Christians, about spreading the word?

Question

Jesus said; that the world will come to despise you, or his followers; maybe this prophecy has become self fulfilling? Preaching against sin, while living in sin could be understood as hypocrisy to one who believes this authority does not come from God. Telling others that they are sinful according to God, when they don't think they are... while may seem the only way to spread “the word” does comes off as judgmental.

In sincerity; Jesus said to tell the world about him; but that was 2,000 years ago right; at least in America, and other modernized countries, perhaps this goal has been accomplished?

This is not meant to provoke anyone; I would just like to know your thoughts?

Answer 1

The problem here is that Christianity has become culture-identified, so to question it seems to some people to be an attack on their very identity. The religious mindset of Jesus's time cannot accurately be comprehended today; the world of that age was a world of incredible barbarity and hardship. People needed religious ideals to grasp on and hold as a literal life-preserver. It was inconceivable to not view the world in less than spiritual terms at that time, and this spirituality informed Jesus's message--as spread by his followers.

If Jesus and his followers could be transported to the world of today, they would view it as an absolute paradise in comparison with what they knew, with such luxury as to boggle their minds. They would view the promise of heaven as literally fulfilled, and the religious zeal that carried them through their hard life would more than likely evaporate.

The missionary needs his hardship, it seems.

Answer 2

I would say to quit preaching. That only falls on deaf ears. Instead set as exemplary an example with the way you live your life. You will have people that will come to you because of both example and the happiness you exude. And they will be the ones that will listen. I think preaching serves to make non-believers more resistant. Preaching on the streets makes a person look as though there might be mental problems and might even be a danger to vehicle traffic.
Skip calling people sinful too, leave that determination to God. Go straight to the real message when someone shows interest. Simply God does exist and Jesus died and arose to take on and forgive the sins of all generations.

And don't just pass yourself off as a generic Christian. Better to give your affiliation. Many have been unsatisfied with on denomination, but might fond another to their acceptance.

- Raised Bible Church, turned athiest, attend Episcopal, now a Christian with mostly ancestral Prespetirian leanings.

Answer 3

First of all going to church is not the "Christian word," it is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Second, there are some people who seem pushy at times and even over-zealous. But I find it hard to fault people for being excited about something they believe in especially if they are not causing any physical harm to anyone. If the worse any Christian does is annoy you then I think they are hardly worth blaming for pushing you away from God. After all there are far worse things people do in the world than annoy people. The world might be a better place if the worse anyone did was be annoying. Maybe you could visit his congregation just to shut him up. Make a deal with him: "Neighbor, I appreciate your invitation but I feel like you are pressing us a bit. If we go visit your church once, will you agree not to invite us again?" That's a good one for you; have you at least visited his church? Would you have the same complaint about a neighbor who pesters you about coming over for a BBQ or watching their kid's ball game? Seeking and following God is your choice not a matter of someone pushing you into it. ADDITONAL COMMENT: From a Christian perspective, this faith is of God and so to reject it is to reject God (according to the Bible). Do not confuse the Southern Baptist denomination for Christianity. That is still your choice as well, no one can push you away from that. Truth is not measured by deeds. I still wonder, if he has a good reputation with your family why should this one thing hinder you? Have you even tried talking to him about his approach? In all fairness, getting people to come to church is not the Christian message, it is salvation in Christ alone. There are not many roads to God, only one. Jesus said He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except they come through Him (John 14:6). I don't think anyone can ever give out enough of that message. Is it ever enough to stop caring about people?

Answer 4

The bible says when His word has reached all the world then He will return for His children. I agree telling people that they need the Lord in their life often does provoke them but maybe the reason it provokes them is because deep down in their heart they already know it. I know my Grandma kept me in our churches prayers for years. Because she wasn't sure I was a Christian, you know what I wasn't yes it was embarrassing humiliating and everything else you can think of but after all those years guess who came back to God yeah ME! If I could go back and thank her for all those prayers oh goodness I would hug her neck and thank her. There is no telling where I would have been without all those prayers.

WE ALL SIN every Christian sins, I don't know why people expect us to be perfect because we are no more perfect than a non-Christian person the difference is we are covered by the blood of Jesus. (We do strive to be the best we can be though). Because we ask Him to become the Lord of our life. That is the difference If people want to persecute me for loving God I say Go Ahead, I will love you any way and continue to pray for your salvation like it or not you will continue to be a friend in my book. God Bless You!

