Are We Evangelical?

This morning, before leading our ladies Bible study, I was thinking about the reasons I recommended the series I did for our ladies. I wanted to utilize material that was consistent with the ministry and vision of our church, *and I wanted material that would draw people to Christ as the Lord and Giver of Life, not one time, but throughout the life of His church, historically, presently, corporately and individually. I wanted the study to be intentionally evangelical (Gospel-focused and Gospel-driven.) So much of what we hear from "evangelical" pulpits is not evangelical. And as much as so many evangelical pulpiteers claim to be evangelistic, they fail to be. As much as they disavow the humanism of psychology and philosophy, they provide their congregations with lists, goals, exhortations, directives, and rulings, rather than evangelizing their communities and churches. But where is the hope? Where is the Good News? Where is the Gospel? Where is the Evangel? Where there is no good news, there is no true religion. Where there is no Gospel, there is no church. Where there is no evangelism, there are no Christians. As my child lay ill for months this past year, the problem of a lack of an evangelical spirit became so vividly clear to me. If she died, what did she need to know? What did she need to hear? Did she need to hear 4 easy steps to be a better person? 3 ways to die well? No. She didn't need steps or tips. She needed to know Jesus. She needed to know what He had accomplished for her. She needed to know the assurance that whatever happened to her, she was safe in His hands. He had lived, died, and risen again for her, and continually intercedes for her...that she is secure in Him. As we think about preaching, as we think about learning doctrine, remember the point. Yes. We must understand our state, and what our sinful condition has done to our relationship to God. We need to know how to love God and serve others well. But first and foremost, of *paramount importance (I Corinthians 15:3), is *knowing and hearing the Gospel. Without knowing Him, without being assured of His grace and kindness and goodwill toward us, all the steps and programs in the world come to nothing. Know Him and make Him known. Be a true evangelical: one who declares the good news of Jesus Christ, in the Gospel. Listen to Michael Horton as he explains what the Gospel is and is not. Remember the Gospel. Be fed on the Gospel. Proclaim the Gospel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caMVMayR690&t=2s