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August 31, 2017
by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Romans 10:15–17
Various methods are employed to communicate the good news of Christ to the lost. Some of the approaches appear to be successful and effective on the surface, but underneath they leave much to be desired.
Various methods are employed to communicate the good news of Christ to the
lost. Some of the approaches appear to be successful and effective on the
surface, but underneath they leave much to be desired.
The Harvard Approach is quite different. The thinking behind this
method is: Let’s all discuss the world’s religions.
Because it’s reason centered, it attracts both genuine and
pseudo intellectuals. The modus operandi is invariably a vague discussion
that shifts from Baha’i to Buddhism . . . from the pros and cons of
no prayer in public schools to the rapid growth of the Rajneeshies in the
80s. This approach is educational and occasionally quite stimulating, but
it suffers from one mild drawback—no one ever gets saved! Specifics
regarding salvation by grace through faith are frowned upon. The direct
discussion of forgiveness of sins through Christ’s blood at the cross
and His miraculous resurrection is about as welcome in a sophisticated rap
session on religion as a life-sized bust of Martin Luther would be in the
Vatican.
Perhaps the most popular is the Mute Approach, which promotes: I’m a silent witness for God. The best you can say
about this method is that no one ever gets offended. That’s for sure!
Somewhere down the line this person has begun to swallow one of
Satan’s tastiest tidbits: “All God expects of you is a good,
silent life. Others will ask you about Christ if they are interested in
hearing.” You know, I can count on one hand (and have fingers left
over) the number of people in my entire life who have suddenly come up and
asked me about Jesus Christ. While no one can discount the value of a godly
life, that alone never brought anyone into the family of God.
Let me offer a better approach: Open your mouth and give witness to what
you believe! Here’s how the Paul expressed it,
That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of
messengers who bring the good news!” But not everyone welcomes
the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “LORD, who has
believed our message?” So faith comes from hearing, that is,
hearing the Good News about Christ.”
(Romans 10:15b–17)
And what do they hear? You sharing what you believe!