I like a lot of things about this pic. The kid's smile comes at the top of the list.Posting while at the convention is clearly difficult. Apologies.
I'm here for business, not pleasure, and that means that I need to be at my table before and after sessions to talk to people about the curriculum. I am seeing colleagues and former students I haven't seen for years, and conversation over a cup of coffee before morning sessions or after evening sessions is a pleasure I can't pass up. And we only have internet access in the lobby where writing even something as inane as a blog post is difficult. I'm sitting in that lobby now, very early, typing away. But it has to be quick, because I'm meeting Jim for breakfast in 50 minutes.
A convention with sessions centered on the topic of evangelism should be a pretty straightforward thing. Not so. IMHO there are both theological issues and pragmatic issues that need to be considered before any discussion of evangelism can be both honest and profitable.
Dr. James Kennedy, now with the Lord, is perhaps best known for developing the Evangelism Explosion program that helps people learn a simple and biblically accurate method for sharing their faith. He said that based on his experience roughly 10% of Christians have the gift of evangelism. The problem is that they expect the other 90% to share their burden and to act accordingly. The result, too often, is the imposition by those with the gift on the others of an inappropriate sense of guilt which, in the end, is counterproductive to our shared concern - the spread of the gospel. Guilt is a terrible motivator. Studies show that it is very effective in the short term but that over the long haul it creates resentment which is actually counterproductive.
It may be a small point (or not) but NOBODY leads anyone to the Lord. That expression can too easily create a subliminal sense of pride over what I did to lead them to eternal salvation. What I can do is tell them about Christ's death and resurrection, something done for them out of love and in order to pay the penalty for their sin. In the end the transaction, if it takes place, is between them and the Lord. And it is God's Spirit who draws them. I do NOT lead them.
Accordingly, the measure of my faithfulness is NOT how many people I "lead to the Lord." My stewardship is measured on my faithfulness in taking the fullest advantage of every opportunity I have to a) live out my faith before others in the full measure of mirrored grace and love, and b) verbalize God's provision through Christ at every opportunity God brings into my life.
Don't misunderstand me; that's a tough assignment!! And one at which I too often fail. So help me with both instruction and motivation to fulfill that responsibility. Do not lay on guilt for something inaccurate and unrealistic.
OK, back in my box.
("How do you really feel?")
I have eaten too much since we left the house Monday morning and I've had no exercise. I feel like a lead balloon. I'm already looking ahead to an agressive ride on the bike Saturday morning.
This is worth reading because of the author's perspective:
Let's End Disposable Marriage
His honeymoon is over. Despite the dumping of trillions of dollars into the economy today's job reports show unemployment up to 9.5%. The stimulus money, borrowed from our children and grandchildren, was supposed to create jobs. Where are they?
That's enough for now. I need to work on my sermon. In what cannot be a coincidence we are going to be in the opening verses of 1 Cor. 15 on Sunday. That's the passage in which Paul talks about sharing the gospel with them.
I'm here for business, not pleasure, and that means that I need to be at my table before and after sessions to talk to people about the curriculum. I am seeing colleagues and former students I haven't seen for years, and conversation over a cup of coffee before morning sessions or after evening sessions is a pleasure I can't pass up. And we only have internet access in the lobby where writing even something as inane as a blog post is difficult. I'm sitting in that lobby now, very early, typing away. But it has to be quick, because I'm meeting Jim for breakfast in 50 minutes.
A convention with sessions centered on the topic of evangelism should be a pretty straightforward thing. Not so. IMHO there are both theological issues and pragmatic issues that need to be considered before any discussion of evangelism can be both honest and profitable.
Dr. James Kennedy, now with the Lord, is perhaps best known for developing the Evangelism Explosion program that helps people learn a simple and biblically accurate method for sharing their faith. He said that based on his experience roughly 10% of Christians have the gift of evangelism. The problem is that they expect the other 90% to share their burden and to act accordingly. The result, too often, is the imposition by those with the gift on the others of an inappropriate sense of guilt which, in the end, is counterproductive to our shared concern - the spread of the gospel. Guilt is a terrible motivator. Studies show that it is very effective in the short term but that over the long haul it creates resentment which is actually counterproductive.
It may be a small point (or not) but NOBODY leads anyone to the Lord. That expression can too easily create a subliminal sense of pride over what I did to lead them to eternal salvation. What I can do is tell them about Christ's death and resurrection, something done for them out of love and in order to pay the penalty for their sin. In the end the transaction, if it takes place, is between them and the Lord. And it is God's Spirit who draws them. I do NOT lead them.
Accordingly, the measure of my faithfulness is NOT how many people I "lead to the Lord." My stewardship is measured on my faithfulness in taking the fullest advantage of every opportunity I have to a) live out my faith before others in the full measure of mirrored grace and love, and b) verbalize God's provision through Christ at every opportunity God brings into my life.
Don't misunderstand me; that's a tough assignment!! And one at which I too often fail. So help me with both instruction and motivation to fulfill that responsibility. Do not lay on guilt for something inaccurate and unrealistic.
OK, back in my box.
("How do you really feel?")
I have eaten too much since we left the house Monday morning and I've had no exercise. I feel like a lead balloon. I'm already looking ahead to an agressive ride on the bike Saturday morning.
This is worth reading because of the author's perspective:
Let's End Disposable Marriage
His honeymoon is over. Despite the dumping of trillions of dollars into the economy today's job reports show unemployment up to 9.5%. The stimulus money, borrowed from our children and grandchildren, was supposed to create jobs. Where are they?
That's enough for now. I need to work on my sermon. In what cannot be a coincidence we are going to be in the opening verses of 1 Cor. 15 on Sunday. That's the passage in which Paul talks about sharing the gospel with them.
3 comments:
Thank you for that! I was feeling guilty...
I remember you preached on this once at Celebration. It was so refreshing to hear then and it's good to be reminded now. I shared the gospel one night with my unsaved sister-in-law. She didn't accept the Lord at that point (nor did I really expect her to) and she hasn't since either. That was years ago. They have kids now who so far know next to nothing about Christ. I did what I could, but I wish I could do more. It's hard.
Sue
Thanks for this blog even though it was difficult for you to do while at the convention. Love reading your blogs. Willie
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