Everything we need to know, not only to receive the New Birth but to live out our lives and callings, is waiting between the covers of the Bible. If we think we need more, it is a matter of the mind, to satisfy curiosity or to build a case for or against prevailing deceptions, such as The DaVinci Code, but not of the spirit.
We must guard against the temptation to seek resources outside the Word of God for purposes other than purely historical or cultural backdrop. Certainly such sources are not anointed to prove anything to the lost. Faith does not come as a result of increased knowledge, but by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17). It's not our mission.
It's the responsibility of the Holy Spirit to draw people to Himself. The Holy Spirit stands at the doorway to our hearts and knocks (Revelation 3:20). As believers, we are charged with interceding for the lost, helping to position them in a place and an attitude disposed to hear, aiding those within our sphere in changing their focus, and boldly proclaiming the Good News we know - it's not our job to make anyone understand or believe.
We don't "get people saved" as I sometimes hear people say. By being trustworthy witnesses to the goodness of God and the truth of His Word, we lead them to that place where the Holy Spirit can do His work.
We need never justify anything to anyone - the Word is complete and "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Presenting the Gospel to our friends is part of "every good work." We re never told to add anything to the Word of God. In fact Jesus Himself tells us not one jot or tittle (the smallest of Hebrew markings) will be changed (Matthew 5:18).
Hebrews 4:12 says "For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His (the Word's) sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him (the Word) with whom we have to do." (Hebrews 4:12, 13)
Peter made it clear beyond a shadow of a doubt, when he said we have "a more sure word of prophecy" than even the audible voice of. He was referring to the Logos, the Word of God to which we have unlimited access. (See 2 Peter 1:19-21).
In our zealousness, our passionate love for God and for the lost, we sometimes think we need to help God do His job. In fact, when we do more than what we are called to do, which is to live life as salt and light to the world and lead them to the perfect Word of God, that's when we only confuse the situation.
Have faith that God knows how to draw his children to Himself – after all, He drew you.
Karin Syren, is a Strategic Life Planning Coach. Using her EffectivenessCoaching Model for strategic planning, Karin works with those who desire to gain greater leadership of their lives, & live more powerfully and significantly - right now.
