"Deception Is Dangerous"

 

1st.Corinthians 1:17-18 "For CHRIST sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of CHRIST should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of GOD."

     During the past few posts, we have noticed what GOD's WORD says about the inherent power of the Gospel and our responsibility to declare it to others without trying to trick or manipulate them into receiving it. Countless well-meaning believers are negligent in understanding the harm they inflict to the cause of CHRIST by using deceptive evangelistic methods in their attempt to see people come to the LORD. Many unbelievers think they are saved because they "prayed a prayer," "walked an aisle," or "signed on the dotted line"; however, they never truly understood in the first place what it means to become a child of GOD. Others, at the urging of a Christian friend or evangelist who dressed and acted like the world in order to gain their attention or get their respect, have professed to come to CHRIST -- not because they actually repented and believed the Gospel but because becoming a "Christian" was en vogue and seemingly compatible with their worldly lifestyle and worldview. In either case, the cause of CHRIST is harmed because a potential believer has been misled.

     Today's text clearly reveals that it is possible for us to make "the cross of CHRIST . . . of none effect" (v.17 pictured above). A distinction exists between evangelism according to our own fleshly means and evangelism aligning with GOD's WORD. When we try to make the message of salvation "inoffensive" to sinful man or use the world's wisdom to "slip the Gospel" to the unsaved, we are stripping the good news of its power. Our duty is simply to proclaim the Gospel to all and take the time to further explain it to those who are receptive to it. Do not be deceitful. We have nothing of which to be ashamed ! MDC 

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org