THE CHURCH IN A CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY (14)

Gospel Technique/Gospel-Centric Approach to Winning the Lost.

"Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.

When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.

When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.

I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings." - *1 Corinthians 9:19-23*

The position of Apostle Paul on reaching men for Christ is somewhat contentious, especially to those who find a convenient excuse to satisfy their worldly desires.

Paul did not sacrifice biblical principles to reach men. Even when he condescended to the advice of the apostles at Jerusalem to join a purification ceremony to please the Jews, he was still displeased with the fanatical Jews and was consequently dragged out of the Temple by a mob of Jewish people when the seventh day of the purification ceremony barely ended (Acts 21:18-36).

A critical evaluation of the books of Acts of the Apostles and the epistles to the churches does not reflect that any of the apostles sacrificed biblical principles to bring men to Christ.

Today, I have seen and heard of individuals who parade themselves as servants of God, looking and acting closely like unbelievers in the name of trying to reach them for Christ. For instance, there are 'Pastors' with braided hair, wearing earrings, and adorning themselves with chains around their necks like Rastafarians. Christian women pastors who dress immodestly like Jezebel. Pastor Mrs. on the pulpit with transparent dresses, revealing blouses, and more, all in the name of trying to reach a certain type of people for Christ.

Imagine if Billy Graham, Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Hagin, Morris Cerullo, Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Pastor William Kumuyi, Bro. Gbile Akanni, their children, and wives had to dress and act indecently to bring men to Christ. Would they truly represent and present Christ to us? No, they would have succeeded in leading us far away from seeing the true Christ.

If we are to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, building on the foundation of Apostles and Prophets, then we need to realize that Christianity is a distinct people and kingdom. Paul asked that we imitate him as he imitates Christ. Therefore, Christians are subjects of emulation. It is our lifestyle and messages that draw men to us and ultimately to our Savior. No nation, especially 'developed' nations, reduces their standards to attract immigrants. They instead raise and maintain their standards for a sustained society.

The biblical pattern is sufficient to bring men to Christ. Christians do not need to imitate any other pattern to bring men to Christ. The Savior of the Church has His pattern for bringing men to Himself. Every institution and workplace has its approved standards for conducting business, and so does the church of Christ. It is even good to know that we do not preach Christ for our gain. "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." - *Philippians 3:17-21*

These hedonistic scholars proposing dressing and acting like unbelievers in order to reach them are walking in dim light and acting on their interests. We must come out from among them and be separate.

I have heard that these 'pastors' are influential and bringing more souls to Christ. Excuse me, this harvest cannot last and endure the test of time. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash (Matthew 7:27).

The hearts of men have never been won by any human technique or wisdom. The gospel of Christ alone is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes. Although, as Christians, we must find ways to reach men for Christ, we must not, however, sacrifice biblical ethics and principles in the process. We must truly present Christ to men if they are to embrace and share the same message with others.

Sometime ago, a pastor in one of the denominations in Nigeria carried an AK-47 (police rifle) into the church to illustrate his message. Unfortunately for him, he was arrested by the police force, along with one who handed his rifle to an untrained civilian. It is an example of using a legal tool in an illegal environment.

The gospel of Christ has its unique pattern and principles as stipulated in the Bible, and all must adhere to it. Otherwise, we will not be presenting the real Christ to others. Let's not indulge in worldly desires under the pretense of using methods to reach them for Christ.

I challenge you to evaluate your methods and means of gospel outreach and ensure they are truly biblical.

Peter Abdul-Razaq, OLAYINKA, a serving missionary with: Living Grace Christian Missions, Ilara.

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