Comments on: I’m not surprised Evangelical Christianity is on the rise http://blog.echurchwebsites.org.uk/2009/12/15/surprised-evangelical-christianity-rise/ Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:32:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Rev. James Thompson http://blog.echurchwebsites.org.uk/2009/12/15/surprised-evangelical-christianity-rise/comment-page-1/#comment-10814 Rev. James Thompson Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:22:21 +0000 http://blog.echurchwebsites.org.uk/?p=9725#comment-10814 I like the above article. Although I've savoured all branches of Christianity, I still come back to Conservative evangelicalism with it's emphasis on one needing to have a 'born again' experience. However, unless this is followed up by what I would term a more sacramental and devotional aspect, then there is a real danger of spiritual arrogance taking hold. Actions speak far louder than words and, consequently, tremendous damage can be caused in evangelism, should we accost people with a 'do you know The Lord?' attitude of upmanship. And, indeed, I sense this is even more off putting still, when any of a Calvinist leaning affirm: 'I know the Lord and could never be lost!' kind of attitude. I've also come across the most off putting of characters in the other school of thought. I've met those who have proudly boasted: 'I've been baptized of The Spirit brother. Isn't it time you got your filling?' Well, equally, not the best of adverts for The Faith once delivered to the saints! As for that newer custom of holding up hands, swaying, and turning to look at others; well it savours too much to my mind of exhibitionism. But then, 'who am I to judge?' I only hope I'm expressing an opinion! Temperaments differ considerably. Salvationists like noise; Quakers like silence; Catholics and The Orthodox like candles, if not incense too. I think all such things have their place. BUT what really counts is that Christ's gospel of saving grace is not only preached but also made obvious through the Fruits of the Spirit manifest in the worshippers. Such Fruits are more important than many of those Gifts which can have their place. Let the true beauty of Jesus be seen in us and then, what we preach will find a fertile, willing soil. Otherwise far too much of many types of Praise meetings - springing up as mushrooms! - can become little more than a substitute for getting high with drugs and gigs. 'Praise God!' I say for evangelical centres so splendidly spreading; but as with other factors, so with the church of Christ, quality and depth will count for far, far more than quantity and dimension I like the above article. Although I’ve savoured all branches of Christianity, I still come back to Conservative evangelicalism with it’s emphasis on one needing to have a ‘born again’ experience. However, unless this is followed up by what I would term a more sacramental and devotional aspect, then there is a real danger of spiritual arrogance taking hold. Actions speak far louder than words and, consequently, tremendous damage can be caused in evangelism, should we accost people with a ‘do you know The Lord?’ attitude of upmanship. And, indeed, I sense this is even more off putting still, when any of a Calvinist leaning affirm: ‘I know the Lord and could never be lost!’ kind of attitude.

I’ve also come across the most off putting of characters in the other school of thought. I’ve met those who have proudly boasted: ‘I’ve been baptized of The Spirit brother. Isn’t it time you got your filling?’ Well, equally, not the best of adverts for The Faith once delivered to the saints!

As for that newer custom of holding up hands, swaying, and turning to look at others; well it savours too much to my mind of exhibitionism. But then, ‘who am I to judge?’ I only hope I’m expressing an opinion! Temperaments differ considerably. Salvationists like noise; Quakers like silence; Catholics and The Orthodox like candles, if not incense too. I think all such things have their place. BUT what really counts is that Christ’s gospel of saving grace is not only preached but also made obvious through the Fruits of the Spirit manifest in the worshippers.

Such Fruits are more important than many of those Gifts which can have their place. Let the true beauty of Jesus be seen in us and then, what we preach will find a fertile, willing soil. Otherwise far too much of many types of Praise meetings – springing up as mushrooms! – can become little more than a substitute for getting high with drugs and gigs.

‘Praise God!’ I say for evangelical centres so splendidly spreading; but as with other factors, so with the church of Christ, quality and depth will count for far, far more than quantity and dimension

]]>