Why Don't More Christians Share the Gospel?

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joechristianwarrior said:

Jesus commanded His followers to preach the Gospel to all nations, yet many Christians rarely talk about their faith with others. Fear of rejection, lack of confidence, concern about offending people, and uncertainty about what to say are often cited as reasons.


I recently made a short video examining this issue and looking at what Jesus taught about sharing the Gospel. I'm curious to hear your thoughts as well:


What do you think is the biggest obstacle preventing Christians from evangelizing today?

I'd love to hear your perspective and discuss it respectfully.

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Christianity is formed within the family first. As children grow, they are hopefully nurtured to stay on the path. But we can't necessarily depend on upbringing because we know as an adult we have a choice and the genuineness of that relationship is exposed. As Christians we have distinct roles like apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to keep the church moving forward. But we can't minimize those who build the body from the inside.
In scripture we learn that Paul credits Timothy's grandmother, Lois, along with his mother, Eunice, for passing down their sincere faith to him. This was foundational in his upbringing and subsequently his profound ministry.

I guess what I am trying to say is whether you are a parent sitting down to teach your child, someone quietly helping out behind the scenes, or just a friend offering a listening ear, you are doing exactly what the body of Christ is meant to do, " love one another ", which is living the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Thanks for sharing!
Be blessed

joechristianwarrior said:

Jesus commanded His followers to preach the Gospel to all nations, yet many Christians rarely talk about their faith with others. Fear of rejection, lack of confidence, concern about offending people, and uncertainty about what to say are often cited as reasons.


I recently made a short video examining this issue and looking at what Jesus taught about sharing the Gospel. I'm curious to hear your thoughts as well:


What do you think is the biggest obstacle preventing Christians from evangelizing today?

I'd love to hear your perspective and discuss it respectfully.

Click to expand...

Most of the over 5 billion people on the Earth who are not Christian don't want to hear what Christianity teaches.

Jesus said if they refuse you to leave, shake the dust off your feet, it would better for Sodom and Gomorrah than for those who reject the gospel.

There are some countries you can't preach in without imprisonment or death. They refuse

There are some supposedly 100 or uncontacted tribes who has refused the outside world ( they have been contacted, they just reject the outside)

It takes money to travel - and you don't know what a person is doing in their neighborhood or on their jobs, or even in a restaurant. So one cannot say who is or who isn't teaching if it's only to say God bless you

The Great Commission in Matthew 28 was specifically given to the eleven disciples, who then did fan out to tell the story to the world. I think it is an interesting consideration whether that admonition was a mission specific to the eleven disciples or to all believers. How do we reconcile a belief that it applies to all believers with what Paul wrote to the Romans:

This is the everlasting gospel.

Rev 14:6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— 7 saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

8 And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon[f] is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”

9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

12 Here is the [g]patience of the saints; here[h] are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

This is not just a simple words on Text, this is a very big Bible study starting with the fear of the LORD.

Fear of God is not to be sacred of God, but to revere Him. In the context to this passage because this passage is speaking of true worship versus false worship, and worship is shown according to Scripture by whomever we obey.

After the God of Creation and everything in this universe personally wrote the Ten Commandments, God’s own Testimony Exo 20:1-17 Exo31:18 this was stated

Exo 20:20 And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.”

Our fear of the Lord is that we do not sin, sin is the transgression of the law of God 1John3:4 James 2:11 what separated man from God Isa 59:2

Why fearing God and keeping God’s commandments is the whole duty of man.

Ecc 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all.
14 For God will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing,
Whether good or evil.

What the angel is saying with a loud voice to get back to, because most of people today their fear of God is through traditions of man, not giving Glory to God and His works Exo32:16, but glory to man instead, following traditions over the commandments of God.

Isa 29:13 “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths
And honor Me with their lips,
But have removed their hearts far from Me,
And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men,

This gets back to true worship/false worship what the angel is warning about and calling us out from.

