http://afcmin.org/ateam/540/the-role-of-the-bible-in-evangelism-pt-1 Helping plans come together, one post at a time Sun, 03 May 2015 14:00:57 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.9 http://afcmin.org/ateam/540/the-role-of-the-bible-in-evangelism-pt-1/comment-page-1#comment-2607 Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:54:21 +0000 http://afcmin.org/ateam/?p=540#comment-2607 Though I'm not sure I agree with the syllogistic structure, I don't see how anything I've said here goes against the gist of your comment. My only purpose in discussing general revelation at this point was to contrast it to special revelation to show more clearly what special revelation is- not to describe everything about general revelation.
If I were to go that route, I would say general revelation has two related roles in evangelism. 1) To leave the unrighteous without excuse- Paul said he would not have known what sin is were it not for the law, and the work of the law is written on their hearts. 2) To remove intellectual obstacles of the unrighteous through things common to all- logic and evidences.
Though I didn't put it in these terms, I basically covered the first role in this first part of the sermon, and the second role in part three where I discuss apologetics.

]]> http://afcmin.org/ateam/540/the-role-of-the-bible-in-evangelism-pt-1/comment-page-1#comment-2606 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 12:15:24 +0000 http://afcmin.org/ateam/?p=540#comment-2606 When I read Romans 1:16-20, I see a different argument being made, a type of syllogism where the final conclusion comes first. Maybe you can help me see where I'm wrong. I see the following sequence:
(1) The gospel saves everyone who believes.
(2) Why? Because the gospel is specially revealed truth.
(3) Why does the gospel reveal truth? Because the unrighteous suppress generally revealed truth.
(4) How do I know that the unrighteous suppress general revelation? (a) I know there's general revelation because what can be known about God, his eternal power and divine nature, are revealed in creation. (b) Therefore, the unrighteous are without excuse.
General revelation, it seems to follow, can play a positive role in bringing one to faith, not just a negative role in condemning one who doesn't accept special revelation. For those who resist Scripture for whatever reason, why would we as evangelists not still reach out to them with the words of general revelation?

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