He Gets Us campaign

Halbhh · Feb 21, 2024

HarleyER said:
Who does this ad benefit and of what value is it?

If you would, let me answer this question.

Just recalling word for word from the gospels accounts (by memory)....

That one commercial is a pretty good illustration of 2 key principles Christ taught and commanded us to follow.

That we serve one another (such as by foot washing as one example)

And that we love people across social divides, including especially those that are not remotely members of our own groups we are used to being with...

-------------

And the song excerpt used (the short part of that pop song being used) actually has lyrics that parallel to a wonderful teaching we hear from Christ to us, so it's a perfectly acceptable excerpt here for this purpose to try to appeal to the lost, who do not yet know Christ.

Have a look.

"They can never tear us apart" -- "No one can snatch them out of my hand"

"...no one can snatch them out of my hand." 27 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out...

www.christianforums.com

2PhiloVoid · Feb 21, 2024

Clare73 said:
Did the apostles govern the Romans, or the people of God?

I guess I have a different view of the word of God written. . .more akin to pre-NT believers; i.e., it means what it states and is not a compromise with the world, nor is it the apostles compromising God's truth for the sake of shrewdness.

Sister Clare, I do declare ... ...!!! :ahah:

Please put that shovel down. Not for my sake, but for yours.

Clare73 said:
If that were the case, they would never have referred to Jesus as "Lord," along side Nero.

Halbhh · Feb 21, 2024

2PhiloVoid said:
...

While many Americans today don't yet know of the gospel actually, many have never hear the good news, and that's why these commercials are being put out there....

If someone reads through the gospels with good listening (to get the basic messages), they will begin to understand this was a good commercial.

The commercial is a pretty good illustration of 2 key principles Christ taught and commanded us to follow.

That we serve one another (such as by foot washing as one example)

And that we love people across social divides, including especially those that are not remotely members of our own groups we are used to being with...

And it even had a pretty good song excerpt for the lost, with a nice parallel to Christ's words to us:

"They can never tear us apart" -- "No one can snatch them out of my hand"

"...no one can snatch them out of my hand." 27 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out...

www.christianforums.com

HarleyER · Feb 21, 2024

FameBright said:
If I'm not mistaken, I believe the foot washing is centered around the concept of "Love thy neighbor". I'm guessing you're saying that evangelism is more important?

Is this Lake of Fire different than the one that was prepared for Satan and his angels?

And precisely how does washing someone's feet equate to "loving thy neighbor"? Of what value is it IF you don't share the gospel?

This is nothing more then a works oriented mentality, thinking we must do something for God to demonstrate our love. It's easy to think we're doing acts of love and kindness by dropping ten bucks in the offering plate or taking a meal over to someone who is sick. That all seems so good and makes us feel good when it is tainted by a self serving attitude.

It's a lot harder to rebuke a brother who is straying from the gospel, telling a gay couple they are living in sin, or even honestly confessing all of our own sins daily. We certainly don't wish to seem judgemental towards others and we think we're not so really bad ourselves. Ha!

Our works of charity springs from our hearts in love and right relationship towards God. Any good works that I may do, is an act of kindness and grace that God performs through me. I don't go looking for feet to wash. We are to do the right thing, and if that means helping someone beaten by robbers along the highway that's OK. If it means that we tell people they are sinful and in need of a Savior, then we do that too. Both are commanded of us. We don't pick and choose what we want to do and you can't do one without the other.

Anyone who has not accepted Christ eternal judgement awaits:

Revelation 20:10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Revelation 20:15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

The lake of fire is the same for Satan, his angels, and anyone who reject the love God gives us through Christ. So, yes, evangelism is the most important thing we can do if we don't wish to see our friends, relatives, neighbors thrown into the lake of fire along with Satan and his angels.

Halbhh · Feb 21, 2024

HarleyER said:
Of what value is it IF you don't share the gospel?

That's 2 great questions right off the bat, and I have to go in a minute, but let me respond to one important question before I leave.

