RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (Full Version)

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Cloak -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/30/2008 3:32:25 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kat_D

quote:

Christians are Not popular...Why?


The answer is found here:

18 "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, 'They hated Me without a cause.' -John 15

Let's just hope and pray we will never be popular...and don't forget, we're in good company when we're not!



Thanks Kat for finding that biblical verse which we were talking about her in full. This verse reminds me of my dear dad who used to recite it to me each time I used to complain to him about people not liking me.

Now thanks be to God, I can stand it when people don't like me. In fact, it's a sign that they don't like God and I don't want anything to do with people who don't like God.



Cloak -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/30/2008 3:37:43 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: gaylel1

because guess what?
these same people will go to God when crisis comes up and they will question why. [/font]




Only if they happened to be WISE![ :(]



maddog4god -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/31/2008 6:15:30 AM)

There are many scriptures (many listed) that explain how Jesus was rejected and what not - I have not had that experience. I have found quite the opposite. In fact I have been treated better by the very lost then I have by some "church folks". I do not proclaim that, "I AM A CHRISTIAN" from the rooftops like many people do, expecting special treatment behind the statement.

Many times people running around proclaiming that they are Christians use that word as a method of manipulation - ie "You can trust me, I'm a Christian" - I have both experienced this and witnessed this.

I do share the gospel as I feel led - but I let my life speak for itself. If you can not see the Jesus in me then I have no business claiming to follow him to anyone.

People do get a little cranky at times behind "Christians" but it's often because they've been so wounded by people proclaiming the title for their own benefit.



Cloak -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/31/2008 7:17:03 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: maddog4god

There are many scriptures (many listed) that explain how Jesus was rejected and what not - I have not had that experience. I have found quite the opposite. In fact I have been treated better by the very lost then I have by some "church folks". I do not proclaim that, "I AM A CHRISTIAN" from the rooftops like many people do, expecting special treatment behind the statement.



I can relate to that. In fact I have met a number of wonderful caring and generous people outside church who claim no Christian/church affiliation whatsoever an vice versa; I have met so many Christians who hold the title of being "Christians" and were...to say the least unpleasant people.

I have been hurt by many people who claim to be "Christians" from Both the congregation and from the leadership such as pastors.

Let's not forget that there are many "Pharisees-type Christians who have the appearance of being "Super Religious" folks and all sorts of Christians and fads the church is filled with such as "Carnal Superficial Christians" "Rule-keepers" Christians.

Last year, I consulted a pastor I did not know very well in an important matter. I honestly took a risk on him. The end was disappointment [:'(]
[:@]from my part and I really needed time to be healed. [8|]

I learned from this experience that churches are filled with folks who who the title and talk the talk but not Walk the Talk.

That's why I believe we have to be very CAREFUL and Prudent!



EJA -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/31/2008 10:42:27 AM)

Joel Osteen is popular.



Kat_D -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/31/2008 11:13:28 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: EJA

Joel Osteen is popular.


'Nuff said![8|]



FurGodWurLivin -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/1/2008 12:32:03 AM)

There are two kinds of unpopular... there is the kind of unpopular where someone is so bigoted, angry, and hypocritical that people are pushed away from us.

Then there is the kind of unpopular that we are supposed to. The kind of unpopular that teaches the truth without attempting to shock and offend. That is the kind of unpopular that Jesus was, and that is the kind of unpopular He said we would be. I think Willow Creek should have taught us all that being popular should not be our main concern.

Adam



crm4souls -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/2/2008 6:01:01 PM)

We are not called to be popular. The apostle Paul said, "Do I seek to please men or God?". Our purpose is to please God. I would much rather be popular with God and on His list, than to be popular with men.



