Know our content below:
INDEX
* Abraham and the everlasting nature of the Land (TO ENTER)
* DOES IT MATTER WAHT YOU BELIEVE ABOUT THE ABSOLUTE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD (TO ENTER)
* FEEDING SHEEP OR AMUSING GOATS? (TO ENTER)
* The impeccability of christ (TO ENTER)
* HOME The Woman's Place (TO ENTER)
* HOW DOES GOD SPEAK TODAY ? (TO ENTER)
* Misconceptions of Modern Evangelism (TO ENTER)
* SHOULD A BAPTIST CHURCH EMBRACE PENTECONSTALISM? (TO ENTER)
* SIN (TO ENTER)
* SOME OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING THE LORD'S SUPPER (TO ENTER)
* THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST (TO ENTER)
* What Happened To The Bible Doctrine of Election? (TO ENTER)
* Why I am not saving my heart for my husband (TO ENTER)
...........................................................................................................................................
* See our blog in the Portuguese language of Brazil: click here or access http://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.com/
Friday, August 3, 2007
Misconceptions of Modern Evangelism
Topical Introduction: Acts 10:36-38
I. Definition
The word evangelism is derived from the Greek euaggelion (yoo-ang-ghel' -ee-on). It is derived from the same root, euaggel, from which we get our word "Gospel". Gospel, in its turn, means "Good News" or, by some interpretations "Glad Tidings". Thus, evangelism is nothing more or less than Gospel-ism, or Good News-ism – the means of propagation for that which is contained in the Gospel. Accordingly, in this study, whenever I use the word evangelism, I will be referring to the means and ways of testifying of the Gospel – which is the message of redemption in and through Christ (Eph 1:12, 13).
II. The First Misconception – "Modern"
The very first misconception which we encounter, right from the beginning, is the use of the word "modern" in relation to evangelism. This denotes a change from that which is old-fashioned or out-of-date, and refers to a period that is distinct and apart from the past. However, Biblical Evangelism need not be upgraded or overhauled, for it is never out of date. There is no need for a different approach to the propagation of the Gospel other than that put forward in the Word, for:
A. Man’s Condition Has Not Changed – Isa. 64:6, 7
Jer. 17:9: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
B. The Message Has Not Changed – Acts 17:30
Mat. 3:2: And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
C. The God We Serve Has Not Changed – Mal. 3:6 Heb 1:12: And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
D. We Are Commanded NOT to Change – Prov. 22:28 II Thess. 2:15: Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. It might be good to note that we preach Christ’s teachings, not Christian traditions. Christ’s teachings are unchanging and eternal, and thus are traditional in the sense that they are historically ageless. However, it is because they are His teachings that we preach them, not because they are traditional.
III. The Second Misconception – "Means"
The second great misconception of modern evangelism is that the means and focus of evangelism must be updated and made more palatable for "modern" man – as if the 21st century human is depraved and dead in sins to a different degree than his counterparts in other times. Accordingly, the means of evangelism has been perverted. We now show movies and perform skits, set up hotlines and counseling centers, host basketball tournaments and hayrides, and give away ice cream and bicycles in an attempt to cajole people into hearing a watered-down, compromised Gospel. Despite this, true evangelism is still:
A. From The Word – Lu. 16:27-30 Ps. 119:130: The understanding of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
B. By Means of Preaching – Rom 10:14, 15 I Cor. 1:21: For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
IV. The Third Misconception – "Motivation"
The third great misconception of the modern evangelism movement has been in regard to the stimulus and motivation of evangelism. The focus of modern evangelism has been to gain a decision, to make a psycho-emotional appeal that triggers a positive, corresponding response, and to effect an intellectual resolution in line with what is desired. It finds the means of effecting these goals in corrupted psychology, mind control, and emotional prompting. True evangelism, however, finds its power and essence in:
A. God Himself – Jo. 15:5 Ps. 127:1: Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Regarding John 15:5, we have tried to eliminate God so that we are no longer limited by the exclusiveness of "without me ye can do nothing". However, having done that, and having dabbled with every method and motive under the sun, we find that our disobedient everything is still nothing, for He is everything that evangelism must be.
B. The Knowledge of Man’s Incapacity – Jer. 10:23 Isa. 6:5 – Then said I, Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.
C. The Fact That Salvation Is of the Lord – Eph. 2:8, 9 I Tim. 1:9: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, Thus, the sustaining power of evangelism is the knowledge that we are fundamentally incapable of doing God’s Will in our own power, and yet that it pleased God to use us as His servants. Furthermore, beyond doing our duty as messengers, we must recognize that results are solely of God. In the summing up, we are but "unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do" (Lu. 17:10) – and that only through His power.
