By Sight or By Faith

[Steven]

By Sight or By Faith

Over the years in preaching the Gospel, whether on the streets or in The Church, I've heard it said by many people, whom claim to be Christians: "Is what you're doing here effective?"

This is a good question, if properly asked; it is important to always examine what you are doing to see if it is effective. When I go to work there had better be results of my toil, lest I get fired for being lazy and unprofitable. But, as Christians we must make a distinction between faith and what we see. For instance, when I go to work, I see with my own eyes my job productivity, but, when walk with Christ we walk by blind faith, such as Abraham did.

"Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable." Hebrews 11:12

Does this mean that faith has no tangible results? It does, however most of the time we do not see them with our own eyes, like Abraham in the verse above, whom was promised many descendants, but never saw them. Hebrews 11 tells us that many of the Brethren, a great cloud of witnesses such as Daniel, David, Samson, Gideon and the prophets, all walked by faith: "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:" Hebrews 11:39

We whom preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, likewise do not receive the promise here, but we know that in the Kingdom we will see the results of our ministry; for example, you heard the Gospel from somewhere. What if the person whom spoke the Gospel to you decided that since they were not seeing 'results', that continuing thus was futile? And the person before him, and the person before him... going back through Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, Martin Luther, Wycliffe, Paul the Apostle, Peter, James, John, right back to Christ?

Because we believe in Christ, do we immediately see Heaven? No, it is by faith that we believe in Jesus Christ, without seeing the promise. We believe that He has forgiven us of our sins and we believe that we are washed clean, being given eternal life with God and made sons and co-heirs with Christ. But, we don't physically see any of this, save for small glimpses that God allows, like the renewing of our minds, teaching us to walk by faith and providing for our needs.

The fact is that our Christian walk is built upon faith, and thus is the crux of the issue; maybe we need to examine ourselves to see if we be in the faith or whether we have bought a religious system in which all the visible works and results are provided for us.

So, is it effective to preach the Gospel? If the Gospel is preached from the Scriptures with boldness and without shame, not shrinking back from the calling... the Gospel is always effective. Whether people repent, or turn to scoff, it is always effective. The Gospel, the power of God, is the great dividing line; the more people hear it, the more they are either convicted or hardened.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:16&17

The Gospel has the power of dividing soul and spirit, of joints and marrow and is the discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, (Heb. 4:12) and thus it is so important to present the Gospel, the Word of God, that it may do it's work, despite what our eyes see, or don't see. Just as we have believed in this Gospel by blind faith, we also must trust that this Gospel, when preached, has the power to save others by blind faith.

- Steven

[James Peter]

So you are saying that preaching the gospel is always equally effective regardless of location or method? That surely isn't the case. Yes, the results are often intangible but that doesn't mean that every possibility has equal effectiveness does it? A particular approach may send a particular individual scampering away, to never go near a church again for 5 years. A different approach may not have alienated that individual. It isn't about compromise, it is about discernment. There are times to be subtle and times to be less than subtle.

If God explicitly states 'Go to location X and say Y to the first lady you see in a red sweater' then of course you do it. However, unless you have that sort of explicit revelation you have to choose X and Y yourself. Those decisions should be guided by reason and wisdom. Simply going to a busy street in the city and shouting into a megaphone doesn't get a lot of people to hear the gospel, it gets a lot of people to think you are a freak and not actually listen to anything you have said. Take food out to a not-so-busy street where the homeless congregate, love them and then gradually preach once you have earnt their respect and trust and they will actually listen.

Colossians 4:5 "Act wisely towards non-believers, using the time available as well as possible." (My paraphrase; a literal 'Walk in wisdom towards outsiders buying up the time' isn't actually too clear) We aren't called to just go to a public place and to scream the gospel and to trust God to do the rest, we are called to follow the example of Jesus and to love people. We have limited resources, we should use them wisely and that means that we have to look at how we are using them rather than just running of half-cocked and causing all manner of trouble and assuming that whatever we choose to do God will bless...

