from December 5, 2010 prayer update

The tensions in life are often presented as a choice between A and B. I am convinced that many of these tensions are better viewed as both A and B, rather than either A or B. Demonstration of the gospel vs. proclamation of the gospel is one such tension.

For 150 years in the Western world, there has been a polarization between the theologically liberal (social gospel) vs. the theologically conservative (verbal gospel proclamation) when it comes to the responsibility of the Church with the lost. When I study the models of evangelism presented in the four gospels, the book of Acts, and the epistles, I see both prominently present. People come to faith in Christ in response to the clear verbal proclamation of the gospel (Romans 10:14-15). However, cultivation of the soil and the resulting openness to the gospel message usually comes as the direct result of selfless acts of service that demonstrate the reality of the gospel.

Perhaps a helpful illustration would be an arrow, with demonstration of the gospel representing the shaft of the arrow and proclamation of the gospel representing the arrow’s point. There is no penetration and impact without the force and momentum of the shaft behind the razor tipped arrow point. Both are absolutely essential.

For the past decade a focus on justice for the vulnerable and exploited, and benevolence toward the poor and needy, have increasingly been the calling card of the emerging generation (18-35 crowd) of evangelical Christ followers. May this new generation avoid the social gospel only error of their grandparents and great grandparents. May they recognize that as important as justice and benevolence are, they are of limited kingdom value if pursued in isolation. They must be coupled well with a clear verbal proclamation of the gospel. And may the evangelical boomers and busters that have preceded them embrace the power and increased effectiveness that this new emphasis on justice and benevolence can bring when strategically joined with intentional and culturally relevant evangelism.

May we powerfully demonstrate the reality of the gospel through our tireless service among the lost. And may we also boldly verbally proclaim the life transforming good news of Jesus Christ in our natural spheres of influence (where we live, work, and play) and among the least reached around the globe. What better opportunity to do so than during our culture’s Christmas celebrations.