False worship according to Jesus is laying aside the commandment of God quoting directly from the Ten Commandments that we are to keep and fear Him that we not sin or break God’s laws. Jesus in His own words said this makes the word of God void, and our heart far from Him and our worship to Him in vain. This is serious, the word of God void- all of God’s promises voided out, our worship in vain.

Mat 15:3 He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?4 For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 5 But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,”[a] 6 he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word[b] of God.
7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:
8 “‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
9 in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

Which is exactly what Isaiah prophesied about. Instead of obeying God’s commandments- man has changed something God said is unchangeable if we fear Him.

Ecc 3:14 I know that whatever God does,
It shall be forever.
Nothing can be added to it,
And nothing taken from it.
God does it, that men should fear before Him.

So the everlasting gospel is fear God, keep His commandments, give Glory to Him, not man and worship Him who made Rev14:7 which is a call back to worshipping our Creator the way He said Exo20:11 Exo20:8-11 that sadly man has changed God’s times and laws Dan7:25 and most follow traditions over God’s commandments.

Why the saints at the end of time in this very passage respond to God’s call made to everyone Isa56:6 serve Him, give glory to Him, worship Him who made and keep His commandments

Rev 14:12 Here is the [a]patience of the saints; here[b] are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Our salvation is from sin Mat1:21 and those who are in Christ are in harmony with the will of God Psa 40:8 Exo20:6 Jer 31:33 Heb8:10 Mat7:21-23

joechristianwarrior said:

I totally get where you are coming from with regard to love, and the simple acts that we can do to show practical love for others. Like you've mentioned, we don't need any sort of title to show such basic love to others.

That said, when Jesus told His followers to "go into all the world to preach the Gospel" (Matthew 28:19-20), He did seem to have something quite specific in mind... something which I think simple love for neighbor doesn't fully encompass. That's what the concept of "teaching them to observe all I've commanded" seems to blend from simply loving our neighbor as ourself. Or how do you understand what the Gospel is that Jesus commanded His followers to preach?

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Once we are believers we will naturally conform to these two commandments. The Gospel leads us into this Agape love for Jesus Christ of Nazareth. When we receive His Holy Spirit we then spread that love to others. This is the Gospel.

‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40)

Maybe for many Christians it is simply an intellectual assent without hearts on fire.

Maria Billingsley said:

Once we are believers we will naturally conform to these two commandments. The Gospel leads us into this Agape love for Jesus Christ of Nazareth. When we receive His Holy Spirit we then spread that love to others. This is the Gospel.

‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40)

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What is Jesus quoting that the entire Bible hangs on? What is love to God according to God? How does anyone love God with all their heart, mind and soul, if they don’t do what God said is love to Him and man? I do not believe this is just a feeling, that we all can love Him based on how we feel, but its a deep commitment to God obeying Him because He first loved us and we want to submit to His will doing what He asks and tells us what is love to Him- He even wrote it out for us Exo20:6 Exo31:18 John14:15 1John5:2-3 Rom13:9. Sadly, many have tried to seperate love to God with how God tells us to love Him.

joechristianwarrior said:

Jesus commanded His followers to preach the Gospel to all nations, yet many Christians rarely talk about their faith with others. Fear of rejection, lack of confidence, concern about offending people, and uncertainty about what to say are often cited as reasons.


I recently made a short video examining this issue and looking at what Jesus taught about sharing the Gospel. I'm curious to hear your thoughts as well:


What do you think is the biggest obstacle preventing Christians from evangelizing today?

I'd love to hear your perspective and discuss it respectfully.

Click to expand...

Most Christians like myself, are turned off by the 'salesmanship' type of evangelism on offer today.

Another problem is that most methods of evangelism are suited for extroverts. We introverts can't cope with this type of method.

I think you touched on one of the possible reasons. Which is that some are afraid to stand up for the gospel. In an age where the gospel and God are seen as trouble making and even hatred there is a lot of pressure to conform with the world. Not rock the boat and cause trouble. Sharing the gospel has been turned into trouble making.

