Comments on: Wretched Urgency: The Grace of God or Hamsters On A Wheel?

By: One Salient Oversight

One Salient Oversight — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Really Good. Really really Good.

Really Good.

By: Mark L

Mark L — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Absolutely, how I feel. Thank you for the encouragement….too often I think that the church I attend is only concerned about ‘evangelism.’ And when they say ‘evangelism’ they mean some program to attract people to church. We never seem to focus on the fact that God wants us to be and live holy lives. It is scary how much I agree with all you have written.

By: Michael Schweppe

Michael Schweppe — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I wish that I had read something like that +20 years ago.

Thanks for sharing Michael.

By: Jim GIeseke

Jim GIeseke — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Yes, really, really good article. But perhaps really one sided.

All that you write is true about the SBC. Went there for seven years, and avoided the class where everyone was to learn the vacuum cleaner salesman pitch. Wondered how it is that they can expect to get someone to nod their head after hearing a sales pitch and somehow consider this “mission accomplished” without even a nod to the Holy Spirit’s role in convicting men of sin, or His role in leading one to those who are ready to hear the gospel.

But is there a middle, or even a higher, ground? One where there is a God-given burden for lost souls which compels? One where Holy Spirit guidance is prayed for so that God will providentially direct our paths to those who need to hear?

Jim Gieseke
Houston, Texas

By: S.F.

S.F. — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Evangelize always, use words when necessary. – St. Francis of Assisi.

I think this is the same point you are getting at. I agree with both of you. (Michael and Francis).

Be the best Christian you can be. “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” The best husband/wife, the best child, the best employee, the best boss, the best father/mother. That will draw others to Christ.

I am a Catholic. I don’t hide my faith. I don’t shove my faith in others’ faces. I live it. I discuss it when appropriate. I am always prepared to account for the hope that is in me. And I know that I may never see what the Holy Spirit does with those I evangelize in this way. If they come to Christ, it may be long after I’m out of their lives. I’m a seed-planter. Only the Holy Spirit converts. My apparent failures in evangelization were caused by me being too gung-ho. You know, “Why can’t you see that Christ is the Son of God, it’s so obvious!!!! Here, let me argue it the 3000th time.”

By: Steve Hanchett

Steve Hanchett — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Good post. Yes, too much “evangelism” is done out of a guilt induced by man and not God. Yes, too little emphasis is put on teaching and exhorting one another to live lives of purity and holiness and joy so that we might be salt and light. Yes, too many classes on witnessing are like getting door-to-door sales training.

Now, in defense of Southern Baptists, not all SBC churches are like what you described and I wish you could have not painted with such a broad brush. Also, God does call missionaries out from the church and often does so by means of preaching of messages on the need to “go into all the world…” Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Some Christians do want to learn how to communicate what they believe to others. Not out of guilt, but genuine love and concern. This week I spent time with a young woman who wanted to know how to explain her beliefs more clearly to a Jehovahs Witness friend. Two weeks ago I spent time with a man who wanted to understand more about Islam because a Muslim co-worker was asking questions. There is a place for teaching people how they can communicate their faith better.

No, I don’t think you are a heretic. I don’t think you are hell-bound. I think you are right about much of what you wrote. It is a needed corrective. But can we agree that some could take it to the opposite extreme?

Steve

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Wow. I got chills when reading this. I grew up in a similar church – with the same guilt regarding “witnessing” and letting your friends go to hell. As soon as I got out of the house and in college, I abandoned everything having to do with the church & Christianity. Now I am nearly 40 and trying to find my way back, but it sure did leave a bad taste in my mouth and there are still times that I totally lose the desire to come back into the fold. Thank you for this essay.

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Well done. I am formerly of the ABC, now seeking ordination within the CCCC. I have been a student pastor of a tiny Covenant church for over a year. But in July I begin my first full-time pastorate in a conservative UCC church. The Lord has been leading me into a similar understanding of the church as I find myself entering never-before experienced doctrinal waters. I want to thank you for laying it down honestly and concisely. I also want to thank you for affirming this denominational mutt’s own theological journey. You are not alone, brother.

By: Clark Bunch

Clark Bunch — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The essay Wretched Urgency poses some questions, and hopefully causes the reader to ask some questions as well. One thing is certain; whatever emotional trauma affected Michael Spencer in his youth, God now uses that in him to help people. His talent to put his thoughts into words allows him to say what many of us might only wish we could verbalize. God’s work is evident, I think. Whatever pain is there from years in a guilt inducing church, and whatever joy is now found in writing essays for the internet, God is using for his glory. Contiue iMonk, in this work God has called you to, and may he continue to bless for His sake.

By: the Foolish Sage

the Foolish Sage — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Michael, as I wrote to you privately, this essay finally gave me peace in an area of guilt that I’ve lived under for decades.

I have to share with everyone else that Michael wrote back,”Read that New Testament; it causes a lot of trouble!” Yes, Michael, it does. Thank God for that holy troubling of the waters.

Mark Traphagen