[Steven]

So you are saying that preaching the gospel is always equally effective regardless of location or method? That surely isn't the case. Yes, the results are often intangible but that doesn't mean that every possibility has equal effectiveness does it? A particular approach may send a particular individual scampering away, to never go near a church again for 5 years. A different approach may not have alienated that individual. It isn't about compromise, it is about discernment. There are times to be subtle and times to be less than subtle.

If God explicitly states 'Go to location X and say Y to the first lady you see in a red sweater' then of course you do it. However, unless you have that sort of explicit revelation you have to choose X and Y yourself. Those decisions should be guided by reason and wisdom. Simply going to a busy street in the city and shouting into a megaphone doesn't get a lot of people to hear the gospel, it gets a lot of people to think you are a freak and not actually listen to anything you have said. Take food out to a not-so-busy street where the homeless congregate, love them and then gradually preach once you have earnt their respect and trust and they will actually listen.

Colossians 4:5 "Act wisely towards non-believers, using the time available as well as possible." (My paraphrase; a literal 'Walk in wisdom towards outsiders buying up the time' isn't actually too clear) We aren't called to just go to a public place and to scream the gospel and to trust God to do the rest, we are called to follow the example of Jesus and to love people. We have limited resources, we should use them wisely and that means that we have to look at how we are using them rather than just running of half-cocked and causing all manner of trouble and assuming that whatever we choose to do God will bless...

When the Gospel is preached it is always effective, whether through a bullhorn or over the pulpit. From Paul the Apostle, Jonathan Edwards, Westley, right down into our modern age, men of God have preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ, whether on the highways and biways or in The Church.

When we think we've figured God out, that's when He spits on the ground, makes mud and puts it on our eyes. Of course, if you think your methods are better than God's word, then at least we'd know where you're coming from.

I am always amazed that people often have opinions that they refuse to back up with contextual Scripture.

Regarding the Scripture you quoted: "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." Colossians 4:5 & 6 (you left outverse 6)

The context of that Scripture is this: with wisdom, speak to unbelievers of the grace that was bestowed to us, with love and with salt. Salt was used to purify meat to preserve it from rot, likewise, the Gospel acts as a preservative. And this is Love: to tell un-believers the truth of the death, burial and ressurection of our Lord God and the damnantion that awaits those whom reject this great salvation.

That verse has nothing to do with cheapening or watering down the Gospel in order to attract more people to ourselves.

"We aren't called to just go to a public place and to scream the gospel and to trust God to do the rest, we are called to follow the example of Jesus and to love people."

This is a common lie in modern Christianity, that most people whom preach on the street scream at folks. Bible-believing Christians whom preach The Gospel on the streets shouldn't preach any louder than a pastor at his pulpit. But, I love how this modern judgment is, giving no biblical precedence, laying burdens upon the average Christian whom obeys God's Word, then attempts to justify itself by quoting scripture out of context.

The Bible makes it pretty clear: "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Gal 1:8)

So, which Gospel are we preaching?

[James Peter]

When the Gospel is preached it is always effective, whether through a bullhorn or over the pulpit. From Paul the Apostle, Jonathan Edwards, Westley, right down into our modern age, men of God have preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ, whether on the highways and biways or in The Church.

When we think we've figured God out, that's when He spits on the ground, makes mud and puts it on our eyes. Of course, if you think your methods are better than God's word, then at least we'd know where you're coming from.

The point is that even within scripture we see more than one way of spreading the gospel. Its not 'My way or God's way' it is 'Way One, Way Two or Way Three' - all of which are both my way and God's way (depending on the exact circumstances involved).

I am always amazed that people often have opinions that they refuse to back up with contextual Scripture.

Regarding the Scripture you quoted: "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." Colossians 4:5 & 6 (you left outverse 6)

The context of that Scripture is this: with wisdom, speak to unbelievers of the grace that was bestowed to us, with love and with salt. Salt was used to purify meat to preserve it from rot, likewise, the Gospel acts as a preservative. And this is Love: to tell un-believers the truth of the death, burial and ressurection of our Lord God and the damnantion that awaits those whom reject this great salvation.

