Replies

I am focusing on the command to give the gospel ...period . That is the traditional meaning of the great commission.
I am not dealing with the cost.But with people that are afraid to proclaim it because some may not like to hear it. We have too many ear tickling people that think they are obedient to God but deny Him by their silence

There is a cost to preaching the gospel .Jesus frankly told us we would be hated by men that same way He was . That is why I do not expect, desire or work to have men like me .
So I do not try to post words that will get me the applause of men.

I believe that without believing and trusting the Jesus Christ of the Bible , men are condemned to hell for eternity.

I do not expect men to like to hear that , it is offensive.
But if the gospel given does not offend it is not the gospel. It is a message most do not want to hear. I am not ashamed of the Gospel or to affirm my faith out loud .When is the last time any of us were told it is a hard teaching who can accept it?

Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.“ (Jn. 15:18-19).

The cross and faith are offensive because they take meritorious works and send them packing. Repentance and the call to holiness are offensive because man prefers to run from the light. The narrowness of the door is offensive because it sours people on God’s open-mindedness. God’s sovereignty is offensive because humans like to call the shots. No wonder Paul was straight with Timothy from the outset and said, “...join me in suffering for the gospel” (2 Tim. 1:8b). It makes sense now why he said, concerning faithful gospel expression, that “it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him...” (Phil. 1:29). If you are looking for a challenge, join up. Giving the true gospel in its pure form is like feeding liver to a preschooler—no way!

Ellffin

Re: I believe that without believing and trusting the Jesus Christ of the Bible , men are condemned to hell for eternity.

That is offensive itself to the "feel good" religionists in this culture today.

2 Timothy 4:
2Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

I do not expect men to like to hear that , it is offensive. But if the gospel given does not offend it is not the gospel. It is a message most do not want to hear. I am not ashamed of the Gospel or to affirm my faith out loud .When is the last time any of us were told it is a hard teaching who can accept it?

Just as Paul proclaims in Romans 1, the Gospel is the very power(dynamo) of God for salvation to all who believe. Having the power of God contained in the Gospel, there is no need to water it down or try and make it tasty enough for the world, for the Elect hear the Good Shepherd's Voice, and they follow Him.