Blogotional: is insightful even for him with this quote “the reception of the gospel is not a one time event, but a lifetime journey.”
I think we are beginning to converge. Without wanting to speak for David from Jollyblogger too much I think it is fair to say that neither he nor I would measure our success in preaching by the numbers raising their hands on a sunday morning or joining an altar call. We do call people to make a public response, but what I am looking for is the evidence of a changed heart lived out in a changed life. When I hear that someone who responded after one of our sermons felt that a load of guilt was lifted and that they have begun to make specific changes in their lives I rejoice.
Too many christians get confused about what too look for in salvation- Acts is clear that Repentance and faith, followed by baptism, recieving the Holy Spirit and joining the church are the markers of Christian Birth having taken place. This simple gospel is not just where we start, it is what we depend on to produce sanctifying change in us. We dont start with these things then move to moralism. Thus my preaching SHOULD be about these things, and should therefore be of benefit to hearers who are saved and unsaved.
If you get time please pray for me as I preach once more tomorrow. It still feels like early days since our London Church moved into a cinema. Please pray that all this talk about preaching in such a way that salvation and maturity results actually occurs tomorrow morning!
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