and doing what God would want you to do. AND hopefully you will have done it well enough to go to Heaven.

The book's point is by using the Bible to show that heaven cannot be "earned" but it is a gift of God based on our believe & acceptance of Jesus as our Savior.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of an evangelistic book

I was reading this book expecting to learn more about the Amish beliefs. This is a great evangelistic book, it's just not what I thought it was.

[Jane]

Great website by Joe Keim and the MAP organization. Interesting article about whether the Amish believe in salvation through faith, by grace, in Christ alone. http://www.mapministry.org/articles/2...