This episode unpacks 2 Corinthians 7:10, in which "sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret." Arguably the reason why many repent only superficially is that sorrow according to the will of God is missing. Sorrow over sin and missing the purpose of God is necessary for lasting repentance. So when an evangelist is not comfortable with a would-be convert's squirming under conviction, he may interrupt the Holy Spirit's convicting work by minimizing or dumbing down the need for repentance. Many churches, in a sincere desire to bring people to Christ, unfortunately gloss over repentance in rushed alter call settings. It may result in recitation of the sinner's prayer, but since genuine sorrow leading to a repentance without regret is rarely possible in a five-minute alter call, many either return to the world (seed sown in rocky ground) or vacillate in their commitment to Christ. Their "repentance" came with regrets because real SORROW was never experienced. The evangelist then needs to be attentive to the Holy Spirit and allow His work of conviction to proceed uninterrupted, until it produces a sorrow that leads to repentance without regret.
Let Him Who Boasts, Boast in the Lord
This episode centers on "religious" work, noting that activity not motivated by love of God and neighbor doesn't qualify as "good" work. Christ derided Jewish efforts to make proselytes in which converts became "twice the sons of hell" as those proselytizing (Mt 23:15) The context of Christ's woes against hypocrisy highlights the exaltation of man-made religion to the expense of the Great Commandments. Paul later took issue with Judaizers in the early Christian church, who prioritized circumcision over sanctifying faith. Outward observance of circumcision by converts became a badge of boasting in which Judaizers made "a good showing in the flesh." (Gal. 6:12) Religious work not born out of the Great Commandments ("gold, silver, precious stone") is burned up at the judgment seat of Christ, for it does not qualify as a "good" work. (1 Cor 3:12-15) The episode also cites modern-day "boasting in the flesh." Altar calls designed to elicit quick professions of faith, often by ignoring or understating the necessity of repentance, have become the predominant badge of boasting in evangelical circles. This "wood, hay and straw" motivated by flesh will be burned up. Unfortunately many who are manipulated into reciting the sinner's prayer will also be burned up, because they hypocritically professed Christ as lord, as evident by their pursuit of lawlessness. (Mt 7:22-23) In summary then, if hypocrisy and carnality can undermine religious work, even rendering as rubbish the deeds of regenerate believers, can the works of unbelievers possibly be described as "good?"