As Christians we believe in being changed by the presence of God. The real question is how do we do that? Some churches think the way to do that is by having a "salvation alter call" at every service. While others see this introduction as a slow and steady process of revealing this Jesus to people that had not yet been aware of Him. Whithin this question is the question, what is The Gospel? How do we preach/teach it? Do we sum it up in a 5 or 6 minute message presentation, or do we do all that we do as an act of preaching The Gospel? Some verses to ponder: John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Every one who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. 46 Not that any one has seen the Father except him who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47
Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (it is The Spirit of God that leads someone to God not us. How do we facilitate this?)
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I believe the invitation is not unto a moment/alter call but a relationship. I also believe that to know we need salvation there is something we must be saved from (SIN). The main antagonist in mans story. I believe the Spirit draws people. The Love also draws people in. It God showing himself in a culture of grace. Acceptance will bring most people into Gods kingdom. The holy spirit must move. I think we've spent too much time refining the system/programs and think that they are going to make our congregations bigger. I do believe there needs to be a strong presentation of the Gospel and how serious what Jesus did is. This is why I like to here the Reformers preach. A heavy emphasis on the cross.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The Spirit does the drawing (Prevenient Grace). He is sent out to soften hearts and prepare the way for those who come later. However, it is still up to us humans to preach the Word. Romans 10:14-17 says "How, then, can they call on the one they hav not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!' But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, 'Lord, who has believed our message?' Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, a the message is heard through the word of Christ." Without the opportunity to preach, how can the people hear? The emphasis needs to be on the grace of God (including the cross) but not exclusive to the cross.
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