What does "the preaching of the cross" include and exclude?

I'm just trying to sort out all the confusion here.


Quit supporting the film

Seriously, this phrase is mostly mine, at least I remember saying and writing it. I will post more on it later.

Bro. Dallas

 

Originally posted by uhdum:
My question is this: What does the "preaching of the cross" include and exclude? Must it be done from behind a pulpit... a Baptist pulpit mind you? Or is it something more... or less? I'm just trying to sort out all the confusion here.

1. What does the "preaching of the cross" include and exclude?

Frogman: This question, though the first on your list cannot be answered very briefly. The nature of this question requires purposed study. If you permit I wish to engage in this study to provide to you and others what I believe concerning this statement. Realizing the scope of this question it is closely related to the others you have listed and these will to a greater or lesser degree over-lap I believe in our answers.


2. Must it be done from behind a pulpit... a Baptist pulpit mind you? Or is it something more... or less?

Frogman: No, I don't believe this only takes place from behind the pulpit (although this would be dependent upon who answers this question). I certainly do not believe it can only occur in or behind a baptist pulpit. What I do believe and willing to speak is that I accept by scripture and conviction the teaching of the Baptist to be true, then it is this alone which I can subscribe to and thus teach or preach. I believe preaching can be found in the pulpit (sometimes in Baptist churches, sometimes not). I believe this can be found in preaching on the street corner as well. What I perceive your question to be driving at is whether anyone making such a statement believes that folks in other churches can be saved or not since they do not hear the true gospel. (I arrive at this because of your qualification of a 'baptist pulpit' found above). I do not think this is a proper view to consider this question under.

I certainly believe that in a true Baptist church the true gospel is both preached and heard from the pulpit and in all avenues used to teach. I further believe this is accomplished only through the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. This does not claim an inspiration, but a definite leadership in that place in accordance with that being the body of believers who have received the commission to go into the world and preach the cross. I believe there are bodies of believers who are not in any way baptist because they lack a proper scriptural baptism, a proper scriptural organization (like begets like) and therefore they possess the truth, but to remain attractive to the world they are unwilling to embrace the name of Baptist to openly identify this to the world. Instead they pursue the attraction of numbers hoping that some will be saved. When a proper biblical understanding is these are both saved and called with a holy calling. there is no man in any place who possesses this holy calling.

Yes, the preaching of the cross can be preached in places other than from behind a Baptist pulpit. And especially if the preacher is a Baptist.

It is something more because it requires the presence of the Holy Spirit to make it effectual. Remember the scripture says it pleased God that by the preaching of the cross to save them that believe. This will mean certain things to you depending on what you believe regarding spiritual/gospel regeneration.

I believe this preaching of the cross can be used of God to bless toward the salvation of the lost. I believe this because of this is the means the Bible says God is pleased with.

I believe a true witness can also be effective in drawing people to Christ.

These are a distinct function of the commission of the church. To say 'preach the word' be instant in season etc. Paul was speaking to Timothy and to the ministry. It is in the body the authority is set to lay hands on those of whom the Holy Spirit has chosen for the work they are called (Acts 13.1-4).

The individual witness provided by members of a church does not line up under this command.

Means other than the preaching are also not authorized in this witness.

More later....
Bro. Dallas