(i'll try to return later)

The first one is by far the most important in a way here in this discussion.

Of what value is it IF you don't share the gospel?

Answer: none at all.

But, Paul showed us that on the way to sharing the gospel, it's often needed to get people to start listening, so he did this in many ways:

22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

So, to get people to be willing to even listen at all, Paul repeatedly started in other ways first, just like Peter did too.....and then arrived at telling them the gospel when the time was right.

Here in a 30 second advertisement in the superbowl, the idea is just to try to suggest to some of the lost that they should try to find out more about Jesus! How? By telling them directly accurate examples of what Jesus taught -- which are incredibly convicting and powerful to pull at the lost....

It's a good thing for a person to feel they want to learn more about Jesus.

They should.

HarleyER · Feb 21, 2024

Halbhh said:
If you would, let me answer this question.

Just recalling word for word from the gospels accounts (by memory)....

That one commercial is a pretty good illustration of 2 key principles Christ taught and commanded us to follow.

That we serve one another (such as by foot washing as one example)

And that we love people across social divides, including especially those that are not remotely members of our own groups we are used to being with...

-------------

And the song excerpt used (the short part of that pop song being used) actually has lyrics that parallel to a wonderful teaching we hear from Christ to us, so it's a perfectly acceptable excerpt here for this purpose to try to appeal to the lost, who do not yet know Christ.

Have a look.

"They can never tear us apart" -- "No one can snatch them out of my hand"
"...no one can snatch them out of my hand." 27 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out...

www.christianforums.com

Loving people "across social divides" is not based in any type of scripture. This is very ecumentical but totally wrong. People who worship false gods and idols are in darkness and are worshipping "doctrines of demons". These people are living in total rebellion towards God and are blinded by the truth-just as we once were.

To be sure, God loves them and so should we because they are made in God's image. But make no mistake of God's love and their evilness towards Him. That is why you have Muslims who will shoot you and your family if you don't renounce Christianity. Athiestic governments who refuses to give you a job if you don't renounce Christ. And, yes, even places like Canada who will lock people out of churches and throw pastors into jail on any pretense (did they do this with Muslims?).

All who are elect will come to Christ. But don't confuse love with taking a stand for Christ.

RDKirk · Feb 21, 2024

FameBright said:
I guess I'm getting confused. I said that I didn't know how Paul was invalidating slavery.

Then you brought up the letter of Onesimus. Given our shared understanding that this situation involves debt bondage, were you suggesting that Paul was specifically invalidating this form of slavery?

The nuances of language play a significant role here. We recognize various forms of slavery: the oppressive kind, where people are treated as mere property; debt bondage; and even slavery as a social class.

In our modern context, chattel slavery—the ownership of individuals as property—is largely absent, except perhaps within prison systems. But what does the concept of slavery mean for us today? If we embrace Christianity, are we expected to relinquish our social status entirely, or should we simply set it aside when interacting with fellow believers? And how does this relate to the broader context of social equality?"

Paul permitted debt bondage among Christians, just as the OT permitted debt bondage among Jews. However, when Paul directed Philemon to transfer Onesimus' debt to him (Paul), that took the action of freeing Onesimus of his debt bondage to Philemon. Paul, in effect, directed a "Jubiliee year" for Onesimus.

FameBright · Feb 21, 2024

HarleyER said:
And precisely how does washing someone's feet equate to "loving thy neighbor"? Of what value is it IF you don't share the gospel?

This is nothing more then a works oriented mentality, thinking we must do something for God to demonstrate our love. It's easy to think we're doing acts of love and kindness by dropping ten bucks in the offering plate or taking a meal over to someone who is sick. That all seems so good and makes us feel good when it is tainted by a self serving attitude.

It's a lot harder to rebuke a brother who is straying from the gospel, telling a gay couple they are living in sin, or even honestly confessing all of our own sins daily. We certainly don't wish to seem judgemental towards others and we think we're not so really bad ourselves. Ha!