F5_warning -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/3/2008 1:14:43 AM)

It is not popular because we have a set standard to live by. Meaning there are moral absolutes a right and a wrong answer to every action. For the most part here in America most people are taught in schools, by the way, that there is no right or wrong it is all a personal choice. They hate it when you remind them that laws against stealing should be removed because it felt fine for somebody to do it so it must be okay by that philosophy. So anyone coming by and saying that person's ungodly lifestyle is sin they will not be liked. What we stand for is that there is a God, an eternal destination either heaven or hell, and the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. The truth is there is only one way to heaven and that is found in Rom 10:9-10. Many people do not like the fact that they can not get to heaven anyway they feel like it. So if you firmly believe in what is typed above you will not be liked. If you dismiss most of this answer then you'll likely be loved by everyone.



Cloak -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/3/2008 3:26:47 PM)

Thanks F5 for your response which is awesome. I agree the standard between right and wrong is blurred and obscure for so many even at schools due to the abuse of the word Freedom.

The canonical standards and values of Christianity should be emphasized in our younger folks. I remember once mentioning something about numbers and of them being mentioned in the Bible in front of a co-worker who was opposing me just bc our opinions were different.



jhfoote1968 -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/8/2008 1:54:33 AM)

The world is dark, and in the control of the Devil. Read Ephesians.



4ChristisLove -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/8/2008 4:04:03 PM)

I've really enjoyed reading everyone's response! I think those are right that we shouldn't worry with being popular, but I think a better word maybe is "accepted"? or "respected"? hum....

I've encountered ministering to a few lately (online) and I never beat anyone over the head or said they were going to hell, but just by sharing my belief's (scripture), I got the "Oh, please spare me or I don't need you praying for my soul". I didn't even say this or anything close, but they had already been turned off at some point I guess. This was a "Non-Christian" board on a parenting site. Yes, I had to go in. [:(]

I feel (like some of the posters) that non-believer's feel condemned and want to believe there are other ways to Heaven. They are feeling judged. I also agree that their are self proclaimed Christian's that don't live a life of a Christian.

Another recent thing (I posted this on the "calling to be rejected" thread) someone told me that other's feel persecuted because of my open Christian talk. It upset me greatly and I had to come to the conclusion that if I take a stand for Christ, I will not be popular. And, that's okay with me. I always try to say things in love and do the best I can with sharing God's Word but I can't help when non -believer's feel conviction and I think that's what is happening.



slowreader -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/9/2008 2:20:00 PM)

I think as Christians(was used to discribe followers of the Way and tried to be used as an insult towards us) when the world looks at us as "christians" it brings on an air of accountablity to the secular world and they do not want to be held accountable for their actions or answer to a higher power.



map4 -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/9/2008 5:18:34 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: slowreader

I think as Christians(was used to discribe followers of the Way and tried to be used as an insult towards us) when the world looks at us as "christians" it brings on an air of accountablity to the secular world and they do not want to be held accountable for their actions or answer to a higher power.


That's so true. I've had that happen so many times in my life, especially with family memebers. They seem to be convicted just by being around me and they don't like it. So I'm sometimes made fun of, etc.



Cloak -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/9/2008 6:35:48 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: map4

quote:

ORIGINAL: slowreader

I think as Christians(was used to discribe followers of the Way and tried to be used as an insult towards us) when the world looks at us as "christians" it brings on an air of accountablity to the secular world and they do not want to be held accountable for their actions or answer to a higher power.


That's so true. I've had that happen so many times in my life, especially with family memebers. They seem to be convicted just by being around me and they don't like it. So I'm sometimes made fun of, etc.



They probably feel guilty when they are around us. I've had many people not liking me, so I am not surprised by what I hear.

Sometimes they even feel inferior beside us.



designed -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/9/2008 8:14:47 PM)

Posting in the dark here(haven't read others posts yet)..
Why are Christians not popular? Aside from the obvious verses in scripture that point to this fact (assuming some of those have been mentioned so far), unjust causes carried out in the name of Chrisianity, and fruitless lives of believers....
Is it just me, or have you ever noticed that if the names of other religous leaders/founders are brought up, "the world" in general does not show the disdain they do as when the holy name of Jesus is mentioned? It makes me think of the idea that the name of Jesus convicts like no other name. I think that the light of just His name can put a "check" in ones lost and darkened heart. At least it did mine before I was born again. The light exposes the darkness.



