Before we get to today’s article, I just want to mention that am writing from the perspective of a man that has experienced many of the challenges of which I write…. and those spiritual battles continue daily. The articles are implications of what it means to obey the commandment to raise your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. They require some reflection and are particularly for Christians who, as Peter would say, are diligently seeking to confirm their calling and are making every effort to supplement their faith. Said more succinctly, serious Christians. If you know other believers who desire to walk more faithfully with the Lord, please forward an article to them and tell them to sign up for future articles. Thanks so much!
“I Hate Being Told I’m A Bad Person.” Another Objection To The Bible And Christianity.
This brief article is for the person who is searching online for answers or the person who received this article because someone who cares about you sent it to you. Thanks for taking the time to think about this.
There have probably been countless times through the centuries where a person who represented Christianity began to tell a person about Jesus and the Cross with the lead line something like, “you are a bad person and are going to Hell.”
Maybe they didn’t say it quite that way, but that was the gist of it. It was as if they wanted to scare you or shock you into wanting to hear more. However, it isn’t just the one on one conversations that have gone that way. Commonly called hellfire and brimstone preaching, many preachers/teachers of the Bible have stood in front of large gatherings and shouted a message declaring the imminent danger of hell for the person who has disobeyed God and rejected His plan to be reconciled to Him.
I must admit that even as a Christian, I am bothered when someone (not even God) thinks that way about me! Why is being told, “you’re a bad person,” so offensive? Think with me through a few responses I have heard-
- Some people hate any messages that are perceived to be negative and just want to hear and think about things that are positive.
- Some people completely reject a message that says God will punish a person by sending me to a terrible place for not obeying Him and don’t believe a loving God would do such a thing.
- Some people believe that all people are basically good. However, they do bad things at times because they have been victims of being treated poorly by others in the past or grew up in a difficult environment.
- Some people immediately dismiss the idea of them being a bad person because they measure their own behavior against other people in the world who are “really bad people.” In fact, most people think they are good.
The fact of the matter is, no one likes to be told they are a bad person, especially when it hasn’t been explained what we even mean when we use the term “bad” to define a person, and if we don’t explain this more fully, it is likely to be a message that is hated by everyone, even people who are Christians! Let me illustrate the problem-
A number of years ago, I would meet with a group of men once a week in the early hours to talk about things the Bible taught. The Bible has a lot to say about how we think and behave as people and part of that is significant teaching and explanation about our nature and its tendency to be disobedient to people and to God. Of course, the Bible uses the term sin for disobedience, and the more we talked about sin, the more discouraged one of the men in my group became.
As we talked, he began to think deeply about his own actions in life and the thoughts that would often come into his mind. He quickly realized that his ungodly actions and thoughts far outweighed thought and actions that were aligned with God, and was greatly convicted about his sin. This conviction made him feel very bad inside, and he became quite discouraged. He decided he needed a break from our meetings, and when I realized what was happening to him, I went to him and stressed that he was getting beaten down by a focus on only one part of the biblical message.
This is what happens when we don’t hear the entire story. The first part of the story is yes, you may be compared to other people and think you are good but compared to God, you do and think many bad things (sin) and in that way, you are a bad person. You see, God demands that we obey Him perfectly. He is the standard, not what I may think or how I compare to other people. In His mind, there are no people who are good, as all people fall short of the mark of perfection that He demands. In that way, every one of us is “bad”.
With that in mind, can we take a moment for an honest assessment of our own lives? Can we put everything else aside and take a look at our behavior and even more importantly, our thoughts? Are we always loving and kind, looking to serve others, never becoming angry, always forgiving, always submitting to authorities and parents? Have you ever lied or stolen something? And who or what is the most important thing in the world to you? Is it not true that the way you think about everything you do in your life is in the context of how you will benefit from it? Don’t you sometimes manipulate or mislead people to get what you want? How often do you have thoughts of lust or become jealous or covet what other people have that you don’t? Are you thankful for things in your life or are you a complainer?
This short list of questions above should be enough to give you a perspective of how “good” you are in God’s eyes. Sadly, this is not something we grow into, but it is the way it is with all people right from the beginning of our lives. Just think of the baby who was told to not put their fingers in the light socket. They check and see if the parent is watching them and as soon as they think they can get away with it, they immediately attempt to do exactly what they were told not to. This doesn’t change into adulthood and if we will admit it, we don’t really want to obey anything anyone tells us to do. In fact, sometimes we not only don’t want to submit to authority, but we actually think about how we can rebel against it. This is the plight of every human being and this type of disobedient or rebellious attitude is not only toward other people, but is also how we think about submitting to God.
