The “Words” of our Testimony

It is not my goal to criticize anyone’s testimony, or to unjustly judge anyone. But the subject of this post is best illustrated using a testimony I heard earlier today, which prompted me to write the post in the first place.

It was a great testimony about God’s Saving Grace and the positive internal changes brought about in a lady’s life as a result of her experience with God and church. She seemed like a wonderful lady. Her testimony was candid, well-thought out, and her delivery was sincere and held your attention. She obviously had given this testimony, and had spoken in front of crowds before.

There was but one problem. Perhaps it is better stated as a “grave concern” rather than a “problem”. It was serious enough that it caused me to sigh out loud…okay; I’ll call it a Problem.

The problem is that the language we use when we give our testimony is more important than most of us realize. Within Christianity, especially in Evangelicalism, there has been a sort of language created that is distinct to the movement and those within.

Specifically, the lady that gave her testimony stated that she was in dire straights and made her way to a church where she met a man who was cleaning. She went on to say how she repeated a prayer after him, asking Jesus into her heart, and got saved.

I have no trouble believing that this woman is a Christian, as she went on to describe in detail her conversion story, and it sounded quite genuine. However, the language she used was troubling.

What does “asking Jesus into your heart” mean? This is a term that I think should be removed completely from every Christian’s vocabulary. There is no biblical basis for the statement and it only translates into the relationship side of Salvation. We should be using biblical language like Jesus used; Repent and Believe, or Repentance and Faith.

From her story, it sounded as if she knew the Gospel from her childhood and perhaps reached the point of repentance prior to arriving and being lead in the prayer. Repentance brings the remission of Sins, followed by baptism with the Holy Spirit. In other words, you cannot be saved without having a genuine change of mind and turning away from sinful lifestyles.

If someone with no background in Christianity at all heard that statement, they would not know what was meant. Furthermore, most people assume that it is a lofty concept due to the loftiness of the words used. It isn’t far from that point that they are able to justify to themselves writing-off the person saying the lofty words as a simple-minded kook!

God is in control, and the Truth is written on the hearts of all men…but that doesn’t mean we can be unclear in our message and proclamation of God’s Holiness, Justice, Grace, Mercy, and Love!

Open-Air Preaching: A Timely Reminder!

I am working on a piece about open-air preaching, also known as street preaching. There are so many really bad examples out there today. The bad get even more attention now with cell phone camera's and youtube!  Some people just shout condemnation, and vulgar words to get attention, and really make no clear points. They serve to mainly stir up each passer-by and sadly do more harm than good to the cause.

While you wait for that piece, here’s a couple excerpts, I think make a fitting reminder, and a quick glimpse at the “right way” to open-air preach, from Charles H. Spurgeon to a London periodical in 1876.

"I am persuaded that the more of open air preaching there is in London the better, if it should become a nuisance to some it will be a blessing to others, if properly conducted. If it is the gospel, which is spoken, and if the spirit of the preacher be one of love and truth, the results cannot be doubted: the bread cast upon the waters must be found after many days. At the same time it must be the gospel, and be preached in a manner worth the hearing, for mere noise making is: in evil rather than a benefit…

…Shams and shows will have no mercy from a street gathering; but have something to say, look them in the face, say what you mean, put it plainly, boldly, earnestly, courteously, and they will hear you. Never speak against time or for the sake of hearing your own voice, or you will obtain some information about your personal appearance or manner of oratory, which will probably be more true than pleasing…

…The very best speaker must be prepared to take his share of street wit, and to return it if need be; but primness, demureness, formality, sanctimonious long-windedness, and the affectation of superiority actually invite offensive pleasantries, and to a considerable extent deserve them…

…"You'd do more good if you gave us some bread or a drop of beer, instead of those tracts," is constantly remarked, but a manly manner, and the outspoken declaration that you seek no wages but their good, will silence that stale objection…

…It will be very desirable to speak so as to be heard, but there is no use in incessant bawling. The best street preaching is not that which is done at the top of your voice, for it must be impossible to lay the proper emphasis upon telling passages when all along you are shouting with all your might. When there are no hearers near you, and yet people stand over the other side of the road and listen, would it not be as well to cross over and so save a little of the strength which is now wasted? A quiet, penetrating, conversational style would seem to be the most telling. Men do not bawl and holler when they are pleading in deepest earnestness; they have generally at such times less wind and a little more rain; less rant and a few more tears. On, on with one monstrous shout and you will weary everybody and wear yourself out. Be wise now, therefore, O ye who would succeed in declaring your Master's message among the multitude, and use your voices as common sense would dictate…"

Excerpts from Street Preaching by C. H. Spurgeon From the November 1876 Sword and Trowel,Copyright © 2001 by Phillip R. Johnson.

Missions

I hear all the time about Christian's who go on "Missions trips". What is a mission trip? It seems lately that any time someone travels for a noble purpose it's considered a missions trip. Historically, Missions meant that "Missionairies", families, or groups of Christians would travel and live in a particular area with the purpose of spreading the Gospel.

Wikipedia states: "A Christian mission has been widely defined, since the Lausanne Congress of 1974, as that which is designed 'to form a viable indigenous church-planting and world changing movement.' This definition is motivated by a theologically imperative theme of the Bible to make God known, as outlined in the Great Commission.

