Evangelism as per the PRC

[foundinHim]

I will give some snippets here of things Jason Kortering and Jai Mahtani have written on the subject .

First , here is Kortering in his article " Evangelism in the Established Church ( 1 ) Orientation " .

If we truly love God , the goal of evangelism is not self , not even the neighbor , but is God and His glory through the gathering and strengthening of His precious people .

[ He quotes Robert McQuilkin ] ... we spend most of our time in theological speculation instead of engaging in witness and evangelization ... many Christians have exchanged the " Great Commission " for the " Great Omission . "

Kortering goes on to say that Spurgeon's book " The Soul Winner " inspires him " as only Spurgeon can . He was a Calvinist who had a burden for lost souls . "


Then Mahtani in two articles writes about " Equipping Our People for Personal Evangelism " .

All our people in all our congregations must be equipped to do personal evangelism because evangelism is the duty of the church to make known the gospel to all men .

God's people need to be equipped to do godly , humble , friendly , personal evangelism ...

The passage in Acts 8:4 clearly refers to the saints who were scattered from Jerusalem under persecution : " Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word . " These men and women went evangelizing , not preaching , as the KJV incorrectly has it . The Greek word is euanggelew , which is different from the word kyrusso ( as in Rom. 10 ) . The former is the general word for the spread of the gospel ; the latter refers to the official heralding of the Word . All God's people are involved in evangelism -- by their prayers , by their witness , by their life , and by their talk . Not all are preachers and not all are missionaries ; but all who are under the lively preaching of the Word are indeed involved in evangelism by their witness .

In Part 2 Mahtani urges preachers to put " mission zeal " in their semons ... [ preachers should ] be busy in personal evangelism . I think this balance will help our people tremendously . For as leaders , so the people ; if our people need help in evangelism , let us preachers examine ourselves and be willing to develop and improve .

[ Preachers ] must be polemical ; we must condemn error . But we must do so in such a way that the people of God do not become lopsided in their thinking , for then we are in danger of begetting a bunch of haughty minded people who think that to behave in a condescending and unfriendly manner towards unbelievers is to be commended in us ... temper our polemics with a mission zeal , pointing out the urgency of the gospel ... urging the saints to be ready to speak of the hope to all around them with meekness and fear , then we are doing a good service to the cause of personal evangelism .

... the church is called to evangelize ... [ elders and deacons should help ] equip our people for personal evangelism ... elders ought to be mindful of their duty to equip the saints for personal evangelism ... personal evangelism is part and parcel of their Christian calling in the midst of a sinful world .

If our people are not interested in evangelism , the next generation is going to be even more close-minded to the work of missions ; if our people are busy and lively and zealous in giving a personal witness to all those around them , our children are going to follow their godly example .

[ray kikkert]

So FIH, what are your comments regarding the statements you have inserted here?

[foundinHim]

I am in full agreement with both pastors on the subject . Their thoughts on the matter are really needed these days in the PRC because they got side-lined for so long combatting common grace and the free offer . ( I am in agreement with their stances there also , let it be said) . I am all for a more full-orbed , full counsel approach to Scripture . The Word of God is packed full of many teachings -- to dwell primarily on a couple is not right . Individual Christians need to be mission-minded -- evangelistic -- they need to have a burden for souls .

[ray kikkert]

True FIH, it is important that the Gospel is preached in the mission field , just as it is from the pulpit. The aspects of a conditional covenant, common grace, free willism,..... et al, should be rejected as strongly in the mission field as from the pulpit.

[wildboar]

I was very happy to read the articles by Rev. Kortering and hope many will read and follow. Unfortunately, although I have been blessed by much of what Prof. Engelsma has written I believe he is dead wrong on the issue of personal evangelism. He state his position in this pamphlet http://www.prca.org/pamphlets/pamphlet_17.html While there is a problem with the way I have seen it done in some Baptist churches where it seems like the only function of a person once they have "gotten saved" is to get as many other people saved as they can, there are numerous passages throughout the New Testament where those who hear the Gospel can't help but tell others. Personal evangelism must be encouraged. I also believe there is a problem with the Consitution of the Domestic Mission Committee of the PRC which says: "We believe that this missionary activity includes the work of church extension and church reformation, as well as the task of carrying out the gospel to the unchurched and heathen. However, we are convinced that our present duty lies primarily in the field of church extension and church reformation." There are still areas in the world to which the Gospel has not gone and this should be primary. Reformation is certainly important but it is not what Jesus was primarily talking about in the Great Commission and I believe that because of this many of the members in the PRC can engage in intelligent arguments with those in other reformed churches about various doctrines but really don't know what to say to the unchurched. The PRC also has not lived up to its calling to seek unity with all who subscribe to the Three Forms of Unity. It often expects those on the mission field to side with them on issues which are not addressed in the confessions. As a result almost all of the mission fields have fallen apart.