The other reasons which is related is that as a result people have lost the zeal for God. The faith to stand with Christ and be willing to suffer and be persecuted for your faith. Even threatening their livlihood and reputations as they are made out to be hateful and ostrasized.

I think part of this is that many churches have become worldly. They see that conforming to the worlds ideas of peace and love is what God intended. They turn Christ into a social justice warrior. they want to build a world kingdom and not Gods kingdom.

But in reality and especially in a world so far removed from God today Christ church should be seperated and be different to the world. Even if the world claims its all bad. Because if Christ is the truth then people will see that truth despite the world trying to usurp Gods truth.

In fact they will be even more impressed and affected if they see people suffering and dying for Christ as this is what actually grew the church in the beginning.

The key is testimony and not culture wars on what is the truth of God. The fighting over what is the true church or what is the best way for people to live is political. But testimony of the gospel is the experience of Christ working in peoples lives. There is no arguement against this. There is no way to refute this. Its a case of hearing the testimonies and choosing to believe or not.

But testimony is powerful and gets to the crux of the gospel. This is what Paul did over and over again. declaring his testimony of Christ in his life. Declaring this is the truth and that he was not lying. Being assaulted for that truth by sticking to it all the way to his execution.

There was an early Christian women named Blandina who was a lowly servant women. She led the way for other Christians being executed in the arena. She proclaimed Christ as she was being hacked and devoured. The macho Roman officers asked who is this Christ that these Christians are dying for. Their courage is greater than the toughest Roman guard and they turned to God.

joechristianwarrior said:

Jesus commanded His followers to preach the Gospel to all nations, yet many Christians rarely talk about their faith with others. Fear of rejection, lack of confidence, concern about offending people, and uncertainty about what to say are often cited as reasons.


I recently made a short video examining this issue and looking at what Jesus taught about sharing the Gospel. I'm curious to hear your thoughts as well:


What do you think is the biggest obstacle preventing Christians from evangelizing today?

I'd love to hear your perspective and discuss it respectfully.

Click to expand...

Because most people have no idea what to tell unbelievers and a very large part of people who identify as christian, believe in a works based gospel. So they do not believe that a person can receive God's free gift of Eternal Life (salvation) by simply believing in Jesus for Eternal Life salvation.

stevevw said:

I think you touched on one of the possible reasons. Which is that some are afraid to stand up for the gospel. In an age where the gospel and God are seen as trouble making and even hatred there is a lot of pressure to conform with the world. Not rock the boat and cause trouble. Sharing the gospel has been turned into trouble making.

The other reasons which is related is that as a result people have lost the zeal for God. The faith to stand with Christ and be willing to suffer and be persecuted for your faith. Even threatening their livlihood and reputations as they are made out to be hateful and ostrasized.

I think part of this is that many churches have become worldly. They see that conforming to the worlds ideas of peace and love is what God intended. They turn Christ into a social justice warrior. they want to build a world kingdom and not Gods kingdom.

But in reality and especially in a world so far removed from God today Christ church should be seperated and be different to the world. Even if the world claims its all bad. Because if Christ is the truth then people will see that truth despite the world trying to usurp Gods truth.

In fact they will be even more impressed and affected if they see people suffering and dying for Christ as this is what actually grew the church in the beginning.

The key is testimony and not culture wars on what is the truth of God. The fighting over what is the true church or what is the best way for people to live is political. But testimony of the gospel is the experience of Christ working in peoples lives. There is no arguement against this. There is no way to refute this. Its a case of hearing the testimonies and choosing to believe or not.

But testimony is powerful and gets to the crux of the gospel. This is what Paul did over and over again. declaring his testimony of Christ in his life. Declaring this is the truth and that he was not lying. Being assaulted for that truth by sticking to it all the way to his execution.

