Twin gospel concerns

There are two thoughts I have had stemming from watching children respond to the gospel last June.

This year's CEF five-day kid's club had twenty-six children. A few of them were ones I felt had never heard the gospel before, and two little girls who believed in Jesus that week were ones whose mom was reluctant to let them go when I met her. Praise God!

CEF later sent the attendance record sheet for my club with all the names of the kids along with a general newsletter. At the bottom there was a tally:

Decisions, First Time: 6

Assurance: 1

I know most of these kids pretty well. One of the "first times" is my niece. She is five so perhaps she did not understand previous presentations of the gospel. She doesn't have a church-going family but she has me and AWANA. I wonder - was this really her first moment of faith in Jesus?

Another one is a boy belonging to a Spanish pentecostal church, but the mom seems to have a very good understanding of scripture and an active faith life. I wonder... was this really his first profession of faith?

Another eight year old girl is one I am pleased with. She came to the backyard club last year and I am sure, she was a "first time professor" of faith at that time. Then she came to club this year and is again a "first time professor" of the faith. Then I directly took her the following Monday with me to church to a VBS program, and Bonnie and the bible story teacher pulled me aside and said, "She accepted Christ today, but, she seemed to know a lot about the gospel. Was this really her first time?" I said, actually no. They said, "Hmm. Well, you might read her john 10 or other assurance passages."

I am concerned. A 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 gospel message is a/the gospel that saves the lost. Those who are receiving the Word of God are often not expressing faith that they are saved. What if the gospel has become just a list of beliefs to profess? What if the children do not understand that they have been invited by Jesus Christ to receive the gift of eternal life? This is one point of reflection I have gained through this experience.

But I have a second point of concern.

There were some older boys and their little gang who I had longed to share the gospel with last summer but they do not live in this area and disappeared for the '08-'09 school year. I was thrilled to see them wandering around again this summer. I invited them but they didn't show up till the following week. Monday at two o' clock there was a knock on the door. "We're here for the club!" they declared. I laughed and said, "You missed it, I'm so sorry guys!" They asked what they missed, and I said, "come here and I'll show you!" They all sat patiently through the CEF Wordless Book gospel. I had them bow their heads and hopefully pray with me according to their own sense of believing what they had heard from scripture about becoming a child of God. Those two boys said, "We want to learn how to read the bible." I said, come and see me and I will teach you, okay?

I was pretty excited about that but somehow they did not come around very often. Then two weeks ago they showed up saying, "We want to take Grace [my daughter] with us to church on Sunday. Can she come??"

Hmm. "What church?"

"Oh, it's just down that way, you know that one? They are giving out ten dollars to the one who brings the most friends with on Sunday. We just get on the bus in the morning when it comes by." I've seen that bus. I know the church "down there." It's the Oneness Pentecostals, who will tell them, eventually after they've begun to build relationships with the people there, that they aren't truly saved till they've spoken in tongues after being immersed in water.

The eight-year-old girl I spoke of above, the one who now three times has professed faith in Jesus "for the first time" is one of those kids getting on the bus. This makes me very upset. I have been praying about what to do.

They've come back over and hung out. I told all of them them in a serious manner that I want them to know for sure that Jesus accepts them unconditionally because of their believing in the cross and I've read them john 6:47. I've done this two times when they've been with me. But now, all they're thinking about is ten dollars. Some church will pay them money, to attend. And they want money, because they're kids. What can I offer them? What can Christ offer them that will over-ride what this church has decomposed the gospel to be about?

All this hard work that CEF has done, that I have been desiring for their sake, is now at risk. This is when the sectarian group moves in and does what they do best.

Should I play on the same terms? I was thinking much better than anything I can do to convince them to be cautious with them is to implant the Word into their hearts and minds. I have tentatively decided to pay each child one dollar for every scripture they will work to memorize. That way it's guaranteed and based on their own accomplishment.

Then, even if they go to that church, and their members tell them, "you aren't saved" they will have to battle with scripture itself -

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. John 6:47

But I am by no means sure that this is God's will for them. I keep praying, feeling unsettled and unsure. I believe Jesus is capable of doing more amazing things with these little ones than anything I might come up with.

Any suggestions...?

Class Concluded

I finished this afternoon the CEF class which taught me how to weave the entire gospel message into any story from the bible. I'm so excited that I can do this now! The assignment given me this week has been preparing to teach the story of Esther, specifically its climax in chapters seven and eight. It is the narrative where Esther advocates on behalf of her cousin and her entire people. As I put passion and animation into telling it, I could not help but feel affinity for the woman who fell before her king imploring him to receive her in his presence.