I didn't include the paraphrase/translation of verse 6 because it was less important to my point. Although as you bring it up doesn't it imply that there are different ways to answer different people? That one size doesn't fit all. Implicit in the verse is the assumption that different situations need to be treated differently. That there isn't just a single answer to give but that we must choose the right answer to give in any circumstances.

As for love, no this is love: when we see those in need we supply their needs. (1 John 3:17-18). Let us not love in word and in tongue but in action and in truth The gospel is not just words, it is action and words. Our actions demonstrate our words. Words alone aren't the answer.

That verse has nothing to do with cheapening or watering down the Gospel in order to attract more people to ourselves.

Where did I suggest cheapening or watering down the Gospel? Applying the gospel isn't watering it down. Demonstrating the gospel isn't watering it down. In fact according to 1 John 'love one another' is the commandement of Jesus (3:23, 4:21) In fact the entire thrust of 1 John is that the one who does not love doesn't know God. Loving people isn't an optional add on to the gospel but is absolutely integral to it.

This is a common lie in modern Christianity, that most people whom preach on the street scream at folks. Bible-believing Christians whom preach The Gospel on the streets shouldn't preach any louder than a pastor at his pulpit. But, I love how this modern judgment is, giving no biblical precedence, laying burdens upon the average Christian whom obeys God's Word, then attempts to justify itself by quoting scripture out of context.

Yes, screaming is an exageration although I'm not convinced that talking into a megaphone is any better. I live in London, I see plenty of people in the 'shout loudly and hope somebody listens' category. I've also seen plenty of people in the 'love the unlovable' camp. Guess which one has seen the most lives changed? I'm not laying any burden onto anyone. You can preach how you think you should, it is between you and God. But if you open up a dialogue which effectively says 'My way is the way' then you should expect criticism.

The Bible makes it pretty clear: "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Gal 1:8)

So, which Gospel are we preaching?

The gospel of course. The question is how are we preaching it though, not what are we preaching. I'm not suggesting changing the message, I'm suggesting that we change how we deliver it so that the message is actually heard more. Oh, and that we actually live the message rather than simply talking it.

(Texts drawn from Colossians and 1 John because they are the set texts for my greek exam tomorrow and so they are pretty fresh in my mind and I have done so much exegesis of them over the last three months that I know them and their context backwards. I'm not taking them out of context, 1 John stresses love as well as truth and Colossians certainly advocates right conduct to demonstrate the gospel. Heck, Paul even asks that the Colossians pray that he preaches the gospel in such a way that it is revealed (4:4). If it was just a case of standing on the corner and delivering a set monologue then after 30 years you'd have though Paul would have stopped worrying about getting the words right...)

[Steven]

There is only one Gospel, and when it is preached it is always effective.

(1 John 3:17-18). Let us not love in word and in tongue but in action and in truth

What good is it to give them food that will perish and not tell them of the Gospel, of eternal life for those whom believe and eternal death for those whom reject?

The fact is that it's not good enough just to participate in philanthropy and call that Love, or,to simply throw the word "love" around to justify our disobedience.

The most important thing we can do to demonstrate Love is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to edify His Body.

In fact according to 1 John 'love one another' is the commandement of Jesus (3:23, 4:21) In fact the entire thrust of 1 John is that the one who does not love doesn't know God.

The love spoken of in 1 John is love for the Brethren; it specifically addresses the fact that if you do not love your Brother in Christ, the love of the Father is not in you.

" By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?"

This Scripture is not talking about love for unbelievers, but for the Brethren.

For being a greek student, you have thrown in a lot of personal, albeit vague, opinon in there. let's see some fo that savvy study come out: do you have any Scriptures that specifically relate to preaching the Gospel to the lost by faith? Or, are you going to continue this interjection of modern philosophy into Biblical exegesis?

I am more than willing to discuss with you, but let's stick to the one subject of the thread, and that is faith verses sight; the context of that subject is that when the Gospel is preached, it is always effective.

