I have been thinking about a couple of the different schools of thought when it comes to evangelism lately, and would like to share some of my thoughts.
First, there is the relational school, which says that you need to earn the right to share the gospel with someone. You need to become their friend and let your life be an example to them before you can share the message of the gospel with them.
Second, there is the "cold-turkey" school, which, because of the urgency of the message, and the reality of hell would say that you should share the gospel whenever you have a chance, with whomever you have the opportunity. You don't necessarily need to work your way into their life, because it is the message of the gospel that contains the power of God, not our lives or our example of the gospel.
While both schools of thought have very valid points, I would have to say that I believe in a more comprehensive approach. Here's what I mean. Relational evangelism is great, you have the opportunity to share Christ with someone you already know. It's great, it's hard, it's scary, and it can be effective, because those people have had the chance to see the way you live your life, and when the message is shared with them there may be an "aha!" moment where they realize that this gospel is why you have such joy, why you live a different life, etc. It is a great evangelistic tool. On the other hand, Christ did not command us to share the gospel only with those we know, but to take it to the ends of the earth. And if you look at Christ's ministry, he shared the gospel with thousands of people, thousands! Many times those thousands were all together in one place! He did not always use the relational method. In fact, a good example of this is in John chapter 4, where he meets the woman at the well. He has met this woman for the first time, and honestly, he treats her in a fairly confrontational and unconventional method, which made her uncomfortable. He talked to her, when the social norm would say no to that. He then dug pretty deep into her personal life, and then shared the message of the gospel with her. He did not have a personal relationship with this woman, he had just met her. But his message was met by her realizing he was the Christ, and then sharing it with her whole village, who also believed.
In my view, the correct approach to gospel presentation would be an "any and all" method. As paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 "to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you." We should always be ready to share the gospel (1 Peter 3:15, 2 Timothy 4:1-2), whether it be with friends or strangers, we are called to be Christ's ambassadors in this world.
The fact is that it is the MESSAGE of the gospel that is the salvation of men, not our presentation of it (1 Cor. 1:17), not our lives, but the message itself. This is clearly presented in Philippians 1:15-18:
Philippians 1:15-18
15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
So, here's the gist of this section of scripture, there are people who preach the gospel for ill motives, they want selfish gain, they want to stir up trouble, they want to feed self. BUT, there are also those who preach Christ from goodwill, seeking to further the gospel message and bring people into the fold of God. So what of it? Paul rejoices that Christ is preached, whether it is in pretense or truth, whether from selfish motives or sincere motives, he will rejoice in the fact that Christ is preached. Why? Because it is the MESSAGE that counts, not our presentation of it, not our lives as we present it, not our words, not our deeds, not our denomination, not even our own status as believers, but the MESSAGE. The message of the gospel is where the power is. Romans 1:16 (I am not ashamed of the gospel, because IT is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.)
Paul rejoices, because the message of the gospel is what the Holy Spirit uses to draw people to Christ, not our lives, but the gospel. This does not give us an out on living holy lives and practicing our faith, on the contrary, if we have truly received the gospel of Christ, our lives will reflect the gospel, and be a living testimony to it. But, Paul was rejoicing even though there were men out there proclaiming the gospel selfishly, and out of impure motives. This makes it very clear that what really matters in evangelism is the message of the cross, nothing more, nothing less. 1 Corinthians 2:1-3 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
Side Note: Paul is rejoicing that Christ is preached, but elsewhere, he condemns those who would distort the gospel of Christ. He is here rejoicing that the true gospel is preached, not a distorted one. We are not to tolerate false gospels as you can clearly see in the book of Galatians. But, as long as the true gospel is being preached, we are to rejoice, no matter what the circumstances of it's presentation.