So the king and Haman went to dine with Queen Esther, and as they were drinking wine on that second day, the king again asked, "Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted."
Then Queen Esther answered, "If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. For I and my people have been sold for destruction and slaughter and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king."
King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, "Who is he? Where is the man who has dared to do such a thing?"
Esther said, "The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman."
Then Haman was terrified before the king and queen. The king got up in a rage, left his wine and went out into the palace garden. But Haman, realizing that the king had already decided his fate, stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life.
Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining.
The king exclaimed, "Will he even molest the queen while she is with me in the house?"
As soon as the word left the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, "A gallows seventy-five feet high stands by Haman's house. He had it made for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king."
The king said, "Hang him on it!" So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's fury subsided.
That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai came into the presence of the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her. The king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed him over Haman's estate.
Esther again pleaded with the king, falling at his feet and weeping. She begged him to put an end to the evil plan of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews. Then the king extended the gold scepter to Esther and she arose and stood before him.
"If it pleases the king," she said, "and if he regards me with favor and thinks it the right thing to do, and if he is pleased with me, let an order be written overruling the dispatches that Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, devised and wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king's provinces. For how can I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?"
King Xerxes replied to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, "Because Haman attacked the Jews, I have given his estate to Esther, and they have hanged him on the gallows. Now write another decree in the king's name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king's signet ring—for no document written in the king's name and sealed with his ring can be revoked."
At once the royal secretaries were summoned—on the twenty-third day of the third month, the month of Sivan. They wrote out all Mordecai's orders to the Jews, and to the satraps, governors and nobles of the 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush. These orders were written in the script of each province and the language of each people and also to the Jews in their own script and language. Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed the dispatches with the king's signet ring, and sent them by mounted couriers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king.
The king's edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate any armed force of any nationality or province that might attack them and their women and children; and to plunder the property of their enemies. The day appointed for the Jews to do this in all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar. A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
The couriers, riding the royal horses, raced out, spurred on by the king's command. And the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa.
Mordecai left the king's presence wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration. For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. In every province and in every city, wherever the edict of the king went, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.

I didn't have hardly any time to prepare for the actual presentation. I showed up, feeling so unable at 8:45 am, and walked out at 3 pm, with my highest score of all! That's the grace of God.

Thank you LORD for your faithfulness, even when things look their worst, you have not forgotten your children.

The "Can I?" Questions

Between the teaching of each color of CEF's Wordless Book presentation of the gospel (detailed in a previous post), I took the opportunity to ask some questions.

The DARK color page bothers me somewhat. Regarding sin, there are things I'm working on theologically speaking. Though there is one question I felt confident in asking.

I asked in class, "Is this okay? The transition between DARK and RED goes like this:

'But God has a wonderful plan so that you and I don't have to be punished for our sins.'

But I'm wanting to include the word 'already' because His plan was set forth from the beginning, that Jesus would come and die for our sins and reconcile us to God. Can I say,

'But God knew from the beginning that we would have this problem and he already had wonderful plan so that you and I don't have to be separated from God'?"

Her reply was, "Michele, this comes down to fine points in theology. We don't want to get into theology with kids."

I said, "Okay, though to me, saying the word 'already' gives them a small dose of comfort to know that their sin is not the totality of God's concerns."

She said, "Yes, of course, there's nothing wrong with saying the word 'already' and this is certainly a variation that is up to you personally."

I thanked her.

Next, during the CLEAN page presentation there were many statements that a prayer would enable them to receive Christ and be saved. To me that was off the mark, and I knew that as long as I was gracious, my next "can I?" question should be well received.

"Got another 'can I?' question," I ventured with a grin. "So, when we are preparing the child to review and respond to the gospel, can I, instead of postponing salvation to think about praying to receive Jesus 'in a little bit,' can I instead encourage them to realize that if they believe those things that they have become a child of God? I'm thinking specifically of examples where, even before the apostles were done preaching, the Holy Spirit fell upon those who were listening and hopefully this is exactly what would happen while we are preaching, too. We want them to look back on this moment and know they're reconciled because they had faith, not because they prayed the prayer, right? That the promises of God are the source of their assurance, and we don't want to postpone them from that foundation of the Word?"

I got a "Wow, yes," from both teachers regarding that. Phew!

