I was traveling a couple of weeks ago and saw the billboard above on the side of the highway. I have seen this billboard many times and always thought it was kind of silly. It reminds me about churches that preach fire and brimstone using our sense of fear to scare people to Jesus. I guess this approach can work because I don’t figure that most people would like to spend eternity burning where there is gnashing of teeth. But I also figure if someone doesn’t believe that there is a heaven, then they probably don’t believe there is a hell either.
So, if I was trying to sell you a house that had all of the best modern conveniences that would prove to be the best dwelling place for the rest of your life, wouldn’t I spend my time showcasing the good things about the house? I could spend my time pointing out bad things about your current house that are in bad shape giving you reason to desire something new, but that does not offer a direct solution to the problem.
I don’t want you to choose to follow Jesus because you are afraid of going to hell. I want you to follow Jesus because of the love and grace that he offers you. Jesus tells us over and over again to not be afraid. So why would we want to incite fear in order to tell people about Jesus? I would prefer the sign said heaven is real and try to reach people on a positive note.
Or maybe these billboards were designed for people who are driving down the highway praying for a sign from God.
What is your take on billboard evangelism?
