Scare tactics and the Gospel...


I've been thinking about writing about this subject for a while. Yes, there is a heaven to be gained and a hell to be shunned. But how should we go about sharing the Gospel message with those who need it? Do we scare them into believing or do we share the Good News of Jesus for that is what the word Gospel means? I believe it is the later and here's why.

Here are some biblical examples of bringing the message to the lost:

  1. When John the Baptist began his ministry he declared, "Repent for the kingdom of God is near" [Matthew 3:2]. He called people to be baptized for the remission of their sins [Mark 1:4].
  2. When Jesus began his ministry he too called people to repent and believe the Good News [Mark 1:15].
  3. The apostle Peter's message was to share the Good News with people and told them that they should believe [Acts 15:7].
  4. The apostle Paul's shared the Good News by reasoning with those who did not believe or understand [Acts 17].
These are just a few examples of how the Good News was shared with those who did not believe or understand the Good News. The Gospel message is powerful in and of itself to reach the lost.

We must remember that no one can come Jesus unless the Father draws them to him [John 6:44]. The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment [John16:8]. It is not our human wisdom or ideas which lead people to salvation. It is God and Him alone. Yes, we should preach the Gospel. For how will people believe if they don't hear the Gospel[Romans 10:14-15]. But fear and scare tactics are not the way.

Salvation comes by faith. How does faith come? By hearing the Gospel. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ and his work on the cross. He shed his blood [for without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins]. He paid the penalty for my sins. He was in the grave three days and on the third day he rose again [for if Jesus has not been raised, than my faith in him is in vain]. It is putting my trust in all that he has done for me. Jesus paid it all.

"Saving faith is more than fear of hell" - John Piper

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Giveaway to Help You Dig into God's Word

Image
As a way of saying thanks to all my current readers, facebook  and twitter   followers, I'm having a giveaway of the NLT Chronological Bible. I will giveaway ONE NLT Chronological Bible, paperback edition. The winner will have their choice of either the regular or large print paperback edition. This giveaway will be open until January 16, 2012. Mandatory Entry: Comment about why you love reading the Bible and share your favorite Bible verse. Optional Extra Entries: ( only after completing mandatory entry) You can do any or all of the following entries below for one extra entry each. Please leave a separate comment below for each one you do. Don’t forget to leave your email so I can contact you if you are the winner! “Like” Teach Me the Ancient Paths on Facebook or tell me you already do. Mention this giveaway on Facebook using the share button below. Follow me on twitter   or tell me you already do. Tweet this giveaway using the button below this post. (This you may onl
Read more

Ultimate Blog Bash 2011

Image
Hi Friends, I just wanted to share that Courtney at www.womenlivingwell.org is having an ultimate blog bash. You can link-up with other bloggers for an awesome share time. There are numerous categories for bloggers to place their link-up. I am new to the world of blogging. I am having so much fun. I love studying God's Word and sharing what I have gleaned from my own study time. There have been numerous women in my life who have inspired me in my relationship with God. I hope I can do the same for others. I am not perfect. I am just a woman who wants to know God and serve Him to the best of my ability. I have my devotional time each day. It goes something like this ~ I start my coffee brewing, head to my computer and watch the day's video from Wendy Pope. Her ministry is Walking with Women Through the Word. Her website is www.wendypope.org . After watching the video, I read from the NLT Chronological Bible. I try to find one nugget from the day's reading that I can
Read more

Up Before Dawn

Image
Amy Deanne Scripture: Proverbs 31:15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. NIV She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls. NLT She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. NAS Psalm 5:3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. NIV Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. NLT In the morning, O LORD, hear my voice. In the morning I lay my needs in front of you, and I wait. GWT Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. NIV Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. NLT In the morning, long before sun
Read more