Called to Convert?

Called to Convert?

Does God call us to convert people into Christians?

Is there a difference between persuasion and conversion?

The author and pastor John R.W. Stott wrote years ago that evangelism must be preceded by dialogue.  Most of us are not salespeople.  If we feel that God wants us to sell Him to those outside our faith, we will most likely back off.

I remember having a pastor come to my house to recruit me for his church.  He bragged about how many people came to Christ through his ministry.  He actually pulled out his Bible and showed me his “scalp belt”.  No kidding!  If I showed you my belt after forty three years of walking with Jesus, you might think I am a loser!

I have a really hard time engaging in “evangelism” if it is all about numbers and not people.  The times that God has given me to help people find Jesus, it had more to do with dialogue and building a genuine relationship than trying to convert them.

I have come to the conclusion that we do not covert people!  That is God’s business.  As the Apostle Peter mentions in the verses of the week, we are to help guide others seeking by answering their questions and providing a Christ like example to them.  If by God’s timing someone is ready to make a step of faith, we should be prepared to pray with them and lead them to receive Jesus.

The series; World Views, is designed to help us understand our own view of the world and how those outside of Christ see the world.  Having a respectful dialogue with others can provide us with insight on how they see reality and how they perceive our view of the world. It gives us the opportunity to define terms and explain perspectives.  My contention is that a large percentage of people outside of Christ have a tarnished view of the faith.  Hopefully, we can step in and share our story and provide clear answers to people’s questions.  But it is more than an intellectual and relational process.  The real issue for every person on this planet is the deep spiritual longings that only God the Creator can meet.  One unique aspect of the Christian world view is that the future is now present in Jesus.  Through His coming into this world and going to the Father, He has poured out the Holy Spirit and is able to meet everyone’s deepest longings.  My prayer is that we at Eagle Rock Covenant can be a conduit for hungry people to find God’s amazing life in Jesus.

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