Should I share the gospel in the classmate groups?

[ardmore]

Hi, my original is China. Usually we Chinese use a software "WeChat" to communicate each other.

I joined a few classmates(high school and college) groups. The thing is my classmates never hear Jesus.

So sometimes I posted the threads about gospel etc. But a classmate hated it and felt offend also wanted me to stop to post it as it affected the relationship among the classmates. I heard that on the social media you should never post your religious beliefs. And I know many Christians never post it as well.

I am not sure. Advice needed.

 

[JGG]

Are you still in China? If not where are you now?

Depending what kind of forum it is, threads about religion may not be appropriate. A post directed at all of your friends at once may not be particularly effective, and some people may take it the wrong way. Instead maybe start by just directing those posts to people that might need it, who would be open to it, or that you particularly trust not to over react to it.

 

[ardmore]

I am in US but my classmates are in China.
The software "WeChat" has a feature "Moments", where you can write your own idea
or thinking. It is not in the public discussion area. But it is open to public.
If somebody wants look it, he(she) must click it. Otherwise if you don't click it, you won't know the details.

The question is I am confused is that the Bible tells us "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!"
Why so many Christians are afraid of talking Gospel in the social medial.
Does it violate the teaching of the Bible?

I want to withdraw it but I do have concerns.

 

[seashale76]

Well, there is nothing wrong with mentioning your faith in your profile or even putting a link there if you'd like, in my opinion. Then, whether people decide to 'go there' is their own choice. I wouldn't push it past that on social media. I've found that if people are truly interested they will contact you without you having to constantly post about your faith.

 

[Strathos]

Doesn't the Chinese government arrest people who try to preach Christianity?

 

[FutureAndAHope]

Hi,

I think you are wise to share the gospel. The bible does ask us all to share with our friends, and people we know. Don't worry about those who get offended. Jesus never let the Pharisees stop him, when they wanted him to stop. The disciples also were told to stop but they kept going.

You can be wise about the way you do it, build friendships then speak to them. Don't be too rushed. BUt however you choose to do it know God is with you, and pleased.

 

[FutureAndAHope]

Doesn't the Chinese government arrest people who try to preach Christianity?

My wife is Chinese, she comes from China. China is generally accepting of the gospel now days. There is still a small tread of disapproval, but it is often over stated.

 

[quatona]

Hi, my original is China. Usually we Chinese use a software "WeChat" to communicate each other.

I joined a few classmates(high school and college) groups. The thing is my classmates never hear Jesus.

So sometimes I posted the threads about gospel etc. But a classmate hated it and felt offend also wanted me to stop to post it as it affected the relationship among the classmates. I heard that on the social media you should never post your religious beliefs. And I know many Christians never post it as well.

I am not sure. Advice needed.

What are you hoping to accomplish by posting these things? Has it, so far, been in any way successful in regards to this goal?

 

[Paulos23]

Well, there is nothing wrong with mentioning your faith in your profile or even putting a link there if you'd like, in my opinion. Then, whether people decide to 'go there' is their own choice. I wouldn't push it past that on social media. I've found that if people are truly interested they will contact you without you having to constantly post about your faith.

I have to agree with this. Nothing pushes me away faster than a Christian that thinks I have not heard about the Bible, I know all about it thank you having read it twice, thank you. If I want to know more I would be asking, but I am not asking and people keep insisting I haven't read the Bible properly are not helping their case. In person or on social media.

 

[seekingsolace]

I have to agree with this. Nothing pushes me away faster than a Christian that thinks I have not heard about the Bible, I know all about it thank you having read it twice, thank you. If I want to know more I would be asking, but I am not asking and people keep insisting I haven't read the Bible properly are not helping their case. In person or on social media.

Its kind of like saying you've read a book on algebra, yet made no sense of it and provided no answers.

 

[Paulos23]

Its kind of like saying you've read a book on algebra, yet made no sense of it and provided no answers.

Edit: over the line. Touched a nerve there. But I think I understand the Bible well enough. When I was reading it I was a believer.

 

[seashale76]

Its kind of like saying you've read a book on algebra, yet made no sense of it and provided no answers.

No, it's like saying someone just doesn't believe and the more you talk about it, it isn't going to suddenly click with them. It's condescending to hammer people with your faith and scripture spam all the time. Disagreeing with someone's conclusions and interpretations doesn't necessarily mean they're stupid, or they don't get it, or didn't read anything, or have never heard of Christian beliefs.

 

[seekingsolace]

No, it's like saying someone just doesn't believe and the more you talk about it, it isn't going to suddenly click with them. It's condescending to hammer people with your faith and scripture spam all the time. Disagreeing with someone's conclusions and interpretations doesn't necessarily mean they're stupid, or they don't get it, or didn't read anything, or have never heard of Christian beliefs.

I would hope none of those things you listed are inferred. I don't think a person is stupid, ignorant, didn't read or has never heard of Christian beliefs for reading the Bible and not being converted. In fact I feel it takes considerable time, a long journey - or a flash of an experience to make a believer. I agree that driving scripture - verse for verse to someone is not helpful and furthers the bridge.

What does frustrate me though is the repeated claim I see on here of: reading the Bible a handful of times, and immediately being qualified to make assertions on a faith that is no longer held. I mean no offence to the person, but those claims do a disservice (I feel).