Another problem is that there are some in the PRC who are skeptical of any mission work whatsoever--they believe it is enough to raise up covenant children and do not believe mission work is necessary. They are a minority but fear of offending them or others who are not quite as extreme can be debilitating in the PRC.

I do not say all of this to bash the PRC. Every denomination has its problems but churches must be willing to admit them if they are every going to solve the problems rather than going to the knee-jerk reaction of "well, at least we aren't engaged in the horrible activity of that denomination over there." The PRC must set the polemics aside and return to its exegetical roots as displayed by Herman Hoeksema.

[ray kikkert]

I was very happy to read the articles by Rev. Kortering and hope many will read and follow. Unfortunately, although I have been blessed by much of what Prof. Engelsma has written I believe he is dead wrong on the issue of personal evangelism. He state his position in this pamphlet http://www.prca.org/pamphlets/pamphlet_17.html While there is a problem with the way I have seen it done in some Baptist churches where it seems like the only function of a person once they have "gotten saved" is to get as many other people saved as they can, there are numerous passages throughout the New Testament where those who hear the Gospel can't help but tell others.

Rather than try to second guess what statements you have problems with Chuck, please specify what statements you consider "dead wrong"

Personal evangelism must be encouraged. I also believe there is a problem with the Consitution of the Domestic Mission Committee of the PRC which says: "We believe that this missionary activity includes the work of church extension and church reformation, as well as the task of carrying out the gospel to the unchurched and heathen. However, we are convinced that our present duty lies primarily in the field of church extension and church reformation." There are still areas in the world to which the Gospel has not gone and this should be primary.

Have you considered Chuck the constitution of the "Foreign Mission Committee" and it's statements? Does this constitution help square your problem of "still areas in the world to which the Gospel has not gone and this should be primary"?

Reformation is certainly important but it is not what Jesus was primarily talking about in the Great Commission and I believe that because of this many of the members in the PRC can engage in intelligent arguments with those in other reformed churches about various doctrines but really don't know what to say to the unchurched.

Suffice it to say , whatever one discusses to those of other reformed churches can equally be discussed with those who are unchurched. I doubt very much Chuck you would wish the Gospel truth of Jesus Christ and His sovereign grace to His chosen to be watered down because we are now speaking to the unchurched. So what is it those in the PRC do not know what to say?

The PRC also has not lived up to its calling to seek unity with all who subscribe to the Three Forms of Unity. It often expects those on the mission field to side with them on issues which are not addressed in the confessions. As a result almost all of the mission fields have fallen apart.

I can agree here Chuck, but substantiate it with the fact that when the PRC and let's say the URC sit down and discuss what mutually we can do together and for each other, that when it comes down to the matter of doctrine, we do not start to compromise it for the sake of a man endorsed unity. I have no problems with meeting with churches like the FRC or the OPC for that matter, but not for the purpose in the end to have doctrine watered down. Then better to part company.
With respect to the mission field work, it would be wise to also substantiate that if the doctrine and lifestyle of the missionaries is not being put forth to those in the mission field in a godly example it becomes hypocritical and then no wonder the the mission field fall apart. You have to be instant both in and out of season.

Another problem is that there are some in the PRC who are skeptical of any mission work whatsoever--they believe it is enough to raise up covenant children and do not believe mission work is necessary. They are a minority but fear of offending them or others who are not quite as extreme can be debilitating in the PRC.

Whether or not this is true and I have reason to doubt you here Chuck, they all and I mean all must and do pull their weight when it comes to the work of missions..... whether that be Foreign or Domestic. Each family in the PRC is alloted a certain dollar amount that is used by the churches as a whole to support and bring about the work in part of missions, the seminary, retired ministers... et al. They are expected to pull their weight here in missions just as much for let's say the seminary which I beleive to be very wise. It gets rid of the "lone ranger" attitude.

I do not say all of this to bash the PRC. Every denomination has its problems but churches must be willing to admit them if they are every going to solve the problems rather than going to the knee-jerk reaction of "well, at least we aren't engaged in the horrible activity of that denomination over there." The PRC must set the polemics aside and return to its exegetical roots as displayed by Herman Hoeksema.

