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Church & Ministry
Evangelism
Teaching the Gospel
Jargon

“Sadly, much of what is called evangelism today lacks gospel clarity. …Over the years, a number of popular phrases, terms, and shorthand expressions have either watered down or replaced the Biblical response to the gospel.” - P&D

Discussion

Fri, 02/18/22

Much of this depends on how Calvinist you are.

I have no problem with “accepting Jesus in your heart.” Jesus in your heart is biblical. Ephesians 3:17…

Also, I know good Christians disagree on Revelation 3:20, but I believe it is very valid for believers, and non-believers.

Revelation 3:20 - Can We Use It In Evangelism?

http://gulfcoastpastor.blogspot.com/2011/10/revelation-320-can-we-use-i…

But when possible we should always carefully and simply explain salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

David R. Brumbelow

Fri, 02/18/22

I told our author that I felt he was skewering some phrases I don’t mind, but then I found that he skewered a phrase or two on the other side… So I told him he was an “equal opportunity skewerer”

Overall, I very much like the piece. We do need to be clear on repentance and faith and avoid jargon as we witness for the gospel. That’s the main point, and why I published it.

Thanks for the link

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

Fri, 02/18/22

I thought Paul Washer was writing under a nom de plume. I think the semantics war is getting a bit stale.

Discern how your audience will best grasp the concept of “calling on the name of the Lord” for salvation and utilize those terms. “Lord, be merciful to me a sinner…” obviously works just as well as “…remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom…” or “…Sir, give me this water…” or any variety of other phrases.

Lee

Sat, 02/19/22

[Lee]

I thought Paul Washer was writing under a nom de plume. I think the semantics war is getting a bit stale.

Discern how your audience will best grasp the concept of “calling on the name of the Lord” for salvation and utilize those terms. “Lord, be merciful to me a sinner…” obviously works just as well as “…remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom…” or “…Sir, give me this water…” or any variety of other phrases.

I agree. Even more important than the phrases we use is taking the time to make sure our listeners understand what we mean by the phrases we’re using. This solves a lot of the problems that are inherent in any “canned” evangelistic presentation.

Josh Stilwell, associate pastor, Alathea Baptist Church, Des Moines, Iowa.

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