Should We Use Altar-Calls in Our Evangelism?

[TheReubenDean]

Why would u call it a danger to require a public act (#2). That sounds like heresy to me, because Jesus requires it in Matthew 28:19.

[dellasfc]

God has chosen to give us free will. When presented with God 's plan of Salvation we have to make a decision. God will not override what we choose.

The teaching here is constantly contradictory and confusing. God does not force Salvation o anyone. He uses the Holy Spirit to convict of sin, and draws them to Himself. This teaching implies that you are already saved before you chose to be. A person accepts Christ's Salvation then they are saved at that point not before.

[SUNDAYSCHOOLTEACHER]

Are the altar calls the problem on the bit before and after? Before - sometimes a very lightweight sermon with no clear exposition of the Gospel (unlike Billy Graham in the day or Louis Palou who is always crystal clear. The after bit is the extremely poor follow-up; lack of actual discipling. Lack of encouraging the congregation to learn to study the Bible for themselves and stop relying on the Sunday morning "hymn sandwich" as their weekly spiritual food.

[histruth777]

I commented on his other video about this some time ago "alter calls doctrines of devils". Paul is the perfect example of an alter call first off he came to faith by hearing Jesus(Rom 10:17, Acts 9:5) he obeyed and went to Damascus (Acts 5:32,Gal 3:14)where Ananias laid hands on him (Gal 3:5 Rom 10:14,15 )its a matter of listening for his call not making a decision! If people could understand Eph 2:8 theyd understand its summed up in Gal 1:15,16 Grace for Paul was that call Acts 9:5 Rom 10:20

[VictorLepanto]

Ironically, I would partly agree w/ you. There is something incipiantly sacramental in alter calls. The pastor of my old Pentacostal church used to say, in defense of alter calls, that we needed to make a public expression of our faith. In otherwords, it was an outward sign of God's grace. I recognised that from how I had been raised. The sacraments are an outward sign of God's grace, or so I was taught as a child. Protestantism is either semipelagian or it puts God into Calvin's absurd box.

[reginaDexant]

On that great gettin' up morning, many are going to have to answer to an angry God. Many will say -Lord, I accepted you into my heart. I can almost see them trembling when they are confronted with:"Who are you O vain man to accept Me?" I am surprised at how many people actually think they did a weak and insipid god a favor by finally agreeing to let him in their life, only after the right words were said that tickled their fancy (ears). WE rejoice in that we are accepted in the beloved.

[mjnissim]

Good going brethren. Your series is very helpful.

Michael from Israel.

[Pfsif]

This guys gets a lot of things right but I have never detected the Spirit in him. I don't detect the Holy Spirit in "most" church people. Most church people are religious about got and not actually in Christ. The man made church is a fraud and is deceiving multitudes into believing they are saved!

[HeReformedMe]

@Pfsif Tell me my friend... exactly how does one go about "detecting the spirit?"

[Pfsif]

@HeReformedMe If you don't know my friend, you have a big problem.

[bebopblues]

@Pfsif how would you detect the holy spirit? by seeing people dance or speak in tongues? those are doctrine of devils.. and not biblical..

[cardojordan]

Watching this video I'm in no way disagreeing with what is being said but why would we begin to question whether or not someone is being saved based upon a walk down a aisle. We as christians have no right to say that because a church is giving an alter call that they are under traditon or practicng religous moinkers. The Holy Spirit does bring us to the realization that we need Christ and once we accpet in our Hearts then thats when the true conversion takes place. We need to understand that

[cardojordan]

an alter call is for the Pastor to lead them in a prayer of repentence and that God the Father keep in them under His protection. If for one reason or another believe that alter calls are opposing God i encourage you to be careful it's not our job to try and pick and choose who has recieved salvation but we must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling

[lucy9359]

I go to an evangilical church which is spirit filled they never do alter calls and I concluded that by not doing them people can shreek back and out it is a puplic decleration.

[randy109]

Altar Calls are sort of like "Death Bed" confessions. Are you saved following an altar call or a death bed confession? Since only God knows a man's heart the correct answer is "maybe"...

I love God and fully trust the Blood of Jesus Christ to cover my sins but interpeting scripture is not easy. There are NO contradictions in the Bible, only disagreement on meaning and understanding.

