There is yet a unity available without compromise within Christianity that will give significant meaning to the “glory and honor” God has bestowed upon us [Hebrews 2:6-8] and to the angels’ inquiry into our redemption [1 Peter 1:10, 12 KJV]. Although I am no prophet, the privilege of participating in a great end time harvest of souls has more to do with the current generation and not mine. We, who have laid out the denominational boundaries that encircle our distinct theologies and the traditions we have cherished above the simple message of the Cross, are unable to see a devotion to God apart from these. It is difficult for us to share in an active fellowship and witness that speaks only of Christ! As Paul asserted, “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” [1 Corinthians 2:2] This simple message alone will unite us and Christian unity is a prerequisite to an effective and powerful witness [John 17:21], which is needed in such a time as this, as Jesus prayed, This can only be accomplished by young and innocent believers, whose simple faith is solely in Christ and not encumbered with religious requirements.
There is a gospel that must be represented in the streets more than in the churches. Believers must be free to promote a simple faith in Christ and the message of the Cross in whatever words and stories God’s Spirit will employ to draw all men and women unto Himself [John 12:32]. Like missionaries that find themselves inventing motifs and speaking in parables, the believer who shares the gospel story must use themes common to the listener to share God’s love. They must refrain from defending traditional tropes that might even offend the very souls God seeks to save. The church’s old arguments though cherished are stale. If not for the sake of the work, for the sake of the angels, let us consider how we might share with our world our passion for Christ who died for us. If not for our love for souls, for God’s love for them, allow the younger generation of believers the freedom to rethink the approach to evangelism.
While visiting a 71 year old theological graduate from Princeton Theological Seminary, I, in my 30’s, thought to engage him in a discussion over some Koine Greek when he stopped me and confessed that his sole interest now was sharing Jesus with young minds and hearts. He told the story of one young man who sought to broadcast his new found faith in Christ from the town hall steps when the young man’s pastor advised against it until he “grew” a little in Christ and gained some wisdom. My 71 year old “friend” opposed this idea referring to John 4:14 where Jesus told the woman at the Well of Jacob, “the water that I shall give you shall be in you a well of water springing up.” Then my friend added, “Let the water flow!!”