Is this what some Christians are talking about when they tell people that they are bad? Yes, this is where they are getting that idea from, but they are expressing it in a very incomplete way. Going back my friend in the Bible study, he needed to hear the complete message because there is an incredibly positive and loving counter to the, “you’re a bad person declaration,” and here it is: God has made a way for Him to look at you and not see you as a bad (sinful)person, but instead see you as a person with perfect thoughts and perfect behavior.
How is that possible? It is possible because God understands how impossible it is for us to stop behaving the way we behave and ever get to a point where we would be good enough to be reconciled to Him and become part of his family. He knows that we can’t stop doing the things we do, nor can we escape from Him rightfully punishing us for all of our disobedience. Therefore, He took it upon Himself to send his son (Jesus Christ) to come to earth as a man and live the perfect life on our behalf. And once Jesus had completed his time of living a perfect life, He voluntarily offered himself to be the one who would receive all of the punishment for our disobedience. This is the rest of the story. The first part of the story is completely negative and should make us feel bad about ourselves. But the second part of the story is incredibly positive and should fill us with joy.
You see, we really can’t deny that we have disobeyed God’s rules for us and in that way, we are “bad” people. For that, we deserve His wrath. But, we also can’t deny that God has lovingly and graciously designed a way of escape and how foolish would it be for us to ignore Him.
To learn more, I have three suggestions. Maybe you don’t think God exists, so I would like to ask you to listen to another message called, “Does God exist?” Click here
If you are a person who is beginning to think more deeply about this, I am suggesting a message called “Ultimate Questions.” Click here
And if you would like to go straight to the Bible to understand what exactly Jesus Christ did for you, I direct you to the recordings on the Book of John. Click here
All of the links are in the description section in YouTube..
I hope this was helpful and I am grateful for you listening in. You can write to me at Mike@cherishephesians64.com
THIS WEEK’S SPOTLIGHT:
Title: All Things For Good Written By Thomas Watson And Read By Michael Lee
Description: One of the great Puritans, Watson writes based on the great promise from God that all things work together for good to those that love God. The book will expand your faith in God’s promises and His attributes and give a great comfort to your soul.
Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-for-good-by-thomas-watson-and-read-by-michael-lee/id1703108941)
YouTube (https://youtu.be/cCMPuNsv6dE).
Read it online at www.ModernPuritans.com
Title: Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God, By Jonathan Edwards And Read By Michael Lee
Description: This famous sermon by Jonathan Edwards will sober you up to the awesomeness of God. It is updated in modern English by Modern Puritans.com
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-sinners-in-the-hands/id1695783947
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjGDaS1xyeRC8vUJFwsxxaX
Title: The Duties Of Parents From The Booklet By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee
Description: From the famous booklet written by Pastor J.C. Ryle. Pastor Ryle gives us 17 points of Christian parenting on which to focus our attention. His words are timeless and apply to parenting today as much as it did 100 years ago.
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-duties-of/id1676664853
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfoZGiRgzptFs7g07vkwU5
“Why Should I Believe Anything About Jesus Christ?” Written By Various Authors And Read By Michael Lee
Description: This Podcast features three famous recordings of booklets written by John Blanchard that will strengthen your own understanding on the death and resurrection of Christ and also serve as a great evangelistic tool for a friend or family member. The first booklet is called, “Ultimate Questions.” The second booklet is called, “Why The Cross?” And the third booklet is called, “Jesus, Dead Or Alive?”
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-why-should-i-believe/id1692832161
YouTube: Each of the John Blanchard booklets has its own recording. See below.
Ultimate Questions. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQggMxnbCbkLux2C6QB1W0VG
Jesus- Dead Or Alive? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjeqfP9L1olkHULFCNHVDDF
Why The Cross? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgJEuKxJL0dgjCDM85tyqrQ
Christian Behavior, written by John Bunyan. This is a wonderful fairly short book written by the great John Bunyan to help Christians understand that their lives should be full of good works! Bunyan takes us to Titus 3:7-8 and brings practical application to all areas of the Christian life. You will be blessed by this great saint!
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-christian-behavior-by/id1716196912
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjUQ_MpGbnqwrBVi7TgRKi3
Choose Your Master: God Or Money. The links are immediately below-
Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl
Title: All Things For Good Written By Thomas Watson And Read By Michael Lee
Description: One of the great Puritans, Watson writes based on the great promise from God that all things work together for good to those that love God. The book will expand your faith in God’s promises and His attributes and give a great comfort to your soul.
Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-for-good-by-thomas-watson-and-read-by-michael-lee/id1703108941)
YouTube (https://youtu.be/cCMPuNsv6dE).
Read it online at www.ModernPuritans.com
Title: Critical Considerations For Christian Parents About Your Child’s Education, By Michael Lee
Description: As we search the Bible for answers to the question: How shall we raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord,” we can see that the system for educating children was done primary by the parents in the home. However, the world in which we live now is quite different and the vast majority of parents use an educational system that is outside of the home and is that system is called the public schools, or the government schools.
