WINNING NOMINAL CHRISTIANS FOR CHRIST

TOPIC: WINNING NOMINAL CHRISTIANS FOR CHRIST


TEXT: Matthew 28:18-20.

The Commission which Jesus handed over to the disciples is the proclamation of the total gospel in all the world. In application, it has no geographical limitations or tribal restrictions. In its scope it covers all cultural identifications and religious affiliations. It is for all ages in all nations and for all creatures (Mk. 16:15). In many communities today, many profess godliness and yet are “children of disobedience” (Col. 3:6). For the people, the Lord has given us a mandate and a mission. Our mission is to win these seemingly religious professors. We must give the task the needed urgency it demands for the souls of men are at stake (1 Pet. 4:7a). Our neglect could lead to their damnation and spell their eternal doom. 

1. RECOGNITION OF A NOMINAL CHRISTIAN: Ps. 78:35, 36; Ezek. 33:31, 32; Mk. 7:6-9; Titus 1:16; Lk. 6:46; James 1:23. 

Nominality is a problem of the heart. By definition we can say that a nominal Christian is: 
(a). One who calls himself a Christian or is so regarded by others, but who has no authentic commitment to Christ based on personal faith. He has no vital personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord (Titus 1:16; 2 Cor. 4:4). 
(b). One who attends church regularly but for cultural reasons only (Ezek. 33:31 ; 2 Tim. 3:5). 
(c). One who attends church only for major festivals and ceremonies e.g. during Christmas and Easter periods and for weddings, baptisms, funerals etc (Mk. 7:6-9). 
(d). One who hardly ever attends church but maintains a church relationship for reasons of security or tradition. 
(6). One who has no relationship to any specific church and who never attends but yet considers himself a believer in God (Prov. 30: 12).

READ ALSO:
THE PLACE OF PRAYER IN EVANGELISM
REACHING OUT TO THE “SHUT-INS”

2. STRATEGIES FOR WINNING NOMINAL CHRISTIANS: Lk. 14:16-23. 
A number of factors lead to nominalism. Growth of material prosperity, educational advantage and pride could be some causes. lnsensitivity to the spiritual needs of the members by pastors who are only interested in financial advantages derived from them could be a cause. With all these, there are a number of strategies which could be adopted in reaching them. They could be won through invitation to special church programmes e.g. Gospel concerts, weekend retreats, weekly or monthly seminars with a subject that touches on people’s lives like success, victory, etc (Acts 8:26-37); by the use of evangelism lunch or suppers by families; by organizing open air meetings/crusades (Matt. 5:1,2); through invitation to programmes organized at the Home Caring Fellowship level (1 Cor. 16:19; Jude 12); Organizing school/youth rallies for young people; by the use of audio-visual materials eg. Film shows; through organized hospital outreaches and by encouraging them to attend the annual Camp-meeting of the Church (Neh. 8:4-8). The Kindergarten should not be despised and business and professional groups should be included in our strategies. All these strategies should be prayerfully prepared and employed to enhance their success. 

3. GOSPEL PRESENTATION TO THE NOMINAL CHRISTIANS: 1 Cor. 15:3-4; Acts 3:19; 4:12; 2 Cor. 5:14-15.

One goal is to be borne in mind and that is to win them. Hence in presenting the gospel truth to them, show them: 
(a). The way God views sin Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 6:9,10; Gal. 5:19-21 .
(b). The insufficiency of human work lsa. 64:6; Titus 3:5.
(c). The love of God -John 3:16; Rom. 5:8; 2 Pet. 3:9. 
(d). That redemption could only be received through Christ -1 Jn. 2:1 ,2; 2 Cor. 5: 18,21; Rom. 5:1. 
(e). The need for repentance -Acts 3:19; Prov. 28:13; 1 Jn. 1:9. 
(f). The necessity of believing Christ - Jn. 1:12; Rom. 10:13. 
(g). The essence and urgency of personal decision - 2 Cor. 6:2. 
Even though we are propelled by the love and desire to win them, the gospel standard must not be compromised. It must be preached as Christ ordained it (Luke 24:47). 

4. THE PRICE FOR SUCCESS: 
Eccl. 11:6; Rom. 1:14-16; 1 Cor. 9:16; Phil. 2:17; 2 Tim. 4:2. 
Persistence, perseverance, commitment and consecration are virtues we need if we are to achieve any measure of success in winning them. Soul-winning was a consuming passion in the life of Christ during His earthly ministry (Jn. 4:34) and that of Paul (1 Cor. 9:16). We must pray for it. 
My name is Ubong Kingsley Nsini. I am a preacher in Bible Christian Evangelical Church Inc. I am called by God to preach His good news and to help other preachers spread the good news all over the world.

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