"One more 'can-I' question, if you don't mind?" I asked a little later. "On the CLEAN page, as soon as I give them assurance by reading their name into John 1:12, and then I ask them,

'Now what happens if you sin again?'

can I do this? Can I flip right back to the RED page? I want to ask them,

'If you sin again, well, tell me, what happened at the cross? Did He die for that sin? Yes! He did! And because you believe He died for those sins, what? The CLEAN page reminds us that we are a child of God, right? Yes! That will never change, will it? So when you sin you go right back to the cross and remember what He did, there, okay?'

and then I can go into next how they ought to confess their sin?"

Another "Yes!" with an illuminated smile. She liked that idea a lot, because it puts the cross of Christ as the central fixture of the Christian walk. I love it! With one KA-POW! I knock out all the cults. I saw a lot of Catholics and other teenagers beg to understand that part of the Wordless Book at the fair.

I am thankful that somehow my editions to the CEF gospel were allowed and even taken well!

Because I know my opinions don't matter, and most likely they never will. I live down here in the real world where, if I want to serve with the support of those who make me qualified, I have to be incorporated into what is already available. CEF has a few bits of unsound principles to their gospel, but if I happen to know better (theologically), then what should I do?

Truth and grace advance one another.

I attend a church where free grace has gone into retirement. The leadership has packed up and moved away. The congregation is asking itself, "where are we now?" I listen and this is what I hear from fellow congregants:

"I understand, and I agree that we are saved by faith alone but I've always believed that."

"I understand that everything we do now matters in eternity but what about holiness? I know we're saved by faith but God wants us to live holy lives!"

"The pendulum for awhile was swinging away from Lordship Salvation, toward Free Grace; and now the pendulum is swinging back the other way."

It didn't impact sufficiently did it? Then there are some at my church who have decided that free grace is a divisive teaching. After seven years of graciously and patiently preaching the free grace gospel Sunday mornings and the doctrine of eternal rewards in the evenings, it is impossible to know why it would not take root.

I hold that reputation is nearly everything, it is more important than "being right right now."

I'm concerned to think that my church might be a microcosm of the movement, fast-forward say a few more years. I consider how few evangelicals have heard of the doctrine of eternal rewards. It has the power to completely overthrow the backloaded gospel. Think about what we're asking, for some people. It completely re-orders how they understand their walk with God. For some Christians it's a big deal.

It is incomprehensible how the LORD only let me in on the tail of seven years of free grace teaching. That is why it hurts so much that free grace is gone. It is surreal to have such confirmation only to be left alone again. My voice never mattered, but when I could say that others believe as I do, then I had legitimacy. Since 2005 I have been saying, "Can I?" to pastors and friends. They thought I was wrong even though I had the Word, but when I found free grace, whose mission is to protect the integrity of faith which saves, I wasn't wrong any longer. I need others with titles, experience, and a reputation, in order to make it!

Though that is not completely true. Being alone now with little more than God, well, He's not so bad a partner. Every day I wake up and put on the fragrance of the joy of the LORD. I went back to my old, soft-LS class and raised my hand, then was told hence-forth that I should not disagree in the presence of the class. Still I see God's power in my life. Defending the doctrine of faith alone to justify and sanctify turns out to be a full time job, always something here or there to say and for some reason, I am used for that job and I am pleased!

My goal is to both submit to theological authorities who are in some things wrong, and still speak the truth manifesting hope in them. When I can't speak, I always have faith which is His Spirit accomplishing much on my behalf. I don't give up on the truth. How could I? For that reason free grace means so much to me. I want to see it endure. I need it very much.

"Can I?" -- That's theology in the real world. Where having friends who will stand up with me, saves not only my passionate conscience amongst the saints, but most significantly the power of God's truth.

The CEF gospel

Here is the gospel presentation I am taught and tested and certified that I should present to lost children. Taught by Child Evangelism Fellowship.

The GOLD PAGE:



What color is this? It's gold. What does gold remind you of? Jewelery? Yeah! They say in heaven there is a street of gold. Have you heard about heaven before? It's the place where God lives. You may know some things about God. He is the creator of everything; the trees and grass, even all people. He created you and He created me, and He loves us very much. John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world," and the world means you and me and every person here at the fair. Did you know that because He loves us He wants us to be with Him and He is preparing a place for us in heaven. Now God is perfect. That means he has never done anything wrong before. So because of that, there is one thing that can never be with Him in heaven. That thing is sin.

