Nonbelievers' Biggest Misconception About Jesus

[Chad]

Jesus clears the Temple of money changers. Photo: Getty Images

Misconceptions about God and Jesus are common among nonbelievers. The idea that God is a cosmic killjoy and wants to ruin all of our fun, is one of the most frequently encountered misconceptions among skeptics of Christianity. Jack Zavada of Inspiration-for-Singles.com explains why this notion is simply not true, and how Jesus offers something much more lasting and satisfying than fun.

Nonbelievers' Biggest Misconception About Jesus
If you're not a Christian, chances are you hold this belief about Jesus Christ :

• Jesus wants to ruin all my fun.

That idea is simply not true, and if you keep reading, you'll understand why.

You see, Jesus puts fun into two basic categories: harmless, nourishing fun, and fun that breaks God's commandments, or sinful fun.

Oh, there's no doubt, sin can be fun. For many people, the knowledge that they're doing something God forbids adds to their fun. They're not afraid of God. They're going to do whatever they want, and as often as they want. They haven't been hit by lightning yet, so they're going to keep on doing it.

But since he's God, Jesus knows a lot of things we don't. He knows that sinful fun always has bad consequences. Those consequences may not show up immediately, maybe not even for years, but they will show up. When it comes to sin, Jesus wants to ruin that kind of fun before it ruins you.

Something You'd Never Expect
That's where the misunderstanding comes in. Whether it's sex outside of marriage , getting drunk, or doing drugs, sinful fun does something you'd never expect. It contaminates your soul. (Galatians 6:7)

Let's be honest here. If your life were completely fulfilling, you wouldn't be reading this, looking for answers. In your truthful moments, maybe you're filled with a sort of sickening emptiness. You don't feel guilty, but every time you look in the mirror, the person you see makes you flinch.

You try not to think about it. Maybe more fun will make that feeling go away. Shouldn't life be one nonstop party? Isn't the goal to enjoy life to the max, to cram in as much fun as you possibly can?

Here's the Answer You've Been Looking For
That's the problem. Fun isn't enough. Whether it's harmless fun or sinful fun, fun doesn't satisfy. Fun is temporary entertainment. It has a time limit. You can have fun, but at some point it has to stop and you have to return to reality.

You're not a little kid any more. You need something deeper. The answer is that Jesus offers something deeper. It's called joy.

Joy is very different from fun, and it's even different from happiness. Joy satisfies. Joy perfectly fills that hole inside of you and instead of loneliness, you feel peace.

But there's a catch. Jesus dispenses joy. He creates joy, and he's the Keeper of joy. You can try to get it somewhere else, but it never works, because Jesus created that hole in your soul and only the joy he gives will match it, like a key made for its lock.

Christians—followers of Jesus Christ—have that joy. We're not smarter than you, better than you, or more deserving than you. The only difference is that we discovered the source of joy sooner than you. We've got it, and we want you to have it too.

But What About My Fun?
Many nonbelievers never get it. How about you? Are you beginning to see what's at stake here?

Jesus gives you a choice. You can keep pursuing fun and the hollowness it produces, or you can pursue him and receive his joy. Only he has the power to decontaminate your soul and bring you the lasting peace and love you've been searching for. And what's more, he wants to do it today, right now.

When you receive Christ and his joy, your eyes will be opened. You'll see things as they really are. You won't want to go back. Once you have the real thing, you'll never settle for a counterfeit again.

No, Jesus doesn't want to ruin your fun. He wants to give you something infinitely better—himself, and joy with him in heaven for the rest of eternity.

Jeremiah 29:11

article source: Misconceptions About God - Nonbelievers' Biggest Misconception About Jesus

 

[rag4aCrown]

fun, in this world, is a false joy that only last for a moment, and leaves one broken again.
joy, in the Lord, is an everlasting comfort in Him, by Him, for Him, that nothing can compete with or take it away.
Though I suffer or endure the test of trials, I rejoice; For greater is He that is in me, than he that is in this world. Amen.

 

[kvnchrist]

I have spoken to many outside the faith and even those who actively deny the existence of God. I think the brunt of the complaints about Christianity is directed toward those who use the name of Christ to better themselves and overstep their authority. Many on the Atheist site I frequented actively sought after people who made stupid comments in order to sound more righteous. The pastor who burned all those Korans and got those people killed is a good example of that.

I don't think they really care what the truth is, since they think all of this is a fairy tale. It is we who are Christian who are the ambassadors of our faith that they look to. We must police up those who claim to speak for us, so that the image that reaches those outside the faith is a dignified one.

 

[ATP]

It's important to share the gospel to nonbelievers gently at first, because the blinders are over their eyes and heart. Christians plant the seed, but the Father is the one that draws them in. - ATP

 

[rag4aCrown]

It is important to go forth preaching the gospel to every creature. We plant the seed of truth and God gives that seed increase. Amen.
I have noticed, most often, someone standing off to the side, or even around the corner, is the one drawing virtue. Amen.

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

What I have seen is that the lost see walking with Jesus as a bunch or rules and regulations that make you a sissy and are not aloud to do things that they enjoy. They take do not love the things of the world as not aloud to do things in this world and the church misusing this verse has not helped much either. The wonderful thing is this.........it is not so. God is against sin or the things that can DESTROY MAN His creation.