Our works of charity springs from our hearts in love and right relationship towards God. Any good works that I may do, is an act of kindness and grace that God performs through me. I don't go looking for feet to wash. We are to do the right thing, and if that means helping someone beaten by robbers along the highway that's OK. If it means that we tell people they are sinful and in need of a Savior, then we do that too. Both are commanded of us. We don't pick and choose what we want to do and you can't do one without the other.

Anyone who has not accepted Christ eternal judgement awaits:

Revelation 20:10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Revelation 20:15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

The lake of fire is the same for Satan, his angels, and anyone who reject the love God gives us through Christ. So, yes, evangelism is the most important thing we can do if we don't wish to see our friends, relatives, neighbors thrown into the lake of fire along with Satan and his angels.

Are you implying that by sharing the Gospel that God will transform us in to genuinely doing things out of love rather than us just going through the motions?

HarleyER · Feb 21, 2024

Halbhh said:
That's 2 great questions right off the bat, and I have to go in a minute, but let me respond to one important question before I leave.

(i'll try to return later)

The first one is by far the most important in a way here in this discussion.

Answer: none at all.

But, Paul showed us that on the way to sharing the gospel, it's often needed to get people to start listening, so he did this in many ways:

22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

So, to get people to be willing to even listen at all, Paul repeatedly started in other ways first, just like Peter did too.....and then arrived at telling them the gospel when the time was right.

Here in a 30 second advertisement in the superbowl, the idea is just to try to suggest to some of the lost that they should try to find out more about Jesus! How? By telling them directly accurate examples of what Jesus taught -- which are incredibly convicting and powerful to pull at the lost....

It's a good thing for a person to feel they want to learn more about Jesus.

They should.

1) There is nothing in this ad that would suggest that people should try to find out more about Jesus.
2) Jesus did not teach us to wash the feet of non-believers. He taught His apostles to serve the flocks.
3) Messages like this is not a powerful pull at the lost. The only way one knows the truth is through the word of God.

Romans 10:14
How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher?

HarleyER · Feb 21, 2024

FameBright said:
Are you implying that by sharing the Gospel that God will transform us in to genuinely doing things out of love rather than us just going through the motions?

It is the the Holy Spirit applying the Word of God into our lives that transforms us into genuinely doing things out of love.

Halbhh · Feb 21, 2024

HarleyER said:
The only way one knows the truth is through the word of God.

This was encouraging to hear from you, and we can entirely agree on this one (crucially central important thing) 100%.

When I've read Matthew a 4th time, and a 5th time, I've learned new things I was ready to learn, especially if it had been a few years since I'd read Matthew fully through.

The key is to be humble and listen, so that instead of talking over Christ with our own talk and ideas and doctrines even, we truly listen to Him instead of ourselves.

So, when I read Matthew a 6th time and again learned new things, then I realized finally how this works: these really are the "living" words, that will teach us all our lives.
Each time the words can be living and powerful if we will only listen.

HarleyER · Feb 21, 2024

Halbhh said:
This was encouraging to hear from you, and we can entirely agree on this one (crucially central important thing) 100%.

When I've read Matthew a 4th time, and a 5th time, I've learned new things I was ready to learn, especially if it had been a few years since I'd read Matthew fully through.

The key is to be humble and listen, so that instead of talking over Christ with our own talk and ideas and doctrines even, we truly listen to Him instead of ourselves.

So, when I read Matthew a 6th time and again learned new things, then I realized finally how this works: these really are the "living" words, that will teach us all our lives.
Each time the words can be living and powerful if we will only listen.

Exactly. And you'll find that you never stop learning and growing. The best way to understand about the grace of God is to understand one's sinfulness.

2PhiloVoid · Feb 22, 2024

Halbhh said:
While many Americans today don't yet know of the gospel actually, many have never hear the good news, and that's why these commercials are being put out there....