Chuck I am glad you voice your concerns, especially as one having part in the PRC. Mistakes are made, that is clear again in the last synod meeting 2005, and also with regards to mission work. It was acknowledged. It was repented of before the delegates at synod. It is not swept under the carpet, for if it is and also proven at past synod meetings, it always finds a way to come out to the open and far more hurt and damage is caused. So it is not in the best interest of the PRC to "cover" these things up, but rather expose them, deal with them, admonish them, repent of them, and united bring forth the cause of Christ and His truth above all. That is where the rubber hits the road.

Polemics though Chuck work hand in hand with exegetical roots so it is impossible to have one without the other, unless you are willing to compromise and tolerate watered down doctrine and lifestyle which God forbid the PRC would advocate. I will oppose such babble and nonsense. I doubt any one here would advocate that Hoeksema was not polemical.... that is unless they fail to read what he has written . Watered down doctrine and lifestyle folks simply have enough places out there to go to if that is what they want. Then simply put..... leave the PRC if that is what you want.

[cprwc]

Gentlemen,
A sweet taste drawn from the glad tidings of the gospel written on the pages of the Bible awaits you below:

Canons
"FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE
Of Divine Predestination

Article 1. As all men have sinned in Adam, lie under the curse, and are deserving of eternal death, God would have done no injustice by leaving them all to perish, and delivering them over to condemnation on account of sin, according to the words of the apostle, Romans 3:19,"that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God." And verse 23:"for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." And Romans 6:23:"for the wages of sin is death."
Article 2. But in this the love of God was manifested, that he sent his only begotten Son into the world, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. I John 4:9.John 3:16. Article 3. And that men may be brought to believe, God mercifully sends the messengers of these most joyful tidings, to whom he will and at what time he pleaseth; by whose ministry men are called to repentance and faith in Christ crucified. Romans 10:14, 15:"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except they be sent?"

"THIRD AND FOURTH HEADS OF DOCTRINE
Of the Corruption of Man, His Conversion to God, and the Manner Thereof.


Article 6. What therefore neither the light of nature, nor the law could do, that God performs by the operation of the Holy Spirit through the word or ministry of reconciliation: which is the glad tidings concerning the Messiah, by means whereof, it hath pleased God to save such as believe, as well under the Old, as under the New Testament.
Article 7. This mystery of his will God discovered to but a small number under the Old Testament; under the New, (the distinction between various peoples having been removed), he reveals himself to many, without any distinction of people. The cause of this dispensation is not to be ascribed to the superior worth of one nation above another, nor to their making a better use of the light of nature, but results wholly from the sovereign good pleasure and unmerited love of God. Hence they, to whom so great and so gracious a blessing is communicated, above their desert, or rather notwithstanding their demerits, are bound to acknowledge it with humble and grateful hearts, and with the apostle to adore, not curiously to pry into the severity and justice of God's judgments displayed to others, to whom this grace is not given. Article 8. As many as are called by the gospel, are unfeignedly called. For God hath most earnestly and truly shown in his Word, what is pleasing to him, namely, that those who are called should come to him. He, moreover, seriously promises eternal life, and rest, to as many as shall come to him, and believe on him."

Do you see then that truly the golden apples of God's word fitly frame evangelism per the PRC?
By God's peaceful, powerful, and comforting self-revelation in communion to as many as the Father has given to Christ from before the foundation of the world; by the irresistable operation of the Spirit, the Church, the innumerable multitiude gathered from every tribe, tongue, kindred, and nation, gathers around the throne of the Lamb. Evangelism reveals God's glory in His mercy to His elect and evangelism reveals God's glory in His justice against the reprobate. Do you believe that although you have grossly transgressed all the commandments of God and have kept none of them and are still inclined to all evil that nonetheless merely of grace God imputes to you the righteousness of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God in our flesh? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved! Do you believe? Then remember that your faith is God's gift to you, that Jesus shed His blood to purchase your faith as well as fully satisfy the Father's wrath against you. God's forbearance and longsuffering to us sinners has delivered us to put away all impatience, wrath, and malice and to serve one another in love. Blessings to you.