That is why we must take the LOVE OF GOD to the lost and not the law which is dead and show them the Love of God.
The church has made it harder for the lost to even want to be drawn.
It all falls way-side for they will not even consider what you are saying. They do not want to hear it. Then you add this...all the church fighting going on over doctrines and this church split and that one split and so forth. Then they see where religious christians are running around falsely accusing the ministries that are making a difference in this world as teaching false doctrines and heresy and such. Why would they be interested in this ? Looks just like more worldly crap to them.....

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

When I was an unbeliever I was looking for the Love and power I saw in the gospel.
As a believer I am looking for the love and power I see in the gospel.

I used to tell christians that I read the gospels and know what Jesus said.
Things like "if someone takes your stuff don't ask for it back".
Or if someone asks you to walk a mile walk with him two.
Give to everyone who asks of you,overcome evil with good,bless your enemies.

Why would I listen to a human about the things of God when they don't do these things that Jesus said to do.
I used to tell christians "I know what Jesus requires and I can't do those things".

So I would have to say my biggest misconception was that "believing" required incredible will power that I did not posses.
I did not know that God gives the power to overcome to sin and the power to love without fear.
I now know if I am struggling it's because I'm using willpower instead of God's power.


.

 

[JohnP]

I think a huge misconception in the world about God and Jesus right now is that you can do whatever you want - it doesn't matter, because "Jesus said to love everyone and not to judge." So when Christians try to point out sin now, or the fact that Jesus said that he is the only way to the father (Heaven) we are labeled as bigots, judgmental, and intolerant. The world has been deceived into believing that sin doesn't matter - God loves us anyway. That much is true - He does love us even while we are yet in sin, but he does not love sin. And even when you do point out that you agree - Yes, Jesus does love you - they stop listening right there and miss the part about needing to repent.

 

[Curtis]

I believe the biggest misconception about Christianity is the people in this world think we have no proof to what we believe!! They think we are just hoping, that maybe if we are lucky it might be true. It is not very smart to believe in anything with any proof of its existence. Faith is not "blind", it just uses a different set of senses to see with, and not our physical eyes. Faith is the "evidence" of things hoped for!!
The world does not care about what we say, what they are looking for is reality in the life of a person living the life of God without speaking a word. If they can not see this life in us we are no better than they are.
I don't wear clothes or have bumper stickers on my car that say I am a Christian. If my life does not say it in how I live, I have no right to say I am a child of God.
The light of God can not be hidden in a person no matter what they are doing if they truly are a Born again of the Spirit of God. When I was working in the retail business I could spot a Christian when they first walked into the store. The last place I worked I never told anyone I was a Christian, but they all knew I was, and they would not even cuss in front of me. If someone slipped and said the "F: word while I was near, everyone would get quite, and then look to me and say, "I am sorry". Like I have never heard that word before. I never complained about such bad behavior from others, and I did not need to, because they knew better. We bring God's presence where ever we go. Our life is being read by all men without saying one word. I have had more people ask me why I am the way I am then I ever did going around trying to tell them about Jesus. The world needs to see Jesus not us!!!

 

[Ophel]

I've never had more fun in my life than as a believer and spending time with believers! We KNOW what REAL fun is and we can be the most honest-to-goodness comical people on the planet!

 

[Christ4Ever]

What I have seen is that the lost see walking with Jesus as a bunch or rules and regulations that make you a sissy and are not aloud to do things that they enjoy. They take do not love the things of the world as not aloud to do things in this world and the church misusing this verse has not helped much either. The wonderful thing is this.........it is not so. God is against sin or the things that can DESTROY MAN His creation.


That is why we must take the LOVE OF GOD to the lost and not the law which is dead and show them the Love of God.

The church has made it harder for the lost to even want to be drawn.

It all falls way-side for they will not even consider what you are saying. They do not want to hear it. Then you add this...all the church fighting going on over doctrines and this church split and that one split and so forth. Then they see where religious christians are running around falsely accusing the ministries that are making a difference in this world as teaching false doctrines and heresy and such. Why would they be interested in this ? Looks just like more worldly crap to them.....

Dear brother,

There is nothing wrong with the Church upholding scriptural truth. Just don't expect someone who does not know the Lord to understand it or accept it. This as you say, is not our job to "clean them up", but hopefully we've let them know that cleaning up is what they need. Of which I include myself!


What we as believers need to be able to do, which is becoming more difficult as the world turns even further away from God, is to explain why they are separated from God and what God did to bridge that canyon separating us from Him. Just saying that God Loves you without context does none of that.


How does one communicate with a child who doesn't realize when they've done something wrong? Do we beat them? Do we chastise them? Do we criticize them? or do we explain to them in love why it was wrong? Can we do this with the Love of Christ and not as the world ascribes love to be? i.e. If you love me, you would also love what I do.


What unbelievers don't like, and some believers don't as well. Is being told what God sees as being Holy and Righteous. Instead [2Ti 4:3 KJV] 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;


Who doesn't want to have the preferred communication that allows you to do what is right in your own eyes? Even the most staunchest believer gravitates towards those who are in agreement with them! However, there is a difference. One looks to self and others who believe as they do for finding guidance, understanding and justification for their actions. While the other finds it through the Holy Spirit, received by God's saving grace and His Holy Word.


So what do we do? We know that it isn't "us" that brings them to the Lord, but by the prompting of the Holy Spirit that they are moved to do so. We continue to; grow in Christ; Love all even those who hate, persecute us, and most especially have the patience with those who don't understand where we are coming from.

The truth is that it all comes with the package of being called a Christian. So when someone says they're a Christian. I truly wonder if they understand the Love behind making that simple acknowledgment and what is being called for us to be? Difficult indeed!

YBIC
With the Love of one Brother to another.
C4E