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. -Ephesians 6:19-20
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
South Africa
Jen and I recently went on a mission trip to South Africa. It was an eye opening, life changing experience, and I wish I could sum it up in a few words, but I can't. SO, you should go check out our blog page we created about the trip.
http://www.vervecreativedesign.com/southafrica
Blessings,
Nate
http://www.vervecreativedesign.com/southafrica
Blessings,
Nate
Monday, March 24, 2008
Ron Paul Statement on the War in Iraq
I will return to my posts on Christian Leadership soon, but for now, have a look at a quote from Rep. Ron Paul on the war in Iraq over at my other blog http://nateslifethoughts.blogspot.com/
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Christian Leadership
I've been studying 1 and 2 Timothy recently, and just moved on to Titus. While this wasn't really planned on my part, this happened just as I am stepping out into a leadership position in my church. So, the timing couldn't be more perfect, as church leadership is pretty much what all of these books are about!
So, in my studies, I have been encouraged, challenged and equipped as I step out into a leadership role that I know I cannot perform of my own strength, but need the empowering and enabling of the Spirit of God to perform. But, I have also seen some of the areas that we often overlook when putting people into leadership in the American church. I think that a better understanding of biblical church leadership would get rid of a lot of the problems that we face in the church in the US today. Over the next few posts, I will touch on just a few areas that I think are key considerations when appointing people to leadership positions in the church.
1. Holiness
1 Timothy 3
1It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.
I know, I know, holiness is not a topic we american christians like to discuss very often. It brings to mind thoughts of judgment and condemnation. BUT, God has called his people to be Holy... especially then, the leaders of his people.
Leviticus 11:45
For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.
Leviticus 19:2
Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.
Leviticus 20:7
You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 20:26
Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine.
1 Peter 1:15
but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;
1 Peter 1:16
because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."
Matthew 5:48
Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
OK, so we know from these scriptures that we, as followers of Christ, are to be Holy, to be set apart for God. To live righteous lives. "But," we say "aren't we forgiven from sin?" "Doesn't God accept us just the way we are because of the blood of Christ?" Of course He does! But, he does not want to leave us in the state that we were in when He saved us, He wants to set us free from our sin, and bring us into life in Him. He has called us to be Holy, not to ruin our fun, but for our own good.
I'm sure you've seen the bumper sticker, "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven!". While there is an element of truth to this, we will not be completely free from sin and error while we are on this earth, and we are forgiven our sins, this is also a statement that makes an excuse for our living in sin, and makes a mockery of the grace of God.
God has not forgiven us so that we can keep on sinning. He did not die to give us a get out of jail free card, and then leave us to our own devices so we could keep committing crimes against Him.
1 John 3:5-9
5But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. 6No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.
7Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. 9No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.
Hebrews 10:26-27
26If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.
Romans 6:1-3
1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
So then, God has called us to holiness, to leave our lives of sin, take up our cross and follow Him. He has called ALL believers to this, how much more then, those who are in leadership? How can we expect to lead, or shepherd the flock of God, pointing them in the direction of Holiness, when we ourselves are living in sin?
I am not saying that we will never sin, we still battle the flesh, and we will fall, we will make mistakes, we will sin. But as believers and as leaders, we must live lives that reflect Christ, who knew no sin. We must strive for holiness, and not make light of the grace God has given us by the death of His son Jesus Christ on the cross. When we make light of sin, we make light of the sacrifice that He made for us. When we make light of sin, we give it room to take hold in our lives, and that road leads to destruction. We need a healthy outlook on sin, and to not avoid the subject because it makes us uncomfortable.
So then, Holiness is an essential quality for those who would be leaders. Looking at the way some of the church leaders in America have been behaving lately, you would think Holiness has all but left the church. I know this is not the case, but that's the way it looks to non-believers. We preach a good life, and then live in sin. We need to take a good look at people's lives before we appoint them to leadership, and then when they are in leadership, we need to keep them accountable to God. To make sure that they are staying on track.
So, Holiness being an essential quality, how do we achieve it? Because we on our own are not Holy, we cannot be Holy, we are fallen creatures, destined to keep sinning. We achieve holiness by the power of the Spirit moving in our hearts. It is only by the power of the Spirit that we can do anything good for God. We, on our own strength are feeble, but He makes us strong by His powerful Spirit that moves within us. He, by His Spirit, delivers us from sin, and gives us the strength to avoid sin, when temptation crosses our path.