Hey DESPRATE FOR HELP your name says it all come on over to this side of the cross we will help you deal with that anger! God Bless You Friend!

Answer 5

Speaking God's word to the lost is rarely popular. Occasionally it brings some to repentance and that is the goal. Jeremiah wasn't exactly well liked for his warning the Israelites of their judgment to come. It was so hard for him that he wanted to shut up and not speak of God anymore but the Word of God burned within him and he could not. It is not optional to tell others that God has given us each a way to escape the punishment for our sins, because he loves us. And, no, it's certainly not popular, especially to tell people that we are all sinners and that sin leads to hell. But it is the truth and everyone needs to know it.The decision is up to them. America and other modernized counties are no different than those in the past. What we see today is much the same as when Israel drifted far from God and fell into immorality and corruption. The question is whether we are trying to be popular or please and obey God. God bless!!

Answer 6

Jesus said the world would come to hate those that spread His Fathers word, because He knew that there would come a time when non-believers would far out number believers and followers. None of us are perfect, nor or we expected to be, but we do have to be responsible for our own actions whether it's Gods word or man made laws involved. People have always been better at telling others how they should tend their backyards when they were never able to tend their own. Christians are no different, nor are Atheist, nor any other denomination. I have made mistakes, sometimes acted in a manner that may not have been becoming to the status of my beliefs based on human wants and human needs or feelings. But that in itself is what makes me human, for I would rather cut off my right arm than to offend anyone. And if there are those out there that I have indeed offended by the human failure to practice with perfection that which I believe, then I humbly and sincerely apologize.

Answer 7

A couple of things.

First, I think we often forget that what we were told to spread was the good news. Not the good opportunity. Not the once-in-a-lifetime offer. News. Which may mean simply that we're supposed to tell people what we know, but that we're not responsible for convincing them of anything.

Second, some of what passes for evangelism now (and ever since I was a child) is just...well, rude. Let's pretend for a minute that the good news we're spreading isn't about Jesus. Let's say we're spreading the good news that people don't have to die of heart disease if they'll just eat right and exercise every day. Does that make it okay to walk up to people who are overweight and say, "Hey, do you realize if you don't stop being a fatty you're going to die of a heart attack in about six months?" But that's what I see a lot of my fellow Christians doing. "Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and savior? Because, if you haven't, you're going to burn in hell." I wouldn't respond well to this approach--would you?

Christians end up being a lot more persuasive by not trying to persuade anyone of anything. Live an honest, loving, peaceful life. Eventually the people around you will begin to wonder what you know that they don't. Wait for people to invite you to discuss your faith.

Answer 8

The work of spreading His Word is not done--not by a long shot. The website for Operation World--google for "operation world" and you'll find a reference--lists many countries, tribes, peoples and languages where there are few, if any, believers, and limited Scripture availability. There is much to do!

Answer 9

I do not consider myself Christian, but I can certainly offer my thoughts on being preached at.

I, for one, do not appreciate being told that I am leading a sinful life when I know for a fact that I am leading a much more moral lifestyle than many of my college-aged, Christian peers. I don't smoke, I quit drinking, I don't sleep with random guys, I help out in my community, I create art, and I love and respect my parents. I try to be a good role model for my younger brother, and I work hard to do well in school. Not because the Bible or the Ten Commandments or Jesus tells me to - because I want to do the right thing.

So, what right does someone else have to tell me I'm going to burn in hell when I do everything I can to be the best person I can be? Whenever I am preached to, I know it pushes me further and further away from ever returning to Christianity ever again.

I don't understand why people feel it is their personal duty to inform people of what God they should be worshipping. Let people find God themselves - why do you think they need you to help them along? I know that my God is more loving, compassionate, forgiving, and understanding than any of us could ever begin to comprehend. He/she/it is kind of a hippie, like I am. So why get all judgemental and tell me I'm going to burn for loving the world?

Answer 10

"Preaching against sin, while living in sin could be understood as hypocrisy "....Yes, that would be the epitome of hypocrisy; but do you REALLY believe that each and every one of us are hypocrites? WOW! Believe it or not, you can and DO find hypocrites in any walk of life; I'm NOT saying you won't find some in the church; but I'd rather sit beside one in the church house for an hour a week than spend eternity in the Lake of fire with one; cause that's where all hypocrites will end up! Quit generalizing for Pete's sake!