This episode summarizes the specific content of the gospel that informs evangelism, emphasizing leaning on the Holy Spirit's leading. Calling Jesus Lord presupposes knowledge of the gospel and personal appropriation of Christ as king, as Lord. The evangelist as co-laborer with the Holy Spirit consequently conveys the "negative" side of the gospel story, that all are judged as sinners for not trusting in Christ. The episode introduces the essential role of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world of "sin, righteousness, and judgment." (John 16:7) These convictions, or Spirit-impressed truths, are the natural consequences of any Spirit-led evangelistic encounter, in which "the good news" is founded on "TERRIBLE NEWS." Ultimately calling Christ Lord then rests on knowledge of one's hopeless desperate state before a holy God, and the wise evangelist simply cooperates with the Holy Spirit in conveying these truths.
Born Again to Worship..and Work
This episode brings together many of the integral themes discussed so far, highlighting the impossibility of unbelievers doing good works. This conclusion is inescapable in light of Jewish failure to produce good works. Uncircumcised in heart and ears, the best that Old Testament believers produced was worship contaminated by self-idolatry and works that were essentially "filthy rags." (Isaiah 64:6) For this reason Christ emphasized the absolute necessity of being born again (John 3:5-8 ) in order to "worship God in Spirit and truth" (John 4:24)
“Mourn the Residing Power of Sin, not the Penalty”
Building off of the last episode, this program contends that "mourning" should be a common occurrence in the life of believers. The same Holy Spirit that convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-11), leading to repentance and faith in Christ--well that same Spirit continues his convicting work in the life of believer. Though eternal destiny is settled for believers (position), seemingly endless adjustments are in order as the Holy Spirit conforms the saint into the image of Christ, as He addresses our condition. James 4:8-9 insists that believers mourn their remaining affinity with worldliness: "Purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep.."