On Witnessing

John MacArthur makes an illustration out of 2 Corinthians 4. He calls it “Paul’s humble five-point strategy:

We will not lose heart. We will not alter the message. We will not manipulate the results, because we understand that a profound spiritual reality is at work in those who do not believe. We will not expect popularity, and therefore, we will not be disappointed. And we will not be concerned with visible and earthly success but devote our efforts toward that which is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4

“(1) Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. (2) But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. (3) But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, (4) whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. (5) For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. (6) For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Cast Down but Unconquered (7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. (8) We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; (9) persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— (10) always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. (11) For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (12) So then death is working in us, but life in you. (13) And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,”[a]we also believe and therefore speak,(14) knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. (15) For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. Seeing the Invisible (16) Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. (17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, (18) while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

A Better Way?

I hear a lot that the old ways of doing things when it comes to churches is “broken” or “not working”. This makes me think, how can we improve the message of the Gospel? The only answer I can find is that the Holy Spirit gives us understanding.

John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

This attitude of changing methods and techniques reminds me of those BASF commercials were their slogan was “We don’t make the products you buy, We make the products you buy better.” In my opinion the only way to make it better is to have a solid foundation of doctrine.

Instead, prominent pastors such as Rick Warren are promoting this program and entertainment centered ministry. I looked at a few of my area local churches web pages and found programs for anything. From cheerleading to fitness centers. I understand the method of reaching out to people and bring them in, but the result is in most cases is not building people up spiritually.

In addition, everything must be a certain way or a “production”. For example, ending at the exact time each week or having gruesome tryouts to sing in the choir. I just finished reading a book called “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” by Randall Balmer (I guess it was also a documentary on PBS). In the chapter on Rick Warren it says “What about children? ‘We don’t allow children in the Worship Center,’ came the answer. Saddleback, in fact, siphons all children off to the children’s programs and doesn’t allow kids under five in any of the venues. ‘They’ll destroy your service,’ the pastor warned.”

I will not leave out the arrogance that they have either. “Though the church dropped the word ‘Baptist’ from its name long ago, and Warren does nothing to advertise his affiliation, both he and the church are technically members of the Southern Baptist Convention. ‘We remain in the denomination more for their sakes than for ours,’ he told me.”

After reading this book, it really opened my eyes to how many different worship styles of Christianity there are and how superficial they look. Switching churches because someone prefers one music style over another or they have sports programs for their children. Is this how we are to evaluate churches? By what is pleasing to our ears and what programs they have to meet our desires. By focusing on these attributes there is a high danger in turning into nothing more than a social institution.