BENEVOLENCE, THE GOSPEL AND EVANGELISM
BY PAUL POWERS
This is a tract written in the Philippines in 1998 following a situation in Northern Laos when a group of American and Lao brethren were arrested and jailed for preaching when they entered the country for humanitarian assistance. The Lao government considered their reasons for being in the country to be false pretenses. There were also many such efforts in Cambodia at this time, so I felt the need to address the subject.
Since the writing of this, some who have read it have considered what is herein and profited from it, others have become visibly angry and argumentative. That is not the purpose. The purpose IS to present a point a view from personal experience and a viewpoint maybe not yet considered.
Not everyone will agree with this but please read before rejecting it.
In the parable of the great supper (Lk. 14:15-24), the master bid his servant to “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled” (Lk. 14:23).
Almost every imaginable method has been tried to make the church more appealing and to reach out and “urge” the lost to come in. Volumes have been written about church growth and trends from empirical data gathered in case studies. We have been informed about the psychological approaches including prospect’s attitudes, persuading through relationship and friendship evangelism. We have conducted workshops and seminars to analyze the old methods and learn new ones. We live in an age where religious “motivational speakers” can come to our congregation and give us new zeal concerning evangelism. All of this in an effort to appeal and compel action.
Obviously, some methods of evangelism must be personalized to culture and location. Minor difference in procedure (outreach) are expected in labors that reach most every country of the globe. However, since human nature is basically the same (we just look different, eat different foods, speak different languages) there should be a common approach that appeals to everyone. A universal approach; a tried and true method that breaks the boundaries of culture, class even age. It would always be fresh and new – never outdated. Does such a power to compel exist?
There are those who contend that the best way of appealing to the spiritual needs is by first reaching out to assist in some physical need, whether, hunger, illness or counseling the mind. The advocates of this position assert that “they will never care how much we know until they know how much we care!” Is this the universal approach of compelling the lost or is it a separate work of the kingdom? Will benevolence provide an inroad so that the teaching of the gospel is possible, or are there deep implications and consequences of using physical appeals to compel the lost?
Benevolence: Authorized and Commanded
The church is a benevolent organization. It has been benevolent since its beginning in Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago.
“And all that believed were together and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and, parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Ac. 2:44,45).
Benevolence is founded on compassion, and compassion is giving to others, out of our abundance, without expecting any thing in return (Lk. 6:17-36). Christ is the perfect example of compassion, even laying down his own life for our sins.
“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Mt. 9:36; c.f. Mt. 14:14; 15:32; N4k. 6:34).
The Bible teaches by example and doctrine that congregations of the church are to maintain a pattern of benevolent activity. The congregation in Jerusalem assigned chosen men to oversee the benevolence of the Grecian widows and James wrote that the church is to “visit,” meaning to inspect with intentions to assist if needed.
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we me appoint over this business. ‘But we will give ourselves continually to prayer `and to the ministry of the word” (Ac. 6:3,4).
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (Jas. 1:27). (c.f. Eph. 4:12 – “work of the ministry” or service).
We can ascertain from the scriptures that it is permissible to be cooperative in the work of benevolence (Rm. 15:26-28) and there are no exclusions to those who can be assisted. Neglecting to be benevolent is neglecting Christ:
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,’ especially unto them who are of the household of faith “ (Gal. 6:10).
“Then shall he answer them saying, Verily I say unto you, In as much as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me “ (Mt. 25:45).
We Must Be Careful How We Build
The church is also an evangelistic organization. The original evangelists, the apostles and prophets, were responsible for the beginning stages in the development of the kingdom.
“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and, prophets, Jesus Christ himself (being the chief cornerstone” (Eph. 2:20).
Paul described himself as a master builder and noted that we are all laborers with God in the church. Others will now build upon that original foundation laid in place by the apostles. But Paul said we must exercise care in how we build. It must be done properly – according to God’s wisdom, not human wisdom.
“For we are laborers together with God ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon” (I Cor. 3:9, 1 0).
