Evangelical Versus Liberal

Thank for sharing those insightful comments.

...Bob

 

Thank you for sharing your educational experiences and observations.

...Bob

 

Thank you for sharing those insights.

...Bob

 

In some respects, sounds like Jesus when he was here on earth.

Thank you for sharing those comments.

...Bob

 

Hmm... I wouldn't draw such a radical distinction between personal responsibility toward God (salvation) and personal and corporate responsibility toward others.

I'm convinced that if a church does not have concern for feeing the poor, protecting the environment, and justice for the downtrodden (not that a church has to be corporately involved in all of these ministries -- each church needs to figure out the best way to serve their community according to their gifts and resources), then they are not being faithful to Christ.

Yes, we are called to be transformed through the work of Christ and enlivening of the Spirit, but we are also called to do good works (a working out of the gospel toward our society) to glorify God and reveal His kingdom to those who do not yet know Him.

I don't necessarily think you were trying to exclude social ministry, but I have heard many people over the years make that distinction. :wavey:

 

No, I'm not trying to exclude the social ministry, I'm pointing out that the priority is wrong. Preach the gospel is #1; social work is secondary.

 

Thanks for the clarification!

We're not that far apart then. The main distinction I see between us (if there is a real difference) is that I'm convinced social ministry is an essential part of "preaching the gospel."

Certainly words are very important (and we should use them), but ministering to someone's legitimate needs demonstrates the love of God extended to them and our conviction that the gospel is true.

If the gospel we preach does not naturally and sincerely result in service to others, we've somehow distorted it.

Please note that I'm not diminishing the pulpit ministry, personal evangelism, or focused outreach to the community with a spoken or written message... All of it is important.

 

sag38--yep, almost exactly.