May 29, 2023 - Play Hard AND Play Right

Last week we talked about the importance of “making contact” with the other team… about not laying back (a “4-Corners Stalling Offense”) and waiting for “safe shots” at sharing the Gospel. Typically, when I talk/write about such things it evokes 1 of 2 different responses…

First are those that dismiss what I am saying and have bought into the “4-Corners” approach to evangelism called “Lifestyle Evangelism.” (I’ll get to the positives of this approach in just a moment), BUT THE NEGATIVE, I believe, is that the enemy used this tactic to create an impotent “low-scoring offense” that is not reaching many people for Jesus…

Second are those that hear the message to be more aggressive on “offense” and think that boldness = brashness… I preached a message a few weeks ago that dealt with this fallacy… in that message we saw where Paul was encouraging an active faith-sharing lifestyle BUT likened the boldness to a mother nursing her child… which leads to be “approved”… (See 1 Thessalonians 2)

Our aggressive offense should not be displayed in loud… rude… puffed up chest; but with a reputation that: (This is where “Lifestyle Evangelism” has some truth… but remember that the Gospel is “good news”… news must be shared to be known!)

·       “lives peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18)

·       “have a good testimony among those who are outside” / “Good standing” (leaders’ requirements found in 1 Timothy 3:7/13)

·       Check out this verse: “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men… honor all people.” (1 Peter 2:15…17)

I always wanted my teams to play hard AND to play the right way!