Actually, I beg to differ on that point. I think a lot of folks out there in the audience are Ex-Christians who have already heard the terms, "repent" and "hell," ad infinitum in the churches they grew up in or had been a part of earlier in their lives. And for those in the audience who aren't Ex-Christians, such as immigrants or other foreign nationals who've never heard clearly what the Gospel message "is," the "He Gets Us" commercial serves as a decent way to invite them to engage Jesus.

Halbhh said:
If someone reads through the gospels with good listening (to get the basic messages), they will begin to understand this was a good commercial.

Not everyone can read, though. And not everyone who can read can comprehend what they're reading beyond an elementary grade level.

Halbhh said:
The commercial is a pretty good illustration of 2 key principles Christ taught and commanded us to follow.

Yes, I agree. And while I probably would have produced the commercial differently knowing what I know, and in line with all I've already said in this entire thread, I'm not going to knock it because most people realize that a t.v. commercial isn't an education.

Halbhh said:
That we serve one another (such as by foot washing as one example)

And that we love people across social divides, including especially those that are not remotely members of our own groups we are used to being with...

Yes. Amen.

RDKirk · Feb 22, 2024

2PhiloVoid said:
Actually, I beg to differ on that point. I think a lot of folks out there in the audience are Ex-Christians who have already heard the terms, "repent" and "hell," ad infinitum in the churches they grew up in or had been a part of earlier in their lives. And for those in the audience who aren't Ex-Christians, such as immigrants or other foreign nationals who've never heard clearly what the Gospel message "is," the "He Gets Us" commercial serves as a decent way to invite them to engage Jesus.

Not everyone can read, though. And not everyone who can read can comprehend what they're reading beyond an elementary grade level.

Yes, I agree. And while I probably would have produced the commercial differently knowing what I know, and in line with all I've already said in this entire thread, I'm not going to knock it because most people realize that a t.v. commercial isn't an education.

Yes. Amen.

Yes, it is necessary to realize that we're no like Paul evangelizing a world that has never heard of Jesus, but rather a world that has heard of Jesus...and already doesn't like Him.

However, did the commercial actually convey anything substantive or significant about Jesus? How many people recognized "Jesus" but had no idea what He was doing in the commercial (even recognized "foot washing") or why? What did it really say to people who don't actually know the scripture?

FameBright · Feb 22, 2024

HarleyER said:
This is nothing more then a works oriented mentality, thinking we must do something for God to demonstrate our love. It's easy to think we're doing acts of love and kindness by dropping ten bucks in the offering plate or taking a meal over to someone who is sick. That all seems so good and makes us feel good when it is tainted by a self serving attitude.

I think you make some really good points here. I think people talk a lot of big game about the Bible but when it comes to practical applications - I don't think they have a clue.

Lukaris · Feb 22, 2024

The Lord taught us give alms and pray for ourselves & our neighbor ( Matthew 6:1-14). This is for our daily bread and the salvation of our souls. These ads do not emphasize salvation and the relationship of our works to it. We should take note that when the Lord washed the feet of the disciples in John 13 that Judas betrayed the Lord & Peter would go on to deny the Lord 3 times. I do not know how these are directly related but they happened side by side.

2PhiloVoid · Feb 22, 2024

RDKirk said:
Yes, it is necessary to realize that we're no like Paul evangelizing a world that has never heard of Jesus, but rather a world that has heard of Jesus...and already doesn't like Him.

However, did the commercial actually convey anything substantive or significant about Jesus? How many people recognized "Jesus" but had no idea what He was doing in the commercial (even recognized "foot washing") or why? What did it really say to people who don't actually know the scripture?

It was just a commercial. I'm neither impressed with it nor distressed by it. As I said in an earlier post, I would have done the commercial differently, but I'm not going to complain for the effort its producers and supporters made.

One of the other hurdles that needs to be dealt with in evangelical communities is to get over both "magical thinking" and "nationalistic" forms of theologizing that all too often prevail and pass themselves off as authentic Christianity in the U.S.

We also need to get over this idea that opening and reading books in the Bible would somehow be fitting for another episode of "Easy Reader" on the 1970's/1980's children's show, The Electric Company.

