Once, in an AA meeting, a young man decided that he did not want to be in AA anymore. A friend who was concerned began to go to him to convince him to stay, but an older member of AA stepped in and stopped the friend saying, "No, let him go."
The friend turned to the older man and said, "Shouldn't we stop him?"
The older man replied, "If he is an alcoholic, whiskey will send him looking for a solution. Your job is to work this program so that when he looks for an answer he'll see one in you."
...
And so it is with sin.
Sin and the Holy Spirit create the desire for Jesus. Our role is to live the example of what God makes happen when we surrender to His Lordship.
Your witness is not what you say.
"You" is "your witness".
Friday, December 5, 2008
Authority
Research reliably indicates that the current generation of Americans is one of the least educated and most ignorant generations of the last two centuries. Ironically, this same generation is convinced that they are one of the most knowledgeable generations of the last two centiuries. (That makes perfect sense: education generally also teaches people what they don't know.)
No place does this ignorance more strongly assert itself than in the confidence that people's belief's are significant. People will boldly shout out, "I don't believe that there is a God!" absolutely convinced that what they think matters. Sadly, (sit down and brace yourself for this one folks!) most people's opinions about most things don't matter!
>Gasp!<
Sadly, people believe that because all people are created equally, that all beliefs are also equal. That simply isn't true. Most areas of knowledge today are subjects of intense research and specialized knowledge that is inaccessible to laymen. Human days simply are not long enough to be deeply conversant in more than a very few subjects. This means that, (although it goes against every fiber of our egalitarian beings,) we really need to rely on those who are more knowledgeable in many areas of our lives.
There is nothing wrong with asking, "Why should does your opinion matter?" or "Why should anyone care what you think?" Conviction is not an indicator of Truth.
The next time someone stands to shout cosmic generalities for the world to absorb, be certain that you've asked the question, "What is your authority to draw that conclusion?"
Better yet, the next time we hold forth we should similarly be prepared to explain the source of authority for our beliefs.
No place does this ignorance more strongly assert itself than in the confidence that people's belief's are significant. People will boldly shout out, "I don't believe that there is a God!" absolutely convinced that what they think matters. Sadly, (sit down and brace yourself for this one folks!) most people's opinions about most things don't matter!
Sadly, people believe that because all people are created equally, that all beliefs are also equal. That simply isn't true. Most areas of knowledge today are subjects of intense research and specialized knowledge that is inaccessible to laymen. Human days simply are not long enough to be deeply conversant in more than a very few subjects. This means that, (although it goes against every fiber of our egalitarian beings,) we really need to rely on those who are more knowledgeable in many areas of our lives.
There is nothing wrong with asking, "Why should does your opinion matter?" or "Why should anyone care what you think?" Conviction is not an indicator of Truth.
The next time someone stands to shout cosmic generalities for the world to absorb, be certain that you've asked the question, "What is your authority to draw that conclusion?"
Better yet, the next time we hold forth we should similarly be prepared to explain the source of authority for our beliefs.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
- 1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Discussing Marketing-Based Evangelism
The most important command we have received in the New Testament is toward "Evangelism". This was the command Jesus re-emphasized just prior to ascending. The second most important command in the New Testament is probably "Unity". This topic is emphasized again and again.
It's hard to talk about "the Emergent Church", some of the "modern" approaches to evangelism or current church practices without the risk of hurt feelings and differences of opinion that may effect fellowship and unity. That's a shame, but it is reality. So, rather than discussing particular approaches or programs at this time, we can lay the foundation for discussing ALL programs by examing one simple construct:
To truly present the concept of Grace it has to include three strongly weighted components:
- GRACE and the need for God's unconditional forgiveness through Jesus,
- REPENTENCE and the need to turn away from the world and toward God, and
- OBEDIENCE and the command to follow Jesus with all of your being.
If any of these elements is under-represented or omitted, then I believe the Grace of God is being presented inaccurately and deceptively. If all three are present, I really don't care if the message is being shaved into the fur of rats and the church is launching the rats into a crowd with slingshots! Save'm where you find'em, I say!
Using this construct, we should all evaluate our methods of presenting the Good News and decide if we are offering the full message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus. The vehicle is not the issue, but the message is everything. Faithful service to Christ requires that we present the full Gospel according to God's word.
I pray that we will all find that we are fulfilling the Great Commission in accordance with God's Will.
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