Failing at witnessing to atheists?

[Newguy1990]

Hi all! I've been a long time reader and am now a first time poster. My church usually goes out and witnesses once a month. I'm new to witnessing and I use the 10 commandments. I attempted to witness to a self proclaimed atheist and heres how it went after I introduced myself.
Me: Have you ever stolen anything?
Him: yes.
Me:What does that make you?
Him: a thief.
Me: Have you ever lied?
Him: Everyone has.
Me:Have you ever looked upon someone with lust?
Him: That's human nature.
Me:Well since you've lied, lusted, and stolen do you think you'll be getting into heaven? (Most people say yes)
Him: No
(I was a little shaken and confused because he had a smirk on his face)
Me:Where do you think you'll be going?
Him: Into the ground
Me: You mean into hell? You're a sinner you know and I want to tell you about the bible.
Him: No, I don't believe in gods.
I then tried explaining that it's more logical to believe in god and jesus because if you don't and there is you're going to hell and if you do and there isn't nothing will happen.
Then he started talking about how that's pascal's wager and how there's over 6000 religions with different beliefs and how I shouldn't be bothering people like him on the street. I was confused because he seemed to know what he was talking about.
I gave him a pamphlet about our church and activities in case he would be interested later and he tore it in half in front of me. How can I get these hardheaded atheists to listen?

 

[Puptart]

The whole point of witnessing is to give a first-hand account of something. That means you give your account of faith, religion, God, Jesus, and so on.. and then it is up to the person you're speaking with to make the final determination for himself. If that person wishes not to listen, that isn't your problem, and it isn't your job to "force" them to believe OR listen. Just let them go on their way.

The Bible addresses this in metaphor. Matthew 7:6 states "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces." If a person is set out not to listen to you, that's exactly what they're going to do, and your words fall on deaf ears. They will take whatever you say to them and throw it away, at which point you've essentially wasted your breath.

Save your pearls of wisdom for those who actually want to listen.

This is why I do not believe in street witnessing. I believe in choosing subjects for witnessing through conversation over long periods of time. If a person seems to be receptive to talking about it, then by all means.. but if they are not receptive, you will just be driving a wedge between you and him the more you speak, and they will only dig their heels in more and more.

Picking random people off the street and witnessing may seem like a good idea, but essentially you're just throwing your pearls out into the street and hoping they don't get crushed by everything around you. In my opinion it just seems reckless and without forethought. Talking about God to people who don't believe should involve planning and conversation and careful consideration. It should also involve knowing something in-depth about other religions as well as lack-of-religion (agnosticism, atheism).

 

[Leggomyegolas]

Short answer: You can't. If they've made up their minds that they're not going to follow Christ, or acknowledge the existance of God, then there's nothing you can say that will change their minds. Attempting to do so would be an exercise in frustration and futility.

 

[motherprayer]

Ack. I think witnessing to atheists should involve the love of Jesus Christ. Back in my non-Christian day, I would have laughed at you too.

 

[Solomon's Portico]

I know that "the way of the master" type of evangelism is popular but I think you need a lot more than a system to repeat. As far as the atheist is concerned I agree with motherprayer you need to show some compaction. Most people already know that their sinners you don't have to beat them over the head that way.

 

[motherprayer]

Becoming a Christian isn't about the ten commandments (I know I know, stop sinning, be righteous, present youselves holy, I know. Just bear with me)
Let's examine Scripture, which says "For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son so that all who follow his commandments-"
Wait. That doesn't sound right. Oh!
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever BELIEVETH in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Yes. That's it.
That's a good start when witnessing. God is our Father, but I like to think of Him to a non-Christian as a STEP-Father. Haha keep bearing with me, this is cool.
A child who trusts his parents listens to their commands, even when he doesn't like it because he knows they mean well for him. Christians who are strong in their faith are like these. Christ said become as like little children, and that is what we are to Him.
So then we have a child, we'll call her Sally. Sally's mom is single, and her dad passed away. Her mom meets a wonderful man and gets married, but Sally is not sure about this guy. Mom (for clarification, let's compare mom to a Christian witnessing) SAYS this guy is okay, but how does Sally know? She is scared, because she doesn't want to get hurt. So she shies away from him (picture a non-Christian encountering God through a witness). She patiently listens to her mom tell her he loves her and will care for her, and to listen to what he says. But Sally doesn't want to.
This is so very similar to the state that most non-Christians exist in. They have no worldly experience of the kind of love God has to offer. When we have a chance to present God to them, it HAS to be about love!

