. You will also post two replies with a minimum of 150-200 words per reply by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of the assigned module: week.
You are required to add and cite content from two sources (scripture, course materials, and or research) in each thread and each reply. A word count is required after each thread and reply. For each thread, you must completely answer the assigned prompt and offer the needed personal reflections required. For each reply, you must also completely address the areas noted in the prompt and provide helpful commentary and reflections on your classmates’ posts.
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Ella Beauclair-Smith
May 21, 2024 at 9:16 PM
Gospel Message Perceptions
1.) The various beliefs regarding the gospel message in our culture range from a level of certain of a specific belief to not believing there is a gospel at all. Factors such as the person’s relationship with God and how they were raised vary the results of their beliefs. Some believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation, while others believe that doing works of good will get them in to Heaven. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” – (Acts 4:12). Due to the many different beliefs about the gospel, it is very important that Christians seek the truth for themselves. After all, God doesn’t want us to blindly follow what one person says; He wants us to use the discernment that He gave us to draw our own conclusions.
2.) A few examples of specific emotional reasons non-Christians do not accept Christ as their Savior are confusion, anger towards God because of a past experience, or believing that they don’t need Him (pride). Non-Christians may not accept Christ because of anger with God over something they experienced in their past. This will cause pain for some, and frustration every time someone brings up even the subject of Christianity. Another reason may confusion, which usually stems from not having a good foundation of understanding who God is. To prevent confusion, people often try to stick with what they know or what they are comfortable believing. A third reason for not accepting Christ is pride, for example, when a person knows who Jesus is, but believes that they don’t need Him. Sin plays a big role in this. “Salvation is all about God and His grace. Salvation is “the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” – (Ephesians 2:9).
3.) Moral reasons non-Christians do not accept Christ as their Savior is because they have no faith in God due to lack of research, strong ties to a different religious belief, or no belief in any religion at all. Some non-Christians may continue to believe in their current religion due to comfort, social status, or cultural laws. It can be difficult for some to hear a different perspective from what they already believe, let alone to change their lifestyle and beliefs! Also, Christians are often persecuted instead of praised; so if someone is seeking to be popular, they may not want to identify as a Christian because of a title. In countries like Afghanistan, Christians are persecuted, so not many people in targeted areas convert to Christianity because they know the difficulties they face if they do. “God does not force anyone to accept His Son, Jesus Christ. It is a free choice, a gift that He offers to everyone.” – (Weider, pg. 2). Another reason they may not accept Christ as their Savior is that want proof that He exists. They need evidence before they will change their belief. They also my not accept Jesus as their Savior because they may not have any belief (atheists), for which they may not care to commit to a religion of any kind.
4.) Non-Christians do not accept Christ as Savior because of intellectual reasons such as not believing Jesus exists and the belief that they just have to good to reach a ‘heaven’ after this life. In most cases, non-Christians will not accept Christ as their Savior because they don’t believe He exists, or that He is the way to salvation. “Biblical faith is not a “blind leap”. It is based upon the Bible, reason, and evidence.” – (Weider, pg. 3). In this case, it is important that the person does their own research to figure out why they believe what they believe. God gives us evidence via the Bible (His word), proof through historical artifacts, and personal experiences (i.e. testimonies). Other non-Christians do not understand why we need Jesus because they believe that they can reach Heaven by doing acts of good works. “Salvation cannot be earned through good works. So what is the real solution? The solution comes from God Himself.” – (Weider, pg. 2). What they don’t realize is that God doesn’t expect them to be perfect; He only needs that individual to accept Jesus as their Savior for them to be forgiven.
5.) Christians can share apologetic methods like building trust and finding common ground to address these reasons and better communicate the gospel message. Christians can start by educating themselves so that they are able to present facts to others. It is key to always remain respectful and empathetic when talking about the gospel. This way, Christians can stay true to the way God meant for the gospel to be spread: through love. Personally, I am especially curious to continue researching and strengthening my belief in the gospel of Christ!
References:
Acts 4:12, ESV Bible
Ephesians 2:9, ESV Bible
“The Gospel Message”, Weider, pg. 2
“The Gospel Message”, Weider, pg. 3
“The Gospel Message”, Weider, pg. 2
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