-CPRWC

[wildboar]

Rather than try to second guess what statements you have problems with Chuck, please specify what statements you consider "dead wrong"

But does not every saint have the duty to evangelize? Is not every child of God a missionary? Emphatically not! It is unbiblical to hold that every believer may and must evangelize. This is to maintain that every saint can and must preach the gospel. Where in Scripture is this authority given to every believer? Where in the practical parts of the New Testament epistles is this made the responsibility of every Christian? The notion that every member of the church is a missionary destroys the fundamental truth of the office in the church. Most pernicious of all is the utterly reckless act of putting this awesome burden on the shoulders of our teen age children who, altogether apart from the matter of office, ought not to be teaching, but learning the Word of God.
This is not to say that the believer should not witness to the truth as he has opportunity; he should -- this belongs to the office of believer (I Pet. 3:15). Let us not forget, however, that we witness, not only with our mouths, but also - and very powerfully - with our behavior. By our godly conduct, others may be gained to Christ (Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 86).
Nor do we intend, by denying that every believer is an evangelist, to exclude the saints from the great work of evangelism. How could this be? Evangelism is the work of the Church; and the saints are the Church. Although the instrument of evangelism is the man called to be missionary, it is the Church, the body of believers and their children instituted in the offices of elder and deacon, that is doing the work through him. Just as the body speaks by means of its tongue (you do not say, "My tongue is speaking," but you say, "I am speaking"), so does the congregation of saints evangelize through the missionary. Missions is not the work of the missionary; it is the work of the people of God.
The saints are active in this labor of the Church. They pray for the work of missions. This is the co-operation Paul asked of the believers: ". . . brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified" (II Thess. 3:1). They support the work financially. Paul praises the Philippians for helping him in his material need: "Ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction" (Phil. 4:14). Not least, the people of God are to live with each other in the church in such a way that the Spirit will bless their witness outside the church. It is striking, in the book of Acts, that the Church grew as it lived in faithfulness to the doctrine of the apostles; in zealous worship of God; and in peace among themselves. Where there is heresy, disinterest in spiritual things, carnality, worldliness, immorality, hatred, strife, and division, evangelism cannot be expected to prosper. For the Holy Spirit cannot be expected to bless our labor; and evangelism depends wholly upon the Spirit of Christ.

It is certainly true that every person is not a missionary but this does not mean that every person should not evangelize in whatever capacity they are able. There is a great problem that I see when "evangelism committees" sponsor lectures. A person might expect an evanglelism committee to sponsor a lecture on the basic truths of the Gospel or even on personal evangelism but I have seen none of this. I have seen advertisements for two lectures given on why the KJV is the best translation. How is this evangelism? The good news is that you can trust some Anglicans who did Bible translation?

Suffice it to say , whatever one discusses to those of other reformed churches can equally be discussed with those who are unchurched. I doubt very much Chuck you would wish the Gospel truth of Jesus Christ and His sovereign grace to His chosen to be watered down because we are now speaking to the unchurched. So what is it those in the PRC do not know what to say?

I have no desire that the Gospel be watered down. But the Gospel can be stated simply and with great power at the same time without engaging in various polemical arguments against doctrines which the unchurched have no knowledge of. How many pamphlets exist on the issue of common grace? (and I'm certainly not saying this issue should not be addressed at all) But how many pamphlets are there in which the truths of the Gospel are simply and clearly stated? Any? The average person in the PRC could very easily tell you what makes them different from the CRC but I believe they would have some difficulty in explaining to someone who really doesn't know what Christianity is what it means to be a Christian.

I can agree here Chuck, but substantiate it with the fact that when the PRC and let's say the URC sit down and discuss what mutually we can do together and for each other, that when it comes down to the matter of doctrine, we do not start to compromise it for the sake of a man endorsed unity. I have no problems with meeting with churches like the FRC or the OPC for that matter, but not for the purpose in the end to have doctrine watered down. Then better to part company.

I don't believe that doctrine needs to be watered down and compromised but the PRC has to be willing to admit that there are various things which she has not done a good job of and be willing to speak with those who do some of those things better and learn from them rather than just condemn them and say praise God we are not like such and such denomination that does such and such.

Polemics though Chuck work hand in hand with exegetical roots so it is impossible to have one without the other, unless you are willing to compromise and tolerate watered down doctrine and lifestyle which God forbid the PRC would advocate. I will oppose such babble and nonsense. I doubt any one here would advocate that Hoeksema was not polemical.... that is unless they fail to read what he has written . Watered down doctrine and lifestyle folks simply have enough places out there to go to if that is what they want. Then simply put..... leave the PRC if that is what you want.

Polemics have their place but they must come after honest exegetical evaluation and that is the way I saw Hoeksema do it most of the time in his writings. If he had a gripe with something somebody said he quoted them fully and then explained the problems with their position. He did not just quote little snippets and make them teach things which they did not teach and then go after them like a rabbid animal which is what I see happen far too often today.