Great Video, Thanks and God Bless!

[MolterFamily]

Also check out "The Graham Formula" do a youtube search...

[jesuslivesinjoyce]

what about the verse in Roamns 10:9. If we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in thine heart that God has raised Him from the dead thou shalt be saved.. isnt it during altar calls the people in front are led by a prayer to confess Jesus as Lord to be saved?? to rpeent of sins and believe in Jesus death and resurrection? its just God himself who knows the hearts whether or not they prayed in faith or not right>???????

[SovereignShepherd]

Do you know the context of Romans 10:9? Do you know what it meant to confess Jesus with your mouth? It meant, at that time, imminent death! These days, in America, we don't worry about that. Just confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord isn't a "been there, done that" or "contract" that saves! The verse is referring to ultimate devotion the Jesus, even unto death. How many "Christians" do you know, would confess Jesus name if death would follow? Certainly not all that confess his name now!

[jesuslivesinjoyce]

why are you against altar calls?? prayers maybe from the heart. and some maybe just not praying from the heart trully thats why their not saved... thats what i think. what do you think? God bless you

[avalosjl]

The proof of true saving faith is the one that produces fruits. If you claim to be saved just because you walked the isle but continue living like a devil you are not. If you do not hate your sin you are not in Christ. Please study from the Greek to confess Christ as Lord and savior is to be willing to leave everything and even die for him (1st commandment).We are call to live in sanctity which can only be done through the power of God; we are not saved by works but we are saved unto good works.

[liarslayer]

avalos,

We are saved by grace working through love.

[gr8deals2do]

avalosjl I agree... altar-calls remind me of the catholic mass (I'm former catholic) and queue of people waiting to accept "cake-jesus"... they do it every Sunday and still no change in them...

N.T. church started at home, they meet at homes, they lived together... they didn't attend Sunday (or rather Sat.) meetings only and if they did most of times it was at homes not in special buildings called "church"... ;-)

[hawkandpanther]

"false converts"

are you following each and every person around in their lives?

No backup at all when you say the "Early Methodists were correct "

What is that?

[CBALLEN]

I'm a SB (REFORMED) and their willingness to suffer Freemasons just breaks my heart.Maybe the arminist doctrine has something to do with this.

[JMicah09]

I was convinced Mark Kielar was Chris Hansen before his name came up on footer.

[Antichrist1972]

Ever REALLY read the Wholly Babble? No? Then start today!

[SocialAnathema]

I just gave that guy 5 stars! I meant to give him 3 for his clear and consice comments. And the lack of any thoughtless comments regarding belief or disbelief. That being said, in regards to belief, without the group(ie. alter calls) belief would not have its same meaning. The same claims, made by a single person against a world that worshiped Quartz, would be considered insane.

[randy95023]

The term "Altar Call" means different things to different people, including those who use them. Done correctly the "Altar Call" is an important way of bringing people forward to publicly accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. For instance; when Peter and the other Apostles openly preached the Gospel shortly after the day of Pentecost I'm sure that they had interested parties come forward to learn more about how they could be saved and the details of getting Baptised etc... (continued)

[randy95023]

(Continuation) Would you consider what Peter and the Apostles did when they wrapped up their preaching as "Altar Calls"? If so would that be the proper use of the "Altar Call"?

I really enjoyed and agreed with most of this video. Thanks once again for posting all the great and informative vids!

God Bless

[chrispeldon]

Is Reinhard Bonnke a true man of God?

[parakeethands]

He might be a man of God but perhaps deceived in some areas as we all are. I hope that he is (not hope that he is deceived but that he is a believer....lol)!  I pray that I also would grow in understanding and grace.

[jwuonog]

is that you in the video, lane?

thanks for this!

[glennj1480]

What I have seen in this video is the reality. i have experienced leading people to a sinner's prayer then end up discouraged because they never became fruitful neither they grew. but by plain preaching the gospel, i saw that the only thing we have to do is to preach and it's the Holy Spirit's Job to covert the soul of a person.

