Are We Sending Newborns To Be Slaughtered by Doing This?

[SteveEpperson]

Are We Sending Newborns To Be Slaughtered by Doing This?

Picture this:

A shepherd is in the field and witnesses a newborn sheep being born. He starts dancing around the shivering little animal, singing and praising God.

He throws out a few crumbs he has on hand for just such an occasion. Then, he tells the little newborn, "Simply call out if you need me," as he disappears into the wilderness.

Time For Rejoicing

The shepherd is so happy about the newborn sheep that he tells everyone in the village. All his friends throw a big party. They eat, dance, and sing, all while rejoicing and praising God.

Meanwhile, the wolves are circling around the little sheep, who cries out in the loudest voice he can muster.

Busy Saving the World

The shepherd calls back to him, "Sorry little sheep. I'm busy getting ready for my trip to Uganda. I have the important task of teaching shepherds there how to do what I do here. Maybe if you get ahold of Bill, the shepherd, he can help. Meanwhile, we'll pray for you."

The little sheep cries out to Bill, but no answer.

The wolves promptly devour the little sheep.

The shepherd returns from his important trip to Uganda, but the newborn sheep is nowhere in sight. He wonders where he's gone. He must not be a very dedicated sheep if he's just going to wander off like that.

The Slaughter of Newborn Believers

Unfortunately, the above scenario is playing out every day for newborn believers. Those who give their lives to Christ are left alone to fend for themselves.

In most cases, they don't have to face death. But many do turn from their faith, eventually. After all, who wants to be abandoned while being pummeled by Satan and his armies?

Is there a better way?

Shepherds behind the pulpit must be careful while leading people through the sinner's prayer. Those who are raising their hands are doing so for a reason. They desire a life-altering experience. They're making a decision for Christ, so leaving them in the lurch is not an option.

If pastors and preachers are too busy to follow up with newborn sheep, they should not lead people to make a decision for Christ behind the pulpit. Instead, there should be a way for someone to receive one-on-one discipleship.

But it doesn't stop there. The person who witnesses someone being born again is responsible for that newborn. This new believer needs spiritual food and protection from wolves in sheep's clothing. For that reason, ongoing discipleship is required.

Maybe, Maybe Not

This strategy, of course, requires time and energy. With our massive congregations in North America, asking church leadership to step up is a pipe dream.

Therefore, the individual churchgoer must take responsibility for the newborn believer. The church can no longer afford to view the falling away of parishioners as a millennial phenomenon.

It's simply because newborn sheep are being allowed to get slaughtered.

"You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bandaged the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled over them. They were scattered because they had no shepherd, and they became food for every wild beast. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over the entire face of the earth with no one looking or searching for them." Ezekiel 34:4-6.

 

[notonmywatch]

Are We Sending Newborns To Be Slaughtered by Doing This?

Picture this:

A shepherd is in the field and witnesses a newborn sheep being born. He starts dancing around the shivering little animal, singing and praising God.

He throws out a few crumbs he has on hand for just such an occasion. Then, he tells the little newborn, "Simply call out if you need me," as he disappears into the wilderness.

Time For Rejoicing

The shepherd is so happy about the newborn sheep that he tells everyone in the village. All his friends throw a big party. They eat, dance, and sing, all while rejoicing and praising God.

Meanwhile, the wolves are circling around the little sheep, who cries out in the loudest voice he can muster.

Busy Saving the World

The shepherd calls back to him, "Sorry little sheep. I'm busy getting ready for my trip to Uganda. I have the important task of teaching shepherds there how to do what I do here. Maybe if you get ahold of Bill, the shepherd, he can help. Meanwhile, we'll pray for you."

The little sheep cries out to Bill, but no answer.

The wolves promptly devour the little sheep.

The shepherd returns from his important trip to Uganda, but the newborn sheep is nowhere in sight. He wonders where he's gone. He must not be a very dedicated sheep if he's just going to wander off like that.

The Slaughter of Newborn Believers

Unfortunately, the above scenario is playing out every day for newborn believers. Those who give their lives to Christ are left alone to fend for themselves.

In most cases, they don't have to face death. But many do turn from their faith, eventually. After all, who wants to be abandoned while being pummeled by Satan and his armies?

Is there a better way?

Shepherds behind the pulpit must be careful while leading people through the sinner's prayer. Those who are raising their hands are doing so for a reason. They desire a life-altering experience. They're making a decision for Christ, so leaving them in the lurch is not an option.

