Here is a link to a downloadable video tract. Most people today are getting their information from videos. This might be a useful tool to pass along to those interested in Christianity.
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CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of recent events emotions are running very high. We need to remind people of some basic principles in debating on this site. We need to be civil when we express differences in opinion. No personal attacks. Avoid you, your statements. Don't characterize an entire political party with comparisons to Fascism or Communism or other extreme movements that committed atrocities. CF is not the place for broad brush or blanket statements about groups and political parties. Put the broad brushes and blankets away when you come to CF, better yet, put them in the incinerator. Debate had no place for them. We need to remember that people that commit acts of violence represent themselves or a small extreme faction.
A Video Tract - Christianity (19 minutes)
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1Tonne
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Thanks for sharing the video
I watched it, and while it makes sense, I think it tends to water down the significance of the law by reducing sin to merely "selfishness." While it's true that selfishness lies at the root of much sin, the law is essential in evangelism because it defines sin in relation to a Holy and Righteous God, not just in terms of human relationships.
If we only present sin as selfishness, unbelievers may come to think that their sin is primarily against other people. They might see it merely as a social or moral failing, something that harms others or disrupts the community. But Scripture shows us that sin is, first and foremost, an offence against a holy and righteous God. The law reveals not just how we fall short in our treatment of others, but how we have rebelled against the character and commands of the Creator Himself. It is this vertical offence against God that makes sin truly serious and shows our need for grace and redemption.
Paul wrote that he would not have known sin except through the law (Romans 7:7), and both he and Jesus used the law to bring the knowledge of sin. The law reveals that our offences are ultimately against God, not just other people.
Proverbs says the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul (Psalm 19:7), and it makes the simple wise. So yes, you can point out that selfishness often drives sin, but don’t forget or minimise the law. It is God's tool to bring conviction and lead people to Christ.
I often refer people to needgod.com for a video tract.
I watched it, and while it makes sense, I think it tends to water down the significance of the law by reducing sin to merely "selfishness." While it's true that selfishness lies at the root of much sin, the law is essential in evangelism because it defines sin in relation to a Holy and Righteous God, not just in terms of human relationships.
If we only present sin as selfishness, unbelievers may come to think that their sin is primarily against other people. They might see it merely as a social or moral failing, something that harms others or disrupts the community. But Scripture shows us that sin is, first and foremost, an offence against a holy and righteous God. The law reveals not just how we fall short in our treatment of others, but how we have rebelled against the character and commands of the Creator Himself. It is this vertical offence against God that makes sin truly serious and shows our need for grace and redemption.
Paul wrote that he would not have known sin except through the law (Romans 7:7), and both he and Jesus used the law to bring the knowledge of sin. The law reveals that our offences are ultimately against God, not just other people.
Proverbs says the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul (Psalm 19:7), and it makes the simple wise. So yes, you can point out that selfishness often drives sin, but don’t forget or minimise the law. It is God's tool to bring conviction and lead people to Christ.
I often refer people to needgod.com for a video tract.
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DragonFox91
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You are correct, Tonne. You explained it a lot better then I could. The 'sin is selfishness' is definitely not how the Bible talks about sin. Sin is rebellion against God, & not just his commands but who he is & how he's revealed himself. It's not selfishness b/c you can be very selfless & moral but if you reject who God is & how he's revealed himself, you're selflessness & morals count for nothing b/c you're still in rebellion against who he is. I definitely agree that viewing sin as selfishness turns it into a Social Gospel, where 'we need to be better people' or 'we need to give more' is the message, & that's not the Biblical Gospel.
I listened to the video.
There's some good things in it
It is true people see themselves as not breaking the law so they incorrectly think they are in good standing w/ God.
I liked the part where it talked about how people 'inherit' Christianity so may not actually be in Christ.
I liked the part where it talked about the Gospel being simple, not based on strength, awing us, our ability.
I liked the parts where it talked about us needing hardship & comfort leads to problems
I also disagree the Jews rejected Jesus as King so the Cross was Plan B.
I listened to the video.
There's some good things in it
It is true people see themselves as not breaking the law so they incorrectly think they are in good standing w/ God.
I liked the part where it talked about how people 'inherit' Christianity so may not actually be in Christ.
I liked the part where it talked about the Gospel being simple, not based on strength, awing us, our ability.
I liked the parts where it talked about us needing hardship & comfort leads to problems
I also disagree the Jews rejected Jesus as King so the Cross was Plan B.
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The cross was not "plan B". The fact that through it redemption was to be made available was hidden because otherwise Satan would never have allowed Jesus to be put to death.
1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
1Co 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
One cannot delve too deep into doctrine in an introductory presentation of Christianity. The key is to get people to understand our need for Christ and if they can see in the gospel that which is true, they may find that they can trust in it.
In a world that scarcely believes in God, the traditional fear mongering about sin and hell may simply cause people to turn away. This approach I think has a softer touch that may allow those inclined to consider the truth of the gospel to do so as well as explain a little about Christian divisions and some of the opinions they may have already formed about Christianity. I have to ask myself, if I were unsaved, how would I want someone to approach me.
1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
1Co 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
One cannot delve too deep into doctrine in an introductory presentation of Christianity. The key is to get people to understand our need for Christ and if they can see in the gospel that which is true, they may find that they can trust in it.
In a world that scarcely believes in God, the traditional fear mongering about sin and hell may simply cause people to turn away. This approach I think has a softer touch that may allow those inclined to consider the truth of the gospel to do so as well as explain a little about Christian divisions and some of the opinions they may have already formed about Christianity. I have to ask myself, if I were unsaved, how would I want someone to approach me.
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1Tonne
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Sadly, I believe many Christians hesitate to share the full Gospel, not because they’re afraid of what unbelievers will say, but because they’re afraid of being criticised by other believers who accuse them of being 'fear mongers.' That kind of criticism can be a real obstacle to evangelism. But the Gospel isn’t ours to dilute. We must speak it clearly, faithfully, and lovingly, even if it costs us popularity. People didn’t like Jesus’ message either.
When we share the Gospel, we mustn't soften the truth just because it’s uncomfortable or confronting. Jesus certainly didn’t. In fact, He said some of the most sobering things in all of Scripture. One of them is this: ‘Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell’ (Matthew 10:28). That’s not fear-mongering—it’s truth.
Truth, even when it’s hard, can lead to life. Proverbs says, ‘By the fear of the Lord, men depart from evil’ (Proverbs 16:6), and ‘The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death’ (Proverbs 14:27). Fear, when rightly directed toward God, can be the beginning of wisdom and salvation—not manipulation.
I go out and share the Gospel. Sometimes, honesty has the most impact. For example, if I’m speaking with someone who’s elderly, I might say, "You and I don’t know when we’ll die. But you’re older than me, and that probably means you’re a lot closer to facing God at judgment than I am, so you really need to think about this." It’s a hard thing to say, but it’s honest, and it often makes people pause and consider. Many have actually thanked me afterwards.
The key is to speak the truth in love, with compassion and respect, but to still speak it. Because eternity is at stake.
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