Digging Deeper
The call to share Christ without compromise touches deep doctrinal and practical questions. We face them head-on, with Scripture in hand, to strengthen both courage and clarity.What Counts as Compromise
Compromise happens when we hide or distort parts of God’s truth for acceptance or advantage. We guard the deposit and keep the message whole (2 Timothy 1:13–14; 1 Timothy 6:20–21).
- We do not minimize sin, wrath, repentance, or the necessity of faith (Romans 1:18; 3:23–26; Acts 17:30; John 3:36).
- We do not blur Christ’s exclusivity or the necessity of the new birth (John 14:6; John 3:3).
- We do not substitute therapeutic slogans for the cross and resurrection (1 Corinthians 1:18–25; 2:2).
- We reject any alternate gospel. “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!” (Galatians 1:8).
Contextualization Without Syncretism
We gladly adapt our manner to serve people, but never our message. Paul became “all things to all men” to win some, yet refused to empty the cross of its offense (1 Corinthians 9:19–23; Galatians 5:11).
- Adapt language, not doctrine.
- Address real questions, not itching ears (2 Timothy 4:2–4).
- Use bridges from creation and conscience to Christ and the cross (Romans 1:19–20; 2:14–16; Acts 17:22–31).
- Keep the offense at the cross, not in our attitude (1 Peter 2:7–8).
Law, Conscience, and the Call to Repent
A tender conscience is a runway for the gospel. The law exposes our need; grace provides our remedy (Romans 3:19–26; Galatians 3:24).
- Show God’s holiness and our guilt before Him (Isaiah 6:3–5; Romans 3:10–12).
- Clarify that repentance and faith are commanded by God and enabled by grace (Acts 17:30; Ephesians 2:8–9).
- Aim for heart-level conviction, not mere behavior change (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Assurance, Invitations, and the New Birth
We avoid manipulative tactics and rest on Spirit-wrought conversion. The new birth produces new life and ongoing obedience (John 3:3–8; 1 John 2:3–6).
- Invite people to repent and believe today (Hebrews 3:15; Acts 2:38).
- Tie assurance to Christ’s work and His promises, not to a formula or moment (John 5:24; Romans 10:9–11).
- Encourage baptism, church membership, and discipleship as obedient responses (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:41–42).
Hard Teachings: Hell, Judgment, and the Fear of God
Love tells the truth about the danger we face apart from Christ. “Just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). God’s kindness leads us to repentance, and His justice warns us not to delay (Romans 2:4–5; Revelation 20:11–15).
- Speak of hell soberly and biblically, not sensationally (Matthew 10:28; Mark 9:43–48).
- Link judgment with the cross, where mercy is offered now (John 3:16–18; Romans 5:6–9).
The Holy Spirit’s Essential Work
We cannot regenerate anyone. The Spirit convicts, opens hearts, and glorifies Christ. Jesus promised the Spirit “will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:8). We sow in dependence and pray with expectation.
- Pray for boldness and clarity (Acts 4:29–31; Ephesians 6:19–20).
- Pray for God to open hearts as He did for Lydia (Acts 16:14).
Suffering, Courage, and Joy
Faithfulness will cost us, and the Lord is worth it. We refuse the fear of man and accept the reproach of Christ (Hebrews 13:12–14; 1 Peter 4:12–16).
- Count suffering as a stewardship for Christ’s name (Acts 5:41; Philippians 1:29–30).
- Keep the long view. “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Families, Children, and the Next Generation
Evangelism begins in the home. Parents teach the Word diligently and model repentance and faith (Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Ephesians 6:4).
- Explain the gospel clearly to children without pressuring for premature professions (Matthew 19:14).
- Look for credible fruit in repentance, obedience, and love for Christ and His people (1 John 3:9–10; John 13:35).
Public Witness and the Common Good
Our good works adorn the gospel and point to Christ. We are ready for every good work while keeping the main thing central (Titus 2:10; 3:1–8; Matthew 5:16).
- Engage neighbors and nations with both word and deed (Acts 8:4; Galatians 6:10).
- Maintain a gentle, steadfast witness in public life without trimming truth (1 Peter 2:12–17).
Guarding the Church as We Go
Evangelism flourishes in healthy churches and is hindered by compromise. We guard the pulpit and the pew from false teaching and false conversions (Acts 20:28–31; 2 Peter 2).
- Test messages by Scripture (Acts 17:11).
- Practice church discipline as Jesus commanded for the purity of the church and the credibility of our witness (Matthew 18:15–20; 1 Corinthians 5).
A Final Word of Resolve
We hold fast to Christ and His Word, speak the truth in love, and leave the results to God. The Lord who sends us goes with us. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).