If pastors and preachers are too busy to follow up with newborn sheep, they should not lead people to make a decision for Christ behind the pulpit. Instead, there should be a way for someone to receive one-on-one discipleship.

But it doesn't stop there. The person who witnesses someone being born again is responsible for that newborn. This new believer needs spiritual food and protection from wolves in sheep's clothing. For that reason, ongoing discipleship is required.

Maybe, Maybe Not

This strategy, of course, requires time and energy. With our massive congregations in North America, asking church leadership to step up is a pipe dream.

Therefore, the individual churchgoer must take responsibility for the newborn believer. The church can no longer afford to view the falling away of parishioners as a millennial phenomenon.

It's simply because newborn sheep are being allowed to get slaughtered.

"You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bandaged the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled over them. They were scattered because they had no shepherd, and they became food for every wild beast. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over the entire face of the earth with no one looking or searching for them." Ezekiel 34:4-6.

Amen.

If we're going to beget children through the gospel, then it's our responsibility to raise them as well.

 

[Cameron143]

Are We Sending Newborns To Be Slaughtered by Doing This?

Picture this:

A shepherd is in the field and witnesses a newborn sheep being born. He starts dancing around the shivering little animal, singing and praising God.

He throws out a few crumbs he has on hand for just such an occasion. Then, he tells the little newborn, "Simply call out if you need me," as he disappears into the wilderness.

Time For Rejoicing

The shepherd is so happy about the newborn sheep that he tells everyone in the village. All his friends throw a big party. They eat, dance, and sing, all while rejoicing and praising God.

Meanwhile, the wolves are circling around the little sheep, who cries out in the loudest voice he can muster.

Busy Saving the World

The shepherd calls back to him, "Sorry little sheep. I'm busy getting ready for my trip to Uganda. I have the important task of teaching shepherds there how to do what I do here. Maybe if you get ahold of Bill, the shepherd, he can help. Meanwhile, we'll pray for you."

The little sheep cries out to Bill, but no answer.

The wolves promptly devour the little sheep.

The shepherd returns from his important trip to Uganda, but the newborn sheep is nowhere in sight. He wonders where he's gone. He must not be a very dedicated sheep if he's just going to wander off like that.

The Slaughter of Newborn Believers

Unfortunately, the above scenario is playing out every day for newborn believers. Those who give their lives to Christ are left alone to fend for themselves.

In most cases, they don't have to face death. But many do turn from their faith, eventually. After all, who wants to be abandoned while being pummeled by Satan and his armies?

Is there a better way?

Shepherds behind the pulpit must be careful while leading people through the sinner's prayer. Those who are raising their hands are doing so for a reason. They desire a life-altering experience. They're making a decision for Christ, so leaving them in the lurch is not an option.

If pastors and preachers are too busy to follow up with newborn sheep, they should not lead people to make a decision for Christ behind the pulpit. Instead, there should be a way for someone to receive one-on-one discipleship.

But it doesn't stop there. The person who witnesses someone being born again is responsible for that newborn. This new believer needs spiritual food and protection from wolves in sheep's clothing. For that reason, ongoing discipleship is required.

Maybe, Maybe Not

This strategy, of course, requires time and energy. With our massive congregations in North America, asking church leadership to step up is a pipe dream.

Therefore, the individual churchgoer must take responsibility for the newborn believer. The church can no longer afford to view the falling away of parishioners as a millennial phenomenon.

It's simply because newborn sheep are being allowed to get slaughtered.

"You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bandaged the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled over them. They were scattered because they had no shepherd, and they became food for every wild beast. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over the entire face of the earth with no one looking or searching for them." Ezekiel 34:4-6.

It's a wonderful reminder.
The focus of the great commission is teaching and not baptism. Thus, it is about discipleship and not salvation. The church, in general, focuses on "getting people saved " in my opinion. It does much less to train.
Jesus said that He will build his church...
It would probably be alot better if He did the building and we did the teaching.

 

[Nehemiah6]

"You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bandaged the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled over them. They were scattered because they had no shepherd, and they became food for every wild beast. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over the entire face of the earth with no one looking or searching for them." Ezekiel 34:4-6.

This was addressed to the shepherds (pastors). It still is. Not the sheep (congregations). So what happened to the shepherds? There is a solution but no one wants solutions today.