[Steven]

Part Two:

Jesus continually taught His disciples to believe in Him, not just because they saw miracles, but because He was the Son of God. For us, whom were not an eyewitness to Christ, it is an especial blessing to have Faith. "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] have believed." John 20:29

Faith is not the easy road; it is the straight and narrow way. It is the broad road that leads to easy-believe-ism and finally destruction: "I raised my hand with every eye closed, I signed a contract at a crusade, I was baptized a Catholic so the worst would be Pergatory, I have fire insurance." But Faith requires evidence of belief, as James says: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." (James 2:17 & 18)

Hebrews 11:1 describes Faith: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Many people who claim Christ are not satisfied with the evidence of things not seen; out of their own lusts, they try to duplicate miracles, signs and wonders to draw the deceived. "Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But He answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:" Matthew 12:38 & 39

Now, why would Jesus call them "evil and adulterous"? He did so because they had evilly left their first love; like an un-faithful wife, they coveted 'greener' pastures and shared their beds with other gods.

Once again, we must examine ourselves to see if we be in the Faith, that we not be like this adulterous woman, whom in the last days is spoken of as drinking the blood of the saints. Yes, let us believe in Jesus as Lord without wavering or shrinking back, leading simple lives, knowing we have riches in the Kingdom because we believed without seeing the promise.

[James Peter]

I'll deal with part two later. Only so much can be done in one go...

There is only one Gospel, and when it is preached it is always effective.

That depends on how you define 'effective'. How would you define it? Personally I would say that it is effective if it achieves its purpose. The purpose of the gospel is to draw people to God. If it doesn't draw people to God then it isn't effective. I almost maintain that effective isn't an either/or but rather has a range. I can be more effective or less effective.

What good is it to give them food that will perish and not tell them of the Gospel, of eternal life for those whom believe and eternal death for those whom reject?

The fact is that it's not good enough just to participate in philanthropy and call that Love, or,to simply throw the word "love" around to justify our disobedience.

The most important thing we can do to demonstrate Love is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to edify His Body.

How many times do I have to say I'm not suggesting either/or but rather BOTH. What good is it to say 'God loves you' and not demonstrate that love? WORD AND DEED. WORD AND DEED. WORD AND DEED. Get the message? Both are important, neither can stand without the other. Demonstrating love certainly involves far, far more than just preaching.

The love spoken of in 1 John is love for the Brethren; it specifically addresses the fact that if you do not love your Brother in Christ, the love of the Father is not in you.

" By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?"

This Scripture is not talking about love for unbelievers, but for the Brethren.

The question here is what does 'brother' here refer to? Is it just other believers? I don't think so. In fact this precise verse and question came up in my exam today. I believe that when asking who is our brother we should look firstly to the parable of the good samaritan. I don't think saying 'I love other christians, its ok for me not to love the poor and helpless' is particularly christian. Throughout the OT and the NT we can see a concern for the poor and the helpless as well as the belief that the righteous are those who help those who they can help.

For being a greek student, you have thrown in a lot of personal, albeit vague, opinon in there. let's see some fo that savvy study come out: do you have any Scriptures that specifically relate to preaching the Gospel to the lost by faith? Or, are you going to continue this interjection of modern philosophy into Biblical exegesis?

'Preaching by faith'? I don't think that sort of language is used anywhere in the NT. In fact a quick scan suggests that nowhere is the language 'preach by faith' used (in fact there isn't a single construction where faith modifies preach). And what I'm advocating certainly isn't modern philosophy. At the very least it is integral to the johaninne gospel.

I am more than willing to discuss with you, but let's stick to the one subject of the thread, and that is faith verses sight; the context of that subject is that when the Gospel is preached, it is always effective.

The fact is though that faith isn't always contrasted to sight. In fact there are many times when 'sight' imagery (often translated in terms of 'knowing') is used in a very positive sight. Walking by faith and not by sight means walking in accordance with God's will and not our own. It certainly doesn't include ignoring all reason though. If it did really what is the purpose of growing in wisdom and spiritual knowledge, in understanding, in insight? All of these concepts require that we use our minds as well as our tongues.

