We want to make three assertions about the relationship between evangelism and social action:

1. Evangelism and scoial action are distinct activities.

Good social action is about harnessing the insights and resources of the poor, but the gospel is a message from the outside that is addressed to us in our spiritual helplessness and powerlessness.

2. Proclamation is central

Social action without proclamation is like a signpost pointing nowhere. Worse still, it is likely to imply either that salvation is synonymous with socioeconimic betterment or that salvation is through good works like those I am doing.

3. Evangelism and social action are inseparable

People often talk about evangelism being the priority, but this suggests a list of actions that you work through from the top down; if you do not have time for the bottom items (like social involvement), then this does not really matter. But evangelism cannot be separated from social action because mission takes place through relationships, and relationships are multi-faceted. As Paul says of his relationship with the Thessalonians, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us” (1 Thess. 2:8)

There has been a recent movement toward social action in local churches and thus I think it is appropriate to discern its proper role in the church inlight of Scripture. For a great and detailed study into this topic read Mark Dever’s church’s paper,  What Does Scripture Say About the Poor?

The local church has a responsibility for what is taught and that it is taught. Therefore, it is harmful if the mission of the local church becomes diluted with other things that distract her from her primary purpose. Yet while the primary purpose of the church is the preaching of the gospel, she may pursue that in ways which include caring for the physical needs of non-Christians. Such mercy ministries to those outside of the church are not biblically required to be ministries of any congregation. But they may be employed to the end (whether directly or indirectly) of promoting the gospel in the community.

That quote cannot do justice to the depth and care that went into the research and writing of the paper as the authors unpack the role of the local church and the individual Christian in the lives of the poor.

This means it is never enough to address people’s felt needs. Felt needs can be a good point to start because the gospel addresses the human condition in all its complexity. But people do not as a rule express God’s judgment as a felt need. People are blind to their true plight. They do not see their greatest need, which is to be reconciled to God through the gospel. If we do not keep people’s eternal plight in mind, then immediate needs will force their way to the top of our agenda, and we will betray the gospel and the people we profess to love. The most loving thing we can do for the poor is to proclaim the good news of eternal salvation through Christ. It is by no means the only loving thing we can do for them, but it is the most loving thing we can do. It would be a crime of monumental proportions knowingly to withhold such good news.

From: Tim Chester and Steve Timmis, Total Church

This hit me pretty hard in the gut. I watched him pitch yesterday. I followed his career in the minor leagues. And now he is gone.

This question filled my mind when I read of his death. Do we live in the context of death?

Do we live our own lives in the context of death, in the knowledge that the next hour might be our last on this earth?

And do we treat others in the context of death, in the knowledge that the next hour of their life might be their last chance to escape eternal death?

Do we look at the people around us in the context of death, in the knowledge that they are dying, not just physically, but spiritually?

Death breaks my heart, most of all because judgment is coming and the church is failing in its calling to make disciples of all nations.

People are dying, what are you doing?

Renkie goes on to show how the simplicity of “I’m with Jesus” can answer a barrage of questions. This woke up my brain, as it did his, and reminded me how central Jesus is to questions of the Christian faith. If one accepts Jesus everything else falls into place, from the authority of scripture, to practical living. Which also reminds me of how important it is to point to Christ when defending the faith. Jesus is the door, there is no other way in. If we preach Christ, his acceptance will lead to the acceptance of his divinity, the innerancy of the Bible, the existence of the prophets of old, the resurrection, justification, total depravity… because to accept Jesus is to accept his words. C.S. Lewis’ description of Jesus either being a liar, lunatic or Lord, though so overused, is so true. If you say you are with Jesus yet do not accept his words as his own, then you are not with him. You cannot accept Jesus without accepting him as Lord.