 

[maxwel]

The situation outlined by the OP is the result of poor understanding of BASIC SCRIPTURE, by the leaders in ministry.

The Bible tasks us, CLEARLY, with "MAKING DISCIPLES".... that means, definitionally, that the new convert is to be trained and mentored.


This isn't some kind of quirky unforseeable problem, some odd and mysterious circumstance that is hard to understand.... it is the direct result of people in ministry not knowing the Bible. And thereby, essentially, just not knowing what they're doing.

.

 

[Locoponydirtman]

Are We Sending Newborns To Be Slaughtered by Doing This?

Picture this:

A shepherd is in the field and witnesses a newborn sheep being born. He starts dancing around the shivering little animal, singing and praising God.

He throws out a few crumbs he has on hand for just such an occasion. Then, he tells the little newborn, "Simply call out if you need me," as he disappears into the wilderness.

Time For Rejoicing

The shepherd is so happy about the newborn sheep that he tells everyone in the village. All his friends throw a big party. They eat, dance, and sing, all while rejoicing and praising God.

Meanwhile, the wolves are circling around the little sheep, who cries out in the loudest voice he can muster.

Busy Saving the World

The shepherd calls back to him, "Sorry little sheep. I'm busy getting ready for my trip to Uganda. I have the important task of teaching shepherds there how to do what I do here. Maybe if you get ahold of Bill, the shepherd, he can help. Meanwhile, we'll pray for you."

The little sheep cries out to Bill, but no answer.

The wolves promptly devour the little sheep.

The shepherd returns from his important trip to Uganda, but the newborn sheep is nowhere in sight. He wonders where he's gone. He must not be a very dedicated sheep if he's just going to wander off like that.

The Slaughter of Newborn Believers

Unfortunately, the above scenario is playing out every day for newborn believers. Those who give their lives to Christ are left alone to fend for themselves.

In most cases, they don't have to face death. But many do turn from their faith, eventually. After all, who wants to be abandoned while being pummeled by Satan and his armies?

Is there a better way?

Shepherds behind the pulpit must be careful while leading people through the sinner's prayer. Those who are raising their hands are doing so for a reason. They desire a life-altering experience. They're making a decision for Christ, so leaving them in the lurch is not an option.

If pastors and preachers are too busy to follow up with newborn sheep, they should not lead people to make a decision for Christ behind the pulpit. Instead, there should be a way for someone to receive one-on-one discipleship.

But it doesn't stop there. The person who witnesses someone being born again is responsible for that newborn. This new believer needs spiritual food and protection from wolves in sheep's clothing. For that reason, ongoing discipleship is required.

Maybe, Maybe Not

This strategy, of course, requires time and energy. With our massive congregations in North America, asking church leadership to step up is a pipe dream.

Therefore, the individual churchgoer must take responsibility for the newborn believer. The church can no longer afford to view the falling away of parishioners as a millennial phenomenon.

It's simply because newborn sheep are being allowed to get slaughtered.

"You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bandaged the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled over them. They were scattered because they had no shepherd, and they became food for every wild beast. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over the entire face of the earth with no one looking or searching for them." Ezekiel 34:4-6.

Yes, indeed it is a fact. Discipleship is of utter most importance.

 

[Cameron143]

Yes, indeed it is a fact. Discipleship is of utter most importance.

For cows it is of uddermost importance

 

[MessengerofTruth]

Are We Sending Newborns To Be Slaughtered by Doing This?

Picture this:

A shepherd is in the field and witnesses a newborn sheep being born. He starts dancing around the shivering little animal, singing and praising God.

He throws out a few crumbs he has on hand for just such an occasion. Then, he tells the little newborn, "Simply call out if you need me," as he disappears into the wilderness.

Time For Rejoicing

The shepherd is so happy about the newborn sheep that he tells everyone in the village. All his friends throw a big party. They eat, dance, and sing, all while rejoicing and praising God.

Meanwhile, the wolves are circling around the little sheep, who cries out in the loudest voice he can muster.

Busy Saving the World

The shepherd calls back to him, "Sorry little sheep. I'm busy getting ready for my trip to Uganda. I have the important task of teaching shepherds there how to do what I do here. Maybe if you get ahold of Bill, the shepherd, he can help. Meanwhile, we'll pray for you."

The little sheep cries out to Bill, but no answer.

The wolves promptly devour the little sheep.

