Any advice I could give to a friend?

[Milos]

I understand it is his choice, he is just lost. We knew each other since childhood and I went to the same Church as him. His parents I know are really pushy forcing him to go to Church, he doesn't know why he believes he was just told to and I was honestly the same way until I actually took my time and read the scripture myself.

He doesn't really know much about the Bible from all these years, I was the same way. The Church was really for service we didn't learn much. Also this Church did not preach the gospel everything was kept confined and kept to itself and I know that sounds strange because the Bible tells us to spread the word.

I have left that Church and found a different one which has helped me grow. I have talked to him however and he told me this whole time his parents forced him to go and warned him about hell. This has, in the end, lead him to believe that this is the only reason he goes and that people only go to feel better about themselves when they die or to make sense of everything.

I think he has missed the point, that is definitely not the reason why I go to Church. How can I help him?

 

[God is good]

I understand it is his choice, he is just lost. We knew each other since childhood and I went to the same Church as him. His parents I know are really pushy forcing him to go to Church, he doesn't know why he believes he was just told to and I was honestly the same way until I actually took my time and read the scripture myself.

He doesn't really know much about the Bible from all these years, I was the same way. The Church was really for service we didn't learn much. Also this Church did not preach the gospel everything was kept confined and kept to itself and I know that sounds strange because the Bible tells us to spread the word.

I have left that Church and found a different one which has helped me grow. I have talked to him however and he told me this whole time his parents forced him to go and warned him about hell. This has, in the end, lead him to believe that this is the only reason he goes and that people only go to feel better about themselves when they die or to make sense of everything.

I think he has missed the point, that is definitely not the reason why I go to Church. How can I help him?

I would just tell him how much God really loves Him and that by reading the Bible, it will help him grow close to God. God bless you and Jesus is Lord.

 

[FutureAndAHope]

I understand it is his choice, he is just lost. We knew each other since childhood and I went to the same Church as him. His parents I know are really pushy forcing him to go to Church, he doesn't know why he believes he was just told to and I was honestly the same way until I actually took my time and read the scripture myself.

He doesn't really know much about the Bible from all these years, I was the same way. The Church was really for service we didn't learn much. Also this Church did not preach the gospel everything was kept confined and kept to itself and I know that sounds strange because the Bible tells us to spread the word.

I have left that Church and found a different one which has helped me grow. I have talked to him however and he told me this whole time his parents forced him to go and warned him about hell. This has, in the end, lead him to believe that this is the only reason he goes and that people only go to feel better about themselves when they die or to make sense of everything.

I think he has missed the point, that is definitely not the reason why I go to Church. How can I help him?

Every one is on their own journey, words alone may not change a situation. I would say pray continually for your friend. He has probably heard it all before. He may just need a God moment.

 

[Sketcher]

1) Pray for him every day, and for yourself in witnessing to him.
2) Study Scripture every day. If you're not already deep into a particular book of the Bible or particularly drawn to starting a particular book right now (far be it from me to try and upstage the Holy Spirit), I suggest a read-through of Proverbs. It contains much wisdom about how to approach people, and how to be a better friend.
3) See where God leads you through this.

 

[JenniferLW]

Isn't it frustrating? You want so bad to have him experience what you finally get! I know exactly how you feel.
I agree with the others that this is ultimately his journey and to pray. Praying that he is given eyes to see and ears to hear and for you to be lead.
Also, maybe explaining that God wants a relationship with him. That he gives us his word so we can not only know and understand Him but can be reassured by who he is and his plan.
Our creator and savior offers this to us!! We can have a relationship! Still blows my mind that I'm worth the effort to God to put up with me.

 

[bcbsr]

I understand it is his choice, he is just lost. We knew each other since childhood and I went to the same Church as him. His parents I know are really pushy forcing him to go to Church, he doesn't know why he believes he was just told to and I was honestly the same way until I actually took my time and read the scripture myself.

He doesn't really know much about the Bible from all these years, I was the same way. The Church was really for service we didn't learn much. Also this Church did not preach the gospel everything was kept confined and kept to itself and I know that sounds strange because the Bible tells us to spread the word.

I have left that Church and found a different one which has helped me grow. I have talked to him however and he told me this whole time his parents forced him to go and warned him about hell. This has, in the end, lead him to believe that this is the only reason he goes and that people only go to feel better about themselves when they die or to make sense of everything.

I think he has missed the point, that is definitely not the reason why I go to Church. How can I help him?

I find the most edifying formats are small group discussion oriented Bible studies of the New Testament epistles. A verse by verse study of the letters to the churches tend to keep the study on track. While the discussion invites participation essential to getting people to develop their own personal convictions. Even one on one is better than being fed a lecture from a pulpit.