Recently I have been engaged in an interesting conversation with friends and colleagues about what the true nature of 'evangelism' is. In the circles I mix in, evangelism is often understood as telling people that they have sinned and fallen short of God's perfect standard, but that they can be saved by believing in Jesus whose substitutionary death on the cross will justify them. Now I happen to believe that is true, but interestingly Jesus and the Apostles NEVER took that approach! You never see them preaching the 'atonement' to non-Christians!Twice in the Gospels, Christ is asked directly what one must do to receive eternal life. On one occasion he responds by telling the enquirer to sell all his possessions and give the proceeds to the poor. On the other, he tells the parable of 'The Good Samaritan'. It seems Jesus is always testing people to see whether they will make him Lord through repentance and faith - he doesn't seem to be testing people's knowledge of sacrificial atonement.
In the book of Acts, we get a few glimpses of the Apostles 'evangelistic' messages to non-Christians (EG - Paul in Athens). Their message focuses on the authority of God (Creator, resurrection, judgment, repentance) and an appeal for surrender and submission to Him.
When we present the Gospel to young people as a series of abstract beliefs to be assented to, are we misrepresenting the Biblical story? What about a call to repentance and radical discipleship? In my 15 years of youth ministry, I have seen so many young people give some allegiance to Christ (public confession/'decision', baptism etc.) and just not go on with it. What did they think they were getting in to? Was I upfront with them about the COST?
Maybe the reason I keep presenting an abstract Gospel is that a message of repentance and faith confronts ME too much! Is Jesus really the 'boss' in my life? Evangelist, preach to thyself!
1 comments:
Rob Sharp and Kirk Cameron (I think it was these 2 guys) said that Christianity is like being given a parachute on an aeroplane. If you take it and are told that it will enhance your flight and that you are lucky to have it, its not going to take very long before you take it off - its uncomfortable to wear and in no way enhances your flight. However, if you are given a parachute on a flight, are told to put it on because the plane is going to fail and everyone will need to jump, you'll put it on, bear the uncomfort with ease, not care when others mock or ridicule you, you won't swap if for a cusion or anything else, you will cling to it with your all.
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