How to respond

Harmony · #1 2nd August 2002, 07:52 AM

Hi everyone, I was hoping that I may be able to recieve some advice with a difficulty I am having.

I spend a little time each day checking into another forum where I have been a member for a while. It is not a Christian or religious based forum, it's more of an advice forum and I really feel able to help some of the posters there.

Recently there have been quite a few posts that include religion, and a lot of the replies include a lack of belief in God. I would say that in all the members, I have only come across one or two who share a belief and faith in God.

My question is, when I come across these posts where someone is expressing a lack of belief or faith what should I say or do. I feel quite sad when I read them and pray each time, but I am a new Christian and am not sure whether I should reply to them directly. I know we are to be witnesses, how do I go about doing that without making people feel as though they are wrong.

Am I explaining myself okay? It seems lately that there is some new post each day proclaiming a lack of belief.

Any suggestions? Thank you

psycmajor · #2 2nd August 2002, 07:55 AM

Search the web and buy some books on apologetics.

 

If you don't know how to respond, tell them you'll get back to them. In the meantime, just tell them what you know.

Jamie · #3 2nd August 2002, 03:55 PM

Harmony... you are explaining yourself perfectly fine!!!

I'm a new Christian too, so I will follow this thread with you to learn how I should react. I've already said to myself not to say anything until I know what I'm talking about, but sometimes I just start typing away, and it comes right from my heart!!!

I'm wondering if God sent you to that forum for a reason

It's interesting that now that you are following God, these posts are coming up. I would pray on it and see if God wants you to answer them. If you are suppost to answer them, the answers will just flow for you. Until then, don't reply until you feel comfortable. This is just my opinion

lared · #4 2nd August 2002, 04:17 PM

Harmony,

It is good to ask questions and find out why others may believe one way or another.

Perhaps some were raised a certain way by their parents.

Others may have been heavily indoctrinated by evolution in the public schools.

Still others never received a satisfying answer as to why God allows suffering.

Or perhaps some may see through the hypocrisy of the clergy in their churches or perhaps they can see through some of the false teachings promoted by their church.

Some may have had a bad experience with a priest.

There could be any number of reasons. But first it would be good to identify the circumstances.

Some may respond to the Bible's message of the good news of God's kingdom. Perhaps they don't even know exactly what God's kingdom is.

Others may respond to illustrations or reasoning.

Still others will never respond. Remember it requires the three H's.
A person needs to be Honest, Hungry, and Humble.

That is.......honest hearted, hungry for the 'truth' (not tradition, philosophies, or opinions), and humble or meek-like, that is teachable.

Also remember, that Jesus said that the road to life is narrow and few are the ones on it...........whereas wide and spacious is the road that leads off into destruction and most people are on that.

Martin · #5 2nd August 2002, 05:12 PM

I'd tell them my testimony (which cannot be argued against) and then use it to encourage them in their faith or to believe if they are non-believers.

The most powerful tool in witnessing to non-Christians is to use your testimony as to what God has done for you. Tell them what He has done for you recently. They want to see that there is a god who has an impact on life.

I'm afraid that if you start quoting bible verses at non-Christians, they will switch off and you will have lost them. Leave the bible verses until you have grabbed their attention, when they'll be more open to listen....

Many blessings...

LouisBooth · #6 2nd August 2002, 11:04 PM

Tell them about yourself and your experiences. You don't have to be in a debate to witeness to someone. Besides, no one can argue with your experiences

In all I agree with martin "I'd tell them my testimony "

Harmony · #7 3rd August 2002, 08:18 AM

Thank you for the replies. I guess I just feel so sad for these people. I started going to that board when I was having trouble in my marriage. At that time I didn't have a place to lay my burdens. Now that I do, I feel such a huge urge to share with them the answer that will help ease their pain.

They all come from many different backgrounds and I think when you read their stories, a lot of circumstances helped to shape their current belief or lack of. Would anyone understand if i say, when I read some of the things they say about God it's like watching a large group of people purposely walk off of a clifff? And most of them are such good wonderful people.

I usually try to share my beliefs any oppurtunity I get, so maybe I am already doing what I should be doing. I've learned lately that the best thing I can do before replying to them is to pray and ask that God guide my hands. That the words that appear on the screen will be right in His eyes. I find that when I pray first I'm happy with what I write.

Again, thank you for your replies and for allowing me to get out how I was feeling.

Blessed-one · #8 4th August 2002, 02:27 AM

yes, personal testimony works the best. I would suggest reading some books say, autobiographies and other helpful christian books to get yourself more firmly on the path to God. Search God's word, learn and understand them, see what God has to say about the subject.