Alright fellas, this is an emotional topic for me, and I am sure for some of you, and I am looking for some advice from people I respect on here. I have been a believer for 2.5 years now. My family however isnt, my mother attends church, but its just because thats what you do on Sunday, she does not have a relationship with God. I have been brought to tears many a times when thinking that if they died today, I would not get to see my father, mother or sister in Heaven. I know that God will call to them when he wants, but I sure hope its sooner then later. Is there anything that I can do to discuss Jesus Christ with them, or encourage them to investigate Christianity, anything?
Is there anything that I can do to discuss Jesus Christ with them, or encourage them to investigate Christianity, anything?
thanks guys
Brother, if you are not well versed in reference verses to be able to answer questions that will be asked of you about Christianity, it could do more harm than good. You must have an immediate answer from the bibleto their questions. Show them what it says in the bible.
It's better that they are counseled by a Pastor or aAsst. Pastor in the church they attend.
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Jesus said, "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" Mark 13:13.
Live Life in such a way that those who do not know Christ will come to know Him because they know you
I went through the same thing with my dad.. persistance my brother.. Don't give up praying for them, and let them see Jesus in you. Not by words, but by example. I know it's hard but don't give up. Two weeks before my dad died, I had the honor of carring him into the baptismal, he was very sick and dying of cancer. Before he died, he saw glory. I was there when Jesus took him home. An experience I cherish forever! I am so glad I didn't give up.
And Reb is right, if you don't have the answers don't attemptto go head on with them. Explan to them it's not about religion, it's about relationship.
Sometimes, God works his best when we are confronted by hardship. Hopefully it doens't come to that.
By the way, Bass, Ausie is waiting to run those numbers for you when you get some time, just pm him. He's a nice guy.. Don't tell him I said that.
Bob <><
I have a similar problem with my older brother (he's 57). He was baptized when he was 12, but I think he did it because my dad told him to. He hasn't been to church in ages and has grown children who don't go either. What's worse, is that they don't think there's a problem. While I haven't given up, I have decided to use prayer and turn it over to God. Nothing I have come up with has worked, so I reported him to The Boss!
My friend,
Jesus did not say you needed to be well versed..He said they would know you are my disciple by the love you show,,Saint John 13
Also..in another instance a young fellow in the New Testament was healed..Jesus didn't say go study the Word and then tell..He simply said ."Go and tell about what has happenedto you."
There is much more to being an effective Christian than quoting scriptures,,and my friend there probalby isn't 3 of us on here which agree to the interpretation of some verses anyway...
There is a verse in 1 peter that says you can win the unsaved without speaking a word..One brother on here post this alot.."Be a verse."
For right now...simply Pray ..God will give you the desires of your heart.
C7
I will be the first to admitt I dont know scripture all that well, so I continue reading and learning. My heart breaks for those who dont know Christ, and because of that, I am moved to share the love with all.
Prayer...great idea...I am able to pray often, but often times forget to pray for non-believers.
Jon,
I've been a Christian for quite a while now.I've got a major in Bible and a few books memorized...and the best advice I can give...is be still and demonstrate God's love..1 john says."Let us love by deeds not by tongue." Salvation is done by the Spirit of God ..not by us anyways. Jesus said."Don't even think ahead what you are going to say, the Spirit at the right time will give you the right words." God bless you brother...
C7
I felt compelled once to go door to door witnessing.I never thought for one second wha tI was goign to say..When the door opened I trusted God to fill my heartm mind and mouth with His will. It was very exciting and every home was receptive..I've also been with some with a pre planned agenda...we got doors slammed in our faces..We must be led of His Spirit..and in His time...and with no hidden motives...except for to introduce Christ and not a church .
Jon,
I've been a Christian for quite a while now.I've got a major in Bible and a few books memorized...and the best advice I can give...is be still and demonstrate God's love..1 john says."Let us love by deeds not by tongue."
Yes very true, "Don't be a verse to be heard, be a verse to be seen", but there is going to be a time when that person is going to ask you why do you act that wayall the time, whyare you so humble, why, why, why..........
Are you going to give your opinion or stumble through the bible for 10 minutes to find the answer to his question? We want to show them that it is not our opinion and that it is written in the good Book!
Not all Christians are ready to do thatnor are well versed in the Bible to answer questions with a verse.
Edit: Brother Chuck, I can't wait to meet again so you can answer all my questions with a Verse!
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Jesus said, "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" Mark 13:13.
Live Life in such a way that those who do not know Christ will come to know Him because they know you
but there is going to be a time when that person is going to ask you why do you act that wayall the time, whyare you so humble, why, why, why..........
REb
I agree brother...The Word does say to be ready to give an answer when "Ask about the hope that lieth within you." No offence meant. C7
You could easly be replaced by a script - boti think then maybe Reb ?( a pc software program that responds to key words& phrases) (either verbal or typed)
& responds with what is thought to the correct response of words in return- including verses & quotes etc.
( i think its aways good to just speak from the heart & whats on ones mind- why they think*& feel& believe as they do)
My son, &my mate feel the same as you do Bassman i think( bad, sad etc)- they are Christians & i am not.
(we have talked of these things some- me& the mate a lot- it can be pretty emotional etc)
But i dont call myself a non believer( because i do believe in god)
The words& deeds of men really dont show me that there is a heaven & hell or that a man named Jesus was god. Nothing i have seen so far in mylife has changed that.( tho i do think just maybe its/ somethings arepossible- just not as some claim either)
Quote:
when that person is going to ask you why do you act that wayall the time, whyare you so humble, why, why, why..........
Maybe- but more likely not too. But if so id say that person is making a good effort in living as they think they should under there relgious teachings etc. ( a good thing- but that dosnt mean god is who ppl claim him to be either)
But when it comes right down to it- men are pretty much the same basicly "on here & on this planet"- it seems to me - just with different beliefs, teachings & what they have learned& experenced in life etc.
One head does not shine above the others when all are standing in a crowd together because of there relgious beliefs.
Ones actions( fruits)will aways speak louder then the words coming out of there mouths( no matter what the claimed relgious beliefs of said persons are)
But im willing to look at anyones words- but hopefully when its about themselfs & what they believe it will be there own words & not someone elses.
( and just maybe that will tell me-( with there own words- )why they believe the verses etcthey quoted & maybe i will understand thentoo as they do - -because it seems each one of us is left to our own understanding, interpataion etc in the end - while reading the same things(as happens on here a bit)
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Things ain't what they used to be and probably never was. ~Will Rogers
Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday.
"Shouldn't someone tag Mr. Kennedy's 'bold new imaginative program' with its proper age?" "Under the tousled boyish haircut it is still old Karl Marx—first launched a century ago.
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could use some answeres