Edit: over the line. Touched a nerve there. But I think I understand the Bible well enough. When I was reading it I was a believer.

I apologise if I offended you. Its just that I understand somewhat (in my opinion) the position you are speaking from. I've been there. I don't think that it's unhelpful for a believer to give advice or a scriptural stance on the Bible. But like you said, I don't agree with forcing another or belittling them in that sense. You have to understand that: I am of the opinion a true believer will remain so. That's not an attack on you, or a way to discredit your faith. Hopefully you understand a little more the intent of my message.

 

[seashale76]

What does frustrate me though is the repeated claim I see on here of: reading the Bible a handful of times, and immediately being qualified to make assertions on a faith that is no longer held. I mean no offence to the person, but those claims do a disservice (I feel).

No, I do get what you're saying too. I hope I didn't offend you either. I obviously think how the scriptures are interpreted matters, because that goes hand in hand with orthodoxy and orthopraxy. I also believe that there are many out there that don't interpret the scriptures correctly- and it is frustrating. However, you just can't push some things on others, even if you want to set them straight. It is that individual person that has to take the initiative for himself/herself.

ETA- The way I see it- those individuals are at a different part of their journey.

 

[seekingsolace]

No, I do get what you're saying too. I hope I didn't offend you either. I obviously think how the scriptures are interpreted matters, because that goes hand in hand with orthodoxy and orthopraxy. I also believe that there are many out there that don't interpret the scriptures correctly- and it is frustrating. However, you just can't push some things on others, even if you want to set them straight. It is that individual person that has to take the initiative for himself/herself.

ETA- The way I see it- those individuals are at a different part of their journey.

Oh, no offence taken - I didn't see any insult!

I wholeheartedly agree. I came to learn debating scriptures is pretty unfruitful. Neither party is likely to concede and all that results is friction and further division. Some Christians get lost in misplaced zeal, unaware - a crying shame.

Honestly, I think God has to open your mind to understanding to come to him. I know personal experiences mean little to others, and some concepts just can't be described adequately with words. My wish and prayers are always for clarity to come to those who seek. Our instincts are to be suspicious of strangers who care, another facet of a saddening world. Anyway, I'm preaching to the choir!

 

[Paulos23]

I apologise if I offended you. Its just that I understand somewhat (in my opinion) the position you are speaking from. I've been there. I don't think that it's unhelpful for a believer to give advice or a scriptural stance on the Bible. But like you said, I don't agree with forcing another or belittling them in that sense. You have to understand that: I am of the opinion a true believer will remain so. That's not an attack on you, or a way to discredit your faith. Hopefully you understand a little more the intent of my message.

It is a touchy subject, and when people tell me I don't understand the Bible I wonder if we are even reading the same book. That said, there are many people that have read the Bible in full and have question their faith and have de-converted. If you have to have it explained in a different light, well that is apologetics and really it should just stand on its own.

 

[seekingsolace]

Hi, my original is China. Usually we Chinese use a software "WeChat" to communicate each other.
So sometimes I posted the threads about gospel etc. But a classmate hated it and felt offend also wanted me to stop to post it as it affected the relationship among the classmates. I heard that on the social media you should never post your religious beliefs. And I know many Christians never post it as well.

Difficult to make suggestions without understanding the cultural influence over there. I do feel that the message needs to get across in China, as you know this isn't easy.

The question is I am confused is that the Bible tells us "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!"
Why so many Christians are afraid of talking Gospel in the social medial.
Does it violate the teaching of the Bible?

Spreading the Gospel certainly does not violate the teachings of the Bible, you are urged to do just that. If your friends are feeling uncomfortable; given they know your beliefs, in time hopefully they will ask you to know more. For now use your judgments, you know them best.

 

[Steven Wood]

Hi, my original is China. Usually we Chinese use a software "WeChat" to communicate each other.

I joined a few classmates(high school and college) groups. The thing is my classmates never hear Jesus.

So sometimes I posted the threads about gospel etc. But a classmate hated it and felt offend also wanted me to stop to post it as it affected the relationship among the classmates. I heard that on the social media you should never post your religious beliefs. And I know many Christians never post it as well.

I am not sure. Advice needed.

I'm going to say this to you and it's not going to make you popular. Matthew 28:19-20 is the great commision, saying to go out and teach all nations what Jesus taught, baptizing them, teaching them to observe what he commanded. A lot of people are going to feel condemned and insulted.They aren't going to want to hear it because no one can stand to feel bad for doing bad. But I'm going to ask you this. First off, not only what does Jesus expect us to do but if the tribulation were to happen tomorrow. If you were to be in account for all you have done, what could you say? Can you stand proud or did you quietly sitdown because someone yelled at you. Now secondly, what about the people that you may be helping. Is it worth remaining quiet if it means that those people don't get help? Jesus said the world will hate you but don't worry, he has overcome the world. I say to the Christians that don't post their beliefs that they are no better than Peter that denied Jesus 3 times while he was being crucified. If social media says you shouldn't post your beliefs than I have no use for social media. I'm very proud and very vocal when it comes to being Christain. I will not be quiet for anyone. I pray that my being outspoken may help those that may be struggling and searching for answers. And dear friend I do warn you this. In the end time you will be given the same choice. Either speak up for Christ or remain quiet. If you remain quiet it will be the worst mistake you'll ever make. Please be proud.