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By Randy Alcorn

"This book has been recommended to me by more people than any other book. An incredible story." - Steve H.

"Is this the day I die?" wonders Li Quan as he endures persecution for his faith. Half a world away his college buddy, businessman Ben Fielding, steps on the plane to China. Reunited after 20 years, both men face decisions that will determine their destinies---and the fates of their nations and the world. 400 pages, softcover from Tyndale.

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Home > Afraid of Christianity > Christians are like telemarketers

Christians are like telemarketers, always trying to "sell" you something you are not interested in.

God has commanded all Christians to spread the good news about Jesus and salvation.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you..." - (NASB) Matthew 28:19-20

Christians are not to keep the good news a secret. If we participate in a softball game and hit a home run, chances are that the next day at work we'd tell our co-workes about that home run. Isn't eternal life more important than a home run? God wants everyone to hear the good news about Jesus Christ. God wants everyone to havew eternal life in heaven.

"The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." - (NASB) 2 Peter 3:9

Does this mean Christians should push Christianity onto others? No!

God has also taught us how we are to spread His word -- not in a way, like telemarketers, that irritates and upsets people, but in a way that glorifies God. The Bible tells how we are to behave:

"Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation." (NASB) - 1 Peter 2:12

"sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." (NASB) - 1 Peter 3:15

"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe." (NASB) - 1 Timothy 4:12

"...whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all." (NASB) - Mark 10:43-44

The objective of telling someone about Christ is that they will recognize they are sinners (we all are sinners), that Jesus is God; that He died so our sins could be forgiven; and that on the third day He rose from the dead--showing us the way to eternal life.

Can we force someone to believe this? No

If we repeat it a lot, can we get people to believe this? No

Can we talk someone into becoming a Christian? No

Can we make someone a Christian by baptising them? No!

Can someone be "sold" on becoming a Christian against their will? Christianity is different from all other religions. There is NOTHING we or you can do or say that will make you a Christian. In Islam all you need to do is say, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messanger of God." in front of Muslim witnesses. That makes you a Muslim. However, what makes someone a Christian is what is in their heart--to be a Christian you must believe in Jesus Christ. People can be forced to say words, but they can not be forced to have a belief.

Christians are called to spread the Gospel. How are we supposed to do that? Not by harassing our friends and neighbors and pushing the Bible at them. We are called to witness to them through our Christian lifestyle; and to be prepared to teach, witness to and defend the Bible.

"Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God, when he comes to judge the world." - (NLT) 1 Peter 2:12

Christians are not called to push Christianity onto other people. That does not work--but instead drives people away. We are called to be gentle, loving and to live the Christian lifestyle. We are to look for open doors and to take advantage of the openings God gives us.