The Goal of Evangelism
The work of evangelism is the winning of lost souls to Christ. Winning souls does not mean that we gain a victory over an opponent’s strength, ability or knowledge only to glory in our own. It means conversions – true and complete conversions; the turning of heart, mind, body and soul to God and His will. Conversion is the abandoning of sin and embracing the Christian faith. Paul’s work as evangelist to the Gentiles was:
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me” (Ac. 26:18).
Jesus said that unless there is conversion and the becoming as a child, there can be no entrance into heaven (Mt. 18:3). If our efforts of evangelism do not result in genuine conversions, then we are not doing God’s bidding no matter how many are baptized. The life of the sinner must be transformed.
“And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of our mind that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will God” (Rm. 12:2).
Many who have not remained faithful have left the church because they were not genuinely converted to begin with. Conversion requires a power that originates with God, not with man. Man simply does not have the ability to change the heart of another. It is a work of God.
“But as many as received him, to them _gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, not of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but by God” (Jn. 1:12,13)
“work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure “ (Phil. 2:12b, 13).
The Gospel and Evangelism
The power of God to convert and transform is in the gospel. The gospel was promised.
“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures “ (Rm. 1:1,2 c.f. Jer. 31:31-34).
The gospel was to be a new law – unlike anything the world had ever before experienced. Being superior (2 Cor. 3:16-18), it would stand alone, sufficient for the needs of man.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works “ (2 Tim. 3:16,17).
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and Godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: “ (2 Pet. 1: 3).
The gospel, much better because it was founded upon much better promises (Heb. 8:6), would be the center and authority of New Testament Christianity. It would be the power of God working for mankind.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation. . . “ (Rm. 1: 1 6).
The gospel is the covenant with the power of God! The power to make people the children of God. The power to create new life. In fact, there is no other power to save today. It is not a mysterious power but a power that works at the heart. No government agency, federal assistance or physical relief has the power to reach the heart and change the life like the gospel.
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: (Heb. 8: 1 0).
The gospel clearly proves that the written word has the power to save – a power especially particular to the gospel.
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple (Ps. 19:7).
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand, By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I have preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain “ (I Cor. 15:1,2)
Conversion is a process of appealing to the mind with an inspired Message. It is a teaching process. There must be understanding before there is genuine conversion. Jesus and Paul told of the importance of knowledge and understanding in conversion.
“For this peoples heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest if at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted , and I should heal them “ (Mt. 15:15; Mk. 4:12; Ac. 28:27).
“ Lie not one to another seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him “ (Col. 3: 1 0).
It is the gospel that has the power to change lives. Consider the kinds of people whose lives were converted by the gospel.
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived.- neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name olour Lord and by the Spirit of our God” (I Cor. 6:9-1 1).
How the Gospel Works In the Conversion Process
1. The Gospel Reveals The Righteousness Of God
The gospel reveals God’s mercy, justice, righteous character as well as his plan to make man righteous before him. This righteousness was not made known in other ages (Eph. 3:5).
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith “ (Rom. 1:16,17).
From “faith to faith” literally means “out of faith, unto faith.” Faith in Christ is the result of the preaching of “the faith,” the gospel. The gospel reveals that faith is necessary to be justified, and the gospel itself is the source or origin of faith.
“I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (Jn. 8:24).
“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith in Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference” (Rom. 3:22).
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law “ (Rom. 3:28).
“So then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10: 17).
By faith, righteousness was “imputed” or credited to Abraham.
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Rom. 4:3).
The plan of righteousness for man, revealed in the gospel, teaches that obedience is necessary – even Jesus had to learn obedience to fulfill all righteousness.
“By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:” (Rom. 1: 5).
“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered,- And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him “ (Heb. 5:8,9).
II. The Gospel Has The Power
The power of the gospel to draw man and transform his life is through teaching and learning.
“No man can come to me, except the Father which sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 41 It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God Every man therefore that hath heard and hath learned of the Father cometh unto me “ (Jn. 6:44,45).
