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John Lawley (Grok) - Win the world for
Jesus
Over at the armybarmy blog we did a
series starting at the end of 2024 testing out Grok
(artificial intelligence) on questions about how certain SA
leaders would advise us to strategise to complete the great
commission.
Grok (at least the free version I use)
is pretty limited at this point - it searches 25 sites per
question. The
thing is, when it can't find specific information, it
generates general information.
So it ended up producing a fair bit of general filler
about the great commission and great commission emphases.
So, we have modified the query, asking
specifically about winning the world for Jesus.
This JAC series produces more specific answers.
How does The Salvation Army's "Colonel
John Lawley" advise us to "win the world for Jesus"?
Answer (by Grok):
Colonel John Lawley, a prominent figure
in the early days of The Salvation Army, exemplified several
approaches to "win the world for Jesus" through his actions
and dedication:
Evangelical Preaching: Lawley was known
for his commitment to evangelism, starting from a very young
age. He preached extensively, up to 14 sermons a week,
demonstrating a relentless effort to spread the Christian
message. His approach was to take the gospel directly to the
people, often in challenging environments like the streets or
amidst hostile crowds, reflecting the Salvation Army's mission
to reach those who might not enter traditional church
settings.
Intercessory Prayer: Lawley was notably
an intercessory prayer warrior. He famously prayed under the
stage while William Booth preached, focusing on the conversion
of souls. His practice of fervent prayer was seen as vital,
supporting the preaching with spiritual backing, suggesting
that prayer was as crucial as preaching in the mission to "win
the world for Jesus". This aspect of his ministry highlights
the importance of spiritual preparation and reliance on divine
intervention for effective evangelism.
Personal Commitment and Sacrifice:
Lawley's life was marked by personal sacrifice and dedication.
His rise from humble and challenging beginnings to becoming a
Commissioner shows his commitment to the Salvation Army's
cause. His involvement in various roles, from singing to
leading prayer meetings, underscores the idea that every
aspect of one's life should be dedicated to the mission. His
willingness to endure physical hardship and even hostility for
the sake of his faith illustrates a model of Christian service
where personal comfort is secondary to the mission of
salvation.
Community Engagement: Lawley's work
with General William Booth involved traveling extensively,
both domestically and internationally. This engagement with
various communities around the world reflects an approach of
not just preaching but also living among people, understanding
their needs, and addressing both spiritual and physical
poverty. The Salvation Army's holistic approach to evangelism,
combining spiritual salvation with social service, was
something Lawley embodied, promoting a message of
comprehensive care and transformation.
Moral and Social Reform: Though not
directly attributed to Lawley, his alignment with the
Salvation Army's broader goals under William Booth's
leadership included efforts in moral and social reform. The
Army's work to combat issues like alcoholism, poverty, and
social injustice was part of the broader strategy to "win the
world for Jesus" by showing Christian love in practical,
everyday actions.
In summary, Colonel John Lawley's
methods to "win the world for Jesus" were rooted in fervent
evangelism, deep prayer, personal sacrifice, active community
engagement, and participation in the broader social reforms
that characterized The Salvation Army's approach to Christian
ministry.
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