The problem with (an altar call for rededication) is that it is not biblical. The crux of the gospel message is not a call to rededication, but a call to repentance. John the Baptist preached repentance (Matt. 3:2). Jesus preached repentance, both in His earthly ministry and as the resurrected Lord (Matt. 4:17; Rev. 3:19). If one’s previous commitment did not keep him walking in obedience, a re-commitment is no more likely to make him faithful. The proper response to disobedience is not a commitment to try harder, but brokenness and repentance for rejecting the will of Almighty God. God looks for surrender to His will, not commitment to carry it out. Rather than asking church members to repeatedly promise to try harder, churches must call their people to repent before Holy God.
— Richard Blackaby (b. 1961), US-amerikanisch-kanadischer Autor, Pastor, Theologe und Präsident von Blackaby Ministries International
Topics: Guilt & Forgiveness, Discipleship, Church & Congregation
Occasions: For Reflection
Richard Blackaby
Richard Blackaby (* 1961) ist ein US-amerikanisch-kanadischer Theologe, baptistischer Pastor und Präsident von Blackaby Ministries International. Er führt das publizistische Werk seines Vaters Henry Blackaby fort und vertritt ein Leitungsverständnis, das auf das Erkennen von Gottes Handeln statt auf weltliche Managementstrategien setzt. Für Bibelleser liefern seine Schriften praxisnahe Impulse für Gebet und Glaubensalltag, wenngleich seine Ausführungen zum Hören von Gottes Stimme von reformierten Theologen als potenzielle Schwächung des Schriftprinzips kritisiert wurden.
All quotes by Richard Blackaby (12)
I am the prodigal son every time I search for unconditional love where it cannot be found.
Henri Nouwen
There are two ways to do good: to give and to forgive.
Augustine of Hippo
God counts on your failure far more than you do yourself.
Hans Peter Royer
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Tim Keller
Forgiveness means allowing the other person not to have to be God.
Henri Nouwen
Love keeps no record of wrongs, but bitterness keeps detailed accounts.
Craig Groeschel
John Newton
Tim Keller