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-critical-considerations/id1678162250
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjnvjc7QuytT2V3lVr53oqa
Title: From Religion To Christ, Written By Peter Jeffery And Read By Michael Lee
Description: Tired of the many systems of religion that you have observed or been part of in the past? Are you ready to say goodbye to religion? The author Peter Jeffery, agrees! Doing “religion” is empty and will not get you to heaven. There is something more-something much greater. Take a careful listen through this podcast and discover what a real relationship with God actually looks like.
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-from-religion-to-christ/id1687134464
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQg_lCngBTcjs_dXT1VYvYWA
Title: Rediscovering The Lost Treasure Of Family Worship. Written By Jerry Marcellino And Read By Michael Lee
Description: Family Worship was once the normal practice that most Christian parents led in their homes. Led by either parent, the children would be taught daily from the word of God, pray and sing songs. It was considered to be a vital part of the Christian life.
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-rediscovering-the-lost/id1692401602
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgNq7asslVBsKyq0FC3arMs
Title: Thoughts For Young Men From The Book By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee
Description: A wonderful book of Biblical truth and advice for young men. Helpful to parents as well as the young men themselves. Full of wisdom for a life filled with Christ. J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) served God in England as a pastor and teacher for more than 40 years. His words are still being used by the Lord today and are applicable to all Christians in all times.
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-thoughts-for-young-men/id1673847428
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQixZIaBE95_JRojVSkzq1nl
Title: Stand Firm Written By Peter Jeffery and Read By Michael Lee
Description: So you just became a Christian and now what? Get ready for a life of walking with the Lord and experiencing the joy of knowing you have peace with God. However, you also have an enemy- the devil. Peter Jeffery wants to help by teaching you about the battle with the wicked one and how you can STAND FIRM against his attacks!
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-stand-firm-written-by/id1681861976
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjhDFeGYG5Tt5EWjeuz-e1p
Title: The Duties Of Parents From The Booklet By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee
Description: From the famous booklet written by Pastor J.C. Ryle. Pastor Ryle gives us 17 points of Christian parenting on which to focus our attention. His words are timeless and apply to parenting today as much as it did 100 years ago.
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-duties-of/id1676664853
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfoZGiRgzptFs7g07vkwU5
Title: Choose Your Master: God Or Money. Written And Read By Michael Lee
Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl
Title: A Call To Prayer By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee
Description: This is a passionate plea from the famous preacher and teacher, J.C. Ryle. Although these words were penned more than 100 years ago, the need and application for today’s Christian is greater than ever.
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-a-call-to-prayer-by/id167288080
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjaXXgO8P1U-bBFkEMCwdYR
Title: Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices From The Book By Thomas Brooks. Read By Michael Lee
Description: (This is one that you can listen to a “precious remedy” each day). Thomas Brooks, born in 1608, was a Puritan preacher who wrote a number of essays during his time with possibly the foremost entitled, “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices.” In writing the book’s dedication, he wrote, “Christ, the scripture, your own hearts, and Satan’s devices, are the four prime things that should be first and most studied and searched. If any cast off the study of these they cannot be safe here, nor happy hereafter.” Brooks believed that all Christians have particular weaknesses in their faith and those weaknesses would be exploited in some way by Satan.
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-precious-remedies-against/id1671364198
Title: Messages You Want To Share With A Friend Or Loved One. Written By Various Authors And Read By Michael Lee
Description: This one has 11 different recordings of parental concerns including how to love difficult people, how to deal with angry children, family feuds, how can I know I am a Christian, and more.
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-messages-you-want-to/id1681581764
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfa3amEo_gqzBt6ypv4KX1
Title: The Mortification Of Sin By John Owen And Read By Michael Lee
Description: This famous treatment on killing or “mortifying,” sin by John Owen, has been updated in modern English by Modern Puritans. You will have to think hard but it is worth the journey.
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-mortification-of/id1696454280
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQhOf-5DP2eZY4M91_NdlKwI
Title: Can You Trust God? Written and Recorded by Michael Lee
Description: Trusting God is not always easy in the midst of difficulties. We tend to trust in the things that we can see and feel and often succumb to anxiety or despair. My purpose in writing and recording this booklet is to create an ironclad argument for trusting God no matter what the situation.
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-an-important-question/id1680420137
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHI31v5yt695Yuvc_VSyHA
Title: Cherish Ephesians 6:4 Written and Recorded by Michael Lee
Description: This is the podcast that has the weekly article from the Cherish Ephesians 6:4 ministry.
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4/id1658865547
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQj2iqoMVx36VEbpUZEQcyom
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Last modified: July 5, 2024