Mark Dever at Together for the Gospel has some excellent insights into common mistakes with evangelism. He’s apparently writing a book on the subject, and I can’t wait…
One part of clarity sometimes missed by earnest evangelists, however, is the willingness to offend. Clarity with the claims of Christ certainly will include the translation of the Gospel into words that our hearer understands, but it doesn’t necessarily mean translating it into words that our hearer will like. Too often advocates of relevant evangelism verge over into being advocates of irrelevant non-evangelism. A gospel which in no way offends the sinner has not been understood.
How many of us are willing to offend with our evangelism? Dr. Dever is not advocating intentional offense, or offense that is caused for our own pride or pleasure. Rather, he’s talking about realizing that the message of the gospel, that we are all sinners, is by its very nature offensive. If sharing the gospel doesn’t produce some small indignation, then you’re probably not sharing the full message. Think about it. The gospel says “You are a sinner. You can’t get into heaven. No way. You can’t do it. There is no way. You are completely helpless. Only God’s grace can do it for you. Oh, and you don’t do it with God’s grace… God’s grace does it for you. It’s not a tool for you to use. It’s purely His. So as you say that sinner’s prayer, keep that in mind. It’s not you. It’s Him. Cast your eyes on Him. Cast your sin upon His cross. Not yours.” Are you getting the point? If not, then I’m not doing it right…
(Side note - at some point, I am going to have read Mark Driscoll’s book. I can only imagine how he shares the gospel…)