LoveYourEnemies -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/12/2008 10:49:49 AM)

A good thread...I enjoyed reading all the replies!

I agree with most of what I have read here. Jesus did say that the world would not like us because it didn't like him.

I read a quote a few years back, and I think it was from Ghandi. It went something like this...

"If it weren't for all the Christians, I might become one."

Ouch.

I've been on many Christian forums over the years, and I've witnessed so many Christians just beating each other up, arguing among themselves over everything Christian. I find it so very sad.

I met one lady when visiting a town about 45 minutes north of where I live and we were talking about Church and Christians. She said that her Church was full of nice people, but she wasn't sure she would call them Christians. She felt that they were just worldly people who enjoyed the socialization factor that Church affords.

She mentioned that there were lots of gatherings for all kinds of reasons, but she couldn't recall the last time that Jesus was ever present, or even the last time anyone even had a discussion on any topic resembling anything Christian...conversational topic was always entirely worldly. Everyone was kind and loving, but Jesus just wasn't there. I personally think that this is the type of Christianity that many people want. I've heard it referred to as "feel good Christianity."

Someone mentioned Joel Osteen. I'm curious as to what everyone thinks about him. My parents like to watch him on TV. I've listened a few times. His messages seem good, but something seems to be missing for me. I think his message has its place but not if that is the only message ever preached. He preaches in my opinion a "feel good" kind of message, an uplifting message, and something that a lot of people need to hear. But what about the rest of the Scriptures? As I read in another thread a few moments ago, we can't preach only about love, but the Church never wants to hear about the judgment of God, they only want to hear about the love. The whole message needs to be preached, not just part of it.

I think the world likes the "feel good Christians." It's very worldly. I worry about Joel for this reason.
The world being in darkness doesn't want to be exposed by the light. I've slowly lost all of my worldly friends since becoming a Christian. They became more and more uncomfortable around me over time. We spent less and less time together and then one day, we no longer spent any time together. The closer I got to Christ, the further we drifted apart as friends. Even funnier still (actually sad), I find it hard to get close to some of the people in Church. It's as if they want to come to Church, but not be a part of it. Church (or should I say...the Christian walk) seems to be more of a tradition than a way of life.



angels1203 -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/13/2008 6:53:08 PM)

was Jesus popular? It does say in the Bible to a deagree to this. If they Hate Me (jesus) they will hate you. we are to be like Christ.



TJStarfire -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/13/2008 8:29:01 PM)

The people on this planet learn to hate Christianity because of what they witness from so called Christians.
Christians show the world all of the things the Bible tells us not to do.
The world sees judgmental condemnation from the people who claim to follow the Christ of peace and love.
The world rejects Christianity because the people who claim to be Christians reject it in their acts.



RJR_fan -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/19/2008 6:45:31 PM)

quote:


Why do you think that Christians are NOT popular folks???


No need to wonder, when we can ask. In fact, the Barna group did just that, surveying several hundred thousand Americans inside and outside the church. See their book unChristian for the unflattering answer. "We" are losing the next generation of our own kids, and credibility with the general public. Used car salesmen are considered more trustworthy than Christians nowadays!

Bottom line reason? My summary -- we have brought dishonor to our Savior, and reproach upon His gospel, by reducing it, and redefining it, to a set of personal religious experiences. If you read through a rack of tracts in an evangelical church, for example, you'll see nothing about God's Kingdom, God's ongoing purposes for His people on this earth. The Good News of the King's Reign has been neutered, neutralized, and bonsai-ed to "believe this, say these words, and go to heaven when you die."

I am thankful for the quiet revival going on "under the radar" today, and have hope for the future. But we may have some hard times to go through between here and there!