The shepherd returns from his important trip to Uganda, but the newborn sheep is nowhere in sight. He wonders where he's gone. He must not be a very dedicated sheep if he's just going to wander off like that.

The Slaughter of Newborn Believers

Unfortunately, the above scenario is playing out every day for newborn believers. Those who give their lives to Christ are left alone to fend for themselves.

In most cases, they don't have to face death. But many do turn from their faith, eventually. After all, who wants to be abandoned while being pummeled by Satan and his armies?

Is there a better way?

Shepherds behind the pulpit must be careful while leading people through the sinner's prayer. Those who are raising their hands are doing so for a reason. They desire a life-altering experience. They're making a decision for Christ, so leaving them in the lurch is not an option.

If pastors and preachers are too busy to follow up with newborn sheep, they should not lead people to make a decision for Christ behind the pulpit. Instead, there should be a way for someone to receive one-on-one discipleship.

But it doesn't stop there. The person who witnesses someone being born again is responsible for that newborn. This new believer needs spiritual food and protection from wolves in sheep's clothing. For that reason, ongoing discipleship is required.

Maybe, Maybe Not

This strategy, of course, requires time and energy. With our massive congregations in North America, asking church leadership to step up is a pipe dream.

Therefore, the individual churchgoer must take responsibility for the newborn believer. The church can no longer afford to view the falling away of parishioners as a millennial phenomenon.

It's simply because newborn sheep are being allowed to get slaughtered.

"You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bandaged the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled over them. They were scattered because they had no shepherd, and they became food for every wild beast. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over the entire face of the earth with no one looking or searching for them." Ezekiel 34:4-6.

I have grieved much over that very scenario in my own life. I see clearly this happening all around and can totally stand behind what you have presented here. May the LORD bless you and strengthen us and guide us in wisdom to not be guilty of this.

Thank you for addressing this.

 

[MessengerofTruth]

This was addressed to the shepherds (pastors). It still is. Not the sheep (congregations). So what happened to the shepherds? There is a solution but no one wants solutions today.

I would say that we are those laborers that may not have been first choice that got recruited into the harvest at the eleventh hour, just my thought.

 

[Locoponydirtman]

For cows it is of uddermost importance

Indeed

 

[swatfrog]

would these be " the seeds that fall by the wayside,,or fallow ground , because there is no " raising up in the way that he should go" discipleship ?

 

[Locoponydirtman]

would these be " the seeds that fall by the wayside,,or fallow ground , because there is no " raising up in the way that he should go" discipleship ?

Could be. This is why i am no fan of revival crusaders, like Billy Graham. They did zero follow up. They didnt even point people to locals churches.

 

[SteveEpperson]

This isn't some kind of quirky unforseeable problem, some odd and mysterious circumstance that is hard to understand.... it is the direct result of people in ministry not knowing the Bible. And thereby, essentially, just not knowing what they're doing.

Oh, I don't know.

I believe our pastors, preachers, and ministers are highly trained in theology and the Bible. I also believe they know what they're doing.

I think it's a question of priorities. I believe I am just as culpable as anyone in this. I have let down so many new believers in my time as a disciple. My New Years' resolution is to end that and impose myself on those who are new to the faith.

Paul did it.
Peter did it.
John did it.

Why not you and me? The point I was trying to make in the post was to not wait for permission from the higher-ups. As believers in Christ, we have every right to mentor others and make mistakes along the way.

 

[SteveEpperson]

This was addressed to the shepherds (pastors). It still is. Not the sheep (congregations). So what happened to the shepherds? There is a solution but no one wants solutions today.

Actually, I think we congregants in the church have a role as well. I am just as guilty as anyone for letting new converts slip through the cracks.

My point here is that we don't need permission from anyone to let the Holy Spirit lead us into a tiny ministry that involves mentorship. Yes, we will make mistakes, but that is part of the growth process.

I hope you will join me in picking up the slack for our overworked ministers and help disciple a newborn sheep.

 

[SteveEpperson]

Could be. This is why i am no fan of revival crusaders, like Billy Graham. They did zero follow up. They didnt even point people to locals churches.

You have a valid point. And I often wonder why there was little follow-up.

However, Billy Graham was a fantastic preacher. I love watching old videos of him on YouTube. I get a massive dose of the Gospel, and it really inspires me.

I believe my older sister eventually came to Christ because of him. She went to one of his stadium revivals and was changed after that.