Once we can do this, perhaps some of those who have found themselves estranged from the Christian faith will be able to find an emotionally lucid moment and realize that considering the value of repentance from sin and following Jesus is actually a healthy thing to do ...

Brihaha · Feb 22, 2024

RDKirk said:
Yes, it is necessary to realize that we're no like Paul evangelizing a world that has never heard of Jesus, but rather a world that has heard of Jesus...and already doesn't like Him.

However, did the commercial actually convey anything substantive or significant about Jesus? How many people recognized "Jesus" but had no idea what He was doing in the commercial (even recognized "foot washing") or why? What did it really say to people who don't actually know the scripture?

In my view the ad puts Jesus right in the middle of hot button issues like abortion, addiction, immigration etc. And illustrates how Jesus transcends these issues by loving both sides. And that He shouldn't be used in hatred as a weapon to lash out at our enemies. Neither did the ad ask people to donate money, join any church or abandon our ability to reason effectively. That alone appeals to Americans tired of watching hypocrites trying to control our behavior and adhere to their rules.

People are tempted to take focus from the advertisement in search for some hidden agenda, distasteful aspects that make us uncomfortable or tricks being played on viewers. And I can't say for certain there's no hidden agenda yet to be acknowledged. We (Christians) have a tendency in America to repel as many people as we inspire. Which may be an incentive for this type of advertisement. The commercial was refreshing for me to see. Especially when I don't bring any politics into my viewing of the commercial. The title could have gone farther in my view. Maybe "He gets us but we don't get God."

2PhiloVoid · Feb 22, 2024

Brihaha said:
In my view the ad puts Jesus right in the middle of hot button issues like abortion, addiction, immigration etc. And illustrates how Jesus transcends these issues by loving both sides. And that He shouldn't be used in hatred as a weapon to lash out at our enemies. Neither did the ad ask people to donate money, join any church or abandon our ability to reason effectively. That alone appeals to Americans tired of watching hypocrites trying to control our behavior and adhere to their rules.

People are tempted to take focus from the advertisement in search for some hidden agenda, distasteful aspects that make us uncomfortable or tricks being played on viewers. And I can't say for certain there's no hidden agenda yet to be acknowledged. We (Christians) have a tendency in America to repel as many people as we inspire. Which may be an incentive for this type of advertisement. The commercial was refreshing for me to see. Especially when I don't bring any politics into my viewing of the commercial. The title could have gone farther in my view. Maybe "He gets us but we don't get God."

But, but, but.....Brihaha! Without the outshouting and blasting by Christians who're vying for control of viewers disposition, devotion and money, how else would individuals like Baptist minister, Spencer Smith, ever get the donations to his ministry that he so rightly deserves?

Here he is (video) letting us "know" how to ever so clearly evaluate the "He Gets Us" commercial, with loads of Christian aplomb ...

Brihaha · Feb 22, 2024

2PhiloVoid said:
But, but, but.....Brihaha! Without the outshouting of Christians vying for control of viewers dispositions, devotions and money, hHow else would individuals like Baptist minister, Spencer Smith, ever get the donations to his ministry that he so rightly deserves?

He thinks its bizarre for people to love each other? Wow. It was just a commercial. This guy is reading his own views into the commercial to virtue signal. He really accentuates "white people". If this commercial didn't influence anyone then why are these people using the ad to increase their own profits? Perhaps that was the underlying motivation, to actually provoke the Christian viewers and bilk their grievances and "outrage" for profit. Disingenuous religious manipulation is not a new concept. While I can admire his mission work, isn't it all in vain if he's in it for the donations?

I wish I hadn't heard that guy say he was affiliated with Baptists. I was baptized and saved long ago in a Baptist church that no longer exists. I may do it again like my dad did recently. He seemed very inspired afterwards.

He Gets Us campaign

Everything You say is Life to me

"They can never tear us apart" -- "No one can snatch them out of my hand"​

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