Romans 8:12-13
12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.
If you read through the gospels, the twelve apostles are constantly whining and bickering and fighting over who's the greatest. They were cowards, and sinners. This is because they were living on their own strength. But, in contrast, if you look at the apostles in the book of Acts, suddenly the Apostles are preaching and teaching with authority, they are calling out the religious leaders, they are performing miracles. This is not because they were great men, as we have just seen, they were not. This is because they were operating in the power of the Holy Spirit of God.
This is our power for holiness, this is our power for righteousness. Let us leaders aspire to be people of Holiness, who by the Spirit of God, put to death the deeds of the sinful nature.
So, in my studies, I have been encouraged, challenged and equipped as I step out into a leadership role that I know I cannot perform of my own strength, but need the empowering and enabling of the Spirit of God to perform. But, I have also seen some of the areas that we often overlook when putting people into leadership in the American church. I think that a better understanding of biblical church leadership would get rid of a lot of the problems that we face in the church in the US today. Over the next few posts, I will touch on just a few areas that I think are key considerations when appointing people to leadership positions in the church.
1. Holiness
1 Timothy 3
1It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.
I know, I know, holiness is not a topic we american christians like to discuss very often. It brings to mind thoughts of judgment and condemnation. BUT, God has called his people to be Holy... especially then, the leaders of his people.
Leviticus 11:45
For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.
Leviticus 19:2
Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.
Leviticus 20:7
You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 20:26
Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine.
1 Peter 1:15
but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;
1 Peter 1:16
because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."
Matthew 5:48
Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
OK, so we know from these scriptures that we, as followers of Christ, are to be Holy, to be set apart for God. To live righteous lives. "But," we say "aren't we forgiven from sin?" "Doesn't God accept us just the way we are because of the blood of Christ?" Of course He does! But, he does not want to leave us in the state that we were in when He saved us, He wants to set us free from our sin, and bring us into life in Him. He has called us to be Holy, not to ruin our fun, but for our own good.
I'm sure you've seen the bumper sticker, "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven!". While there is an element of truth to this, we will not be completely free from sin and error while we are on this earth, and we are forgiven our sins, this is also a statement that makes an excuse for our living in sin, and makes a mockery of the grace of God.
God has not forgiven us so that we can keep on sinning. He did not die to give us a get out of jail free card, and then leave us to our own devices so we could keep committing crimes against Him.
1 John 3:5-9
5But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. 6No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.
7Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. 9No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.
Hebrews 10:26-27
26If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.
Romans 6:1-3
1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
So then, God has called us to holiness, to leave our lives of sin, take up our cross and follow Him. He has called ALL believers to this, how much more then, those who are in leadership? How can we expect to lead, or shepherd the flock of God, pointing them in the direction of Holiness, when we ourselves are living in sin?
I am not saying that we will never sin, we still battle the flesh, and we will fall, we will make mistakes, we will sin. But as believers and as leaders, we must live lives that reflect Christ, who knew no sin. We must strive for holiness, and not make light of the grace God has given us by the death of His son Jesus Christ on the cross. When we make light of sin, we make light of the sacrifice that He made for us. When we make light of sin, we give it room to take hold in our lives, and that road leads to destruction. We need a healthy outlook on sin, and to not avoid the subject because it makes us uncomfortable.
So then, Holiness is an essential quality for those who would be leaders. Looking at the way some of the church leaders in America have been behaving lately, you would think Holiness has all but left the church. I know this is not the case, but that's the way it looks to non-believers. We preach a good life, and then live in sin. We need to take a good look at people's lives before we appoint them to leadership, and then when they are in leadership, we need to keep them accountable to God. To make sure that they are staying on track.
So, Holiness being an essential quality, how do we achieve it? Because we on our own are not Holy, we cannot be Holy, we are fallen creatures, destined to keep sinning. We achieve holiness by the power of the Spirit moving in our hearts. It is only by the power of the Spirit that we can do anything good for God. We, on our own strength are feeble, but He makes us strong by His powerful Spirit that moves within us. He, by His Spirit, delivers us from sin, and gives us the strength to avoid sin, when temptation crosses our path.
