How Would You Answer?
Not too long ago, I received a political poll in the mail. Since I am still perturbed about last year's legislative session, I decided to open what I once would have just thrown away. That was probably a mistake. The questions were framed in a way that made you seem un-American if you didn't answer them the "correct" way. It irritated me, so I answered them all just the opposite and sent it back. (Okay, I do agree that wasn't the most mature response.)
It rather reminded me of an old evangelism tool that also had a serious of questions that were just as manipulative. After all, how would you answer the question "Do you want to go to heaven or hell?" Granted, that is a question we all need to answer. But fear and guilt will never truly change our hearts.
As Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica, he reminds them of their time together--of how he brought them the message of Jesus. Encouraging. Comforting. Urging. All done with God's help.
I'll take his method any day.
"...with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts...For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory." 1 Thessalonians 2:2-4, 11
It rather reminded me of an old evangelism tool that also had a serious of questions that were just as manipulative. After all, how would you answer the question "Do you want to go to heaven or hell?" Granted, that is a question we all need to answer. But fear and guilt will never truly change our hearts.
As Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica, he reminds them of their time together--of how he brought them the message of Jesus. Encouraging. Comforting. Urging. All done with God's help.
I'll take his method any day.
"...with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts...For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory." 1 Thessalonians 2:2-4, 11
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