GOING TO SCHOOL

Does Our Evangelism Introduce
People to the Wrong Jesus?
Nearly half the population of the United States claims to be "born-again." Self-identified "evangelicals" are a voting bloc courted by our major political parties, and a large percentage of citizens attend church services at least once a week. Yet, as we look at the culture around us, an unmistakable erosion of the Judeo-Christian ethic has taken place. God is regularly blasphemed, professing believers often live no differently from non-Christians, and many churches are captive to the trends of this present age.

Two factors explain this set of contradictory realities. First, the church has failed to preach the biblical Gospel. Instead of preaching about mankind's depravity and the truth that citizenship in the kingdom of God comes only by the imputation of Christ's righteousness, we hear about a powerless and insipid Creator and the cheap grace He lavishes upon all. Secondly, because the church has failed to preach the biblical Gospel, our evangelism has too often introduced people to the wrong Jesus. We are told that "Jesus can give us our best life now" or that "He wants to be our best friend," and not that He is our Savior from enslavement to sin and the righteous judgment of God. As such, He demands a life of costly discipleship (Luke 14:25-33).

This spring we invite you to join us as we seek to help the church address these critical issues. On March 13-15, 2008, Ligonier Ministries will hold its 21st annual national conference, "Evangelism According to Jesus," in Orlando, Fla. During three days of worship, fellowship, encouragement, study, and prayer, we will proclaim the different aspects of the Gospel and explain how they must impact our evangelism. Joining us will be respected pastors, theologians, and leaders Sinclair Ferguson, Steven J. Lawson, John MacArthur, C.J. Mahaney, R.C. Sproul Jr., and Joni Eareckson Tada, all of whom will remind us of the great truths of the Gospel and help us evangelize more effectively.

It is imperative that we preach no other Gospel than the one delivered by our Lord and His apostles. I hope you will join us in March as we explore and apply the faith once delivered to the saints.

R.C. Sproul,
President and Founder