Sunday, November 2, 2008

My introduction to Christ will precede the birth of many who might read this blog: October 1963. Mid McKnight was a popular evangelist who encouraged one on one evangelism in the 60's. Tisdale's charts were a useful tool and the Jule Miller filmstrips were just coming into vogue. People were motivated to actively share their faith, and the Church of Christ was reputedly the fastest growing religious group in America. Since then there has been a steady decline in the membership of Churches of Christ as Christians have moved from proactively (verbally) sharing the gospel to what some call "lifestyle evangelism." As Churches of Christ decline The Church of Christ of the Latter Day Saints has continued to grow, and has even surpassed the Church of Christ as the fastest growing religious group in America. Why? The Mormons continue to go out two by two and share the doctrine of their Church.

The Holy Spirit says to the church, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) It was Jesus who said, "Go make disciples..." (Matt. 28:19-20). Without Jesus people are lost. He is "the way..." (John 14:6), not "A" way among many, and it pleases God "through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe" (1Cor. 1:21).

A lifestyle that is modeled after Christ is important, but our model is not the power of God for salvation, the gospel is (Romans 1:16). As I heard one person say, "If the only way you are trying to lead a lost person to Christ is by your example, you are setting a bad example." Keep in mind that the lifestyle of the Mormons is one that demonstrates a high level of honesty and intergrity. There are also people of Islam that are great moral examples. Living a life patterened after Christ is important, but to save the lost we must share the message. You will not "example" people into the body of Christ.