[agoofball07]

Being a black christian. I totally disagree with you! Not all Black churches or Christians believe Sen. Obama to be Jesus Christ. However, I find it quite amazing that the first potential Black candidate for President in America, all of a sudden becomes the Anti-Christ. If you haven't forgotten Sen. Clinton shared the similar stance of ideas concerning Abortion. I think your ideas are Racist and I, nor many of my family in Christ, will be sitting out of this election!

[sandroeleven]

Typical of america...religion causes fear. I left xtianity..too many rules. The bible also said we are to be discipled.

[fishboi87]

you went out from us because you were not of us. Too many rules? the commandments of God are not burdensome! you must have been in the heresy of legalism. discipled? you mean diciplined

[sandroeleven]

NO the bible says we must be discipled...who discipled you? Teh bible clearly cannot be followed and is very close to egyptian mythology...check it our bud. Jesus is the sun god.

[fishboi87]

give me the verse on discipleship. You cant follow it because God never regenerated your heart. Dicipleship is a recent thing churches use (along with false doctrine) to keep carnal members in the church.

Jesus is not even close to the sun God horus, ill take you to task on it if you like.

[sandroeleven]

Yes he is a sun god...i looked into the time he lived in and the place...during his time,mithra was worshipped and a new faith came about. The bible says "go ye into the world and make disciples". No christian living today follows the bible,so your argument is ajoke. Do you follow the OT? Doubt it. Jesus said he came not to do away w the law.

[fishboi87]

that verse is calling believers to make disciples through the preaching of the word. That is how it was done. and that how it still being done despite this circus called american christianity.

and i do follow the OT. but jesus came not to do away with the law, but to fufill it ;)

[SalvationEternity777]

You haven't looked unto anything, but zeitgeist.

Try again

[randy95023]

Death bed professions of Christ are similar to "Altar Calls". They are emotionally driven, usually by a person who deep down believes that there is a God and is fearing their imminent death. Fear of death is NOT a good way to bring people to Jesus, but it is very comforting to the person's family by at least giving them Hope. This is a great video and answered many of my questions regarding Calvinist beliefs. God Bless!

[fishboi87]

"Fear of death is NOT a good way to bring people to Jesus but it is very comforting to the person's family by at least giving them Hope ".

So its not good to tell someone they will die in there sins without christ? what greater hope is there than christ?

[benitosuave]

We must preach true gospel to the dying. We can't judge the heart, but deathbed ministry is beautiful. Following the legacy of the thief on the cross, I believe that there are plenty of people who have been saved in this way. Keep hope.

[fishboi87]

"We can't judge the heart"

Sure you can, because by its fruit you can know it. Becareful though because some people do that as a result of there own self idolatry, save there skin at the last minute. Thats why the gospel must be preached in truth. and this gospel can sting.

[benitosuave]

It is usually impossible for a deathbed conversion to have time to bear fruit.

He may be converting out of self-idolatry, but I have no clue because there isn't time for fruit.

I would rejoice if someone professed faith on their deathbed and then pray for the legitimacy of their profession.

It is arrogant to withhold the gospel from anyone, especially those who seem to least deserve it, like someone who has rebelled from the gospel their whole life. In our natural state we are no better.

[sandroeleven]

No fish...b/c it cannot be proven. We do nto have souls.

[yeyo1228]

You judged me because you said, "If you haven't determined it's credibility" not knowing anything about me and presuming I knew nothing about the SBC, which I do. There is a difference between judging an event, in the case of the revival, and judging an individual. Judging an event is more about discernment. Matt 7 is in context to judging individuals. So I don't understand why you think I was judging Todd and the event? When I think highly of it. You could say I need to be more discerning

[yeyo1228]

You said, "Not everyone, mind you, but the vast majority of them." That is the right attitude. That is about the only humble thing you have said thus far. It just seems like you just have resentment about your past experiences with the SBC that you need to give to God.

[LaneCh]

See, again, here's another example of your blatant double standards. You said that it's not right to judge and we shouldn't act according to appearance, yet you just judged that it seems like I have resentment about my past experiences with the SBC. That couldn't be further from the truth. I have problems with my past experiences with the SBC AND the current ones I'm having with them like Rick Warren saying that prayer and preaching doesn't grow a church. (cont...)

