The following excerpt is found on pages 82-84 in the 2002-2003 (2nd Printing) of Ray Comfort's book "Revival's Golden Key" published by Bridge-Logos Publishers. This excerpt brings up many interesting, timely, and important topics. Not the least of which exposes Bill Bright's humility and honesty. I am under the impression that many on this site will profit from this excerpt, and it's application to this thread should be obvious. Though I am still thinking many of these things over and am not completely sure about my opinions of them... this book is excellent, and, if nothing else (though I believe much else), so far it has challenged me in many areas. Though I have listened to some of Ray's sermons, especially "Hell's Best Kept Secret," I have been even more dramatically impacted by this book. Below is an example of why. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________Scripture makes it very clear what it is that causes men to flee from sin. It's the "fear of the Lord" (Proverbs 16:6). Understandably, [L.E.] Maxwell's conclusion was not a concern that so many had fled to Christ in fear, but that some hadn't. When F.B. Meyer questioned four hundred Christian workers about why they came to Christ, "an overwhelming number testified that it was because of some message or influence of the terror of the Lord." The famous Bible teacher then said, "Oh, this is more than interesting and astonishing, especially in these days when we are rebuked often for not preaching more of the love of God!" R.C. Sproul said, "Jesus doesn't save us to God. He saves us from God." He also stated, "'There's probably no concept in theology more repugnant to modern America than the idea of divine wrath."...Over the years that I have shared my concerns about contemporary evangelism, I have been careful never to name names. However, many have guessed that on occasion I have been referring to the incredibly popular tract The Four Spiritual Laws, penned by Dr. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ. More than a billion copies have been distributed in all the major languages of the world, and his approach has become the model for the modern gospel presentation. In July 2002, Kirk [Cameron] and I were invited to Orlando, Florida, to join Dr. Bright at his home for breakfast. After breakfast, we sat down in his living room and heard this warm, humble, sincere man of God confess (in his 81st year) that he had been in error. Let me use his own words from a book he wrote (published in July 2002) to tell you what he said to us:In His approximately 42 months of public ministry, there are 33 recorded instances of Jesus speaking about hell. No doubt He warned of hell thousands of times. The Bible refers to hell a total of 167 times. I wonder with what frequency this eternal subject is found in today's pulpits. I confess I have failed in my ministry to declare the reality of hell as often as I hve the love of God and the benefits of a personal relationship with Christ. But Jesus spent more of His time warning His listeners of the impending judgement of hell than speaking of the joys of heaven... I have never felt the need to focus on telling people about hell. However, as a result of a steady decline in morals and spiritual vitality in today's culture and a growing indifference to the afterlife, I have come to realize the need for greater discussion of hell... I have thus come to see that silence, or even benign neglect on these subjects, is disobedience on my part. To be silent on the eternal destinations of souls is to be like a sentry failing to warn his fellow soldiers of impending attack (Heaven or Hell, NewLife Publications, pp. 32, 48).Dr. Bright even took the time to use the Law lawfully, by quoting every one of the Ten Commandments, then expounding the Law by saying, "Breaking these commandments will take us to hell without the intervening grace and mercy of Jesus Christ" (p. 37). In admitting "benign neglect of these subjects is disobedience on my part," such honesty reveals Dr. Bright's humility and his genuine love of the truth. Please, follow his example and examine your evangelism in light of God's Word. At stake is the eternal salvation of millions of people. You don't need to throw away the Four Spiritual Laws method. Simply make four simple changes. First, don't tell the sinner that Jesus will improve his life. Second, don't make the unbiblical mistake of giving the cure before you convince of the disease. Third, take the time to follow in the footsteps of the Master by opening up the Commandments. And fourth, remember to faithfully include the terrible realities of Judgement Day and hell.
