Which one is a better representation of what Christ taught?
You're going to hell if you don't believe. You gotta do this and that. But don't do this.
or
Here is some practical advice to better your life. The closer to God you are the better your life can be. You are loved.
Which one would be more than likely to get someone's positive attention?
2007-10-22 00:28:51 · 16 answers · asked by Emperor Insania Says Bye! 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Which one would more than likely draw a non-believer into belief if they were inclined to do so?
2007-10-22 00:31:27 · update #1
i think the second message makes more sense...
bb
2007-10-22 00:33:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
You can edit the second statement a bit to be more true to word. Here is a passage worth sharing.
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimitied patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. --[Paul] 1 Timothy 1:15-16
"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." -Philemon 6
2007-10-22 01:08:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't choose either of these, actually. I am not a legalist. I believe that salvation is by Christ alone, and that after salvation we will be drawn in both directions. It is far better to go his way, but if we fail, there is not point in beating ourselves up about it, just repent. It is good that we feel bad about our failures, but we are not to condemn ourselves for them.
On the other hand, to tell them that becoming a Christian will make their lives better is misleading. When the tribulations that Jesus promised come, they will know that they have been lied to.
We do not become Christians to make our lives better. We become Christians to not go to hell.
2007-10-22 05:17:58 · answer #3 · answered by Caveman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question - I've often said that Jesus taught a message that invited others to be enlightened as he was, which is more in line with your second message. The problem with religions is that the actual message of Jesus is totally lost, replaced instead by all the stuff in the bible that has nothing to do with what he taught...stories that people just made up.
2007-10-22 02:10:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The second option would be more likely to draw in non-believers. The first option is what anti-gay Christians use as spritual terrorism against gay people. And then they wring their hands and wonder why so many gay people reject them and their message. The message of Christ is love, not punishment. How long till people will realize this?
2007-10-22 01:36:33 · answer #5 · answered by Michael B - Prop. 8 Repealed! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Obviously the second, so how do you know using the first? and at what point do you tell them the truth, that if you reject Christ, then you will burn in hell, or do you just let that be the surprise ending and if so, are you not part accountable for withholding the truth?
2007-10-22 01:02:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would depend a lot on the personality of the listener. Some people understand rules and regulations better for their life and some like to wing it.
2007-10-22 00:52:12 · answer #7 · answered by Prof Fruitcake 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, be sure that he is a genuine believer and knows that the Spirit of God is in his life. To live for the Lord involves a good knowledge of Scripture and obedience to it, a daily worship and prayer time (including confession of known sin), and a sensitivity to the Spirit's direction moment by moment.
2016-05-24 03:26:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For God so loved the world
that He gave His only Son
A precious gift He paid in full
no matter what we've done.
Priceless is the rich reward
that we could not repay
Because one man took all our sins
and washed them clean away.
Yes, God so loved the world
despite the tears and shame
That we have brought into a world
created in His name.
His love for us is always there
throughout history,
For though we may not know it now
one day we'll surely see.
God so loved us that He gave
His Son for all the earth
Born to die that we may live,
that's how much we are worth!
Living now within an age
blinded by deceit
His gift of love gives strength to us
and makes our lives complete.
God still loves us this we know
although we break His heart
He gave His Son for all our sins
so we could be a part ~
A gift of love so priceless that
we come to Calvary,
For God so loved the world so much
He died for you and me.
Take care
2007-10-22 00:38:37 · answer #9 · answered by INCOGNITO 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The second is clearly more inviting, but neither is the truth.
The message from Christ was:
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me"
2007-10-22 00:34:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
i go with "Here is some practical advice to better your life. The closer to God you are the better your life can be. You are loved."
2007-10-22 00:33:49 · answer #11 · answered by Cica 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