It is true that we are called to be disciple makers. But this is just a part. It is also our calling to help the widows and the orphans. What does that look like from a culture and a church that is so wealthy?
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Matt (Guest)
Posted: May 22, 2008
The Gospel is the message of Christ's death and resurrection and its implications. Evangelism is spreading the gospel. Anything less is not evangelism.
Now I would remind you, brothers,* of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
1Corinthians 15:1-4
Arnold (Guest)
Posted: May 21, 2008
Certainly ministry to the needy is the expression of a redeemed life but it is not the expression of evangelism to a lost world. That is what this video is saying. Evagelism is the communication of the gospel, ie, the pathway to salvation for the soul through the atonement of Christ. No amount of good works and christian love will suffice. Without the truth of the person and work of Christ being expressly communicated, there is no evangelism .
Bruce (Guest)
Posted: May 21, 2008
I think I can go along with "Love is more than words-- it is action" or "We must do more than evangelize our neighbors-- we must love them as we love ourselves" but I can't say that "evangelism is action." Caring for the poor does not equal evangelism.
As necessary as it is, as integral to the faith as it is, caring for the poor simply does not make followers of Jesus. Evangelism is proclaiming the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness, reconciliation, and (future) restoration of all who believe. Unfortunately, the only reference to gospel content in this video is "the message of God's love" which at best assumes Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. If we are going to augment our proclamation ministry with compassion ministry, that's fine, but let's not downplay the offense of the cross.