Last night was the first gathering of our churches nurture group where we are reading the book by J. Mack Stiles entitled, "Marks of the Messenger: Knowing, Living and Speaking the Gospel." The first chapter is full of provocative statements that need to be examined and meditated upon. I hope we will stay focused on the content and message in the book.
Because I was not not raised in the church, I have the benefit of reflecting back on the numerous ways I was "evangelized" by professing Christians, of all types. The bottom line is: if you cannot clearly articulate the truth of who Christ is and what He accomplished; if you are not living and loving the gospel; if Christ is not truly your all-in-all; if you have simply added Him on like an extra "thing" in your life, if He does not bring you delight; if you are not acknowledging the reality of His presence in your life; if you cannot naturally and sincerely speak of His beauty and your delight in Him; if other things compete with Him, and can actually supersede Him, for your joy and attention; if you think that sharing Christ is a duty rather than a delight; then, the lost will see that and know that; and, your words will, not only be meaningless and empty; but, your very life and words will bring dishonor and shame to His name.
When more time allows, I will write more...
Orthodoxy (correct doctrine), Orthopraxis (correct actions) and Orthocardia (correct heart). The Puritans used to talk about the need to have all three. We tend to think a lot about the first two. Let us not forget that, "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
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