tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703633492955126778.post8552294258832370223..comments2023-06-14T05:39:35.123-05:00Comments on Believers Bungalow: The Trouble With Altar CallsThe Boydshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18319163526335686422noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703633492955126778.post-28977756539236659782011-11-17T23:40:06.359-06:002011-11-17T23:40:06.359-06:00I initially started having problems with altar cal...I initially started having problems with altar calls 20 or 21 years ago when I started reading and listening to men of God like John MacArthur, and then because of him, I was exposed to all the great men of God throughout church history and they further led me to be critical of this practice, especially Martyn Lloyd-Jones. An important book dealing with this is "Revival and Revivalism" and "The Invitation System" by Iain Murray. Once the origination and history of this practice are understood, then it becomes troublesome. The thing is, Christians pre 1800s would have major issues with it, especially the Puritans, who were some of the most Scripture-filled, Jesus loving Christians ever. Some of the greatest preachers and evangelist in the history of the church (Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, John Wesley, Martyn Lloyd-Jones) and present (MacArthur, Piper, Platt, Washer and many others) did not/do not use it, and it certainly did/does not effect the number of conversions under their preaching. They faithfully preach God's Word and trust the Spirit to open up and convict people, bring about the new birth and effect conversion to Christ. Of coure, it is pointed out or understood the minister is available to talk to people after the service. I like the way David Platt does it at Brook Hills with the "Access Corner". He directs people to the Access Corner (a private area), which is clearly marked with a lighted sign after preaching for counseling or if they have questions about the Christian faith. This is also the way it's done in many other churches today.~MichaelThe Boydshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18319163526335686422noreply@blogger.com