There has been a stir in our community and in the minds of many others as a result of NewSpring saying that 800 people received Christ at our church in the month of August. Did God save that many people? Yes He did! And this is only the start of how we are seeing God move in our church. August has been one of the most amazing months of ministry I have ever witnessed or been a part of. But I have to admit that I was brokenhearted to see all of the second guessing, and criticism that a small percentage of people expressed about what God is doing at our church.

We are no stranger to criticism at NewSpring, and have learned through the years that if people criticized Jesus, then they will also criticize a church that is following after Him. Tony wrote a great post about this subject last week.

So why am I writing this post? I am not writing this as a defense of our ministry. I have no desire or need to defend this church. God will defend what He chooses to defend, that is not my job, it is His. It is evident that God is moving here. We preach the gospel at our church and teach the whole of scripture more than any other church I have ever been a part of. I am not writing this to attack any other church or person. People are entitled to their opinions, even when they are wrong. If you have attacked our Church, I want to tell you one thing...we love you. If you belong to Jesus and teach that Jesus Christ alone is the only way to salvation, then we believe we are on the same team. Here is why I am writing this...

1 Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

There have been questions raised about what our church believes and what we are teaching about salvation. I am glad to give a response to that, and to answer a few other thoughts that have been brought up on this subject. We will always give the reason for the hope that we have in Jesus.

Here are some of the questions and concerns that have been brought up:

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