First, the scriptures say that it is God who draws – it must be God who draws or else faith would be in the compelling source and not God. Jesus said, unlike the old law where one could be Hebrew just by being born into the nation and possessing the physical seed of Abraham, without even knowing God, it is not so now. To be God’s child under the new covenant, there first must be teaching and understanding. Concerning those who were already taught and in the kingdom, the writer of Hebrews states:
“And they shall not teach every man his neighbor and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord.- for all shall know me from the least to the greatest” (Heb. 8:11).
God’s method of drawing men to him so their sins can be forgiven is a teaching method. Only those who know God, and understand are recognized as His children.
The gospel is the only answer to sin. Man is designed to realize and acknowledge his sinful nature. The redemption through Christ, as revealed in the gospel draws man to find an answer.
“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls “ (Jas. 1:21).
The Bible offers man peace with God and fellow man. He is drawn to the gospel in search of peace of mind. The gospel gives a purpose in life and the Bible draws man to a search for the truth while so many denominations are teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
III. The Gospel Begets New Life
All life begins with a living seed. Even the law of Biogenesis confirms that life is impossible without the living seed and that of the same kind. The living seed of the gospel; the word of God, results in a new creation when planted in the good soil of heart and mind. In the creation of new spiritual life, of absolute necessity is a living spiritual seed.
“The seed is the word of God” (Lk. 8: 11).
“For-the word of God is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever “(I Pt. 1:23).
“For thoughyou have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have not many fathers.- for in Christ Jesus I have be-aotten you through the gospel” (I Co. 4:15).
“Of his own will begat he us with the word of that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures “ (Jas. 1:18).
This process of new life from a living seed is described in a parable of Jesus.
“And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground,. 27And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. 2,For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself- first the blade, then the ear after that the full corn in the ear 29But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come “ (Mk.4:26-29).
The farmer prepares the soil, cultivates and waters, but it is not he who makes the seed grow. He sleeps and rises to find first the blade, then the ear then the ripe fruit ready for harvest. The gospel is the living seed that preachers plant and water, but it is God who gives life to the seed. Will He give life to any other seed?
A small seed may not seem to have such great potential, that we would put our complete trust in its power. But one watermelon seed when planted can produce a vine bearing fruit, each of which weighs more than 200,000 times that of the seed and each fruit is filled with seeds having the same power. Such is the power of the gospel. It is difficult to explain the process by which a seed gives life. We do not see the life and power of the seed at work. Similarly, it is difficult to explain just how the power of God’s word actually works in the heart of the hearer. It is the work of God. Paul said.
“I have planted, Apollos watered,- but God gave the increase” (I Cor. 3:6).
The power of the farmer’s seed depends on the condition of the soil in which it is planted. Good seed will not grow if the soil is bad. Jesus said that the power of the seed does not suppress the will of the one in whose heart it is planted. The condition of the heart will help the growth of the seed or hinder its power.
“But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Mt. 13:23).
This process is only possible today if the original seed is planted. If the seed is the same, the results will be the same. Preaching must be according to the directions expressly stated in the New Testament. (See chart on page 8 – “Preaching That Produces”)
IV. God’s Approved Method Of Evangelism
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God 21 “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believed” (I Cor. 1:18, 21).
By man’s wisdom, the world will not come to an understanding of God and will not truly be converted. We must have faith that God has the wisdom to know what will compel the lost to turn to him. In His wisdom, he approved preaching to be that method. The meaning of “it pleased God by. . . “ is that God approved; approbated preaching. When God approves a method, type or procedure, that excludes other methods even though it is not expressly stated that they are excluded. For example, the type of wood for the ark was approved by God, the type of music used in worship is approved, all others are excluded. Consider this:
1. When God approves; approbates a method, type etc. other methods types, even unstated, are excluded.
2. God has approved; approbated preaching to be the method (compelling power) to save in evangelism.
3. Therefore, all other methods, types of compelling forces in evangelism are excluded.
PREACHING THAT PRODUCES
THE MESSAGE
The Message Is Not:
Secular Speaking
Speculative Theorizing
Sensational showmanship
Techniques to Persuade
Without Knowledge
Superficial Use of Scripture
Stories / Entertainment
THE METHOD
Kerusso – To preach; To be a herald; To proclaim.
With gravity, certainty and authority
Deliver a proclamation from the King.