V. The Fourth Misconception – "Results"
The fourth misconception that the world holds regarding modern evangelism is in relation to its results. It is a sad fact that only a small fraction of the multitudes converted by modern methods ever darken the door of a church. Instead, it is perfectly acceptable that bars and strip clubs and other establishments of evil remain open, while periodical services are held so that the lost conscience may remain assuaged by "rededication" to the Lord.
Despite this, true evangelism leads to:
A. Repentance of Sins – Ac. 16:29, 30 Ac. 2:37 – Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
B. Departure from Evil Ways – Ep. 4:28 Ac. 19:18, 19 – And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
C.Submission to Baptism and a Commitment to Walk with Christ – Ac. 8:36-38 Acts 16:32, 33 - And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. Acts 2:42 – And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
D. True Fellowship with Other Like-Minded Believers – Ac. 2:42-46 Ac. 4:32 - And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
E. Establishment of, and Addition to, a New Testament Church to the Glory of God Ac. 2:47 - Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Eph. 3:21 - Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Thus, the great fallacy of the modern evangelistic movement is that its converts are not attending Scriptural, New Testament churches. The sheep – if they are sheep – are not being fed as Ac. 20:28 indicates they should be, nor is glory being given to God, but to men. These errors have bankrupted the modern evangelistic movement and effectively separated it from its base, the local church, empowered by Christ to do His will (Mt. 28:18).
VI. Conclusion
In conclusion, the knowledge of all the above should impact our evangelism. It should not only make us conscious of the God-centeredness of every aspect of true evangelism (John 15:5), but it should also make us acutely aware of our unworthiness before Him, and our need to submit ourselves and our efforts unto Him on a continual basis. At the same time that it should burden us for the lost, it should make us draw closer to that precious faith for which our forefathers in the faith suffered – and for which faith they preferred all the terrors of Heb. 11:36-38 rather than give an inch in their beliefs. In every aspect of our Christian life – no less in our approach to evangelism - mayHe commands He we also be prepared to live as decidedly and uncompromisingly as they.
Author: Benjamin Gardner
I. Definition
The word evangelism is derived from the Greek euaggelion (yoo-ang-ghel' -ee-on). It is derived from the same root, euaggel, from which we get our word "Gospel". Gospel, in its turn, means "Good News" or, by some interpretations "Glad Tidings". Thus, evangelism is nothing more or less than Gospel-ism, or Good News-ism – the means of propagation for that which is contained in the Gospel. Accordingly, in this study, whenever I use the word evangelism, I will be referring to the means and ways of testifying of the Gospel – which is the message of redemption in and through Christ (Eph 1:12, 13).
II. The First Misconception – "Modern"
The very first misconception which we encounter, right from the beginning, is the use of the word "modern" in relation to evangelism. This denotes a change from that which is old-fashioned or out-of-date, and refers to a period that is distinct and apart from the past. However, Biblical Evangelism need not be upgraded or overhauled, for it is never out of date. There is no need for a different approach to the propagation of the Gospel other than that put forward in the Word, for:
A. Man’s Condition Has Not Changed – Isa. 64:6, 7
Jer. 17:9: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
B. The Message Has Not Changed – Acts 17:30
Mat. 3:2: And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
C. The God We Serve Has Not Changed – Mal. 3:6 Heb 1:12: And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
D. We Are Commanded NOT to Change – Prov. 22:28 II Thess. 2:15: Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. It might be good to note that we preach Christ’s teachings, not Christian traditions. Christ’s teachings are unchanging and eternal, and thus are traditional in the sense that they are historically ageless. However, it is because they are His teachings that we preach them, not because they are traditional.
III. The Second Misconception – "Means"
The second great misconception of modern evangelism is that the means and focus of evangelism must be updated and made more palatable for "modern" man – as if the 21st century human is depraved and dead in sins to a different degree than his counterparts in other times. Accordingly, the means of evangelism has been perverted. We now show movies and perform skits, set up hotlines and counseling centers, host basketball tournaments and hayrides, and give away ice cream and bicycles in an attempt to cajole people into hearing a watered-down, compromised Gospel. Despite this, true evangelism is still:
A. From The Word – Lu. 16:27-30 Ps. 119:130: The understanding of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
B. By Means of Preaching – Rom 10:14, 15 I Cor. 1:21: For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
IV. The Third Misconception – "Motivation"
The third great misconception of the modern evangelism movement has been in regard to the stimulus and motivation of evangelism. The focus of modern evangelism has been to gain a decision, to make a psycho-emotional appeal that triggers a positive, corresponding response, and to effect an intellectual resolution in line with what is desired. It finds the means of effecting these goals in corrupted psychology, mind control, and emotional prompting. True evangelism, however, finds its power and essence in:
A. God Himself – Jo. 15:5 Ps. 127:1: Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Regarding John 15:5, we have tried to eliminate God so that we are no longer limited by the exclusiveness of "without me ye can do nothing". However, having done that, and having dabbled with every method and motive under the sun, we find that our disobedient everything is still nothing, for He is everything that evangelism must be.
