Thursday, January 24, 2013

Mislead by the Invitation

In the parable of the sowers Jesus portrayed four types of hearers. Jesus described the second soil, "When they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness." But, Jesus warns, "They have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time." Jesus knew the reality of being heard by crowds who had no desire to truly follow Him. Jesus knew the possibility of the "emotional response."

Some disagree with Jesus and believe the "emotional response" is the reason to extend an appeal for a public decision, "The Invitation." The problem is that in their attempt to work out their own standing before God by their own efforts people have the tendency to do something of merit that prompts many to respond to the evangelist's appeal. An evangelist with a commanding personality may convince many into what is considered to be an act of religious merit through some public act.

Many go away from the "altar," told that they are now Christians, knowing that they are not changed one bit. They assume, falsely, that their action has made them right with God. 

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