Evangelizo – Proclaim the good news: the gospel.
Reprove, Rebuke Exhort 2 Tim. 4:2
1 Corinthians 1:18-21
Jn. 6:44,45
PREACHING THAT PRODUCES
THE MESSAGE
The Message Is:
The Word
The Gospel
The Kingdom of Christ
Wisdom of God Oracles of God
The Faith
THE MESSENGER
Converted
Convicted
Consecrated
Courageous
Compassionate
Competent
Hold the faith in a good conscience
1 Timothy 1:5
Benevolence, Physical Appeals and Evangelism
The immediate results of using physical appeals in evangelism are many, many baptisms. That is why they are so widely implemented. One article written about the Lord’s work in Ukraine boasted “Half of Pentecost “because about 1,500 were baptized as the result of campaign work there. Almost all major religious bodies use some form of physical appeals or social welfare projects to reach out and draw outsiders (the lost) into their number. The forms of humanitarian assistance are unlimited – from monetary aid, to wells, food and medical help. What are the implications and consequences of using such methods to evangelize? (Note: The church has full authority to give such forms of physical assistance, but it is the authority of using physical assistance to “draw; compel” for salvation that is questioned.)
Non-government organizations (NGO’s) are in most every non-developed nation, offering relief to the oppressed people. Organizations such as the Peace Corps and C.A.R.E. help by teaching and through humanitarian/physical assistance. Now similar methods are being used by religious groups to spread their doctrine in foreign countries. There is even a category of missions called “non-profit missions.” It is distinct from the work done that is supported by or sponsored by local congregations. Some of these assistance groups are so highly structured NGO’S, that they are supported by U.S. dollars (World Vision operated by the Pentecostals, for example). The problem lies in the motivations of the assistance groups. The NGO’s are purely motivated by benevolent assistance, but the religious groups are motivated by evangelism and use benevolence as an in-road to teach the Bible. Governments consider this to be a deceitful front – trickery; dishonesty.
In 1998, the Neo Lao (Free Lao) authorities sent a memo to all provincial and local police stating that “a group is using relief as a front to cause problems and disturbances in Laos.” It was obvious to these officials that the main work of this group was not benevolent assistance. But that is what they had led the government to believe. Members of this group, brethren from the Lord’s church, were temporarily jailed and forced out of the country.
Many cultures (especially Asian) possess a value sometimes referred to as “moral obligation.” This means that they feel morally obligated; indebted to someone when they are assisted or given a gift. This burden of debt is stronger when receiving a service rendered than when receiving a monetary gift. They are not at peace until they have made some kind of repayment. Giving assistance, even sincerely, can unknowingly be affected by this value. These people can not have peace of mind until they have repaid, in some way, the medicine, food etc. This is very easily repaid when the Americans ask them to attend a study and then baptism. Read more about this here from the abstract of a Master’s degree thesis of Miriam Ann Dela Cruz Fuentes
Debt of Gratitude – Utang na loob
Poorer nations are so enamored by western culture, particularly America, that they desire to get anything that will make them more westernized – whether blue jeans or Christianity. If the Americans ask for baptism, then that must be the latest western fad and will help them to be more like the Americans that they admire.
It is proven in many countries that the people are only interested in the physical gain. They show little or no interest in the religious groups that “do not have anything to share with them.” A term referring to people converted in this process is “Rice Christians” because they are loyal only as long as the “rice” continues to come to them. Jesus spoke of this occurrence in John 6. Assistance must be perpetuated or the “disciples” will go away.
“Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily I say unto you, ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat the loaves. and were filled” (Jn. 6:26)
Physical appeals do not aid in reforming; transforming life. Only the gospel can convert the sinner from a life of darkness (c.f. 2 Cor. 4:6). The recipients of the physical appeals will regard the church as a physical organization instead of the spiritual organization that it is. Faith is in man, not in God when people are drawn and made loyal by man’s methods. Paul would not even speak in words of man’s wisdom for fear that faith would not be in God.
“And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of Power: ‘That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (I Cor. 2:4,5).