[LaneCh]

So, you see, my problem isn't with an subjective experience I've had with the organization, it's with the doctrinal spine of a jellyfish that is permeating so much of the denomination. I have dear brothers in it, but I'm no longer one because I realized that I couldn't believe the Bible and be at peace with them at once as your affinity for hypocrisy and Todd Bentley's sideshow have proven to be true. (cont...)

[LaneCh]

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm tired of reading through your hypocritical, double-standard laden garbage everytime you deem yourself worth to propagate it. You have a channel to post videos and and comment there, but your ability to do so here has been compromised.

[TheReubenDean]

@LaneCh Also, why would you imply that the fruits of true conversion will only be evident in the life of a believer over time? That is NOT true! You will see the fruits of true conversion instantly! You are not converted until you become a new man, so if you become a new man, obviously there will be evidence instantly!

[yeyo1228]

You just judged me on "appearance"....I work for the Southern Baptist Church and do church planting. I'm planning to work soon for the IMB as a videographer. So don't YOU look down on me! Humble yourself! Todd Bentley is another topic and I hold my opinion that it's a move of God. How is that judging him? And there is "fruit" like you said below.

[LaneCh]

How did I judge you on appearance? I judged the SBC based on track record. You're the one who took it personally. One would have to be ignorant to look at the SBC as a whole and not see the depravity and arrogance of the organization. (Not everyone, mind you, but the vast majority of them.) (cont...)

[LaneCh]

I don't look down on you for your affiliation with the SBC the same as I don't look down upon Al Mohler or Paul Washer for their affiliation on it. I look down on you because of the hypocritical double standards you employ. It's the main reason I unsubscribed to your channel; I saw the fruit of what you believe. (cont...)

[LaneCh]

You have judged that what Bentley is doing is a move of God yet you say to not judge and yet it is I who you deem needs to "humble myself." It's no surprise. It's the fruit of typical ignorance and those who employ double standards in their judgment. You are the one who should really humble yourself and quit expecting people to coincide with your blatant hypocrisy. It certainly isn't becoming and proves that I don't need to affiliate you with any organization to know how and where you stand.

[denyyourself20]

Sir, it is clear to any true believer in Jesus Christ and His gospel found in the Scriptures that many MANY of the people that some southern baptist churches (not all, but a lot) deem saved after they have "walked the isle and said the prayer" prove to be nothing other than a false conversion who has been given false security. That is a fact because I happened to be one of them at one time...and so have many other people who can attest to that very same experience...

[denyyourself20]

(Cont)(speaking to yeyo still) It is clear that you have a double standard in that you use judgment in your very assertion that Todd Bently's revivals are a work of God (which that right there already makes me question your judgment in light of scripture). So its ok to judge in that case but not when it comes to comparing 'professing christians' to what the Bible says their lives should look like and seeing that there has been no work of regeneration in their lives. That is jugding righteously.

[denyyourself20]

LaneCh has said nothing outside of what the scriptures teach. Someone who is trying to push something that is not backed by scripture (such as ripping the "do not judge" text way out of the context in which Jesus was teaching it) is the one that needs to humble themselves. There was nothing said against you personally and yet you got all offended...that is usually a sign that your pride is flaring up because your assertions have gotten exposed by the word of God.

[Turkxi]

Amen.

[yeyo1228]

Not all fruit is visible and to say that "thousands and thousands" are false conversions can only mean you have actually seen the fruit of them all. Which you haven't. It is not your place to say that. You don't know what's in a mans heart and Jesus said that not even a cup of water will not go accounted for...

[LaneCh]

Jesus said "You will know them by their fruits." and "You can judge a tree by its fruit." Who is wrong, Mr. Yeyo? You or Jesus? That's basically what your rant comes down to.

[thesacredcowtipper]

@LaneCh 80% to 99% of all "converts" in evangelsitic efforts in the USA produce instant backsliders so one would have to say were they ever saved to begin with? It's sad that the churches haven't grown Biblically yet they keep using extra-biblical methods to reach people in spite of growth that doesn't last or growth brought about through carnal means that eventually doesn't last. Oops. I judged things with you brother.

