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Post by Pearl on Jul 25, 2007 7:41:42 GMT -5
I think I've been to about 20 or so Gospel meetings and to my recollection I don't think I've ever heard the good news that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and whoever believes in him will have everlasting life.
(And as Jesus said if you believe in Me you will do as I do. Loving your neighbor, serving others, diligently striving to obey The Fathers will and Word.)
All I heard about was other churches and this church, and this church is the only way to Jesus, and how you need a revelation to realize that. But the Good News, The Gospel, by biblical or even dictionary definitions, is the life of The Lord Jesus and what Jesus done for us.
Is this just my experience or have others who have gone to Gospel meetings noticed the same?
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Post by diet coke on Jul 25, 2007 13:36:20 GMT -5
Each person has different desires/needs from religion. I am tired of hearing the barbaric story of the crucifixion and all the sins of mankind. I want to hear about Jesus' kindness to others, the common man on the street. Just once in a gospel meeting I want to hear how we should treat the down-on-his-luck panhandler standing outside the grocery story, or the mother of 4 kids in line counting her pennies and trying to decide which breakfast cereal to put back.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2007 15:05:56 GMT -5
Each person has different desires/needs from religion. I am tired of hearing the barbaric story of the crucifixion and all the sins of mankind. I want to hear about Jesus' kindness to others, the common man on the street. Just once in a gospel meeting I want to hear how we should treat the down-on-his-luck panhandler standing outside the grocery story, or the mother of 4 kids in line counting her pennies and trying to decide which breakfast cereal to put back. Hear, hear dc. It seems all too often as human beings we want to hear over and over again how we're ok and we don't have to do anything to be ok. It's a very self-absorbed way of life and some people seem to have difficulties getting out of that rut. I agree, as a believer I want to hear more about what I can do to bring honour and glory to God. Our lives are strangely and inexplicably enriched when it's not all about me me me. Mind you, we don't hear much about Jesus' kindness and compassion either at our meetings. It seems the only ones we are supposed to be kind to (if they qualify) are our fellow meetings goers. It's ok to love only those who love us, so it seems.
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Post by Bump on Jul 26, 2007 3:22:27 GMT -5
Bump
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Post by Pearl on Jul 26, 2007 7:05:06 GMT -5
I cant believe what I'm reading above. It's a missionary meeting, witnessing to the unbelievers. The Good News is Jesus' life and how he died for our sins so that we might be saved. Does anyone actualy read the posts or do they see keywords and post a reply?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2007 7:16:16 GMT -5
I cant believe what I'm reading above. It's a missionary meeting, witnessing to the unbelievers. The Good News is Jesus' life and how he died for our sins so that we might be saved. Does anyone actualy read the posts or do they see keywords and post a reply? Most "gospel" meetings are directed to believers these days. Also unbelievable isn't it? In fact, even some of the friends don't realize it. Think about it. Almost 100% of the attendees are believers. It only makes sense to preach to them. You will get missionary meetings in rare places where unbelievers happen to attend and even then, the messages will be mixed between "gospel" and "teaching". In the meetings you attended, they must have felt that you had no need for "gospel" preaching as you already know the message.
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Post by Ron Hall on Jul 26, 2007 8:24:02 GMT -5
Isn't this what is referred to in the Bible as the "foolishness of preaching"?
I also wonder sometimes about the presentations in Gospel meetings. Most workers are just ordinary folks from humble backgrounds without a high educational level. Add the fact that most don't have specialized training in public speaking and sales techniques to the fact that those in the listening seats have lived a life of television advertising, high powered used car salesmen, slick sales brochures, etc. and it is easy to understand why many have trouble keeping wide awake in Gospel meetings.
However some years back when our kids were in school we had a fairly dynamic pair of sister workers here and there were several rows filled with students invited by the kids in this area.
Thinking back to understand what the draw was -- Both of these workers had an ability to speak in a very personal way that anyone could relate to. It was very much from the heart and soul, such that even a crusty old busy dad like me at the time would find myself pausing during the next several days to reflect on the meeting.
Unfortunately (in my mind), there was no effort, to my knowledge, to follow up on these contacts effectively. After this was all over, my wife and I discussed missing the opportunity and decided that our place should be a Sunday evening gathering place for young folks. That was done for a number of years and we really enjoyed having the younger group, the food, discussions, music and general horsing around.
But now the real estate prices have sky rocketed in this area and wages haven't. The young people that were young then, are busy with their own families and the new ones are leaving the area for better opportunities elsewhere. Seems that Colorado is a special draw these days because of jobs, I guess.
From this, I believe 'good news' is simply a message to the heart and soul. If the heart is hungry for a calvary message, it is good news. If the heart responds to a lost coin message, that is good news. There is also the personal dynamic. Some workers present with a spirit of excitement and empathy that draws people. They sort of know how to work the crowd. But most don't.
Ron
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2007 9:37:57 GMT -5
Excellent analysis Ron, you make a lot of sense. Keep posting!
In my view, workers need to refocus toward seeking the lost. The results will be amazing if they do.
For now though, they have chosen to forsake being "fishers of men" in favour of being "keepers of the aquarium". Hence, the current style of the gospel meetings.
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Post by janet on Jul 26, 2007 10:32:26 GMT -5
Excellent analysis Ron, you make a lot of sense. Keep posting! In my view, workers need to refocus toward seeking the lost. The results will be amazing if they do. For now though, they have chosen to forsake being "fishers of men" in favour of being "keepers of the aquarium". Hence, the current style of the gospel meetings. The workers need to go out to the street corners (so to speak) and start revivals if they really want preach the Gospel to lost souls.
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