B. The Knowledge of Man’s Incapacity – Jer. 10:23 Isa. 6:5 – Then said I, Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.
C. The Fact That Salvation Is of the Lord – Eph. 2:8, 9 I Tim. 1:9: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, Thus, the sustaining power of evangelism is the knowledge that we are fundamentally incapable of doing God’s Will in our own power, and yet that it pleased God to use us as His servants. Furthermore, beyond doing our duty as messengers, we must recognize that results are solely of God. In the summing up, we are but "unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do" (Lu. 17:10) – and that only through His power.
V. The Fourth Misconception – "Results"
The fourth misconception that the world holds regarding modern evangelism is in relation to its results. It is a sad fact that only a small fraction of the multitudes converted by modern methods ever darken the door of a church. Instead, it is perfectly acceptable that bars and strip clubs and other establishments of evil remain open, while periodical services are held so that the lost conscience may remain assuaged by "rededication" to the Lord.
Despite this, true evangelism leads to:
A. Repentance of Sins – Ac. 16:29, 30 Ac. 2:37 – Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
B. Departure from Evil Ways – Ep. 4:28 Ac. 19:18, 19 – And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
C.Submission to Baptism and a Commitment to Walk with Christ – Ac. 8:36-38 Acts 16:32, 33 - And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. Acts 2:42 – And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
D. True Fellowship with Other Like-Minded Believers – Ac. 2:42-46 Ac. 4:32 - And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
E. Establishment of, and Addition to, a New Testament Church to the Glory of God Ac. 2:47 - Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Eph. 3:21 - Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Thus, the great fallacy of the modern evangelistic movement is that its converts are not attending Scriptural, New Testament churches. The sheep – if they are sheep – are not being fed as Ac. 20:28 indicates they should be, nor is glory being given to God, but to men. These errors have bankrupted the modern evangelistic movement and effectively separated it from its base, the local church, empowered by Christ to do His will (Mt. 28:18).
VI. Conclusion
In conclusion, the knowledge of all the above should impact our evangelism. It should not only make us conscious of the God-centeredness of every aspect of true evangelism (John 15:5), but it should also make us acutely aware of our unworthiness before Him, and our need to submit ourselves and our efforts unto Him on a continual basis. At the same time that it should burden us for the lost, it should make us draw closer to that precious faith for which our forefathers in the faith suffered – and for which faith they preferred all the terrors of Heb. 11:36-38 rather than give an inch in their beliefs. In every aspect of our Christian life – no less in our approach to evangelism - mayHe commands He we also be prepared to live as decidedly and uncompromisingly as they.
Author: Benjamin Gardner
"JESUS VOLTARÁ" JESUS VOLTARÁ!
"JESUS VOLTARÁ" JESUS VOLTARÁ!Para ter acesso aos estudos bíblicos e todo o conteúdo desse espaço basta descer a barra de rolagem e ver o índice logo abaixo.- Também descendo a barra de rolagem e observando o seu lado direito da página, você terá acesso a vídeos de louvor, enquetes, públicidades e notícias.* See our blog in English (to enter)* Vea nuestro blog en la lengua española (para entrar)* (Obs. não temos controle sobre o conteúdo das propagandas!)ÍNDICE:* Lsta de heresias e tradições humanas adotadas e perpetuadas pela "igreja católica romana", ao longo de 1.600 anos. (entrar) "novo"* As testemunhas de Jeová refutada versículo por versículo (entrar) "novo"* Bíblia OnLine "Novo Testamento" (entrar) "novo"* Os estados finais dos justos e dos ímpios (ler) "novo"* Criados para santidade (ler)* A ceia do Senhor (ler)* A vontade de Deus (ler)* A doutrina do Espírito Santo em 25 capítulos (entrar)* Fotos de Israel (ver)* Estudos Bíblicos Polêmicos (entrar)* Estudos Bíblicos "Últimos tempos" (entrar)* Escatologia "estudo completo" (ler)* Mensagens Bíblicas evangelisticas (entrar)* Poemas & Versos (entrar)* Salmos Bíblicos (entrar)* A doutrina da salvação (entrar)* A doutrina do pecado (entrar)* O que Cristo é para os crentes (entrar)* A doutrina da Trindade (ler)* A justificação (ler)* Satanás - sua origem, obra e destino (ler)* A santificação (ler)* Uma vez salvo, sempre salvo (ler)* Vídeos de louvor e pregações (entrar)* Família (entrar).............................................................................................................................................................