[foundinHim]

More from pastor Kortering :

... The work of evangelism in the local church must involve every member of the congrgation . No matter what project is undertaken , be it door-to-door evangelism , radio ministry , sponsoring local lectures , or whatever , it requires the active involvement of every member to accomplish its stated goal . In this article we want to develop a bit more why this is not only necessary , but also proper , and why it is to be expected by those who are working hard in this evangelism .
... The burden of this article is to show from the Bible that God has saved you to evangelize and that the leaders of the church want you to be busy in evangelism and expect it of you . It is God's way .

... I am convinced that the real issue is spiritual and lies in the heart of every one of us . Every member must accept it as his calling to evangelize , and when we get this straight , we will discover under God's blessing that our churches will become truly more mission minded .

... The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:4-10 ,

Ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house , an holy priesthood , to offer up spiritual sacrifices , acceptable to God by Jesus Christ ... Ye are a chosen generation , a royal priesthood , an holy nation , a peculiar people ; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath clled you out of darkness into his marvelous light .

The word " to shew forth " is " to declare , to make known " the praises , virtues , and wonders of God . This is not limited to ministers , elders , and deacons ; it is the task of every stone in the living house of God .The purpose of our salvation is to declare to everyone who crosses our pathway , our neighbor , that god is sovereign , He is great and greatly to be praised .

... The mark of a true Christian convert is his eagerness to see others saved even as he is saved .
It is the task of the ministry of the gospel and the teaching ministry of the local church to promote this activity in every member .

Every pastor has the commission from Christ so to conduct himself in his ministry and by example that he motivates every member to evangelize . In this way the congregation understands this to be their duty and that they ought to exercise it faithfully to the glory of God . Such instruction is part of the gospel , written in the Holy Bible . If we preach the whole counsel of God , it will include instruction in this labor .

... We may speak of the witnessing of the members as the sharing of the gospel or evangelism because it is in the service of the gospel that they work . Their burden is the salvation of the lost , and this includes bringing them under the preaching of the gospel .

Active witnessing on the part of the individual believer contributes in a marvelous way to his own spiritual maturity ... When we witness to others , we have to " walk the talk . " Careless living and evangelism are incompatible ... In summary , we learn that God saves whom He wills , in the way He wills , and in the time of His own choosing . Nothing quickens the heart more than to be an instrument in the hands of God to lead a lost soul to the Savior . We cannot help but praise God when we see His work of salvation before our very own eyes . At the same time , we learn that we cannot save a soul , it is all of God and all of grace , thus prayer takes on more meaning when we know that the eternal destiny of the soul;s of those with whom we speak are in God's hands . That is humbling , and that is a good virtue for every Christian .

[foundinHim]

This is from Homer Hoeksema's " The Voice Of Our Fathers " ( p. 488 ) .

... First of all , we may note that the issue concerns the preaching of the gospel , and that , too , to men without distinction , elect and reprobate alike . With the Arminians , of course , this presents no problem whatsoever ; they have a general gospel , and are free to proclaim it to all men . However , it is obvious to both Reformed and Arminian that also according to the Reformed view the gospel must be proclaimed promiscuously . This is obvious for the simple reason that no man can single out the elect and preach only to them . Besides , of course , it is simply a fact that the Reformed preacher as well as the Arminian preaches to a mixed audience , consisting of both elect and reprobate . Still more , we must well understand that such is also our calling . We may not preach and may not wish to preach only to the elect . It is God's purpose that the gospel shall be proclaimed also to the reprobate . In the second place , we must notice that this preaching of the gospel is of God . We feel this immediately when we read the article . It deals not with the seriousness and veracity of a human word and a human call , but with the seriousness and truth of God's Word and God's calling in the gospel . It is true that men preach the gospel , but only in the sense that they are instruments , ambassadors . They represent God . Hence , the preaching and the message of that preaching are of God . Through the preaching of the gospel God speaks and makes known His Word and His Will .

[lionovjudah]

May I aske, who in their "right" mind has ever espoused to preach to only the elect? WHo practices this? I have heard it mentioned, but have not seen any writings pertaining to this.

Was this some fall out from the "well meant offer" disputes?