There was an early Christian women named Blandina who was a lowly servant women. She led the way for other Christians being executed in the arena. She proclaimed Christ as she was being hacked and devoured. The macho Roman officers asked who is this Christ that these Christians are dying for. Their courage is greater than the toughest Roman guard and they turned to God.

Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church

Today the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Blandina, Martyr. St. Blandina lived as a slave at Lyons, Gaul, in the 2nd century after Christ. She was one of the illustrious company of those...

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I don't think it is that some are 'afraid to stand up for the Gospel', but it is an aversion to the methods that are being put forward eg. Ray Comfort's method. The idea of 'selling' Jesus as one would sell soap does not go down well with much of today's Church.

Someone once asked Gipsey Smith, the Methodist evangelist, what was the secret to his fruitful ministry. He answered, 'I never lost the wonder'.
Many have not had any real 'wonder' in coming to Christ because of cheap grace and dubious methods in getting people saved eg. Sinner's Prayer.
Suffering is not a popular topic in today's Church. We are being told that we will be 'raptured' before the Great Tribulation, that God's will is material prosperity. There is a complete absence of a theology of suffering in most Churches.

Most of the Church in the world at present is experiencing suffering and tribulation. The Western Church is next, and it will purify the worldly Church and make it a chaste bride ready for Christ's second coming.

d taylor said:

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Because most people have no idea what to tell unbelievers and a very large part of people who identify as christian, believe in a works based gospel. So they do not believe that a person can receive God's free gift of Eternal Life (salvation) by simply believing in Jesus for Eternal Life salvation.

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d Taylor, the 'Free Grace Gospel' is not the answer, it has been a big part of the problem in the Church today with its 'easy believeism'.
There is nothing 'simple' in believing in Jesus. While salvation is a free gift it also 'costs' you all that you have to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.
Saving faith including faithfulness to the Lord on a moment-by-moment basis. Saving faith is not just an act of the moment but an attitude of a lifetime.

joechristianwarrior said:

Jesus commanded His followers to preach the Gospel to all nations, yet many Christians rarely talk about their faith with others. Fear of rejection, lack of confidence, concern about offending people, and uncertainty about what to say are often cited as reasons.


I recently made a short video examining this issue and looking at what Jesus taught about sharing the Gospel. I'm curious to hear your thoughts as well:


What do you think is the biggest obstacle preventing Christians from evangelizing today?

I'd love to hear your perspective and discuss it respectfully.

Click to expand...

I believe one reason is that too many Christians seem to regard spreading the gospel as the task of people like pastors, evangelists and missionaries.

Being able to preach the gospel effectively to crowds is a gift and a skill. Many probably are not gifted and equipped to do so correctly. However many who aren't out in the streets or up on a platform, probably share the gospel in other ways.

I went into evangelism without any training, but went as an "apprentice" if you will, with the men leading and myself listening in and following

I agree it takes training, and also to know what ones gifts are that God gave to each called soul.

Some of my gifts are mercy and hospitality, and I present with mom like caring, accompanying the guys, often with food and drink, and clothing and often, hugs and prayers

Not a theologian nor great Bible teacher, but most definitely am getting better with time, in the company of others with these gifts

We work together well

In the book of Acts, they met all together, and I'm sure talked and prayed and helped one another

Not every one was going to be a St Paul, but each had special gifts to bring

Calling upon the Holy Spirit is essential

joechristianwarrior said:

Jesus commanded His followers to preach the Gospel to all nations, yet many Christians rarely talk about their faith with others. Fear of rejection, lack of confidence, concern about offending people, and uncertainty about what to say are often cited as reasons.


I recently made a short video examining this issue and looking at what Jesus taught about sharing the Gospel. I'm curious to hear your thoughts as well:


What do you think is the biggest obstacle preventing Christians from evangelizing today?

I'd love to hear your perspective and discuss it respectfully.

Click to expand...

