This episode mostly deals with psychological hindrances to evangelism, principally a ministry mindset that is driven more by "feelings" than obedience. Many believers gravitate to serving in areas in which they are gifted, and feelings of fulfillment naturally abound. Sharing the gospel on some level, is however not the sole prerogative of the "gifted" evangelist and apologist, for ALL believers are exhorted to provide a reasoned account for "the hope that lies within them, with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15) Evangelism then is not a "gifted-restricted" ministry but a universal mandate placed on all believers. Not being a gifted evangelist, I struggled to respond to this universal command because of fear and low self-esteem, resulting in disobedience in this area. The program contains my testimony how I overcame my "feeling" driven mindset and became obedient to the universal command to witness. Positive feelings and a heightened sense of purpose FOLLOWED obedience, highlighting a common Christian growth experience. God commands us to obey, making us initially uncomfortable and dissatisfied, but obedience ultimately brings satisfaction and positive feelings that more than compensate for initial hesitancy and awkwardness.
Forgiveness-focused Salvation Usually Indicates a Worship Disorder
This episode addresses the subtle idolatry of many believers who fail to grasp the purpose of salvation, which should be, according to Hebrews 9:14, service/worship of God. The previous episode noted typical reasons why many say they go to church: "being a better person" and "feeling better about oneself" are some of the anthropocentric responses indicating a worship disorder. Salvation in this skewed perspective is principally about the forgiveness of sins and addressing low self-esteem, making man's needs the purpose of salvation. Hebrews 9:14 however insists that forgiveness of sins is simply the necessary condition of being a better worshipper: "the blood of Jesus cleanses our consciences from dead works [forgiveness] to serve the living God." Biblical salvation always has worship and service to God as the driving motivation behind all religious activity. While it necessarily addresses mankind's sin issues, and by declaring him holy, his esteem issues, salvation always considers the endgame, which is worship and service of the living God. All "good" works flow from sanctified worship. If worship of God is not the ultimate goal of salvation, then believers will naturally make themselves the idol gods they serve, corrupting all so-called "good" works they produce.