Theology, Signs & Wonders, and Evangelism
These are things I have been contemplating lately.
I have been contemplating whether their is one way of evangelism aka sharing Christ's story with others. Some people believe it is an emotional break through, others believe it is through philosophy and science, some believe in a ritualistic verbal confession and still others believe it is through signs and wonders. So confusing! Is their a right way or wrong way to tell the redemptive story of Christ sacrifice and mastry over death?(I tried to exclude Christianese words)
See I am beginning to believe that there is not a bad way. In fact with all of my schooling in post-modernism of how to relate to the post-modern culture it could be great but that doesn't mean that it is the only way of doing things. At the drop-in I work at I work with very modern thinking people and the kids love them! Want to know why!?! Because the workers show them Christ's love and acceptance! Yes, one particular worker is very old school in his continual 'gospel' message but the kids see his character....his sincere interest in them not his akward presentation of the gospel. As much as it frustrates me that he is stuck in his ways and is resistant to change I still go because of the love for the kids have. This is the common ground that I share with him. Love!.....besides I'm probably just as backwards as him at times.
Also mom and I have butted heads recently about a specific church in our town that is having a revival. Mom is very enamoured with the emotionalism and signs and wonders that happen at it. I on the other hand have been their done that and want to move onto something more itellectually stimulating. I want balance cuz I believe that God's power comes in miraculous ways but I want to know how to think! Why do I believe in what I believe in!?! We had the whole end times talk and I refuted it with the new broadcasting technology magnifying events. I then compared today to being any worse than turn of the century England, Rome, Sodom and Gomorah. Then I moved onto how time does not exist outside of God. Then I spoke about Lewis's conversion due to science's undeniable proof through creation.
Mom drives me bonkers sometimes! She is very passionate but gets as spiritual as a new ager when she starts talking about the end times and spirits of darkness.....yet God has used her! She is so kind and generous and despite her passion people have seen her compassion and she has led them into righteousness in their relationship with Christ. She is very thoughtful and kind. Almost too much sometimes.
Its cool how God can use us even though we are backwards and narrow minded at times. Despite how much we screw up and even screw up his representation he still chooses to use us. Even our misdirected good intentions that get misconstrude and may cause more damage than good.
Oh how we serve a gracious God!
4 Comments:
From the limited interactions I've had with your Mom I can say that I agree she's very kind, but a little bit out there on the 'spiritual' side of things.
However, ultimately, I think all Christians are part of the body of Christ even if they are different from me.
My favourite Adrienne's Mom momment was when I first met her:
Mike: "Wow you and Adrienne look a lot alike!"
Mrs. Archer: "Well I think she's beautiful so thank you!!"
9:21 AM
Adrienne,
I so agree with that last paragraph. Amen to that, sistah.
Love you lots,
Johanna
P.S. On Friday it will be two weeks exactly til you come here. I'm countin down :)
12:09 AM
Adrienne,
If this 'guys' way of teaching the Gospel to the kids is working, why must he change his way of deliverance? Why can it not be that you should change the way you deliver the Gospel (not saying you need to or anything). I agree that there is really no right or wrong way to evangelize, although some ways I am a bit more skeptical than others, I believe that God works through them all. Hence the reason why He created us all differently, with different talents and different gifts.
I have worked side-bye-side with 'that guy' you are talking about in your blog for well over a year now, and I have seen him do amazing things. And I have heard amazing stories from people in the past of the work he has done in other youth groups. So perhaps his way of delieverance isn't so awkward after all...
I think as Christians we all need to respect one another in our approaches in regards to our different styles of evangelism. Especially those who have either the 'post-modern' and 'modern way of thinking. I think too much seperation is beginning to arise between these two ways, and it shouldn't happen. As you have mentioned, the 'modern' way of thinking still works, simply because Christ's love is shown through it. As does some of the ways of the 'post-modern'.
Ultimately put those to ways aside and what are we? Christians, we are Christ followers. What are we called to do? To love one another and to make disciples of all nations. As long as we are doing just that, God will work through us. Whether or not we are classified as being 'modern' or 'post modern' in our ways.
3:28 PM
Yah Melissa, 'that guy' sure knows how to be a good papa to those kids.
12:03 PM
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