Jesus continually taught His disciples to believe in Him, not just because they saw miracles, but because He was the Son of God. For us, whom were not an eyewitness to Christ, it is an especial blessing to have Faith. "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] have believed." John 20:29

Not sure what your point is here, I'm not saying that faith/belief is unimportant. I'm saying that the expression of faith/belief is love expressed towards other human beings. And that is talking about the contents of the gospel rather than the method by which it is to be preached anyway.

Faith is not the easy road; it is the straight and narrow way. It is the broad road that leads to easy-believe-ism and finally destruction: "I raised my hand with every eye closed, I signed a contract at a crusade, I was baptized a Catholic so the worst would be Pergatory, I have fire insurance." But Faith requires evidence of belief, as James says: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." (James 2:17 & 18)

Who said it is easy? In fact I'd suggest that 'my way' is harder than 'your way'. I'm saying it isn't enough to simply speak unless those words are accompanied by deeds. Which the verse you're citing supports. How does it support your position that spoken words alone are enough and always effective?

Hebrews 11:1 describes Faith: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Many people who claim Christ are not satisfied with the evidence of things not seen; out of their own lusts, they try to duplicate miracles, signs and wonders to draw the deceived. "Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But He answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:" Matthew 12:38 & 39

Still not seeing the relevance of all of this. Are you suggesting that the disciples didn't have faith because they had seen Jesus and his miracles?

Now, why would Jesus call them "evil and adulterous"? He did so because they had evilly left their first love; like an un-faithful wife, they coveted 'greener' pastures and shared their beds with other gods.

Once again, we must examine ourselves to see if we be in the Faith, that we not be like this adulterous woman, whom in the last days is spoken of as drinking the blood of the saints. Yes, let us believe in Jesus as Lord without wavering or shrinking back, leading simple lives, knowing we have riches in the Kingdom because we believed without seeing the promise.

And your point is what exactly? How is any of this supporting either the position that the gospel does not involve loving in deed as well as in words or that all preaching is always equally effective? 1 John makes clear that the test of whether we have faith, of whether we abide in Christ and he abides in us, is whether we love and act rightly. I don't see how you can reduce that to 'As long as I tell lots of people that Jesus died for them and if they don't believe it they are going to hell...but I believe it and so I'm ok!' You're setting up a false contrast between faith and sight, distorting the exhortation to a very large extent. Additionally you seem to be completely missing my point still. It is not equally effective if I preach the gospel by screaming from a mountain top and in a crowded room. It is not equally effective if I cause people to go scurrying away from me as if I draw them to me. It isn't equally effective whether they actually listen or just stand there smiling politely. Simply speaking isn't enough, you have to get people to listen and understand what you are saying.

[Steven]

I've read your posts and you espouse a lot of opinions and rhetoric; assuming you are new to my threads, I generally don't respond to posters whom rebutt with traditions and philosophy and are apathetic with the Scriptures.

However, I'll give you one more shot; there are a few issues below that I've addressed.

The purpose of the gospel is to draw people to God.

I'd agree with this statement, however we do not always see people being drawn to God; if seeing this is our measuring stick then the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses (or even the Muslims) are very 'effective'.

The question here is what does 'brother' here refer to? Is it just other believers? I don't think so.

"Brother", in these Scriptures is the greek word Adelphos, meaning: a fellow believer, united to another by the bond of affection, a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother.

The Scripture from the Good Samaritan parable: "But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?" Luke 10:29

"Neighbour", here, is the Greek word: Plesion, meaning: any other person, and where two are concerned, the other (thy fellow man, thy neighbour), according to the Jews, any member of the Hebrew nation and commonwealth, according to Christ, any other man irrespective of nation or religion with whom we live or whom we chance to meet.