Why? Why shouldn't we as Christians rebuke them in whatever way possible for their misdeeds?

Because we are their window to God. What they see through our actions becomes their perception of how God is. If they see Christians being hateful and judgmental, then they will see God as hateful and judgmental. If they see Christians loving them even through their sin, they will learn that God also loves them through their sin.

Wow. I just had an epiphany. Yesss

 

[freezerman2000]

I have found that witnessing through actions (lifestyle) and demeanor (conduct) is the way to effectively break the ice,so to speak. If you bludgeon the atheist with your Bible(spouting verse after verse),you will lose out 9 times out of 10.
Cultivate a bond with that person over time,let him see How Christ has transformed you into the person you are now,and the person he could come to be.
NEVER be pushy..that will inevitably only push that person further away from God.
To sum this up, take your time..cultivate a relationship with that person and follow through,without pressure..
If that person still is unwilling to accept Jesus,don't give up on him..He may change over time,and you will have a great friendship with that person.
Peace!

 

[MikeBigg]

How can I get these hardheaded atheists to listen?

As other have said, you don't.

This is my take on it - there are many people out there with hearts open to hear some good news. You need to talk to them.

Jesus said: "I only do what I see the Father doing". Here are 2 ways to find the people the Father is working with:

1) Make lots of friends. And I mean friends, not people you know who you can preach to. Have normal conversations with them. Listen to what they say, if there is something you can help with offer to help them. That can be practical or spiritual. Can you help them decorate? Can you help with food when times are tight? Can you pray when things are going wrong?

2) Ask God to show you. He wants you to help people. Go to a place, settle your heart and wait on God. See if He shows you someone. For me, I get a sense that God wants to minister to someone and a "coincidence" happens. I also get words of knowledge about people and have to work out who they are for.

Those two things work interchangeably. For example, I once had a word of knowledge about a guy at work - the word was that he had a bad back. I took him out to lunch, explained the word of knowledge, which was accurate, he let me pray and God healed him. We've become friends and go for lunch most weeks now.

I also remember when I'm talking to people that God loves them, Jesus describes Himself as gentle and humble at heart, and that it is the kindness of God that leads men to repentance.

I hope this helps a little.

Blessings,

Mike

 

[GrizzlyMonKeH]

I bring up God before I bring up the topic of sin.

 

[Messy]

I tried to reach some atheists, first on their forum (not a good idea) and then on a christian forum. I had two questions for them: what do you need in order that you can believe in God? Can I pray for you? After I read the responses (they wanted to see the miracles that Jesus did and evidence that they still happen) and other christians trying to scare them with hell, which made them very angry, I changed the question for them:
What don't you need? and I also gave them the answer: a christian with the for some annoying question if he can pray for you; tales of signs and wonders that you can't check. The next hell preaching. And I wrote: sorry, thanks for showing me. They were very happy that I understood them. The only thing that works is prayer. Your friend is blind. They can't see it. Pray that the Lord will open their eyes. After a lot of prayer, if the Lord tells you to say something or they ask you something, then speak. My granddad was an antitheist and he was converted on his death bed, because my mother and I prayed for him fof at least twenty years, day in, day out. And they watch you. They have to believe in you first.

 

[MZS]

All are not ready to hear the message of salvation. I believe all are called the hear it in God's Plan, but not all are willing. Give your personal testimony, work in scripture in a natural way, and maybe leave them a tract, if they are willing to take it. 4 Spiritual Laws or Billy Graham's "Steps to Peace With God" are good ones. I like to stay away from "goofy" tracts. And if they mock you, consider it a blessing - it happens plenty. I was out a week ago and a fellow was witnessing to 2 guys giving one scripture verse after another - one was mocking. Then I started talking to the mocker, asking him about his vocational plans, and then I related to him some of my own testimony - the guy opened up and even took a tract and shook my hand. He was the only one I had a conversation with that night, but it was clear he was the one I was supposed to talk to. Nothing wrong with what the other guy was doing (citing scriptures) but sometimes a different approach works better. It took me 7 years to accept the Gospel message presented to me, but I accepted it. The guy who presented the Gospel to me simply went through the 4 Spiritual Laws scriptures.

