Surveys indicate that fewer than 10% of born again Believers have ever led even one person to Jesus Christ! How can we explain that, particularly in view of the fact that Islam has grown by 400% in the United States? I have a suggestion: Go to the basic Biblical texts that deal with communicating our faith and note the doctrine that is associated with the communication. In other words: that particular doctrine must be known and applied. If the doctrine is not applied, the result is silence! You'll discover five reasons for silence. Let me share five basic texts and the doctrine associated with five texts which emphasize communicating:
1. Acts 1:8 - The doctrine of the filling of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)
2. Ephesians 4:12 - In view of Ephesians 4:11, the doctrine to be applied is the doctrine of Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7)
3. 2 Corinthians 3:12 - The doctrine of Assurance (1 John 5:13) plus the truth of the imminent return of Jesus Christ (1 Thes. 2:19-20)
4. 2 Corinthians 5:11 - Here the Doctrine that motivates believers is the doctrine of retribution which is best explained by Jesus Christ in John 8:21. Here we see that the unbeliever will be eternally separated from God. That is a motivation!
5. Jude verses 22-23 - The Doctrine that produces this mindset is the Doctrine of Christian living via Jude verses 20-21. Living the Christian life means living in the sphere of blessing and the result is the desire to communicate the Gospel (Jude 22,23).
Neglect these five basic texts and you have 5 reasons for silence. The goal of Songtime USA is to get a maximum number to return to a study of Bible Doctrine. Why? Read 2 Timothy 3:16: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
This says when you study the Bible, ask four questions: 1.) What does it teach? 2.) What happens if I ignore the teaching? 3.) How can I correct the problem? 4.) How can I prevent a repeat of the problem? There it is: Grow in Grace or Groan in Disgrace!
- JDB
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