RJR_fan -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/19/2008 8:40:58 PM)

quote:

I've slowly lost all of my worldly friends since becoming a Christian. They became more and more uncomfortable around me over time. We spent less and less time together and then one day, we no longer spent any time together. The closer I got to Christ, the further we drifted apart as friends.


"Tom, it takes work to stay in touch with the popular culture," my pastor told me one day. Many of us testify that our first two years of walking with God were the most fruitful, evangelistically speaking. Then, bit by bit, we find ourselves isolated in Christian ghettos, bubble boys, insulated from the world around us. No longer speaking the same language.

The name of the game, IMHO, is to find new friends when old ones drift away. Coach little-league baseball, perhaps. Start studying Farsi, Arabic, or Turkish. Muslim students in this country are yearning to make American friends, and will enjoy helping out with this kind of hobby.

Could I whisper a dirty little secret? (America is a low-context culture, that doesn't take personal relationships very seriously.) You may find yourself dining with your Muslim friends more frequently than you do with other folks in your church.

God designed us for friendship, and sees the yearning in your heart. I pray He'll replenish your supply of non-Christian friends to cherish, enjoy, and love into the Kingdom.



FroMan -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/26/2008 2:06:45 PM)

Unfortunately, most people are turned away, today, because of the lack of love Christians exhibit, not because they refuse the conviction of the Holy Spirit or are offended by the Gospel message.

Most are offended by Christians, not by Jesus.

Most of us wear the "tag" Christian but don't at all, even remotely resemble the Christ we claim to follow.

This hypocrisy is plainly visible to the world. People don't like hypocrisy--especially when it is in the church.



Cloak -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (4/26/2008 9:41:40 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: FroMan


Most of us wear the "tag" Christian but don't at all, even remotely resemble the Christ we claim to follow.

This hypocrisy is plainly visible to the world. People don't like hypocrisy--especially when it is in the church.


Funny, this is exactly what I told my coach once when he asked me about some freaky Christians. I had no choice but tell him upfront that churches are filled with hypocrites.

I think if I saw/met those negative Christians, I would NOT want to become Christian, so I don't blame those folks who dislike Christians at all!



BibleL7 -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (5/4/2008 2:32:06 AM)

As one who has been on both sides in my adult life I will say this.

As an Atheist most of my life what I did not like about Christians and Born Againers were the worst is that they were boring and wanted everyone else to be boring. I always saw these people to be against partying and sex and fun so I wanted no part of that. Just as my biological brother told me a few years ago, when I told him I was going to bible studies most nights, praising the Lord and not getting involved in worldly lusts as I was known to do before he said my life was boring. The world does not like the standards of Christ or the Bible. As for those that were compromising and going to church but not living it I had no problems with those people because they saw it was about fun and having a good time. I never held it against them that they weren't following a belief system that I thought was outdated. As an Atheist I wanted to enjoy what is sin and would accept all that wanted to join in. It was those that did not want to join in because it was wrong in their eyes that I had no use for or like. So yes I hated them for being Christian not the ones that compromised. What I hated was being told I was wrong in having all the pleasure I was after I believed as long as it is between consenting adults it was good.

As for those who don't like hypocrites in the church I found that mostly from those who thought themselves to be Christians whether they were or not. So if you think you should be popular as a Christian and be liked I would seriously take a look at your walk. As for having non-Christian friends not something we are recommended to do. No we are to witness to the lost but we are also called to be separate from the world. If we are friends with the world then we are enemies of Christ. You cant have it both ways. Yes we witness in friendly and loving manner but our witness is to be of Christ and His Holiness and the message is to tell sinners to repent. As for not claiming to all we are Christians I only look to the Scripture that says if you deny Me before men I will also deny you before My Father. Not a place I want to be. Yes I do tell all I am Christian and I pray continuously for the Lord to help me show forth His love and righteousness. And rely on Him to help me be the witness He wants and walk the walk. Now if the world hates me then I praise the Lord. Also if I am hated by those who call themselves Christians and show no fruit or live contrary to the Word then as well I Praise the Lord.



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