Misunderstood and Misused Passages About Evangelism

Should Matthew 7:7 be used in evangelism as a call for sinners to come to Christ? Does Matthew 7:7 teach that Christ is a gentleman and that He doesn't force His way into our lives? Is this what this passage means and teaches about Christ?

This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Richard Caldwell and host Dr. Josh Philpot discuss Matthew 7:7. This New Testament passage falls in the last chapter of three chapters (5, 6, & 7) that comprise Jesus teaching called the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus has addressed several topics in these chapters. How can we know what Jesus is teaching here? Does Matthew 7:7 teach how sinners come to Christ and how the door of salvation opens to them? Those in the realty business often say Location, Location, Location is everything. When it comes to the Bible, it is Context, Context, Context. Context is everything. Therefore, when we aren't sure of a biblical text or passage's meaning, we should start by looking at its context. When we have determined the correct meaning of the text, we can then pursue making applications.