“While apologetics (defenses of the faith) play an important part in evangelism, it's vital to realize that they have a limited function in reaching the lost. If we confine our witness to arguing about the existence of God, the inspiration of Scripture, the age of the earth, etc., we are like a man who goes fishing with bait, but no hook. While he may attract the fish, they will end up fat and happy ... and they will get away. The function of bait is to attract the fish and disguise the hook. When the fish come around, the fisherman pulls the hook into the jaw, and catches his fish. Apologetics are the bait, and the hook is God's Law. It is the Law that addresses a man's conscience and brings the knowledge of sin. So, don't spend too much time fishing in the intellect. Do what Jesus did-go for the conscience. There goes another minute. Gone forever. Go share your faith while you still have time.” (The Way of the Master Minute, Dec 9, 2010, www.livingwaters.com) They are right, many times we get caught up in the arguments of whether God’s Word is true and whether God truly exist than really proclaiming that our sin is what keeps us from embracing the truths of the gospel; and that grace is what is needed to lift the blinders. Our gospel message is to be centered on the truth that we are lost and that any of our good efforts are not good enough. We can never earn our way to heaven. Without receiving Christ, the truth is that the unbeliever must be faced with the piercing, stubborn, and sure reality of the afterlife and its dreadful consequences. The negative to the good news is the effects of sin on the life of the unbeliever. The positive side of the gospel is what grace can do. In other words, both of these truths need to be shared without hesitation and timidity. The law is used to show that we are bound by an unbreakable yoke that can only be severed by the cutting edge of the gospel of grace. The Law is the mirror, the image is the reflection of sin, and the Windex of grace is the cleaner. Behind a dirty mirror is a poor reflection of the old man, grace can bring clarity to a new image and a new man. The bait can certainly be the periphery of additional elements (i.e. Apologetics) but the hook must be the center of the truth. Beloved, don’t argue for argument’s sake when telling people about Christ, but be gentle and meek and patient. Be aware of their real need. Don’t get caught in constantly defending the inspiration of Scripture, and the like, but go for the jugular—the heart and conscience. Emphasize that good behavior, high status, family, finances, etc. is not enough for a Holy God to permit you into heaven.  

Pastor Jim Cater