The context of 1 John is speaking directly to the Brethren, in fact it is a warning: "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." 1 John 3:14 & 15

Let's make this real simple: you can have all the right words, phrases and actions, feed the hungry, comfort the sick even better than mother tereasa BUT if you have no love for the Brethren, you will not enter Heaven. That's what these verses are saying.

In fact, one of the reasons people come to Christ because they see the love the Brethren have for one another.

"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." John 17:20-23

In fact this precise verse and question came up in my exam today.

I recommend contacting your school administrator and asking for a refund for being indoctrinated with such scriptural apathy.

'Preaching by faith'? I don't think that sort of language is used anywhere in the NT.

What I actually said was preaching the Gospel to the lost by Faith. The context for this is spelled out in the original article.

Who said it is easy? In fact I'd suggest that 'my way' is harder than 'your way'.

What 'way' are you talking about? You're not even making a distinction between beleivers and unbelivers. (i.e. the 1 John verse you quoted and "who is my neighbor" parable in Luke 10.)

Are you suggesting that the disciples didn't have faith because they had seen Jesus and his miracles?

Not at all.

Simply speaking isn't enough, you have to get people to listen and understand what you are saying.

Maybe you aught to follow your own pseudo-doctrine here and stop posting words.

The Scriptures actually flat-out reject what you're suggesting:

"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? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world." Romans 10:14-18

[Steven]

james,

"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." 1 Corinth. 1:17

"And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1 Ciorinth. 2:4-5

"Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
" 1 Corinth. 2:13

Steven

[Komah]

By Sight or By Faith

Over the years in preaching the Gospel, whether on the streets or in The Church, I've heard it said by many people, whom claim to be Christians: "Is what you're doing here effective?"

This is a good question, if properly asked; it is important to always examine what you are doing to see if it is effective. When I go to work there had better be results of my toil, lest I get fired for being lazy and unprofitable. But, as Christians we must make a distinction between faith and what we see. For instance, when I go to work, I see with my own eyes my job productivity, but, when walk with Christ we walk by blind faith, such as Abraham did.

"Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable." Hebrews 11:12

Does this mean that faith has no tangible results? It does, however most of the time we do not see them with our own eyes, like Abraham in the verse above, whom was promised many descendants, but never saw them. Hebrews 11 tells us that many of the Brethren, a great cloud of witnesses such as Daniel, David, Samson, Gideon and the prophets, all walked by faith: "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:" Hebrews 11:39

We whom preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, likewise do not receive the promise here, but we know that in the Kingdom we will see the results of our ministry; for example, you heard the Gospel from somewhere. What if the person whom spoke the Gospel to you decided that since they were not seeing 'results', that continuing thus was futile? And the person before him, and the person before him... going back through Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, Martin Luther, Wycliffe, Paul the Apostle, Peter, James, John, right back to Christ?

Because we believe in Christ, do we immediately see Heaven? No, it is by faith that we believe in Jesus Christ, without seeing the promise. We believe that He has forgiven us of our sins and we believe that we are washed clean, being given eternal life with God and made sons and co-heirs with Christ. But, we don't physically see any of this, save for small glimpses that God allows, like the renewing of our minds, teaching us to walk by faith and providing for our needs.

The fact is that our Christian walk is built upon faith, and thus is the crux of the issue; maybe we need to examine ourselves to see if we be in the faith or whether we have bought a religious system in which all the visible works and results are provided for us.

So, is it effective to preach the Gospel? If the Gospel is preached from the Scriptures with boldness and without shame, not shrinking back from the calling... the Gospel is always effective. Whether people repent, or turn to scoff, it is always effective. The Gospel, the power of God, is the great dividing line; the more people hear it, the more they are either convicted or hardened.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:16&17

The Gospel has the power of dividing soul and spirit, of joints and marrow and is the discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, (Heb. 4:12) and thus it is so important to present the Gospel, the Word of God, that it may do it's work, despite what our eyes see, or don't see. Just as we have believed in this Gospel by blind faith, we also must trust that this Gospel, when preached, has the power to save others by blind faith.

- Steven

Good!

[Big Tobacco]

When the Gospel is preached it is always effective...