ÍNDICE 2:* Mensagem para todos os visitantes (importante) (ler)* Confira os menores preços de bíblias, livros e Cd's Evangélicos (entrar)* Vigiando & Orando indica pra você algo muito especial, veja (entrar)* Após conhecer o conteúdo do nosso blog se torne membro da nossa comunidade no ORKUT; Para conhecer pessoas abençoadas e conversar muito sobre a palavra do SENHOR. -> (entrar na comunidade Vigiando & Orando)* Conheça o nosso blog em Iglês (entrar)* See our blog in English (to enter)...............................................................................................................................................................* Observação: Para ver todos os vídeos de louvor e outros conteúdos do nosso espaço, desça a barra de rolagem observando o seu lado direito da página. São varios vídeos espalhados do início ao final da página, participe também das enquetes.*Se quiser nos enviar um estudo para ser postado aqui, envie para: cristo.esta.voltando@hotmail.com*Conheça o nosso shopping clicando aqui!................................................................................................................................................................- Leia abaixo proverbios 3 que não está incluso no índice:1 FILHO meu, não te esqueças da minha lei, e o teu coração guarde os meus mandamentos.2 Porque eles aumentarão os teus dias e te acrescentarão anos de vida e paz.3 Não te desamparem a benignidade e a fidelidade; ata-as ao teu pescoço; escreve-as na tábua do teu coração.4 E acharás graça e bom entendimento aos olhos de Deus e do homem.5 Confia no SENHOR de todo o teu coração, e não te estribes no teu próprio entendimento.6 Reconhece-o em todos os teus caminhos, e ele endireitará as tuas veredas.7 Não sejas sábio a teus próprios olhos; teme ao SENHOR e aparta-te do mal.8 Isto será saúde para o teu âmago, e medula para os teus ossos.9 Honra ao SENHOR com os teus bens, e com a primeira parte de todos os teus ganhos;10 E se encherão os teus celeiros, e transbordarão de vinho os teus lagares.11 Filho meu, não rejeites a correção do SENHOR, nem te enojes da sua repreensão.12 Porque o SENHOR repreende aquele a quem ama, assim como o pai ao filho a quem quer bem.13 Bem-aventurado o homem que acha sabedoria, e o homem que adquire conhecimento;14 Porque é melhor a sua mercadoria do que artigos de prata, e maior o seu lucro que o ouro mais fino.15 Mais preciosa é do que os rubis, e tudo o que mais possas desejar não se pode comparar a ela.16 Vida longa de dias está na sua mão direita; e na esquerda, riquezas e honra.17 Os seus caminhos são caminhos de delícias, e todas as suas veredas de paz.18 É árvore de vida para os que dela tomam, e são bem-aventurados todos os que a retêm.19 O SENHOR, com sabedoria fundou a terra; com entendimento preparou os céus.20 Pelo seu conhecimento se fenderam os abismos, e as nuvens destilam o orvalho.21 Filho meu, não se apartem estas coisas dos teus olhos: guarda a verdadeira sabedoria e o bom siso;22 Porque serão vida para a tua alma, e adorno ao teu pescoço.23 Então andarás confiante pelo teu caminho, e o teu pé não tropeçará.24 Quando te deitares, não temerás; ao contrário, o teu sono será suave ao te deitares.25 Não temas o pavor repentino, nem a investida dos perversos quando vier.26 Porque o SENHOR será a tua esperança; guardará os teus pés de serem capturados.27 Não deixes de fazer bem a quem o merece, estando em tuas mãos a capacidade de fazê-lo.28 Não digas ao teu próximo: Vai, e volta amanhã que to darei, se já o tens contigo.29 Não maquines o mal contra o teu próximo, pois que habita contigo confiadamente.30 Não contendas com alguém sem causa, se não te fez nenhum mal.31 Não tenhas inveja do homem violento, nem escolhas nenhum dos seus caminhos.32 Porque o perverso é abominável ao SENHOR, mas com os sinceros ele tem intimidade.33 A maldição do SENHOR habita na casa do ímpio, mas a habitação dos justos abençoará.34 Certamente ele escarnecerá dos escarnecedores, mas dará graça aos mansos.35 Os sábios herdarão honra, mas os loucos tomam sobre si vergonha.(Que o nosso Senhor e Salvador abençoe a todos em nome de Jesus!)http://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comJESUS VOLTARÁ"JESUS VOLTARÁ"http://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comJESUS VOLTARÁ"JESUS VOLTARÁ"http://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.com"MENSAGENS EVANGÉLICAS"JESUS VOLTARÁhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.com"JESUS VOLTARÁ"http://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.comhttp://vigiandoeorando.blogspot.com
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