 

[MZS]

The only thing that works is prayer. Your friend is blind. They can't see it. Pray that the Lord will open their eyes. After a lot of prayer, if the Lord tells you to say something or they ask you something, then speak. My granddad was an antitheist and he was converted on his death bed, because my mother and I prayed for him fof at least twenty years, day in, day out. And they watch you. They have to believe in you first.

GREAT thing to point out! We always pray before going out on the streets. Without prayer, you are simply trying to outsmart the devil with witty conversation and arguments. With prayer, you carry the Sword of the Spirit.

 

[tomgto]

WOW!! Some amazing responses to the question presented. I myself use the "Ten Commandments" method. This is what I have learned about witnessing. But keep in mind I am always learning.

1. The message has always been the same, but the method of delivery has changed as the world has changed. What spoke to the hearts of man 500 years ago may not be the same as today. SO.. the ten commandments method works for me but may not work for you.

2. You never know where a person's spiritual state is in when you witness to someone. This could be the 1st time they have heard about Christ. It could be the 327 time they have heard about Christ. You maybe planting the seed or watering the seed and if your lucky you may be the one that witnesses the seed sprout a new Child of God.

That is the purpose of sharing the gospel. Only Jesus Christ can save, period. If you have been genuinely honest and loving in your speech then that person has the choice to accept what you are saying or deny it. Their choice. You are only offering truth. Never get tied up in theology. You will not prove to anyone Jesus Christ died and rose. You will not prove to anyone the bible is the word of God. You will not prove past miracles have happened. Remember, we all come to Christ through Faith not Proof. When you witness and speak about Jesus Christ that’s when the Holy Spirit takes over and will speak to the heart of the other. True will be heard and will shut the mouths of men.

Witnessing can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Even if they did not accept what you are saying for you at that moment proclaimed Jesus Christ as the Son of God and through him all is loved.

 

[Gottservant]

I don't know why I wanted to think about this, but it's sort of interesting.

When ever some one becomes an atheist, there is an angel some where that becomes a demon; and when ever some one becomes a believer, there is a cherub some where that becomes a god.

I will give this some further thought subconsciously.

 

[jamaster15]

I think God is glorified in every type of evangelism, so don't ever stop that. I think the ministry you did is a blessing but looking backwards totally negates the reason you are witnessing. The Holy Spirit changes people and the work you did giving people the gospel is as much for you gaining incite, love and devotion from God than it is for the people hearing the message. Why don't you pray for your new buddy and start studying up on atheist responses to Christianity

 

[smithed64]

Hello, Newguy1990
Witnessing to an Atheist is no harder than witnessing to someone who isn't. First, there really isn't any such thing as a Atheist, God says this himself

Ro 1:16 ¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Ro 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Ro 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Ro 1:19 ¶ Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them
Ro 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Ro 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Ro 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

So, even God tells us thru His word that everyone knows about God, there are those who have faith in believing and then there are those who don't, but those who don't profess to be wise, they became fools.

Speaking to an Atheist isn't hard. You came about it the right way. Using the Law to show him his sins, but remember to do this with love...remember their lost and going to hell we should all be concerned and care about these people.
They'll bring up all kinds of stuff to throw you off track, but just keep bringing them back to the law...Tell them you are afraid for them, be sincere, I am. I don't want to see anyone go to Hell. Remind them their living dangerously, that they are not promised tomorrow. I also find that after I go thru the law with them and I ask them this. " If there is a God and he judges by the commandments, which you've admitted to would you go to heaven or hell." Remember he/she doesn't believe there is a God, don't go there with them...The Holy Spirit will do His own work in their hearts..We don't always reap what we sow when it comes to witnessing. Many times we just plant the seed, showing them their sins with the mirror of the Law..that schoolmaster which brings them to Christ

Ga 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Ga 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

And then we let them be. Ask them if you can pray for them...many will get offended if you tell them you are going to pray for them...but if you ask..many will say they don't care...some may just say yes. You never know.
But don't argue with them...don't let them steer the conversation..believe me they'll try..because no matter what they say..their conscience knows the truth. They just don't want to quit living their life their way.

