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Commentary on "Sequential Evangelism and Witnessing"

RICK BARKER

 

Day 1: Sabbath Afternoon, April 28, 2012 - Introduction

 

The Key Thought for this week has a great truth alongside a great potential for error:

In all evangelism and witnessing, it is important that we first present the simple truth of the Gospel.

What does it mean to first present the simple truth of the Gospel? Does it mean that later you don't present the Gospel? That you start out with the Gospel, but then move on to something you deem more important than the Gospel? The Gospel should permeate every teaching of the Christian church, not be a launching point into a myriad of other points.

Consider the situation with the Galatians as people in the church tried to go beyond the simple truth of the Gospel into new teachings that ultimately undermined and contradicted the Gospel.

Gal 3:2-3: Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

The simple truth of the Gospel has to remain the central truth of the church, or else that church is teaching a false gospel.

 

Observations

The concept of "sequential evangelism" does not flow from the fact that Christian teaching progresses in depth as the listeners mature. Christian maturity is not achieved by completing a series of classes presented in the correct order. This week's lesson asks students to read 1 Cor 3:1-3, but it helps us to back up a few verses. In Chapter 2:13 Paul points out that he is "interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual." A person doesn't become "spiritual" by completing the right set of classes. If it did, spirituality would be the result of our works, not the result of faith (see Gal 3:2-3 quoted above). Sequential evangelism is based on the flawed idea that if we do and know the right things we are "spiritual" and "saved". Sequential evangelism is effective at increasing the number of members, but not at changing hearts. The idea that if you just keep going through the motions long enough eventually something will stick is not the Biblical model for a renewed heart.

If you want to look at effective evangelism, look at Peter on Pentecost. No sequences of courses. No strategic plan to position people from step 3 to step 4. He proclaimed the Gospel, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and thousands were converted. What makes us think we have a better plan than God?

 

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