When Rev. Dr. Anthony Campolo travels by plane and wants to talk to his seat mate, he tells the person that he is a sociologist (which he is) and they have a long discussion. But when he is tired and sleepy, he says he is a Baptist evangelist (which he is), and that usually shuts them right up. On one overnight flight he gave the second answer and his neighbor added that he thought there were many ways to God. Dr. Campolo gave a noncommittal but polite response, slept, and woke just as they were descending. He turned to his seat mate and noted that he was glad the pilot followed the directions carefully in order to land safely instead of just taking any route!
The more we meet people from other religions, or increasingly in the USA, of no religion, the more we are tempted to see Christianity as only one of many viable options, and logically of no consequence. Unfortunately for those who have this point of view, historic Chrisianity continues to exist(and grows rapidly except among white people), and claims truth that is important. Acts 4.12 tells us clearly that there is no salvation apart from Jesus Christ. Google Evidence for the resurrection, before you poo poo that claim. If it is true, then it is unloving when we do not point others to Jesus Christ by our words, attitudes, and actions. The inquisition and less obnoxious ways of evangelism are not excuses to therefore do nothing. The inquisitors were not following Jesus Christ, for among other great teachings, he said to treat others as we want to be treated.
Jesus said to a religious ruler in John 3.7 Ye must be born again/converted supernaturally from above. Even if his followers were perfect as Jesus was and is (and none of us are), as he gained enemies by calling all to worship him as God, how much more will we? What can we do but repent much daily and keep on offering the words of life? John 5.22 All judgement has been given to the Son (Jesus) who will return as the judge of all the earth. Jesus Christ is a gentleman, so whoever does not walk with him on earth will not be forced to be with him in heaven. That would not matter if he does not have all power in heaven and in earth, and did not call for all to follow him. But he does do that.
In the past I got paid for preaching the good news that repentance from our sins and giving our lives to Jesus Christ as God delivers us from hell and gives us peace with God now. It would be wrong, but plausible, if some objected that I was just trying to scare others into giving money. But I continue to proclaim at no charge that Jesus died, rose again, and calls all to repent and to follow him as God. As evangelist Billy Graham explained it, his sacrifice on the cross as a substitute for our sins was either completely unnecessary, or it was the way God the Father showed his love for us, to deliver us from our sins and to give us peace with God.
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