24 May “Leaving Country Club Christianity” (Learning to do anything to reach the lost…except compromise) PART 3

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Over the last few weeks we have been sharing how to truly leave country club Christianity. 

Remember our key scriptures…

I Corinthians 9:19-23, “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.  And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ) that I might gain them that are without law.  To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak; I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.  And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker with you.”

The Greek word “gain” here in this verse is “kerdaino” and it means “to win or acquire.”  If I could summarize this verse I would simply say that Paul was willing to do anything to win the lost…except compromise!

Let’s reveiw…

Remember that we began learning about “Three Leaving Lessons”:

  1. We have to be able to leave our preferences.

Then we jumped into our “6 Preference Principles”:

  1. Never compromise on principle.  Frequently compromise on preference.

I will never compromise on Biblical principles and you shouldn’t either.  However, we must not let preferences like styles of clothing or tattoos or nose rings…all preferences…stop us from reaching the lost!

       2. Never compromise on conviction.  Always extend compassion.

Then we learned about 4 Compassion Concepts:

  1. Sympathy reveals how you feel.  Compassion reveals what you do.
  2. Sympathy is emotional.  Compassion is intentional.
  3. Sympathy will move you to tears.  Compassion will move you to action.
  4. Compassion always flows from another man’s shoes.

Jesus, of course, never sinned but He did “jump in our shoes” when He took on human form.  He identified with us so we could identify with Him!

Today we continue with…

       3. Never change the message.  Frequently change the methods.

The other day my wife and I watched a service from a large church on television.  It took both of us back to the 1980’s.  Same dress…same songs…same message!  Now don’t get me wrong, I am all for consistency…but welcome to 2022!

I have been in ministry for approximately 39 years and I remember whenever I ministered it was always in a suit and tie (I have the suits and ties in my closet to prove it).  I am so glad the methods have changed and I don’t have to wear a tie or sport coat any longer!

Remember this:  The Messiah and message are sacred.  The methods are not.