Evangelism and Spiritual Warfare, Mentor's Guide, MG08

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E V A N G E L I S M A N D S P I R I T U A L W A R F A R E

* Is it necessary to actually be incorporated into a local assembly of believers, or can just a generic commitment to Christianity be sufficient as a sign of authentic repentance and faith in Christ? * What should we think of evangelistic efforts where no provision is made to incorporate new Christians into the Church? * Does credible evangelismmean that we incorporate all the converts into our church or into a healthy Christ-honoring church ? If our church is hosting an evangelistic event, should we count on the those who respond coming into our church? * If we know that the people whom we are called to target will not feel at home in our church, ought we to plant another church, or seek a church for them to be a part? Isn’t this going a little too far, having to ensure that every convert be incorporated into a local church? * What about spontaneous evangelism–sharing the Lord with a person on a plane or bus, or a stranger at an event? Do we even have to try to provide these converts with an assembly to be a part of?

Are They Really Saved?

A person made a commitment to Christ over the television some three years ago, and has never joined a church, or been baptized in Christ. Reasoning that the decision alone has saved him, he feels no need to go to church, and has determined to experience Christ through the teaching and “fellowship” he receives from the radio and television ministers he listens to faithfully. What would you suggest regarding this person’s salvation? Are they really saved at all? Are they saved, but untaught regarding the communal nature of the Christian faith? Does only God know for sure? What is your opinion, and why?

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No Time to Lose

After a special meeting to win gang members to the Lord, the leaders of the event decide to baptize the individuals as soon as possible. Understanding the importance of baptism and incorporation, they reason that they do not wish to miss a single night, and determine to go back to the church to fill the tank and to baptize the individuals that very night. (They quote the immediacy of the baptisms in Acts as