How to Share the Gospel Through Connection

    

The doctrine of original sin is a Christian problem, at least from the perspective of modern society, but a biblical worldview sees it as a human condition across all people groups throughout the generations. Sin itself is defined, not as an action, but “a condition in which humans find themselves estranged from God and therefore also from each other and from the rest of creation.” My question therefore is, “as followers of Jesus, how do we hold on to our convictions and cherished beliefs while…spreading the message of hope we have, the Good News, without dishonoring, belittling, or insulting people in the process?” In a society that may or may not see the problem of original sin and its implications on how and why people interact, live, create policy, and so on, Christians have a responsibility to bring the Good News, to a world that is not aware it needs it. People are looking for solutions to a problem they have yet to define according to the reality of the Bible. Society has different approaches to bridging this gap between humans and God and between each, not to mention the major battle between good and evil. Regardless of the way people get there, the common thread is that everyone seeks to answer some basic life questions about human nature, the purpose of man, how to function in society, how to connect with God (if there is one), just to name a few. These are each connection points a follower of Jesus must view from the perspective of someone on the other side of the table. By understanding their belief of original sin and therefore their need for Jesus is fundamentally different than your own, offering them the hope of the Good News will not likely look like standing on the street corner yelling, “sinners are going to Hell”, but rather offering them a hand in an area of need. Just as all people have the human condition of original sin, whether they realize it or not, they also have fundamental human needs, needs that create entry points for sharing the Good News. This blog will seek to offer solutions to how Christians can share the hope of Jesus by meeting the fundamental need of CONNECTION (love) without compromising biblical truth in the process. I will explore the different ways people from a variety of worldviews attempt to meet this need. Additionally, I will research how other sectors of society and religion provide a solution, but finally I will offer ways Evangelical Christians can connect with and show love to a society in great need of it. My gifting, according to Strength Finder, is being a connector of people, describing those with the strength as, “sensitive to the invisible hand, you can give others comfort that there is a purpose beyond our humdrum lives.” Coupled with my other strengths of positivity and empathy, which are rooted and established only in the grace and mercy of Jesus, this “wicked” problem is well suited for me to tackle. Until Jesus returns and settles the matter once and for all, of our desperate need for him, this problem will continue, but as Christians we have an obligation to creatively and compassionately infuse hope into a broken and fallen humanity.

 Bibliography 

Acha, Dr Kenneth, MD, and DMin. “The 7 Fundamental Human Needs | Servants University | Training Servants for Christ,” July 17, 2015. https://www.servantsuniversity.com/the-7-fundamental-human-needs/. Gonzalez, Justo, L. Essential Theological Terms. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005. Saccone, Steve, and Cheri Saccone. Talking About God. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2018. “Social Implications of the Doctrine of Original Sin.” Accessed November 4, 2024. https://www.faith-theology.com/2014/05/social-implications-of-doctrine-of.html. Tom Rath. Strengths Finder 2.0. New York, NY: Gallup Press, 2007.