Is it wrong to use fear tactics?

Q: I’ve seen Christians use fear tactics irl and online. I think it is wrong but want your thoughts.

There are things in the Bible that are scary & need to be taken seriously, but I’ve known more people that ran from God because of how Christian’s communicate these things than leading them to God, (I’ve actually seen this tactic work on 0 people).

Many people who I was around (when I left Christianity) had tons of problems at church and it was ALWAYS either because of fear tactics or bad behavior.

It really upset me that saw people try to bring this up, to find some people are so stubborn and closed minded that they can’t see how they [in this] could potentially be harming someone.

God isn’t fear. He is love. He is light. As Christians we are called to meet people where they’re at. Doesn't this mean you DO NOT tell someone they’re going to hell bc they don’t have faith? If someone doesn’t have faith you should show them Gods love. Be their light. Show them how their soul is hungry for God. Right?

Jesus never cohersed people into believing in him. And that’s what fear is. It’s like theyre saying “hey believe in God or else” but that’s NOT the message we are called to give, right?

I left the church out of fear. I stopped believing in God for years bc I was like “if God will have me suffer for eternity bc I’m not good enough and faithful enough then how can he possibly love me?” Again - you can argue that “oh you’re the one who chooses that not God” but not everyone is at a level of faith to understand that!

We are suppose to meet people where they’re at. These conversations about Hell and Revelation [end times] could be things even preachers struggle talking about to devoted Christian’s. WHYYYY do you think you can talk about these things to someone who doesn’t even know God?

These people can have good intentions but still hurt someone at the same time. Isnt it important to be open minded and listen and realize that humans are complex beings(?) and the BEST WAY to bring people to Christ is acting how Jesus did. He NEVER randomly told someone “you don’t believe me? You’re going to hell”. He was patient. He was kind. He was loving.



A: There's Fear that's your friend, and fear that's your enemy. Theyre not the same, tho many think all fear is bad.

Jesus actually was very offensive to the Jewish leaders when he spoke truth. He even called them children if Satan who make people twice the sins of Hell thry thrmselves are, and told them theyre not pious with outward doings, nor know nor keep the Law, and are white washed tombs. It is possible you never noticed that in Scripture, and assummed he was being nice to everyone. He spoke with authority too. And they hated Him, without cause. Just as folk today hate him, and his followers (who are becomjng like him).

Any pastor who doesn't understand the basics of Christianity and man's situation... shouldn't be preaching. Theyre to rightly divide the Word and be lead by God to preach truth. Likewise, if theyre afraid of people and not God (Matthew 10:28), theyre not being faithful to Gid mor the truth, & not only shouldn't be a preacher but also will be held to a higher accountability standard by God (James 3:1, 1 Peter 5:2-3). God gifts the Church pastors, but others fake it. Many who are pastors not only shouldn't be in that career, but also arent saved. So theres that to consider too. The prophets never minced words and even Nathan spoke bold truth to David. Proverbs 27:6 reminds us, "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." And speaking truth shows you care.

Have you heard the story of "Repent or you likewise will perish."? Some may speak firmly but are doing so truthfully. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. Turning to Jesus is of urgency.

This is a famous story about a man who preached the Scriptural truth "Repent or you likewise will perish". And said it regularly. It might help you more.

Pastor Charles Spurgeon, a prominent 19th-century preacher known for his powerful sermons (whose church also actually saved the city of London). He regularly preached phrase "Repent or you likewise will perish" from Luke 13:3, where Jesus warns about the consequences of dying in your sins.

In this story, a man who was initially resistant to the pastor's message eventually came to faith after hearing the repeated call to repentance. The story illustrates the transformative power of persistent preaching and the importance of repentance in the Christian faith.

Here is the story, abc sime things to think about as well....

One day, during a sermon, Spurgeon repeatedly called out the need for repentance. Among the congregation was a man who was deeply troubled by this message. He found it hard to accept the idea that he needed to repent, and he was particularly annoyed by Spurgeon's insistence on this point.

After the service, the man approached Spurgeon, expressing his frustration. He challenged the pastor, asking why he kept repeating the same message. Spurgeon, undeterred, calmly responded (simply) by repeating the phrase once more: "Repent or you likewise will perish."

This encounter had a profound effect on the man. Instead of becoming more angry, he began to reflect on the truth of Spurgeon's words. The persistent call to repentance struck a chord in his heart, and he realized the weight of his own sinfulness.

Over time, the man wrestled with his conscience and the message he had heard. Eventually, he came to a point of surrender, recognizing his need for salvation. He obeyed,  embraced Christ and was transformed by the grace of God.

The story illustrates the power of the Gospel message and the importance of speaking the truth. Spurgeon's unwavering commitment to sharing this hard truth led to the salvation of a man who initially resisted it. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the very message that challenges us, even a firm one, can be the one God uses to lead one to redemption.

