Today I received a SPAM message to my inbox. I normally would just delete it, but I was curious when I saw its subject line: "Heaven Or Hell". The contents of the SPAM email gave several Bible verses, along with a brief description of the gospel. It also contained prominent links to this web site, which contained a more detailed Gospel presentation. I went to the web site, and found the "email" link at the bottom, and sent the following to the email address shown:
Dear Sir,
I am a Christian, and a computer user (and software developer)...
I have recently received an unsolicited email from someone leading me to your web site. Though I appreciate the thought behind it, if you ARE the person sending out random spams to lead people to your web site, you should remember:
Paul admonished us to "become all things to all people, that [we] may win some." Most people do not appreciate unsolicited email, and will at best ignore it, and at worst, will be motivated to dislike the person (and the message) being sent -- which will be counter to your specified purpose of winning people to Christ.
May I suggest that if you ARE the person sending out "gospel SPAM", that you cease that practice and perhaps follow the advice of Martin Luther: "Preach the gospel always, and, if necessary, use words.". Let your actions speak for Christ...not by shoving it down people's inboxes, but by leading them by example and showing Christ's love to them in a personal way -- by letting them know what he has done in YOUR life.
In His Love,
Rich Stephens
What do you think? I don't know how many people will read this, but if you do, point some others here and encourage them to post their opinion. I'm curious as to how people feel about this, and about my response.
You certainly make a good point, my son. I went to the web site, too,and a I saw at the very bottom a copy of a Chick tract. I used to think those were so gross (and I still do) but some people will read those just because they are comics and maybe some would be led to Christ that way. Who knows? Anyway, you know the cyber world much better than I do so I will defer to your opinion.
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Mom
In reading back over my comments, I realized that it seems like I am arguing with you about this. Actually, I agree with you. And I'm very proud of you.
ReplyDeleteMom