Sometimes it seems like there are a lot of ways to preach the Gospel to others, some ways are more effective than others. We want to take a little bit to look at two different approaches. One way is a “Turn or Burn” approach and the second one is a “Come and Live” approach. Sometimes people use methods to preach the Gospel because it is what they have learned and as the body of Christ we should be open to new ideas that will help us continue to reach others for Christ. We tend to fall short when we begin to try to convert people to Christianity out of fear of going to hell. We have never been to hell nor experienced what it is like, but we have all been blessed by God’s grace and mercy. Jesus came into this world to save it, not condemn it, so we need to share a spirit of hope, not of hate.
The “turn or burn” approach takes the path that we all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. This statement is quite true. Although this approach has truth in it you can attract more bees with honey than with tar. After hearing this message people are made to feel like God is angry at them and if they don’t accept Christ they will burn in hell for eternity. The whole concept of hell has been skewed by cartoons of a red horned devil with a pitch fork. Hell as a place is not the bad part of not believing in Christ, but it is eternal separation from God and being enslaved to the most evil person that will hurt our souls more than any physical torture could ever hurt.
In the “come and live” approach we begin to invite people into a life that is much better than they have right now. We know that Christ loves each and every one of us and never wants to see us to live a life away from Him. The thought of someone going to hell because they did not believe in Him as their Savior pains Him. When we suffer the Bible says that He suffers with us. Instead of using that suffering to pull people to Christ God wants us to share the love and grace that he has poured out on us to everyone. God does not send people to hell. He does not want nor wish for that to happen. He wishes for all that he created to be in eternal fellowship with Him.
To fully understand how to share the “come and live” Gospel with others we must understand as a community what it means for us to be loved unconditionally. In everything that we have done Christ loves us. In our shame, our guilt, our successes, and everything that we will ever do Christ’s love is endless. If we want to look at what love is we have to turn to 1st Cor. 13:4 which says:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
This verse is used in alot of different instances, but it truly is the most perfect form of love that we can find. Christ wants us to love everyone like this so our message should not be one that goes against this.
“Come and Live” is an approach that inspires us and allows us to use the love that God has given us. While we know what the ultimate reality is everyone wants to know what it is like to be loved. If we have been shown the ultimate love,it would make sense that we would share it with everyone no matter who they are.
Over the next week continue to pray for those who are lost. Begin to show love to those around you, and ask God to show you more love so that you can give it away. Look for others that are wanting to reach out to those that are lost and join them in this. Let us become a community that loves on everyone no matter who they are. God loves us, and sharing the message of salvation is the ultimate expression of that love. We have to do it in a way that is pleasing to God.
Dive Deep,
KC
I am concerned that omitting the turn and burn method my be a little false. Jesus talked more about money and hell than any other subject. I think any approach to an unbeliever should still contain the consequences of remaining in that lifestyle. Maybe the delivery of such statement can change because I think especially here in the U.S. that most people have a concept of hell. What they are missing is the love of God and his desire for them not to go there. But at all times never lose sight of the fact that any action has a consequence. To say that you are going to have a better life by accepting Jesus may not also be the case. I think that there are several passive ways of persecution for this decision. Missed Job opportunities, political shame, vile attacks on character and the overall living with sinners does not promise a life better in perception of those who are still fallen in their sin. I had the pleasure of speaking to a gentleman today about God. He really just wanted questions answered on the things the church stand behind like… creation, morality, meaning, destiny. While I did this in a loving way there was also very evident the mortality of todays events in the subject and the urgency of making up your mind. I invited him to sunday service and he is going to bring his sister AMEN! I many people have been hurt by the church in a variety of ways without having their individual questions about why we believe what we believe answered.
I have to say that aitheist fear god the most, because they had a bad experience with the turn and burn method (even if they refuse to admit it). Especially if they get approached with the turn and burn at a young, “rebellious” age. That fear follows them for a long time, until someone who is a friend, co-worker, and even family member enlightens them with Christ in a different way then they had previously experienced, and they’re like wow this guy isn’t crazy like the guy i experienced when i was younger.
This was my story, when i was about 12 years old i went with a friend to church a couple of times, and they invited me to a judgment day camp, or at least that is what I think it was called. Boy i tell you what I was so scared after that, and I wanted NOTHING to do with the church and I thought all Christians were crazy like that. It didn’t help me do more christian things in fear that god would smite me, i did the complete opposite, which is what most people do, and is also the main problem with society today.
later on i met some good people who helped me out, and got me going to church again and realize the true purpose.
This post resonated with me as I remember going to a church like this and feeling very uncomfortable, even when I was already a Christian. Part of it was stylistic. I just wasn’t used to be yelled at- my parents, my home church were not like this. Even thinking about it now brings back uncomfortable feelings.
I think a main idea is to preach and live the Truth in love- not denying that there is a hell, but rather stressing that there is a better way to live for eternity.