By Jim White
Henry T. Blackaby, known in Christian circles around the world as the author of Experiencing God, addressed nearly 3,000 delegates of the Baptist World Congress during one of the Thursday morning sessions.
After expressing his affection for the seminary students of the Oriental Theological Seminary Choir of Nagaland who had preceded him on the program, he began to speak passionately about the need for repentance.
Using the image of Jesus' baptism in water and the promise of baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire, Blackaby challenged his hearers to take sin-particularly their own-very seriously.
“I am disturbed in many circles that preaching is leaving out the radical nature of sin,” he said. “God dealt radically with sin on the cross. We never again need to serve sin. We are immersed in the Holy Spirit.”
Listening to the man, one is impressed with how fervently he hopes for a resurgence of the Spirit's power upon the earth. Challenging church leaders, he said, “I believe Baptists need a fresh immersion in fire. I'm watching with a great deal of anguish our efforts at evangelism.”
He reminded his listeners that church leaders bear special responsibility to repent and be cleansed of their sins. Only then, he said, will they be able to hear from God; and, only after they hear can they obey immediately.
“The refiner's fire is designed to expose all the impurities so that when God looks into the silver and gold he sees the perfect reflection of his Son.”
He also expressed concern that by emphasizing seeker friendliness, pastors have diminished the message that sin separates people from a holy God.
“The issue is not whether you accept Jesus, but whether he accepts you! I'm afraid there will be people in hell who prayed to receive Christ, but who never allowed him to deal with their sin.”
That Blackaby, who at one time had been employed by the Southern Baptist Convention, chose to speak at the congress was viewed by many as particularly noteworthy in light of that group's action last year to end its relationship with the Baptist World Alliance, alleging creeping liberalism and anti-American sentiments as the causes.
Each year Blackaby receives about 2,000 invitations to speak. His book has sold 3.5 million copies world-wide and has been translated into more than 40 languages.
Staff report
Jim White is editor and business manager of the Religious Herald.