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While it is true that many today are worldly and are not interested in learning about God, which is a big problem, there might be another issue that has greater need of being addressed. From my observation in churches and on the Internet, it is my opinion that many church members do not understanding who are lost and who needs to be taught (evangelized) and brought to obedience to Christ. Based on comments I’ve read and heard, many see denominational members - people who have not obeyed the gospel to get into Christ, as being true believers in hope of eternal life. Thus, before we can be successful in evangelism, we need to determine who are lost and therefore need to be taught.
Tradition is such a powerful force many cannot hear this, but who is lost is very simple: the lost are those who have not obeyed the gospel. Paul wrote, (Rom 10:16) “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?” As Paul subtly suggested, believing is a prerequisite to obeying the gospel (Mark 16:16). It is implied that those who do not obey the gospel don’t believe. When one obeys the gospel, he is responding to the conditions God has set forth to be saved. This involves faith (based upon hearing the gospel (Rom. 10:17; John 8:24); confession (Acts 8:37), repentance (Luke 13:3) and baptism into Christ for the remission of sins (Gal. 3:27; Acts 2:38, 47). Denominational doctrine leaves people wondering whether they are saved or not, but the gospel (if heard and believed) does not. See Romans 6:3,4; 17,18; Col 2:10-14).
By not recognizing who are lost evangelism stagnates and churches die. We need more fundamental teaching and more men who will stand up to those who seek to defend denominational doctrine. In their efforts they resort to ridicule and personal attacks on gospel preachers. Let this not be a deterrent, for it is the devil working through men, whom we must defeat.
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