[yeyo1228]

wow. that is a bold statement "go to a SB church and see that it is true" I think you are judging my friend! I'm sure scripture teaches not to judge others (Matthew 7:1) What do you have against Souther Baptist Churches? And how do you determine a persons decision for Christ with your eyes?

[LaneCh]

I grew up SBC for 21 years. Did you? I can speak to this first hand because not only was this a fact of me, but it is of many of my friends so don't be so quick to dismiss a bold statement if you haven't determined it's credibility. Also, Jesus said, "Don't judge according to appearance, judge righteously." (John 7:24) Do you hold that the Lord contradicted Himself? If not, explain how He could make these two seemingly contradictory statements.

[LaneCh]

You can judge a tree by its fruits. Jesus teaches this plainly enough.  (It's just a little past Matthew 7:1.)

Also, if you hold that it's not right to judge people, why have you judged Todd Bentley to be admissible? Why do you say one thing yet do another? Do you hold that the Bible teaches that hypocrisy is acceptable? If so, I can provide many verses where Jesus rebukes people for partaking in it.

[yeyo1228]

How does the speaker of the video know that the "thousands and thousands of decisions for Christ" in these "false revivals" have been found to be "false converts"? Has he kept up with all the thousands of thousands of people? HAs he taken a poll or a follow up on all the people who came out of a "false revival" and checked if they are Christians...this video starts out judging people...I had to stop it after a minute.

[LaneCh]

Earlier in the documentary, he speaks of Finney and reads from Finney's own words how there were many who he confesses were false converts as a result of his methods. Also, all you have to do is go to a Southern Baptist church to see that his statement is true.

Do you hold that its wrong to judge people?

[yeyo1228]

The man on the cross next to Jesus didn't: get an alter call, did not bear fruit as a believer, did not get baptized and yet he made it into heaven.

[iortizvictory]

What are your thoughts on John the Baptist? He called people to repent and be baptised in public?

[LaneCh]

There's no problem with calling people to repent and be baptized in public. Kielar is a baptist so I'm sure he'd agree. The problem is when people trust in their decision to walk an aisle for their salvation. That's why altar calls can be dangerous. They can cause people to trust in themselves and their own work instead of Christ alone.

[GraceofGod758]

An friend visited a church with me recently where she RAN up at the altar call. She doesn't know the Bible, but is into angels & "spirituality". Afterwards it was like nothing happened. She said nothing. We had planned to watch "Passion of the Christ" at my place where she looked disgusted when the scourging began saying "how can they be so cruel?" and asked me to shut it off. Then she left her "altar call materials" at my place and never asked for them. We've talked but she seems not to care.

[Blogrich55]

Is anyone ever really altered at an altar call or do they merely receive a false assurance of a salvation they do not truly posses. No true Calvinist church has used them to my knowledge although I could be wrong on that point. Good video. thanks for sharing. RLJ

[kenya91b]

I was supposedly saved at 16. I finally found God or rather he found me, after a life of debauchery, drugs,and mess! I was 20 yrs old.

[theocratickingdom30]

I was a victim of decisional regeneration and for years had everyone in my ears say I was saved when I wasn't. I struggled for years with this and it really screwed me up. Only through providence did God lead me to someone who taught sovereign free grace and through my own bible study I found out how terrible DR is.

[LaneCh]

Many of have had similar experiences, but God is faithful despite it all.

[Hopefl1]

Hey Lane, where is part one of this series?

[LaneCh]

It's scattered throughout my videos. I didn't do it in any particular order. The series itself is 14 DVD's long with about an hour per DVD so it's pretty long. You can get more information about it if you would like to buy it on the description of this video. The link is there, too.

[Hopefl1]

Okay. It was very good. Still sick 5 days now.

[2corinthians710]

crossTV should get their own network on television, sick of TBN and its prosperity "gospel"(although some good stuff on TBN, hate the "praise"-a-thons nonetheless).

[chazbriggs]

Thanks for put this video up hopefully more people are exposed to teaching like that of cross TV

[ProclaimHisWord]

Very eye-opening!this gives a minister of the Gospel a lot to think about.Good video!

[naturalsystah]

And altars aren't a NT mandate anyways! So why do churches have altars?

[CrossReach]

Awesome. check out The Graham Formula too.