It seems prudent to point out that Jesus' instruction to preach the Gospel to all Nations was to His 11 disciples, and Paul was added later. And the Gospel of Christ they promoted, was written down and is available to all men, and in this country, the USA, the great majority has the Oracles of God, and the Testimony of Christ in their own homes.

So when we study, Seeking the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, we are hearing the Gospel of Christ as taught by the Holy Scriptures, to whom it was written.

But Jesus and Paul warned about men, "who Call Jesus Lord, Lord", who "Come in Christ's Name", who "Transform themselves into apostles of Christ". We are warned about religions, "Who profess to know God". We are warned about "perilous times" when deceivers who "Have a form of godliness", who creep into houses and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Given these and many more warnings given to us, for our admonition, "upon whom the ends of the world have come", and given that the great and wise man Solomon, who was most certainly greater than me, was led away from God by adopting the philosophies of this world's religions, of which there are many, all promoting different doctrines and traditions, that existed in his time, I do not watch internet videos or sermons. Paul said himself that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, "for instruction in righteousness": That "the man of God" may be perfect, (As Christ Instructed) throughly furnished "unto all good works".

And as it is written: "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

And we are instructed by Paul to "Study the Holy Scriptures. And Jesus said to "Live by" Every word that Proceeds from the mouth of God given to us therein.

So it is true that the creation of differing "Religions or religious sects" is a very popular tradition in this world God placed us in, dating back to at least shortly after the Tower of Babel. And the building of man-made shrines of worship, made of wood and stone. by these different religious sects and competing against each other for contributing members to fill the seats of these shrines, without which their religious sect could not survive, is a worldly accepted tradition, no doubt. And I was born into a family that engaged in these same traditions, just as I'm sure Abraham and Paul were. Religion's who created a images of God, who created their own high days in worship of their image, etc. While rejecting the Statutes and Judgments of God so they might keep their religious traditions.

I know that this perspective is not a popular one, but it is pretty clear that neither John the Baptist, nor Jesus, nor Paul ever adopted or promoted such religious traditions. And Certainly the Christ, the Holy One of Israel, taught against such behavior, before becoming a mortal man in the person of Jesus.

I mean no offence, just as I'm sure Jesus meant no offence when HE exposed the commandments and traditions of men the mainstream religion of His Time taught for doctrines. But they were still offended. And I am a nobody, to be sure. Nevertheless, I have studied apart from the influence's of this world's religious high days and philosophies for 30 years now, and it is clear to me that Jesus walked a narrow path that didn't include traditions of men promoted by the religions of the world God placed Him in. And HE instructed me to strive for the same path that HE walked, a path that few enter. And He spoke about these things in Matt. 6.

I just want to share the perspective of someone who has "Come out of" this world's religious system, in case there might be others here who have been pricked in the heart, by some of the "works" promoted by popular religions. For me, to share the Gospel is to Share "Every Word that Proceeds from the mouth of God" is His Inspired Word that HE had written "for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works".

And I wish, like the title of this thread, that more men would share this Gospel that Israel was given, but didn't mix it with belief (Faith)

SabbathBlessings said:

What is Jesus quoting that the entire Bible hangs on? What is love to God according to God? How does anyone love God with all their heart, mind and soul, if they don’t do what God said is love to Him and man? I do not believe this is just a feeling, that we all can love Him based on how we feel, but its a deep commitment to God obeying Him because He first loved us and we want to submit to His will doing what He asks and tells us what is love to Him- He even wrote it out for us Exo20:6 Exo31:18 John14:15 1John5:2-3 Rom13:9. Sadly, many have tried to seperate love to God with how God tells us to love Him.

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It sounds like you are hanging the Law as the one and only proof of Agape love . This is counterintuitive as He came to fulfill the law in order for the believer to enter the Kingdom of God. Kingdom of God is a gift received through faith in Christ's finished work, not through legal adherence of the Law.
Thanks for sharing.
Be blessed.