A few weeks ago I shared a YouTube video with Paul Washer titled Regeneration vs. Decisionism. In the midst of that video, Paul said the following: “If you draw people (unto Christ and into the church) using carnal means, you will have to keep people using carnal means.” Now if you’re like me, you may have a bit of an assumed understand of how carnal is defined that makes that quote a bit difficult to understand … my understanding was probably formulated based on a movie in the 70’s. So off to Merriam-Webster Online I went for their definitions. And indeed there is basis for my assumed understanding based on the following definitions: relating to or given to crude bodily pleasures and appetites, marked by sexuality, bodily, corporeal (seen with carnal eyes). But down at the bottom of their list of definitions are the following: temporal and worldly. So what Paul Washer seems to be saying is the following: If in our evangelism and outreach, we draw people unto Christ and into the church using temporal and worldly means, we will have to use temporal and worldly means to keep those same people in the church and Christianity (please note I did not say ‘and IN Christ’.) Does that seem like a valid interpretation on my part? If so, then do you agree with what Paul Washer has said in the above quote? But I think there is another really key word in that quote … draw. Back to the dictionary for a few definitions. Many definitions are offered but here are a few that seem applicable: to cause to move continuously toward or after a force applied in advance, to cause to go in a certain direction (as by leading), to bring by inducement or allure. Looks to me like there is a whole theology lesson in those definitions. So what or who does Scripture say should draw people unto Christ? The sixth chapter of John seems to have quite a bit to say about that … All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. (37) No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. (44) It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught of God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me. (45) And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father." (65) Now I am not sure I have always rightly interpreted all the above verses before. Because it now appears to me that these particular verses may specifically be regarding those apostles and disciples drawn to Christ prior to the crucifixion. Basically no one could come to Jesus but by the Father. Post crucifixion that all appeared to change … I certainly stand ready for correction and clarification from those of you who may see this differently. First change … now men can only come to the Father through Christ Jesus. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself. John 12:32 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6 Second … the unbelieving world will only be convicted concerning their sin and a need to believe in Christ Jesus thru the work of the Holy Spirit: But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?' But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. John 16:5-11 And the Holy Spirit does that by the sword of truth He wields, the word of God … the gospel. When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have become like men and have come down to us." And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. Acts 14:11-15 So what would you add or take away from the list of ‘divine means’ God has provided for drawing people into Christ and His bride church? | 
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