It's important to remember what the primary purpose of a missions trip! If we go into an area and just help with medical aid and the construction of buildings we do nothing to help the people with their biggest problem, their Salvation.

I am not saying not to help, or not to go on trips where you don't have an opportunity to preach the Gospel. Quite the opposite in fact. I applaud everyone who helps those who need and deserve help. I thank God for those Christians who help out! After-all, Christian organizations make up most of the worlds charities and aid agencies.

It's not a "Mission's Trip" without the Gospel being the primary focus and purpose of the trip. Rather it is an "Aid Giving or Humanitarian Relief Trip".

There is no such thing as a "Social Justice Christian". More on that later!!

If you or your church has people getting ready to go on a missions trip check out:

Serving As Senders: How to Care for Your Missionaries While They Are Preparing to Go, While They Are on the Field, When They Return Home

Evangelism

I've been doing quite a bit of reading lately on evangelism. I've always been drawn to evangelism. There are many reasons for that, some of which I may not even be aware of. After-all evangelism is one thing we most likely won't be able to do in Heaven.

Wikipedia defines evangelism as "...the practice of relaying information about a particular set of beliefs to others who do not hold those beliefs. The term is often used in reference to Christianity, where the scriptures often describe "evangelism" as "spreading the Gospel".

Some people equate evangelism with the "winning of souls for Jesus". But that is not correct. We don't and could never convert somebody. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. Rather as evangelist, we are mere conduit or tool used by the Spirit to do the convicting and converting.

I thought of this as I read through a few message boards on the internet, where there were conversations and debates about evangelism methods. Which methods are most effective? Effective at what? If the Spirit does the real work, than evangelists need to be true to the Gospel message and that it the foremost requirement. God will use you if you preach the true Gospel regardless of your showmanship, ability to entertain, etc. It's always nice to be able to draw and maintain a crowd, but since the Spirits work occurs within an individual, who is anyone to be snarky towards a person who knows the true Gospel and wants to share it...to individuals or in a street preaching fashion!

We should preach and evangelize primarily for the Glory of God. We should trust that the Spirit will do it's miraculous works inside the sinners heart. Opening their eyes to the Law, breaking their heart, and bringing about the gift of true Repentance. True Repentant Faith bringing remission of sins through Jesus' atoning work on the cross. This is a true conversion! We get to see God's mercy, grace, and kindness as He brings another of His children into the flock. Saving another Soul!!

If you want to be an evangelists who works his way up to street preaching, I would recommend training like the Way of the Master course. However, if they speak the true Gospel, than speak away, and may the Spirit use your words to save the lost.

After-all, it was D.T. Niles who said, "Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread."

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil..., 1 Tim 6:10

Prosperity preachers never cease to amaze me! They so blantantly distort the Gospel! I feel really badly for the people who are dupped by these heretics.



If you know someone who has been burnt by these prosperity preachers, here is a great book that will help put things in perspective.

The "Word of Faith" Movement

The "Word of Faith" also known as the "Word-Faith" movement shares some common beliefs with Prosperity theology, but they are not one in the same. Basically Word-Faith presenters mislead people to beleive that they need to speak out loud what they desire and than God is obligated to bless them with whatever they are confessing out loud.

Popular word-faith presenter, Ken Copeland Ministries, has stated, 'the idea that God uses suffering for our benefit is considered to be "a deception of Satan." and "absolutely against the Word of God." Additionally, if someone is not experiencing prosperity, it is because they have given Satan authority over their lives. God is not able to do anything at all unless the person invites Him to.'[1]

This is so dangerous!! Someone thinks they are coming to the Lord through the word-faith movement. They don't get rich. Maybe they get sick. Are they inviting Satan into their lives? So a missionary in South America that is a dedicated man or woman of God, and they get killed trying to further the Gospel and fulfill the great commission wouldn't have died if they hadn't invited Satan into their lives!!

My take is that this is all about money for these types of ministries. They themselves are vehicles for the enemy to lead people astray, and to turn others away. Pray for those who are teachers and preachers of the Truth.

[1] excerpt from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_of_Faith

Movie: End of the Spear, dare to make contact

I had pleasure of being able to watch "End of the Spear". The film is from a true story that took place in the Amazon jungle a few decades ago. An isolated tribe of fierce warriors called the Woadoni, had been clashing violently with oil company employees. The Ecuador government is about to send in troops to deal with the problem, which would mean certain devastation for the Waodoni people. When the men from the missionary families attempt to make contact they are all brutally killed by the tribes warriors. As a testament of faith, the five families of the slain missionaries stay in Ecuador and decide to live among the Waodoni as originally planned.

End of the Spear

This is a great movie about real faith in God. A tale of great sacrifice for the great commission. I highly recommend this movie to anyone.
NOTE: There are a couple graphic scenes when the men are speared so you may want to edit that out if there are samller children present.

This movie made me re-evaluate my own commitment to following God's will in my own life. When it comes to sharing my faith, I get a little nervous just like most people. I couldn't help but feel a little ashamed after seeing what these families went through for the sake of the Kingdom and the Glory of God!

It amazes me the sacrifices of missionaries at home and abroad! Include a prayer of persaverence of faith, blessings, and protection for all of our brothers, sisters, and their families who step up and step out for the Glory of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and for the Gospel.