Let's face it; people do not always come to a Bible classes or worship services to hear the word of God. Some come to please someone else. Others come with an expectation of being entertained. Still others come looking for a chance to object to whatever is said or done. These are ungodly traits. Others do have ears to hear, and come in order to "sit at the feet of Jesus" and intently hear, learn and live the gospel of the Savior (Luke 8:8; 10:38-42).
God's inspired word is designed to draw sinners to God and to the salvation in His Son. It is sufficient to the task (Rom. 1:16; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Jesus said, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore, everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me" (John 6:44-45). To deny the power of the word of God to draw sinners to Christ is to deny the power of God.
Brethren must trust the word of God to draw the lost and to preserve the saved. It is the message that must draw the lost to salvation (1 Pet. 1:22-25). For example, why is it some brethren prefer to use recreational activities to advertise and encourage young people to attend special services intended for their spiritual benefit? Are young people only interested in hearing the gospel when it is associated with wiener roasts, volleyball and overnight lock-in games and activities? I do not believe so, and those who are interested in feeding their souls will not be lured by offers intended to feed the belly (John 6:26). It is revealing that in the same context in which people thought they could come to Jesus to have their stomachs fed that Jesus said He feeds the soul as the bread of life (John 6:27-38). Jesus did not use food to draw people to Himself; we dare not attempt it today.
Some, while emphasizing faith in Jesus, tell us not to put our faith in the Bible. We cannot do one without the other. Jesus is "the Word" we must hear and follow (John 1:1-3, 14-18; 14:6). The inspired Psalmist said, "I have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Your word" (Psalm 119:42). He put his faith in God's word. We must, too. Jesus teaches us truth (Eph. 4:20-21). Faith in Jesus is not and cannot be separated from faith in His word, the Bible (Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Like the apostles, we must go and "speak to the people all the words of this life" (Acts 5:20). We need not add games and gimmicks to the drawing power of God's word. Divine truth is sufficient to draw good and honest hearts to Christ (Luke 8:14-15; Acts 17:11-12).
- The Spirit's Sword, 5/8/11