[Brandan Kraft]

lionovjudah - nobody I know preaches only to the elect as we don't know who the elect and reprobate are! There are some, myself included, who do not believe in privately telling men to look to Christ for relief from their burden when it is obvious they don't have a burden and don't care about the Lord and salvation as they see no need for it. We only communicate this to people we believe may be quickened by the Spirit of God and are laboring over their sin. This is what we mean by the term "sensible sinner". However, we preach the Gospel to all men when given the opportunity by God's providence, and only by the leading of the Holy Spirit. We don't preach an offer or try to get men converted either. Therefore we are accused of not preaching the Gospel.

There have been no "hypers" that I know of in history that would refuse not to preach the Gospel! LOL

[lionovjudah]

There have been no "hypers" that I know of in history that would refuse not to preach the Gospel! LOL

Brandan, I was not implying anyone here. But is there any examples in history of people promoting this nonsense? THe only rumor i have heard is som PBers and some puritans. But I still have not seen anything quoted specifically

[Brandan Kraft]

Brandan, I was not implying anyone here. But is there any examples in history of people promoting this nonsense? THe only rumor i have heard is som PBers and some puritans. But I still have not seen anything quoted specifically

Not that I'm aware of - I think it is just an accusation that has been slung around unjustly. PBs and Puritans though have been guilty of much worse in my opinion!

[lionovjudah]

Is not there a difference inviting all to repent? Christ did this and the Baptist?

Would not this be different than telling all the Christ died for them personally?

[Brandan Kraft]

Is not there a difference inviting all to repent? Christ did this and the Baptist?

Would not this be different than telling all the Christ died for them personally?

There were no "invitations" in Christ's rhetoric. There was a command that went out to the people of Israel to repent (not Gospel repentance) of their sins. Gospel repentance involves turning from your self-righteousness to Christ's righteousness. It is the gift of faith. You could say that Christ's and John the Baptist's calls of repentance were that of judgment! REPENT YOU EVIL DOERS! THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND!

[cih92]

Is not there a difference inviting all to repent? Christ did this and the Baptist?

Would not this be different than telling all the Christ died for them personally?

Telling everyone to repent is different than telling everyone that Jesus died for everyone. Jesus did not die for everyone so if I don't know if a person is one of God's elect, I would not tell him that Christ died for him. You should tell everyone to repent because the Bible commands everyone to repent.

[cih92]

lionovjudah - nobody I know preaches only to the elect as we don't know who the elect and reprobate are! There are some, myself included, who do not believe in privately telling men to look to Christ for relief from their burden when it is obvious they don't have a burden and don't care about the Lord and salvation as they see no need for it. We only communicate this to people we believe may be quickened by the Spirit of God and are laboring over their sin. This is what we mean by the term "sensible sinner". However, we preach the Gospel to all men when given the opportunity by God's providence, and only by the leading of the Holy Spirit. We don't preach an offer or try to get men converted either. Therefore we are accused of not preaching the Gospel.

There have been no "hypers" that I know of in history that would refuse not to preach the Gospel! LOL

Do you have the mindset that says, "I'm going to look for people to share the gospel with"? Do wait until someone says to you, "I would like to hear about Jesus Christ.", before you tell him about Jesus?

[Brandan Kraft]

Do you have the mindset that says, "I'm going to look for people to share the gospel with"? Do wait until someone says to you, "I would like to hear about Jesus Christ.", before you tell him about Jesus?

Why that is a strange mindset, don't you think?

[lionovjudah]

There were no "invitations" in Christ's rhetoric. There was a command that went out to the people of Israel to repent (not Gospel repentance) of their sins. Gospel repentance involves turning from your self-righteousness to Christ's righteousness. It is the gift of faith. You could say that Christ's and John the Baptist's calls of repentance were that of judgment! REPENT YOU EVIL DOERS! THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND!

I think there is a difference.

When Christ Himself said, "I came not for the righteouss, but to CALL SINNERS to REPENTANCE. I believe He was sincere in that call.

WHen He said "REpent , for the Kingdom of God is at hand"

I believe He was sincere.

When He said "Repent or ye shall likewise perish"

He was sincere.

Christ was not saying, "I came to call ELECT sinners to repentance"

It was just repent. THe same in the original every time, so I dont know how to clarify Gospel repentance.

Invitiation, proclamation, I dont know the difference.

If you look at the 6 saying of Christ defining His mission, He mentions:

1) sinners to repentance
2) ransom
3) lost sheep
4) seek and save the lost
5) Redeem
6) to preach

He did nto plead or beg, He just laid it out plainly.

So I see know issue with telling anyone, including myself, the elect, reprobate, black, white, yellow, oragnge, REPENT OR YE SHALL LIKE WISE PERISH