Just recently, the news reported that a Christian group that is led by students has been suspended following investigations over posters that were deemed “insensitive and disrespectful.”  A cabinet minister rightly reminds us that we must be sensitive and vigilant on matters of race and religion.  Christians must be very careful not to say things that make fun of or that which insults another religion.  That being said, however, Christians should also not swing to the other extreme and not preach the gospel or truths clearly taught in God’s Word, the Bible.  Our country allows us to practice our Christian faith.  Thus, when we preach the gospel to a non-Christian, we have a responsibility to the country to keep peace and harmony.  At the same time, we have an even greater responsibility to obey God in preaching the gospel and declaring God’s truths.  The Bible in 1 Peter 3:15-16 instructs us:

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Some important truths that Christians must emphasize include the following.  First, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23).  Every person has his or her strengths.  In God’s sight, however, God is angry with mankind because we have sinned against Him in thought, word and deed.  Sin has broken our relationship with the Holy God.  Thus, we must humble ourselves before God by acknowledging our sins and repenting of them if we hope to receive His salvation.  It can be offensive to tell people they are sinners before God but Christians have a responsibility to do so.

Second, Jesus clearly declares: “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6); “salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).  The Bible declares that only Jesus can save a person that he may receive eternal life and be spared from punishment in eternal hell.  Again this can be offensive but we have a responsibility to speak the truth.  But let us be sensitive and speak the truth with gentleness and love.

Third, “God so love the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” (John 3:16-17).  We are bearers of good news for the whole world.  For that reason, Christians should not be afraid to share the gospel because we bring hope, even eternal life to the world that is perishing because of sin.  Whoever receives Jesus as Saviour and Lord, God gives to that person eternal life, heaven and an abundant life that he can enjoy even as he lives his life in this broken world.  That is the best news that the world including your loved ones need.  As the gospel rally approaches, please pray and bring someone to this rally. Give him or her Jesus and you would have given that person the best gift.