Has your church participated in 40 Days of Purpose Campaign??

[Knight]

We did it a couple of years ago... It did bring many into the church and many of those have since professed faith in Christ.

However, based on my review of the book and material I would say that this result was in spite of the information in this book rather than because of it. It was also significant that we immediately followed up the 40 days with another Bible study and sermon series on the meat and potatoes of the Gospel.

The PDL is, IMO, part of the seeker-centered ideology that has infected many churches in our time. It should be avoided.

 

[Knight]

For an excellent analysis and, in some ways, a refutation of the PDL take a look at the book "Fool's Gold" edited by John MacArthur. There is an entire chapter devoted to the PDL.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158134726X/104-9417976-3813562?v=glance&n=283155&n=507846&s=books&v=glance

In fact, I highly recommend this book on its own merits. There is also much more information that gives you cause to think critically about many modern church trends.

 

[Bill777]

Huh?? How do I know??? When a person says he or she has accepted Christ as personal savior. Theology 101. We don't make them fill out forms. If a person testifies they have accepted Christ we say Praise God.

No offense, but we didn't just sit around in a circle and sip tea. Unsaved people asked questions. We gave answers-i.e. the Gospel of Christ. Some accepted Christ soon thereafter.

You seem to have a cynical view of the 40 days and can't accept the fact that people got saved and blessed as a result. You know many of these now saved people would never have stepped into a church. But they were willing to be part of a small group that was discussing a life with purpose through God.

I hope you can accept methods of bringing people to Christ that differ from the methods you favor.

Just because somebody said they accepted Christ as a personal saviour doesn't mean they are saved. Specially if they don't understand that they are sinners, that they have to repent from their sins (and unless somebody reads the sermon on the mount he or she will probably have no clue what sin means), that they need Christ's forgiveness, that they need through God's grace to lead a new life by faith. You need to see the fruit of the spirit, anybody can say they accepted Christ and continue minding the things of the world instead of the kingdom of god. I wouldn't say that everybody that says they accepted Christ is saved, some of these conversions are not real, some of these people don't even feel convicted of sin at all. Specially in this day and age where the divorce rate in the baptist church is higher than atheists, there is no way you can tell me that just because somebody says they accepted Christ that they are truly born again. Going to church means nothing unless you are a new creation, born again from water and the spirit. If you live like the world and intend to continue living that way you are not saved.

 

[SNPete]

Just because somebody said they accepted Christ as a personal saviour doesn't mean they are saved. Specially if they don't understand that they are sinners, that they have to repent from their sins (and unless somebody reads the sermon on the mount he or she will probably have no clue what sin means), that they need Christ's forgiveness, that they need through God's grace to lead a new life by faith. You need to see the fruit of the spirit, anybody can say they accepted Christ and continue minding the things of the world instead of the kingdom of god. I wouldn't say that everybody that says they accepted Christ is saved, some of these conversions are not real, some of these people don't even feel convicted of sin at all. Specially in this day and age where the divorce rate in the baptist church is higher than atheists, there is no way you can tell me that just because somebody says they accepted Christ that they are truly born again. Going to church means nothing unless you are a new creation, born again from water and the spirit. If you live like the world and intend to continue living that way you are not saved.

Geez, give it a rest. As far as I am concerned if a person says he is saved and tells me he accepted Christ as savior, who am I to judge? Now if I see no fruits of salvation, I may question it.

Does your church make people fill out a 10 page questionairre to prove they are saved? Why can't you accept the fact that people get saved in ways and by methods that are not the same as they way you do things. Why not let God be God and use what He will to get people saved? Or do you have a better idea???

 

[SNPete]

For an excellent analysis and, in some ways, a refutation of the PDL take a look at the book "Fool's Gold" edited by John MacArthur. There is an entire chapter devoted to the PDL.

No offense, but while MacArthur is OK insome areas, he teaches that God does not heal people today and tongues are of the devil. I was in a study years back with his book on James and he stated that James 5:15-16 has nothing to do with healing. So I would not use him as an authority to refute anything.
MacArthur seems to be of the school that says "yes you are saved and God will comfort you, but beyond that you're on your own". I happen to believe that God is interested and involved in our lives. I also believe and know that God does miracles. God healed my back, for one.

 

[Nuysa]

No offense, but while MacArthur is OK insome areas, he teaches that God does not heal people today and tongues are of the devil. I was in a study years back with his book on James and he stated that James 5:15-16 has nothing to do with healing. So I would not use him as an authority to refute anything.
MacArthur seems to be of the school that says "yes you are saved and God will comfort you, but beyond that you're on your own". I happen to believe that God is interested and involved in our lives. I also believe and know that God does miracles. God healed my back, for one.

"he teaches that God does not heal people today and tongues are of the devil."
Is this really true and where did you hear this?

 

[SNPete]

"he teaches that God does not heal people today and tongues are of the devil."
Is this really true and where did you hear this?

http://www.gty.org/product.php?productcode=451118&cat=0&page=1&featured

You can order his book and read it for yourself.

