The Basics of Evangelism

The more I observe how the church attempts to “polish” the gospel in its attempt to make it less offensive, the more I wonder why God allows it to continue to exist (my use of the term “church” refers NOT to the Body of Christ but to this monster we have created that sits on most street corners). If it were possible to offend God, then I must believe that He is about at His wit’s end (if it were possible for Him to be at His wit’s end). Thankfully (a fitting term for this time of the year), He is in control and not the least bit discombobulated! All I can say is this: He is quite patient!

Take for example the heretical concept of evangelism that the church has propagated for years and years in its effort to evangelize the masses; a tragic role-reversal concept where God is made the victim not only of man’s shenanigans, but also of man’s choice (actually, where God is made man’s victim and man elevates himself to the position of God!). Even a casual look at this would lead one to believe that God left the responsibility of redemption up to man and to his ability to contrive an effective plan.

Just for the record, I want to offer the following for your careful and prayerful consideration:

1. The gospel is the power of God for salvation, not the shenanigans of man.

2. The gospel is not for everyone; therefore, the masses cannot be evangelized.

3. The gospel is for the elect of God and ONLY for the elect of God; therefore, only the elect of God can be evangelized.

4. The antics used to evangelize the masses actually offend the elect; whereas, the gospel offends the masses.

5. No one, not even the elect, can come to the Father (be evangelized), unless He grants it and unless He draws them to Himself.

6. When the Father draws one of His elect to Himself, he/she will come to Him and that in His time.

7. The Son gives life to whom He wishes and only to whom He wishes.

8. God did not design evangelism to be some complicated, manipulative effort that man carries out; instead, He designed it to be something that He accomplishes through the power of the Holy Spirit.

9. The effectiveness of evangelism is not determined by the efforts of man—the one who wills or the one who runs—but by the power of God, who has mercy and lavishes grace.

10. What we win them with is what we win them to; consequently, we should never attempt to win anyone with anything other than the preaching of the gospel. Actually, we never win anyone because He has reserved that for Himself.

It is my prayer that you will become one of those who refuses to continue to attempt to polish the gospel, by merely submitting to the glorious and wonderful fact that God will get His elect Home—everyone of us—before dark, AND to the equally glorious and wonderful fact that He will get’er done with the offensive gospel and without our help!

Blessings and love,

Mac