The bible says faith comes from hearing the word.
But what about an atheist who has all these false doctrines in his head? Is it even possible that he starts to believe only from hearing the bible without also having his wrong concepts refuted?
Do these barriers in his mind not first be removed by giving him answers to his questions about evolution and all this stuff?
What if you minister to an atheist on the deathbed who wants to believe but at the same time he cannot really believe cause he still has all these wrong concepts in his head? Does this mean that since there is not enough time anymore to answer all his questions that it's too late for him to become saved?
I mean what do you do when somebody really wants to become saved but at the same time he is torn between wanting to believe and his doubts?
Can he become saved in such a state?
Posted by: Christian Commando
My friend- It takes the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit to open the door in an unbeliever's mind to be able to comprehend, thus accept the spiritual meaning of Salvation.
God bless!!
Posted by: Frederik
When faith comes from hearing the word then does it even make sense to talk to an atheist without quoting the bible? Is the bible the only source of faith?
Posted by: Christian Commando
the way I speak to unbelievers is, I use God's Word as the foundation, using examples from life or other subjects to make it easier to relate to or understand It.
For instance- I may share particular events or cities from God's word, then share info of archeological digs that give tangible proof to it. But, I never try to convince anyone God's Word is accurate for them, I show why I came to believe this.
This way, you do not put undo pressure on them, feeling as tho you are trying to convince them what you believe. Because you are not. God declares we are to be "witnesses" not controllers.
As you speak with them in this way, you leave the Holy Spirit free to do the work with them for the "enlightenment" if they are open to it. Only God knows who will and won't be.
God Bless!!
Posted by: Frederik
But what if you mess it up and they don't come to faith because you made something wrong? An evangelist who preaches the wrong stuff is also ineffective.
Posted by: MamaCat
If you mess up, you mess up.
It's not YOUR JOB to draw people to Jesus, it's GOD's job!
We are only, as CC put it so well, WITNESSES.
What does a witness to in a court of law? He tells people what he saw, what happened, etc. That's all we do, tell people what God has done in our lives.
Fred, if you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be any evidence to convict you??
Posted by: Frederik
Quote:
Originally Posted by MamaCat
Fred, if you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be any evidence to convict you??[/size]
Convict me of what?
Posted by: MamaCat
If you were put on trial FOR BEING A CHRISTIAN.......
would there be enough evidence to convict you [of being a Christian]?
Posted by: Frederik
I don't know.
I did not become a christian because of researching anything. I simply always had this feeling that there's something about Jesus. No idea where this came from.
Posted by: MamaCat
How long have you been born again?
Posted by: bill & alexis
Frederik,
When I speak to unbelievers, especially atheists, I typically do not start the first conversation talking about the Bible!
They are on their defenses to start with, and are way too prepared with their intellectual discourses of going no-where debate.
Instead, I give them my testimony! I tell them in my own words how great God is! I talk about healings, prophecy, and anything else they are not equipped to intellectually counter.
My agenda is to build rapport, understanding, and mutual respect. As soon as a conversation develops into a debate, we no longer bring glory to God!
There are soo many people hurting in this world, a word of encouragement breaks down conversation/religious barriers. Walk in Love, be sincere, show compassion, and earnestly seek to win the person over!
Do not go into situations for which you are not equipped, or prepared for. Partner with someone who knows how to Evangelize/witness to others, and learn from them. Preferrably, someone who flows in some sort of spiritual gift, such as prophecy!
The very fact that you ask this question bears witness that God is placing a burden on your heart to reach-out to a sick, and dying generation. God will use you mightily, when you make yourself available, and are submitted to HIM!
Be in peace, have a very blessed day, and may the LORD equip, and use you mightily!
Semper Fi! -Bill
Posted by: MarkSentMe
I have a friend who is a non-believer married to an atheist. I have talked about the great things which have happened in my life. She has denied these things as coincidence, the result of my own work, or some other non-God "reason". We had discussed Hollywood's search for something and how they are grasping at anything and everything (ie: Kabala, Scientology, etc) she can accept the false man-made religions but rejects Jesus Christ. She rationalizes my being born again with the need for social interaction. When her husband was shot in Afghanistan, both she and her husband referred to his surviving the near-death incident as "lucky". They are so self-absorbed in the kudo's her husband received from an obviously unsaved colonel who missed the mark when he stated that he wished he could be like Paul.
The Bible Scripture verse of casting pearls before swine comes to mind. I want to share the Word with her, but to be countered with what Jane Fonda is saying in her book or what happened on some reality show is very exhausting. I guess after awhile, you have to cut your losses and pray for the person and pray that they come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ before it's too late.
Posted by: MamaCat
A non-believer married to an atheist? Is that what you meant to say? How is that different?
Posted by: Christian Commando
The main point in dealing with nonbelievers, athieists or any others who are not Christian is to, get casual conversation started first, get to know more of how they look at things, then choose the appropriate path to follow for how it will most benefit thier understanding why you believe God is real and His Word true.
Theres a whole world of variety for how people look at things and how they approach subjects. Thus, the best approach is to get to know them casually first with what I call "feeler" remarks or phrases you can say to learn more where they are coming from in thier beliefs.
God Bless!!
Posted by: atheist
u are asking all this questions about atheists can i ask u one?
Posted by: Christian Commando
Why of course you can. The forum is open to discussion. I will say this tho, this topic is in the wrong place. It should be down in the nonbelievers section.
But yes, please post your question. We would like to hear it.
