Spreading word is Christian's purpose

I enjoyed reading Michael Flatt's article "Hung up on Christ"(Jan. 25). It gleaned many important issues. But I did want to reflect on a few. You mentioned that "Scripture doesn't portray a Christ willing to lure people into discussion with him so he could convert them." I would have to strongly disagree. The Bible teaches this is exactly what Christ came into the world to do. Christ even says to his first disciples in Matthew 4:19 "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." What profession could illustrate this better? Christ's life was filled with miraculous signs and wonders he performed in an effort to attract people to him, and his words were equally enticing as well. All of his parables, all of his miracles were to emphasize one point: "Any man who believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). This is why Paul wrote, "Christ came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15).

Does the average Christian who shares this gospel receive an "affirmation of faith for bettering the lives of others?" In our lives we either seek harm on those around us or comfort. If I experience the joy and peace of Christ and place my trust and faith in him, wouldn't it be my obligation to share it with others? It would be the same as finding a cure for cancer. Should I hide my light under a bushel? No, I should let it shine for all to see. But Paul makes this much clearer than I: "To live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). People who seek after Christ find purpose in him because after we realize the love he demonstrated for us, it is only natural to return it back to him.

A final thought for you: it is of no benefit to manipulate people to Christ. For Paul quotes the Lord, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion" (Romans 9:15). For it is God who calls us, and all we have to do is believe. Whether it be on a Web site, a church, or a school, they are obeying Christ's commission: "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation" (Mark 16:15).