Evangelism

[Lanman87]

My question about Alter Calls and Decision Theology got me thinking and I have a question for Lutherans and Anglicans and non-evangelicals who are anti-alter call.

If you don't ask people if they want to come to faith, or receive the gift of faith or in some way say "yes" to the gospel then how do you evangelize, in particular the unchurched/unaffiliated?

 

[Lamb]

My question about Alter Calls and Decision Theology got me thinking and I have a question for Lutherans and Anglicans and non-evangelicals who are anti-alter call.

If you don't ask people if they want to come to faith, or receive the gift of faith or in some way say "yes" to the gospel then how do you evangelize, in particular the unchurched/unaffiliated?

We build relationships mostly so that we can answer questions when they're asked of us.

The Gospel is about what God does for our salvation. Man tries to keep inserting himself into the role of part-savior and saying that there is something that needs to be done...except that it's God's doing for salvation.

We plant seeds. Seeds that God waters and grows.

We invite people to attend church with us. They can be fed on God's Word (Law and Gospel) throughout the liturgical service.

P.S. I moved this to the Denomination forum.

 

[Lanman87]

We build relationships mostly so that we can answer questions when they're asked of us.

So if someone ask you "How do I go to heaven"? or "How can I be forgiven of my sins"? How would you answer them?

 

[Josiah]

how do you evangelize, in particular the unchurched/unaffiliated?

Lutherans do exactly as Jesus commanded: Go! Baptize! Teach! That's our assignment.

It seems that while God CAN give faith and life immediately (just by willing it), God normally works through means (Mediately). In classic, traditional theology, this is called "The Means of Grace" - sometimes described as "tools in the hands of the carpenter." Think of the other miracles of God: God certainly CAN do such just by willing it - but usually there's some word, some item (even a spit ball, LOL), some MEANS. In the Great Commission, we are commanded to go and baptize and preach. It means God uses those things - not that He NEEDS to, that He is LIMITED and CONSTRAINED to such (John the Baptist was given faith before he was even born) but it's typical.

Thus, we have a role, an assignment, a command: Go, Baptize, Teach. Why? Because Jesus is not the Savior but we are? Because it's not God that gives faith but we do? No. Because God uses such.



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[Lamb]

So if someone ask you "How do I go to heaven"? or "How can I be forgiven of my sins"? How would you answer them?

You don't tell them THEY have to do something.

You give them a Savior.

 

[Lanman87]

You don't tell them THEY have to do something.

You give them a Savior.

How do you give them Jesus?

I believe this is how.

30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

I would tell them to believe in Jesus.

 

[Lamb]

How do you give them Jesus?

I believe this is how.

30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

I would tell them to believe in Jesus.

You give them Jesus by telling them the Gospel...you know, that Jesus died on the cross for forgiveness of their sins.

By telling them the verse you quoted...you have said nothing of what Jesus did for them.

 

[Lanman87]

You give them Jesus by telling them the Gospel...you know, that Jesus died on the cross for forgiveness of their sins.

By telling them the verse you quoted...you have said nothing of what Jesus did for them.

That isn't all I would tell them, but it is where I would start. Just as Paul and Silas started with that declaration with the Philippian Jailer. But part of the message is "Believe"

 

[Lamb]

That isn't all I would tell them, but it is where I would start. Just as Paul and Silas started with that declaration with the Philippian Jailer. But part of the message is "Believe"

When the Gospel is preached, faith is given. (Faith comes by hearing God's Word). We are given faith by God as a gift. Who can believe if faith is not first given?

Yes, there are those who will reject. But then again, a seed has been planted by God that could grow according to His will sometime in the future...or even on the deathbed.