Implications of Physical Appeals
Relying on the physical appeals rather than divine, implies that human ways (methods) are better than God’s. J.T. Walsh wrote concerning the missionary society and how it destroyed faith in the church and power of the gospel. The same applies to any human device that takes away from God’s prescribed plan.
“I think that it is a undeniable truth, that men never departed from primitive Christianity until they lost faith in it. And no Christian ever yet adopted human systems and appliances until his faith becomes weak in the divine … I repeat, therefore, that what we need is not a new plan of missionary work, but more faith in the old Jerusalem plan … We want more faith and less machinery, more work and less talk, more faith and less planning. The Lord has given us the plan, and bids us go work in his vineyard; but instead of going to work with the tools he has furnished, we spend all day in the making of new ones which in our wisdom, we think will work better. Let us quit it, and go to work with a hearty good will” (American Christian Review – June 18,1867).
When it is contended that physical appeals are necessary to reach out and compel the lost, then there is a lack of faith in the power of the gospel. It has the power that we need for evangelism.
Justifications for Using Physical Appeals
Some will say that physical appeals are justified solely on the basis that they are the only way to gain access into a country. This is the equivalent of saying that the end result justifies the means being used, or the situation determines if the action is scriptural or unscriptural. This is not Biblical reasoning. We must be forthright and completely above board even when a country will not recognize the church as a legal or registered religious body. At no time can we justify entering the country as another organization when the intent is to carry out the work of evangelism. We must at all times be honest and pray and trust God to make a way for the church and gospel to be in a country.
Physical appeals are justified on the basis that Jesus fed the multitude of 5,000. It is argued that they would not have listened until they were filled. In another account, he also fed a multitude of 4,000. But the scriptures say that they had been with Him for three days (Mk. 8:2), listening and learning what he taught. If hungry people will not listen, then why did it take three days for Jesus to feed them. This is not a valid argument for the use of physical appeals.
Motivations for Using Physical Appeals
Admittedly, some are genuinely compassionate and are moved when they see or learn of the plight of people in other nations. They are not rebellious nor are they seeking a quick method to get people baptized, but they honestly care for the poor lost souls. There are further considerations that can be made regarding the lost who are also in dire poverty.
The “success” of the denominations through the use of benevolence has brought dissatisfaction with the results of using the gospel alone. Sometimes we see what others are accomplishing and wonder if it will also work for us. However most denominations believe in the eternal security of the soul, so whatever means are needed to get someone to “accept” Christ will be used. The scriptures teach that salvation is more fragile and we must go beyond baptizing many. We must be satisfied with the results the gospel brings to the kingdom. We must let God give the increase instead of trying to add souls to the kingdom ourselves (Ac. 2:42).
Conclusion
The Bible says that it is sufficient for man’s needs – both for life and godliness. Either the Bible completely furnishes us unto all good works or it does not (2 Tim. 3; 16,17; 2 Pt. 1:3). Perhaps you have never thought deeply about the results and implications of using physical appeals. What are God’s wishes for the appeal to compel and draw the sinner to Him?
How could it be wrong (unscriptural) to give help to those who are sick and hungering? It is not unscriptural! In fact, as stated before, we are authorized/commanded to cooperate in benevolence and we can do good unto all men; all people. It is not wrong to assist in a financial, or medical manner. But let us do benevolence and let us do evangelism. These are two separate works of the church and God has given authorization about how to carry each out. It is God’s choice that the gospel be used as the appeal to compel the lost in the work of evangelism.
The church at Thessalonica is an example of conversion entirely by the gospel. They were pagans, in a city not far removed from Mount Olympus, the center of Greek “religion.” They were given to idolatry, but they turned from their dead idols to serve the true and living God (I Thes. 1:9,10). Paul commends them in chapter one for their faith and dedication since their conversion. How did such a change (a transformation) come about from these people? The gospel was preached properly. It was preached boldly, without fear or reservation (I Thes. 2:2), it was preached in purity, honesty, soberly (as one accountable to God) and charitably (I Thes. 2:3-8). But it was also received properly, not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God (I Thes. 2:13).
God’s method – God’s power.
Paul Powers, e-mail paulpowers1963@gmail.com
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