Leaving Beyond – Grounded In Scripture

The Weight of True Gospel Ministry

As one weeps tears of joy at the grace of God demonstrated in the life of one dead in sin and now alive in Christ, ought not our hearts also be deeply grieved when we see large numbers gathering around a message that promises life and peace but is powerless to save?

There is a real desire to see people saved, but there is also a real demonstration of misunderstanding who God is and what the Gospel truly teaches.

John Owen wrote:

“Conversion is the work of God alone; all human effort to manufacture it by manipulation is vain and wicked.”

The Danger of a Man-Centered Jesus

We can stir people into an emotional state, making them think they feel God’s presence, and present a god almost no one would reject. He is reduced to a Jesus who wants to make my life better, give me a better future, and help me overcome struggles. This is the Jesus of many pulpits, conferences, and revivals—but he is not the Jesus of the Bible.

Jonathan Edwards reminds us:

“The natural man delights in a God who suits his desires, but true religion teaches us the glory and majesty of God above all things.”

Truth Over Emotional Highs

We are often too quick to rejoice, when instead we should be careful with the soul that is dead in sin. That person does not need an emotional experience or cheerleaders—they need to know who God is and who they are, they need the truth, they need the Gospel, and they need faithful ministers who trust God to save.

Numbers and “highs” do not equal salvation.

The Temptation to Manipulate

If we seek a high from “getting people saved,” we may emotionally manipulate, appeal to sinful desires, or promise a Jesus who only meets felt needs. People may feel like they are going to heaven, and we may feel like we have done great things for God—but in reality, we misrepresent God: His holiness, justice, grace, wrath, and mercy.

Charles Spurgeon said:

“It is better to save one soul by truth than to deceive a hundred with feeling.”

It is far better to be patient with one man than to lead a hundred to believe they are saved when they are not, some of whom will go out and make false converts themselves.

Biblical Illiteracy and the Powerless Pulpit

The demonstration of Biblical illiteracy is often most evident in how professing Christians love, speak, and share the Gospel. A powerless pulpit produces weak, Biblically illiterate Christians and false converts who themselves make false converts. Numbers do not always demonstrate spiritual health.

2 Timothy 4:2 reminds us:

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”

Grace and Peace, y’all

Soli Deo Gloria

April J. Buchanan