Some Thoughts on Ecumenical Evangelism – A Case Study

Introduction Forty-five years ago most Bible believers in evangelical denominations would have been shocked at and repulsed by the suggestion that they should join hands with liberal and/or liturgical churches in an evangelistic endeavor. Today, however, very little objection is raised to such cooperation, and the person who hesitates is thought of as strange indeed. For many this is simply a non-issue. Even among those who are a part of historically separatist groups one seldom hears the issue of ecclesiastical separation raised, preached upon, or taught.

Do We Really Know the Gospel?

Each year, as I teach the doctrine of salvation, I give a quiz to test my students’ understanding of the Gospel. I ask them to imagine that they are in a hospital room, calling on an unbeliever who is at death’s door. The students have time for only twenty-five words to communicate the Gospel. After the 25th word, the patient has passed away. What would the students say in this situation? Are they able to express the Gospel so concisely that if the mortally ill person responds properly, he is saved?

Evangelism That is Theological

Christians hold to various opinions regarding personal evangelism. It is possible for opinions to change. Changes are sometimes based on one’s understanding or even one’s spiritual condition. Even though the term “evangelism” does not appear in the New Testament, the concept of evangelism is found throughout the Bible. Christians have the unique opportunity and the unequaled responsibility of introducing others to the Savior. The Gospel we proclaim by life and by lip has to do with a Person rather than a program.

Evangelistic Preaching and Giving Invitations

Evangelistic Preaching is a legitimate style of preaching that can and should be used today. Evangelistic preaching is not mere emotionalism. It is not a string of sad stories. It is not what some would call exceptional Christian salesmanship. And, it need not be used exclusively. Preachers must preach the whole counsel of God. There should be no question that the content of preaching should be the Word of God. The Scriptural content of a sermon is that which gives it life, substance and vitality.

Faith Baptist Seminary…A Distinctive Graduate School!

“Seminaries are all alike. They all prepare students for Christian ministries, so it really makes little difference where you attend seminary.” These statements represent the way some people respond to the idea of seminary training. It is true, seminaries do have many things in common and yet they are very distinct from one another. You do not choose a seminary because of location but because of its distinctives that will meet your academic and ministry goals. All seminaries are the same in that they are graduate schools, dedicated to preparing men and women for Christian ministries.

Our Most Important Task

The Great Commission in Matt. 28:19–20 outlines the basic task of the local assembly, and the rest of the New Testament gives examples and instructions of how New Testament churches should impact the culture of their day. The Lord had already indicated His desire to have the disciples evangelize and thereby make disciples in the whole world. It is interesting to note that Acts 1:8 is not an imperative but is, instead, a promise that the believers will be witnesses when the Holy Spirit comes upon them.

Electronic Evangelism Versus the Old

Stars appear to fall, and some religious TV superstars assuredly do. The disclosures of the last year have been lurid enough, and the press has often called those men Fundamentalists, thereby lumping them with us. Two years ago the top six of them grossed about three quarters of a billion dollars. This year the receipts will probably be far less than that. The damage to the Gospel cannot be measured in money, but it appears to be serious. The decline of TV evangelism may not be all bad, however.

The Missionary We Would Like to Produce

Some years ago a notable Baptist leader was fond of remarking that the only thing more important than sending out a missionary is training a missionary worth sending out. There is much to be said for this idea and Faith Baptist Theological Seminary is concerned to see its graduates worthy of serving either abroad or at home. To this end we purpose to encourage several qualities in them. 1. Walk With God “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts” (Zech.

The Mission Field of Youth

The statistics shout the facts. Over one-third of the population of the United States is under the age of 21. There are over 31 million teenagers in this country alone. The youth of America are a large mission field. Pure numbers alone indicate that teens desperately need to be reached by effective and relevant ministries. The enormous number of young people is staggering; yet, those figures pale in comparison with those of the previous two decades. Even though the actual percentage of teenagers in America is dwindling the pressure facing adolescents are growing.

Why Evangelism and Missions

Why should evangelism and missions be high priorities for believers and local churches today? True, they are the proper things to do, and they carry an air of respectability as they are mentioned frequently in our circles. This is all well and good; but are we really burdened for the unsaved, and do we weep for those around the world who have never trusted Christ as Savior? And who is going to tell them about their Savior? What kind of strategy do we have individually and corporately to reach those close to us and those around the world with the gospel message?