Head-Bangin' Evangelism

Spirituality Column #149
September 15, 2009
Current in Carmel (IN) newspaper
Current in Westfield (IN) newspaper

Head-Bangin’ Evangelism
By Bob Walters

Confronting our sin is an inescapable part of the Christian walk.

But why would anyone let confrontation define the entire journey?

Maybe because in Romans 14:10, St. Paul tells us we will “stand before the judgment seat of Christ." True stuff. And then there is Romans 1:18-32, a litany of God’s wrath and human failings. Scary stuff.

Plus, “evangelists” too often preach a terrifying “salvation” message of God’s wrath and man’s wretchedness, whether to bewildered non-believers or to believing Christians crippled by sermons dripping with “death by sin” rather than life by the Gospel light of Christ’s sacrifice, grace and mercy.

“You’re a sinner condemned to Hell … and that’s the good news,” quips one of my pastoral friends, tongue in cheek and aghast at the dark spectacle of evangelism by threat, guilt and wrath.

Nobody establishes a relationship, willingly, on that kind of a foundation. Yet too often we allow our most personal, precious hope – forgiveness of sins and eternal life – to be co-opted into obedience by fear rather than forming freedom fueled by God’s love.

“God’s mad at you so you better straighten up!” is not the central message of the Bible, and it’s not the central message of Christ.

The central message of the Bible is that each one of us – every single individual human being – is special to God, forgiven of our sins by the grace of Jesus Christ, and gifted by the Holy Spirit with a soul and access to eternal communion in heaven.

Not one of us can work – or worry – our way out of this sinful and fallen world. Thank God … and I mean, Thank God, we don’t have to.

Jesus did the heavy lifting of that one on the Cross.

With God’s gift of love, freedom and salvation so accessible, why would anyone sell it with fear, control and guilt? Why would anyone buy it?

John 14:6 plainly tells us Christ is the only path to salvation. Believe it.

Romans 8:1 reads, “There is … no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.” Trust it.

Certainly, be an example of Christian love. Learn to tell people of your faith. But, like 1 Peter 3:15, do it “… with gentleness and respect.”

Not a 2x4 to the head.

Sure … confront sin; but find joy in the Lord.

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com) notes that we catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. “Evangelism” means “spreading good news" not "terrorizing sinners."

Satan v. God: A Fair Fight?

Spirituality Column #36
July 17, 2007
Current! In Carmel (IN) newspaper

Satan v. God; A Fair Fight?
By Bob Walters

I believe Satan is real and that he fights for our hearts, minds and souls right along with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Is it a fair fight? It sure seems Satan expends less effort getting our attention than God.

Our desires of earthly life … wanting what’s pleasing, comfortable, safe … are exactly what Satan wants us to have … in exchange for eternal condemnation of our souls.

It sounds bad, I know, but is “eternal condemnation” real? Should we worry about it?” Christ’s promise of “eternal salvation” sounds better but we can’t see either one and “eternal” is such a long time someone will change their minds so why not just let it all hang out while we can, look out for Number One, be real and let me “get mine” while I’m here to get it?

Helpful hint: “Number One” isn’t me. It’s God … and He’s paying attention.

The Bible gives us God’s complete outline for building our relationship with Him, other people, and all creation. God, not Satan, gives us beauty and wonder and nature and love and (don’t miss this one) forgiveness. It takes faith and discipline to nurture our relationship with God through Christ, who promises to be our champion for all time.

“Letting it all hang out” on earth isn’t what God has in mind for us; worshipping Him is how he wants us to “get real.”

One critical thing to remember: God is a red-hot, jealous God. The Jews, His beloved and chosen people, found out time and again that God’s wrath is immense and perfect.

As a Christian, never forgetting Jesus was a Jew, I know that God’s wrath is coming again one of these days and reading those Old Testament prophecies makes me want to straighten up my act.

Walters (rlwcom@aol.com) knows eternity is a long time, and salvation is better than condemnation. I’m rooting for God.