It Still Works!

Are people "really" interested in the gospel? One could probably get many diverse answers to this question, but only one would be correct, "Yes!" Let me explain.

It is my observation that people are not turning away from the gospel of Christ, but from the sordid displays of religiosity prevalent in today's world. The actions of churches and evangelists are so flagrantly opposite of the gospel they are driving good people into the shadows of disinterest. For one, I cannot blame them too much! The displays that are seen on nearly every "electronic church" broadcast are enough to drive any thinking person away from any type of organized religion. The outrageous cosmetics on some and the shamefully misleading visual aids of others and everything in betwee are driving people away from the purity and simplicity of the gospel.

The blatant involvement of "organized" churches in politics, racial bias, recreation, and other parts of society are seen as deterrents by those who know that Christ did not live and die for such matters. The pandering of publicity that goes along with some churches as they do their "good deeds" is seen as pretentious by those who are seeking a relationship with a loving Savior. The gospel is not being rejected, but the shameful display of religion is!

In recent days I have been reminded of the desire people have for the message of faith, hope, and love that is imbedded in the gospel of Christ. A small church in Kentucky recently went door to door seeking those who were interested in hearing the gospel story. They knocked on nearly 1500 doors in a week's time and found one-third of the folk at home. They shared the gospel or set a time to share the gospel with about 20% of those who were home. The report that I received identified ten who had already obeyed the gospel (four last Monday evening) and the small band of disciples are still following up all the leads. This was not a national ministry coming to town to work for these folk, but rather a small band of devoted Christians who desire to take the gospel to their part of the world. The church here in Williamsburg has had the same type of reaction when we have made a concentrated effort to reach out to our community! Knocking on doors works...it works every time everywhere!

I would hope that other churches will take an interest in knocking on the doors of their community to give those who are quietly seeking the truth a chance to hear the message of Christ. It is highly possible that there are those in every town that know the truth, but have been so turned off by the faulty faith advocated by some churches they will never be out seeking a church, just the truth! Why not give them the opportunity to know a little bit more about us?

Think about it!