Spurgeon's ministry was marked by many such stories, where individuals encountered the truth of the Gospel and experienced life-changing transformations. His legacy continues to inspire preachers and believers to boldly proclaim the message of repentance and faith.

While many today are too sensitive and focus on prideful "hurt feelings", others are still unwaveringly sharing the truth - because it matters. In the West 1500s/1700s- 1970s folk used to regularly hear [believers] those old time street preachers- they (whom were redeemed by Christ) did also care about folk enough to speak the truth, in love. Scripture tells us how to do it, and these are good reminders:

1 Peter 3:15: "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."

Colossians 4:5-6: "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Ephesians 4:15: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."

We cant judge based on one ot two instances, as there are ways to speak in that one "gets better at" as they grow over their lifetime. God sees them and their zeal. There are also folk (like James and John, the sons of Zebedee, known as "the sons of Thunder") who have gruff personalities or like those autistic who say things in a matter of fact manner, or those whom grew up in rough life or career, and God uses them just as well. He created them and their personality; which is being molded into Christ-likeness. Just as you are. 

So we/you can't judge believers wrongly, and assume everyone and the world works according to our ideas, thoughts or expectations, nor chastise those who dont do things to our liking. Pointing at them while 4 fingers point back at you. It isnt fair judgment.

It is possible you had misguided good intentions in this note. There's always some truth and things we can gleen and look inside ourselves to examine, even so God can even use this to do that too, just as he uses others to preach the urgency of the Gospel, in various ways, cuz without Christ they indeed are hellbound. 

The Gospel going forth is important & urgent. And those who dont know the foundational basics of Christianity (including who God is & Gospel) have a wrong understanding. Which is why you didnt like the idea of preaching Hell and Judgment, but God commissioned us to, and Jesus spoke more on Hell than Heaven. The truth is: "All are hellbound already because they're sinners; through Adam." It is only by God's grace that he 1. chose to make the way possible for people to be made right & restored to relationship with Him, and 2. Saved some, for His glory. Restoring us (back to the original design of mankind in Christ), to live righly as image bearers of God, (as he created us to be and live out). It is why the Gospel is urgent to share. Tomorrow isnt guaranteed. 

And, remember, *We follow Jesus*, not his fallen people. Far too many have complaints about the Church, & the imperfect growing Christians (who stumble and are at different stages of growth and maturity in their walk,) following Christ. Some of those even attend church and think they know better or think they are better than others [even of the pastor], or worse who wrongly sit in judgment over God,... so when things don't go to their standard/expectations they throw out/off God and the Savior they professed to follow, and go follow their own judgment with wicked hearts, going after what they prefer. 

They rarely go to the Pastor to get good guidance, counsel and discipleship on these matters, instead go their own way.
(Jeremiah 17:9, Judges 21:25-26, Proverbs 21:2 , Romans 1:21-22, 1 John 2:19, Hebrews 3:12-13, 2 Timothy 4:3-4 , Proverbs 14:12).

That said, we need to give grace, encouragement, & love towards believers who are new, weak or stagnant professors of Christ, who stumble about, trying their best to [move out of their comfort zone, take a bold step, & talk on what they know] they at least open their mouth and speak of the Lord and the dangers of Hell, and do so out of their love to God & their Savior, and fellow image bearers of God. God still uses it; Nothing returns void (Isaiah 55:11). Not only does he use us, but the world have Creation that glorifies him every second of every day, to point to Him, but the world religions have all also added Jesus (albeit a false idolatrous version) to their faiths, and all who look into it will find the true God and Jesus ... if theyre drawn by God to salvation. Most are happy in sin and their idolatry. There's 8 billion false gods in the world, besides the false ones known; folk make up their own version of a god, one that is fine with their sins. Whether in a Pew or Timbuktu.

Yes, we are called to love, speak in love, the love of God in the redeemed pours and flows out from us, radiating Christ, as we go about sharing truth and the Gospel of Love. TTe goal is to be faithful servants, to lead folk to Christ, where they're now Heaven bound upon obeying the Gospel.

The sinful world holds an idolatrous and skewed view of God, his attributes, including love. We need to explain who God is, that his attributes work equally together thus arent seperate from his love. Love, justice, righteousness, holiness etc are all to be understood together accurately to get a proper perspective and thus all these areas in regards to discussions about God need to be explained. We cant leave those out as its neither the true God nor the Gospel we proclaim without it. And any false god and gospel leads to false conversions, even if theyre sitting in a church pew. 

The world needs the truth, and it offends, we don't alter the Gospel to lure or appease them, if we did we wouldn't be loving them and wouldn't be faithful servants of the great commission. 

This is good to understand about who God is. And this talks about the love of God, biblically & accurately.

For those looking to share the Gospel, get equipped, get related answers and resources, this will help. 

Keep learning and growing in the Faith, and like other believers are, keep doing your best. 😊✨️

God bless 

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