I have sometimes been taken aback by the militancy of many who don't believe. Whether atheism, agnosticism, paganism, or a variety of other "isms", there is often a strident militant opposition to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is nothing new, and is something that John Bunyan dealt with as well.
But, faithless sinner, let us a little explore the matter. What has this man done against you, that is coming to Jesus Christ? Why do thou make him the object of your scorn? Does his coming to Jesus Christ offend you? Does his pursuing of his own salvation offend you? Does his forsaking of his sins and pleasures offend you? (pg. 139)
Last I checked, nobody was forcing people to convert to Christianity at the point of a gun. It could even be argued that those historical attempts at forced conversion were not representative of Christ and His church, but instead a perversion of Biblical Christianity. Even so, can anyone point to a single contemporary example of force being used in connection with Christian evangelism?
Yet, the presentation of the Gospel message of salvation in Christ Jesus is often met with ridicule, scorn, opposition, and , in many places, persecution. Even in "tolerant" cultures it is considered acceptable to be intolerant of the biblical message.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God i in that name. - 1 Peter 4:12-16, ESV
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