Altar Calls?

[Edward 1689er]

Most of how we worship is man-made. As long as we're worshipping in spirit and in truth, then our most of our manmade customs are permissible. Doesnt' matter if it's altar calls, three hymns, a prayer, and a message, communion from a tray and cups, the use of hymnals, etc etc etc.

Please explain how one would know if one's worship is in "spirit and in TRUTH." Thanks!

Blessings!

 

[Edward 1689er]

By that reckoning:

If the use of grape juice and crackers is not biblically mandated, they are biblically condemned.
If the use of kneelers and pews are not biblically mandated, they are biblically condemned.
biblically mandated, they are biblically condemned.
If the use of musical instruments is not biblically mandated, they are biblically condemned.
If hymnals is not biblically mandated, they are biblically condemned.
If pressed and printed bibles are not biblically mandated, they are biblically condemned.
If the passing of the offering plate is not biblically mandated, they are biblically condemned.

Dear Brother,

Have you ever heard of the difference between the "elements" of worship and the "circumstances" of worship?

Just curious.

Blessings!

 

[Johnv]

Yes, I have. The same concept applies.

 

[Edward 1689er]

Yes, I have. The same concept applies.

Please explain.

Blessings!

 

[Johnv]

Like I said, as long as we're worshipping in spirit and in truth, then our most of our manmade customs are permissible. Doesn't matter if it's altar calls, three hymns, a prayer, and a message, communion from a tray and cups, the use of hymnals, etc etc etc.

 

[Edward 1689er]

Like I said, as long as we're worshipping in spirit and in truth, then our most of our manmade customs are permissible. Doesn't matter if it's altar calls, three hymns, a prayer, and a message, communion from a tray and cups, the use of hymnals, etc etc etc.

May I ask a question? What does it mean to worship "in spirit and in truth" according to your belief system?

Just curious.

Blessings!

 

[Revmitchell]

If altar calls are not biblically mandated, then they are biblically condemned.

This cannot be supported with scripture.

 

[Johnv]

May I ask a question? What does it mean to worship "in spirit and in truth" according to your belief system?

I'm surprised that a professing Christian would not know the answer to that. If you don't know the answer to that, then it explains why you think things like altar calls are unbiblical.

 

[Jerome]

Don't you see, a sinner being saved is not worship.
It's something he must "go and see a Pastor" about later, Amen?

 

[Revmitchell]

Someone being saved is as much worship as anything else.

 

[Johnv]

I concur with Revmitchell. Worship is worship. A person being saved is as much a worship style as any other worship style.

 

[Edward 1689er]

This cannot be supported with scripture.

Please take the time to carefully read my previous posts. Then, perhaps, you will be able to respond intelligently.

Blessings!

 

[Edward 1689er]

I'm surprised that a professing Christian would not know the answer to that. If you don't know the answer to that, then it explains why you think things like altar calls are unbiblical.

I did not assert that I don't know the answer. :smilewinkgrin: I would just like to know what your thoughts are on the subject.

Blessings!

 

[Edward 1689er]

I concur with Revmitchell. Worship is worship. A person being saved is as much a worship style as any other worship style.

A person being saved is a "worship style." Now that is interesting. Please explain what you mean by that curious assertion.

Blessings!

 

[Jim1999]

To invite people to enquire after the Lord in salvation is one thing, and that is biblical. To dance about, shout, and parade during a service is quite another. This is not biblical in any sense of the word.

I believe when the Holy Spirit leads, the elect will respond. They don't need a clown in the pulpit.

Cheers,

Jim

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Tom Butler]

I'm coming to this thread late in the discussion, obviously, since each side seems to be doing quite well without me.

All of us would agree that altar calls (or invitations) can be handled improperly. So let's define what is a proper altar call. And let's also define what is improper.

What is the proper way to present the claims of Christ to the lost? And what would you avoid doing or saying at that point?

When does an invitation wrongly play on one's emotions? Or, is it wrong to do so? Are there buzz words or phrases which are designed to manipulate a response?

Or, is manipulation okay?

More questions: Why must one "walk the aisle" or come forward? Why use the term "come to the altar" when there is no such thing in a Baptist church? What is its purpose?

Is anything off limits? Is anything permissible to get a soul into heaven?

Just askin'.

 

[saturneptune]

Please take the time to carefully read my previous posts. Then, perhaps, you will be able to respond intelligently.

Blessings!

You have 17 posts and using that kind of phrasing? Maybe you should take the time to get to know some of the posters such as Rev Mitchell who you will find very solid in his theology. Another thing that might dawn on you is that there are differences in looking at some questions, and that your opinion about an issue to does equate to Biblical truth.

 

[saturneptune]

Presbyterian perspective

I look at this issue from a slightly different angle than the Biblical agruments for or against the altar call presented in these posts. When growing up as a Presbyterian, (PCA), after a long, stoic, dry sermon, there would be a prayer and a choral response, and that was it. There was not even a mention of the message just preached, the Holy Spirit working in your life, or an invitation to see the pastor or deacon/elder after the service. It was almost like a mechanical assembly line.

I am the first to agree that the altar call has been abused as a sales tactic, that too many verses have been sung to draw a response, and maybe even given some the impression that walking up front is a part of salvation.

I also agree with Brother Jim that when the Holy Spirit convicts, we respond. All that saves us is faith in Jesus Christ. However, that all being said, when altar calls are conducted properly, I appreciate the forum at the end of each service as a way to express to the Lord that something is going on in my life, while my fellow believers and church members are there watching me. Contrast this with the picture above of a typical service such as I grew up in, and I am grateful that this is part of the worship service.

 

[Edward 1689er]

You have 17 posts and using that kind of phrasing? Maybe you should take the time to get to know some of the posters such as Rev Mitchell who you will find very solid in his theology. Another thing that might dawn on you is that there are differences in looking at some questions, and that your opinion about an issue to does equate to Biblical truth.

I apologize if the working in my post sounded arrogant. I can see how some could take it that way. That was not my intent. I also apologize to Rev. Mitchell if these words are an offense to him personally. I didn't intend to show any disrespect. Grace and Peace!

Blessings!

 

[Revmitchell]

Please take the time to carefully read my previous posts. Then, perhaps, you will be able to respond intelligently.

Blessings!

Bub it is apparent you cannot support your claim. You have made a strong assertion and not once used any scripture to back it up. Lack of a mandate does not mean it is not to be part of worship. Pews, chandeliers and electricity is not mandated either but we use them. If you want to at least appear intelligent then you need to be careful of your arguments and your words.