"I want the whole CAKE!"
A survey conducted by Barna suggest that 85% of Christians are NOT discipled. The reason for this imbalance is that Christians aren’t getting the whole CAKE! Yes, I said CAKE! Let me briefly explain: The nature of Biblical teaching, at the very least, should produce Conviction, Assurance, Knowledge, and Encouragement.
Conviction – opens the believer up to the direction and correction of the Holy Spirit. This is the MOST important element for spiritual growth. (See Romans 8:1-2; John 16:13; Galatians 5:16).
Assurance – reaffirms that a Christian can and should have certainty about their own salvation, purpose, and identity in Christ. (See Ephesians 2:8; Jeremiah 29:11; John 1:12).
Knowledge – is imparted by sound Biblical teaching, which produces life (in every sense). It informs and equips believers. Those that are rightly trained delight in studying the Scripture on their own. (See Hosea 4:6; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Acts 17:11).
Encouragement – to overcome the obstacles of this life and to believe in the impossible, by faith. It inspires believers to encourage one another and to keep their eyes fixed on God. (See Romans 8:37-39; Philippians 4:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 12:2).
The pulpit (in some cases) has reduced the message for the sake of the culture's palate. By presenting these great biblical truths, but shying away from what evokes healthy Convictions, the message is reduced to Assurance, Knowledge, and Encouragement. All of these are exceptional and necessary. However, without C (conviction) all we have is AKE - HeadAKE, HeartAKE, and MistAKE.
All of these combined help develop the kind of disciple that the Bible promotes. CAKE draws the believer into a genuine and unadulterated Worship of our Lord and Savior!
Say it with me, "I want the whole CAKE!"
"But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in ALL ASPECTS into Him who is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:15 NASB). #ShareIt #WeNeedCAKE #ConvictionIsKey