Now, I think the local churches could have done a better job of following up with those people who attended. What a great opportunity to fill the pews with new converts!

 

[ResidentAlien]

Are We Sending Newborns To Be Slaughtered by Doing This?

Picture this:

A shepherd is in the field and witnesses a newborn sheep being born. He starts dancing around the shivering little animal, singing and praising God.

He throws out a few crumbs he has on hand for just such an occasion. Then, he tells the little newborn, "Simply call out if you need me," as he disappears into the wilderness.

Time For Rejoicing

The shepherd is so happy about the newborn sheep that he tells everyone in the village. All his friends throw a big party. They eat, dance, and sing, all while rejoicing and praising God.

Meanwhile, the wolves are circling around the little sheep, who cries out in the loudest voice he can muster.

Busy Saving the World

The shepherd calls back to him, "Sorry little sheep. I'm busy getting ready for my trip to Uganda. I have the important task of teaching shepherds there how to do what I do here. Maybe if you get ahold of Bill, the shepherd, he can help. Meanwhile, we'll pray for you."

The little sheep cries out to Bill, but no answer.

The wolves promptly devour the little sheep.

The shepherd returns from his important trip to Uganda, but the newborn sheep is nowhere in sight. He wonders where he's gone. He must not be a very dedicated sheep if he's just going to wander off like that.

The Slaughter of Newborn Believers

Unfortunately, the above scenario is playing out every day for newborn believers. Those who give their lives to Christ are left alone to fend for themselves.

In most cases, they don't have to face death. But many do turn from their faith, eventually. After all, who wants to be abandoned while being pummeled by Satan and his armies?

Is there a better way?

Shepherds behind the pulpit must be careful while leading people through the sinner's prayer. Those who are raising their hands are doing so for a reason. They desire a life-altering experience. They're making a decision for Christ, so leaving them in the lurch is not an option.

If pastors and preachers are too busy to follow up with newborn sheep, they should not lead people to make a decision for Christ behind the pulpit. Instead, there should be a way for someone to receive one-on-one discipleship.

But it doesn't stop there. The person who witnesses someone being born again is responsible for that newborn. This new believer needs spiritual food and protection from wolves in sheep's clothing. For that reason, ongoing discipleship is required.

Maybe, Maybe Not

This strategy, of course, requires time and energy. With our massive congregations in North America, asking church leadership to step up is a pipe dream.

Therefore, the individual churchgoer must take responsibility for the newborn believer. The church can no longer afford to view the falling away of parishioners as a millennial phenomenon.

It's simply because newborn sheep are being allowed to get slaughtered.

"You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bandaged the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled over them. They were scattered because they had no shepherd, and they became food for every wild beast. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over the entire face of the earth with no one looking or searching for them." Ezekiel 34:4-6.

Just another sign the body of Christ has lost its way. I mean discipleship is the A #1 priority and many have put it on the back burner, along with baptism and many other priorities.

 

[Locoponydirtman]

Jesus said go make disciples and baptize. Not go solicit a decision for me and leave.

 

[Locoponydirtman]

You have a valid point. And I often wonder why there was little follow-up.

However, Billy Graham was a fantastic preacher. I love watching old videos of him on YouTube. I get a massive dose of the Gospel, and it really inspires me.

I believe my older sister eventually came to Christ because of him. She went to one of his stadium revivals and was changed after that.

Now, I think the local churches could have done a better job of following up with those people who attended. What a great opportunity to fill the pews with new converts!

Im glad your sister has been converted.
I dont know how local churches could know who to follow up with. There certainly should have been some cooperation.

 

[Edify]

Heb 5:11Concerning [g]him we have much to say, and it is difficult to explain, since you have become [h]poor listeners. 12For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the [j]elementary principles of the actual words of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13For everyone who partakes only of milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to distinguish between good and evil.

Imagine Jewish christians, who were taught as babes, being poor listeners. But it happens.

2Tim 2:14Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners. 15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who [g]does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for [h]it will lead to further ungodliness, 17and their talk will spread like [j]gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18men who have gone astray from the truth, claiming that the resurrection has already taken place; and they are jeopardizing the faith of some.

We should never forget that all these epistles we read including Revelation NEVER blames the elder, but the congregation for being what they are.

 

[Snacks]

The wolves promptly devour the little sheep.

After devouring the sheep many wolves take pleasure in residing behind the pulpit where they lead even more sheep to the slaughter.