Romans 8:12-13
12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.
If you read through the gospels, the twelve apostles are constantly whining and bickering and fighting over who's the greatest. They were cowards, and sinners. This is because they were living on their own strength. But, in contrast, if you look at the apostles in the book of Acts, suddenly the Apostles are preaching and teaching with authority, they are calling out the religious leaders, they are performing miracles. This is not because they were great men, as we have just seen, they were not. This is because they were operating in the power of the Holy Spirit of God.
This is our power for holiness, this is our power for righteousness. Let us leaders aspire to be people of Holiness, who by the Spirit of God, put to death the deeds of the sinful nature.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
McChurch: Christianity as a consumer product
You may have heard about the new phenomena of "satellite" churches that have been popping up... if not, they are basically remote locations that broadcast, via satellite video a sermon from the home or "mother" church. I have to say, I think this is a very scary proposition. I read about it this morning on a friend's blog and felt compelled to write about it.
You can see the original article about it here at the Christianity Today website:
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2008/02/franchising_chu.html
I have heard of this before, and didn't think too much of it, but it seems that the concept is starting to spread. My main concern with this model of church is that it turns something that God designed to be tight-knit community of believers, living their lives together, sharing their struggles and triumphs, and turns it into a consumer product, much like going to the movies. We already have enough of a problem with consumerism in today's church, do we really have to go there? This makes a very bold statement, whether intentional or not, that the most important ingredient for church is the sermon, and the most important person is the pastor who is preaching that sermon. Neither of which are biblical ideas... church is about so much more than hearing a sermon, and the local church is about so much more than the pastor.
No wonder we have so much immorality in the church, we are unwilling to invest anything but money in it. We want to have our quick-fix and get on with our lives. We (the american church) have forgotten that church is meant to be a community of believers, sharing their lives, sharing their struggles and triumphs, encouraging each other and serving together. It is about giving, not receiving. It is about togetherness, not individuality. It is about community. It is supposed to be the whole body of believers, knit-together, fulfilling their roles, and being the body of Christ. Not just about the pastor and the sermon.
I am so thankful that I am part of a community-minded church that invests in people's lives and gets involved. And I know that not all churches in America are like this, but man is it disheartening to hear things like this. I pray that the Lord would shake his church up, and get rid of the things that can be shaken, so that that which cannot be shaken will remain. Lord, purify your bride. Amen.
Hebrews 12:26-29
26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” 27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
You can see the original article about it here at the Christianity Today website:
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/outofur/archives/2008/02/franchising_chu.html
I have heard of this before, and didn't think too much of it, but it seems that the concept is starting to spread. My main concern with this model of church is that it turns something that God designed to be tight-knit community of believers, living their lives together, sharing their struggles and triumphs, and turns it into a consumer product, much like going to the movies. We already have enough of a problem with consumerism in today's church, do we really have to go there? This makes a very bold statement, whether intentional or not, that the most important ingredient for church is the sermon, and the most important person is the pastor who is preaching that sermon. Neither of which are biblical ideas... church is about so much more than hearing a sermon, and the local church is about so much more than the pastor.
No wonder we have so much immorality in the church, we are unwilling to invest anything but money in it. We want to have our quick-fix and get on with our lives. We (the american church) have forgotten that church is meant to be a community of believers, sharing their lives, sharing their struggles and triumphs, encouraging each other and serving together. It is about giving, not receiving. It is about togetherness, not individuality. It is about community. It is supposed to be the whole body of believers, knit-together, fulfilling their roles, and being the body of Christ. Not just about the pastor and the sermon.
I am so thankful that I am part of a community-minded church that invests in people's lives and gets involved. And I know that not all churches in America are like this, but man is it disheartening to hear things like this. I pray that the Lord would shake his church up, and get rid of the things that can be shaken, so that that which cannot be shaken will remain. Lord, purify your bride. Amen.
Hebrews 12:26-29
26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” 27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
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