Apologetics

From December's Evangelical Times I was directed to www.thedawkinsproof.com which I found telling - it is worth looking at - and downloading if you wish. I am also reading one of the more recent biggies from Apollos - Christian Apologetics by Douglas Groothuis. It will take me a little while to get through its 700 pages. I have found it easier, and more interesting reading than some of his other books. How far I shall agree with all of it, I don't know, but the more important point is that it is a comprehensive overview so it is a reminder of many things already read about previously. The only problem is that my memory is not what it used to be - which might have been thought to be an advantage, but sadly is not for it seems to be getting worse. In my view there has been a neglect of apologetics in recent years, not on the part of John Blanchard though, for whose continued ministry we give thanks. A reason for our hope is an important part of evangelism.

Further comments

First on evangelistic preaching: it seems to me that today we ought, in general, to make evangelism separate from worship. In fact, I'm not sure that it should ever really have become so much a part of worship as it did. However that may be, evangelism today needs to make space for people to ask questions and for answers to be given. It is much better to have small groups, perhaps following a course - though most that are available are too short - where it is possible for people to get to know each other as well as simply hearing a message. Evangelism in the open-air often leads to questions which can be answered either by the speaker or by others who are ready and available for the purpose. It is also worthy of notice that the sermon on the mount addresses the disciples early on - 'you are the light of the world' etc. whereas later on our Lord applied what he had to say to those who are not disciples. This looks like an interesting precedent for making an evangelistic application in a sermon which is not directly addressed to unbelievers.

On quite another subject I was struck in a way I never have been before by the way that the fact that mothers brought their little children to Jesus for him to bless them casts a remarkable light on his character. What sort of person would you, your wife or mother want to bring small children to, for him to lift them up and pray over them? Especially what sort of bachelor? Surely, one who is gentle and kind, one who can be trusted absolutely, one who clearly loves children and is concerned for their welfare. It is surely an indictment of our society that it would be almost impossible for such a thing to happen in modern Britain!

Evangelistic preaching

On one of the blogs I occasionally visit I saw a note about evangelistic preaching, advocating regular preaching of that nature from the pulpit. I am by no means so sure about that. Just for starters I want to distinguish between evangelistic preaching and gospel preaching. The difference, as I see it, is that the former addresses itself distinctly to those who are not Christians, while that latter expounds themes centred on the Gospel which can be applied both to unbelievers and believers. In other words the former is person centred preaching, the latter subject centred preaching – though it must be applied to be preaching at all. In many cases today congregations are almost exclusively made up of believers (the great majority) or those who attend regularly but have made no distinct profession of faith. If you are going to preach the Word of God to the people who are there – and that is surely what preaching must be about – it means that distinctly evangelistic preaching will not have so great a place in our services of worship. But are services of worship the locus for evangelism anyway – especially in these days?

A big question

I have been fascinated in reading the history of IVF/UCCF in Douglas Johnson’s book Contending for the Faith. In particular I was intrigued by the Inter-Varsity Missionary fellowship which was formed in 1933. All who joined were to sign a declaration of membership which said: ‘Acknowledging Jesus Christ as my Saviour, my Lord, and my God, I purpose, if God permit, to serve him in the foreign mission field.’ After this came the following: ‘The Declaration is more than a mere expression of willingness or desire to become a foreign missionary, it is a statement of a definite life-purpose formed under the direction of God. The purpose of those who sign this declaration is by God’s grace to spend their lives as foreign missionaries. Towards this end they will shape their plans; they will steadily set themselves to prepare for this great work; they will do all in their power to remove the obstacles which may stand in the way of their going; and in due time they will make the necessary arrangements to go out. Only the clear leading of God will prevent their going to the foreign field.’ Then a final statement: ‘It is the duty of every Christians to face this question and to think to a conclusion, but let no one decide it without careful thought and earnest prayer.’ Times have changed and missions have changed, but it is surely still true that every Christian has a duty before God to face the question: ‘What does God want me to do with the life he has given me?’