[turn to]

The DARK PAGE:



Sin is anything we think, say or do that does not please God. We have all done things that are wrong; I have and you have and everyone here today, has done them. In Romans 3:23 it says, all people have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We were born that way - did your mom have to teach you how to do what is wrong? No, she had to teach you how to do things right, isn't that true? What are some of the sins that kids your age do? Steal... not obey their parents... yeah, that's right. I did those things too when I was a child. We know what is good and we choose to do what is wrong, don't we? When you choose to do wrong, what happens? Do you get in trouble with your parents? Well the same is true with God, there is a punishment for doing wrong things. The punishment is separation from God, forever. However, God has a wonderful plan so that you and I don't have to punished for our sins.

[turn to]

The RED PAGE:



The Lord Jesus is God the Son. He was perfect while He was a man. He never thought or did anything wrong like we have. That punishment that belonged for us? He willingly took it instead for Himself. He willingly died though He didn't deserve it. He died on the cross. He shed his blood and gave up His life. Hebrews 9:22 says without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness for sins, but because He did bleed, all our sins are forgiven and the punishment is over with. So He died for us, and after that He was buried and three days later, he came back to life and now He is in heaven, and you can read that in 1 cor 15:3-4. And now because of what the Lord Jesus did for you, you can have your sins forgiven.

[turn to]

The CLEAN PAGE:



John 1:12 says, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name." That means that if you and I believe in Jesus, God gives you and I the right to become children of God! Isn't that amazing? In a second we're going to have the chance to pray to God about what we have heard about Jesus so that you can become a child of God. You kids remember your ABCs, right? Well we have some ABCs for when we pray to God to become His child. A stands for "admit." [turn back to dark page] That means you admit to God that you are a sinner. Or another words, you agree that you know you have done wrong things, and just tell him about it. B stands for "believe." Believe with all your heart that... what? [turn back to red page] That means you trust on the inside that the Lord Jesus died on the cross for your sins and mine, and rose again. C stands for "call." Receive Jesus as your Savior. Choose to receive Him. You must decide for yourself in your own heart. This is a serious decision between you and God. Would you like to receive the Lord Jesus Christ right now?

Okay! Let's review - why do you need the Lord Jesus? (Because I am a sinner.) What did the Lord Jesus do so you might have your sins forgiven? (He died on the cross and rose again.) What happened to the Lord Jesus three days after they buried Him? (He came alive again.) How can you become a child of God? (By admitting I am a sinner and want God to change me. By receiving the Lord Jesus as my Savior.) Would you like to receive Jesus and become God's child right now?

Let's pray, and you can talk to God in your own words, or if you want you can repeat after me. [Lead him through the ABCs.] [After prayer....] Whose child are you now? Let's read John 1:12 again. But let's put your name in there. "But as many as receive Him, to 'Johnny' He gave the right to become a child of God, to 'Johnny' who believes in His name." Did you know that Hebrews 13:5 says, "I will never leave you"? Practice on your five fingers and then point to yourself: "I will never leave [point to self] 'Johnny'." He also said in Hebrews 13:6 "The Lord is my helper." Practice on your other hand with five fingers and say "The Lord is 'Johnny's' helper."

When you become a child of God, He wants you to get to know Him better.

[turn to]

The GREEN PAGE:



The color green reminds us of things that are growing like grass. When you receive the Lord Jesus as your Savior from sin, God wants you to grow to be more like Him. You have His power and strength to do what is right, but when you choose to sin, what should you do?

1 John 1:9 says "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Confess is to tell on yourself. If you mess up, you need to confess up. On this wordless book there are four corners, which remind us to GROW. The G stands for "go to church." Find a place where people are talking about the Lord Jesus and what He did on the cross. If you don't have a place yet I'll talk with your mom and see if you can come to my church. R stands for read your bible and pray. Reading your bible is how God talks to you, and when you pray that is you, talking to God. O stands for obey God's word. You can ask God to help you obey His rules. What are some of God's rules? In Ephesians it says children should obey their parents. The W stands for witness. Find someone you know will be excited for you that you received the Lord Jesus! Share the story with them, and use this wordless book I'll pin on your shirt today to tell others about what Jesus has done. I am going to give you a tract and a mailer so that we can send bible lessons to you in the mail, okay?

Would you like to pray before you go? You can just thank Jesus that today you have become His child. I'll let you say it in your own words. Can I pray for you too before you go? Thank you so much for stopping in today, Johnny; now - off to enjoy the fair you go, I hope to hear from you in the mail!