Paul Washer's sermon - American Christianity...

Hi everyone :)

Since listening to this sermon I have a lot on my heart regarding it. I also listened to a sermon jam by Steve Lawson on The cost being everything...to being a disciple of Jesus. (illbehonest.com)

So many people we have shared these sermons with do not receive it well. The say it is because of the emphasis being on works salvation...they are saying that unless you produce good works, then you are not saved. They point to the entire letters to the Corinthians as proof, saying that Paul starts off the letter to "brothers in Christ", yet these church people in Corinth were engaging in some pretty serious sins....yet Paul still referred to them as brothers in Christ.

Has anyone heard this type of argument put forward and what would be a helpful response?

Thanks so much!
"Praising God for His glory."
The Carters

Sure, Paul referred to them as brothers and sisters in Christ, but . . . what is the point? To excuse and allow and practice sin? Yes, there is the book of Corinthians and there is also Jesus Christ, of whom it says "he shall save his people from their sins." Not in their sins. Christians love God and do not live in sin. Finally, do they read the part of Corinthians where Paul asks them to test and examine themselves to see if they are in the faith? He makes allowance that they could fail this test! In the end, Paul calls those in the church brothers and sisters in Christ because he knows he is not the judge. But he also said that "those who continue in sin" should first be rebuked and if they do not repent, then put out. Simple as that.

You asked what would be a helpful response. Not sure if I gave one. Don't be arrogant. Speak from love. Be patient. If you are kind and gentle, your message (God's message) may eventually come through. Give everyone around you time, just as God gave all of us time. Finally, if they reject and despise you, make sure it is Christ in you they are rejecting, and not just you.

You asked what would be a helpful response. Not sure if I gave one. Don't be arrogant. Speak from love. Be patient. If you are kind and gentle, your message (God's message) may eventually come through. Give everyone around you time, just as God gave all of us time. Finally, if they reject and despise you, make sure it is Christ in you they are rejecting, and not just you.

Very good point!

2 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV) Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Oh how zealous preachers need to understand this scripture as well as the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. How preachers need to minister life to the people. How they shouldn’t preach with out the anointing.

Thanks Koheleth,

I really appreciate the advice.
I haven't had any confrontation with anyone about it...I was more disappointed silently that they were not as moved as I wished by the sermon.

I also listened to the clip of Paul Washer regarding the background to the sermon, I think it also puts it into perspective.

I am really thankful for the sermon and glad it made me wake up a bit more to my faith & to do a self-check that I am being 100% genuine and living for Christ wholeheartedly everyday. I agree with where Paul Washer is coming from. I believe I understand the difference between sanctification and salvation.

Thanks again
"All my praise goes towards my King."

Thanks Cyan

Great point!

I think Koheleth and Cyan shared good reasoning from Scripture on this topic. I would also recommend 1Cor.6:9-11 and Gal.5:19-21. In 1Cor.6:9-11 Paul gives them a clear warning that those who practice sin will not go to heaven. And he comforts and encourages those who are truly converted by reminding them of how they were cleansed of sin and transformed by God's Spirit. In Gal.5:19-21 Paul gives the Galatians a similar warning. Then in 1Cor.5(whole chapter), we have instructions on how to deal with those who call themselves "brothers" or Christians, but are living in blatant, unrepentant sin. We are commanded not to fellowship with them at all if they remain unrepentant. I know that may seem pretty harsh but it's God's Word, not man's.

I really appreciate the advice. I haven't had any confrontation with anyone about it...I was more disappointed silently that they were not as moved as I wished by the sermon.

Be faithful to what God has asked you to do. Some make the mistake of saying too much (sometimes too loudly). Others make the mistake of despair and not saying anything.

People who have a moderate interest in Christ, meaning many church goers, change from open to closed pretty easily depending on what is going on in their life. When you see an opening, take it to speak again about the Lord and the Christian life. Be an encourager for Christ to all around you by what you say and by how you live.