 

[ChrisinMI]

Just because somebody said they accepted Christ as a personal saviour doesn't mean they are saved. Specially if they don't understand that they are sinners, that they have to repent from their sins (and unless somebody reads the sermon on the mount he or she will probably have no clue what sin means), that they need Christ's forgiveness, that they need through God's grace to lead a new life by faith. You need to see the fruit of the spirit, anybody can say they accepted Christ and continue minding the things of the world instead of the kingdom of god. I wouldn't say that everybody that says they accepted Christ is saved, some of these conversions are not real, some of these people don't even feel convicted of sin at all. Specially in this day and age where the divorce rate in the baptist church is higher than atheists, there is no way you can tell me that just because somebody says they accepted Christ that they are truly born again. Going to church means nothing unless you are a new creation, born again from water and the spirit. If you live like the world and intend to continue living that way you are not saved.

Are you serious?????????????? Who are YOU to judge whether someone has accepted Christ as their personal savior? Are YOU saved??? How can you prove it? God is the ONLY one who can judge our hearts. In my opinion...we need to DO WHAT IT TAKES to bring more people to heaven with us and if this book is opening the door who are you to ask for a KEY?

 

[Knight]

No offense, but while MacArthur is OK insome areas, he teaches that God does not heal people today and tongues are of the devil. I was in a study years back with his book on James and he stated that James 5:15-16 has nothing to do with healing. So I would not use him as an authority to refute anything.

No offense taken. However, MacArthur did not write the article on the PDL. He is merely the general editor of the book.

MacArthur seems to be of the school that says "yes you are saved and God will comfort you, but beyond that you're on your own". I happen to believe that God is interested and involved in our lives. I also believe and know that God does miracles. God healed my back, for one.

I would hardly consider this an accurate assessment of MacArthur's teachings...

However, this is not the thread to discuss these points. I will point out that your disagreements with him on these areas does not invalidate his view of this particular subject. And as I said, he did not write this particular chapter.

My assessment and recommendation of this book stands.

 

[Bill777]

Are you serious?????????????? Who are YOU to judge whether someone has accepted Christ as their personal savior? Are YOU saved??? How can you prove it? God is the ONLY one who can judge our hearts. In my opinion...we need to DO WHAT IT TAKES to bring more people to heaven with us and if this book is opening the door who are you to ask for a KEY?

i don't question my salvation, I don't question God's promises. I'm saved by faith, faith is hope and can't be proven. I have the witness of the holy spirit that testifies in me that my sins are forgiven and I'm going to heaven. I am saved and the bible tells me to not question my salvation. Romans 10 verses 6 to 11 says that we ought to not question our salvation:

6But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above

7Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

8But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

 

[ChrisinMI]

i don't question my salvation, I don't question God's promises. I'm saved by faith, faith is hope and can't be proven. I have the witness of the holy spirit that testifies in me that my sins are forgiven and I'm going to heaven. I am saved and the bible tells me to not question my salvation. Romans 10 verses 6 to 11 says that we ought to not question our salvation:

6But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above

7Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

8But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

My Point exactly!! So if someone Claims to be saved..>THey are saved!

 

[Imblessed]

Our church is starting it in January, and after much prayer, my husband and I are leading a home group. I've put off reading the book, and had in fact decided not to read it due to the mixed reviews I've read, and the fact that I'm sceptical of any "fad" in the christian world. So you can see that I have mixed feelings about it, but since our church is solidly biblical and I trust our pastor, I will be involved.
I can totally understand the issues people have with the book, but I also think that one can get more out of it than "feel good theology". There's no reason the book cannot be useful for a theologically mature christian. We'll see how I feel once the program starts!

At any rate, I'm going to trust God on this one, and if he can use this book, then all Glory to Him.

 

[ChrisinMI]

Our church is starting it in January, and after much prayer, my husband and I are leading a home group. I've put off reading the book, and had in fact decided not to read it due to the mixed reviews I've read, and the fact that I'm sceptical of any "fad" in the christian world. So you can see that I have mixed feelings about it, but since our church is solidly biblical and I trust our pastor, I will be involved.
I can totally understand the issues people have with the book, but I also think that one can get more out of it than "feel good theology". There's no reason the book cannot be useful for a theologically mature christian. We'll see how I feel once the program starts!

At any rate, I'm going to trust God on this one, and if he can use this book, then all Glory to Him.

As a mature Christian... you will have a lot to give people in your group! I encourge you to read as instucted...Only ONE chapter a day so that you can let the Holy Spirit dwell on the knowledge and work in you. I am sure you enjoy your study!

 

[Knight]

Our church is starting it in January, and after much prayer, my husband and I are leading a home group. I've put off reading the book, and had in fact decided not to read it due to the mixed reviews I've read, and the fact that I'm sceptical of any "fad" in the christian world. So you can see that I have mixed feelings about it, but since our church is solidly biblical and I trust our pastor, I will be involved.

I had the same thoughts.

None of the benefits of this study could not have been obtained through any number of Bible studies. Of course this is my opinion.

I can totally understand the issues people have with the book, but I also think that one can get more out of it than "feel good theology". There's no reason the book cannot be useful for a theologically mature christian. We'll see how I feel once the program starts!

Honestly, I saw very little merit for a mature Christian. Young Christians perhaps...

At any rate, I'm going to trust God on this one, and if he can use this book, then all Glory to Him.

I honestly hope it works out for you. I'll advise you to skip the section where the book offers a "sinner's prayer." Stick with a more traditional and conventional gospel message rather than the watered-down version the book offers.