 

[Messy]

What atheists want is proof. Unless you see signs and miracles, you won't believe. So witness about the things God did in your life and show them Jesus is still alive.

 

[Michele B]

Hello, Newguy1990
Witnessing to an Atheist is no harder than witnessing to someone who isn't. First, there really isn't any such thing as a Atheist, God says this himself

Ro 1:16 ¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Ro 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Ro 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Ro 1:19 ¶ Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them
Ro 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Ro 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Ro 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

So, even God tells us thru His word that everyone knows about God, there are those who have faith in believing and then there are those who don't, but those who don't profess to be wise, they became fools.

Speaking to an Atheist isn't hard. You came about it the right way. Using the Law to show him his sins, but remember to do this with love...remember their lost and going to hell we should all be concerned and care about these people.
They'll bring up all kinds of stuff to throw you off track, but just keep bringing them back to the law...Tell them you are afraid for them, be sincere, I am. I don't want to see anyone go to Hell. Remind them their living dangerously, that they are not promised tomorrow. I also find that after I go thru the law with them and I ask them this. " If there is a God and he judges by the commandments, which you've admitted to would you go to heaven or hell." Remember he/she doesn't believe there is a God, don't go there with them...The Holy Spirit will do His own work in their hearts..We don't always reap what we sow when it comes to witnessing. Many times we just plant the seed, showing them their sins with the mirror of the Law..that schoolmaster which brings them to Christ

Ga 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Ga 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

And then we let them be. Ask them if you can pray for them...many will get offended if you tell them you are going to pray for them...but if you ask..many will say they don't care...some may just say yes. You never know.
But don't argue with them...don't let them steer the conversation..believe me they'll try..because no matter what they say..their conscience knows the truth. They just don't want to quit living their life their way.

This is all very good advice. Remember, scripture lets us know that everyone - EVERYONE - "knows in their hearts there is a God" - so anyone claiming to be an atheist is only lying to themselves.

Therefore, the best way to approach them is to use scripture. NO ONE can deny scripture....even if they say they don't believe, the Spirit of God will use that scripture you quote to convict them - even if it's many days after you talk to them. Just don't expect miraculous results! In other words, don't expect to see a conversion on the first visit. It may take many months, many others to "water" the seed that you plant, etc.

Also, let me add that you do NOT argue with them about the Bible. Just beating someone over the head with scripture will not provide the results you are looking for! Arguing with them over the "meaning" of this scripture or that will not yield the desired results, either! The way I approach someone who tells me they don't believe in God, or the Bible, is I just (basically) ignore that statement! For instance, if I say, "Who do you believe Jesus to be?" If they say, "I don't believe Jesus was anybody. He's just a good teacher." I just keep going. I might say, "Well, that's very interesting. The Bible says He is The Word of God (quoting John 1:1-2, 14). It also says He came to take away the sins of the world." See? I just basically ignore their statement! If they come back and say, "Wait, I told you I don't believe in the Bible." I come back with, "Well, I'm just sayin'.....IF the Bible is true, and IF Jesus is who He says He is, here's what it says about Him. Would it be all right if I just explain to you what I believe?"

That way, if I discern that they are not really coming around, at least I know I've planted a seed, and somebody else will water it - the Lord will see to it!

Bottom line: If you are doing what you are called to: Professing with your mouth, and testifying to what you know about Jesus - you are doing all you are called to do! Only the Holy Spirit can quicken a heart.

God Bless you obedience, my friend!

MB

 

[trientje]

What atheists want is proof. Unless you see signs and miracles, you won't believe. So witness about the things God did in your life and show them Jesus is still alive.

The athiests I have witnessed to do not want to hear how God worked or works in your life. They call it "emotionalism" They also do not want to hear about the bible, I was told not to use the bible to explain God, to leave the bible out of the discussion. What makes them very very angry is when I quote scripture which proves that: Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. As far as proof? they tell Christians that we have no evidence. That science gives evidence against God. Science does not give evidence that there is no God or that there is a God. I also tell them that we come to Jesus through faith and are accepted through grace. That also angers them. As far as athiests asking for proof? I really believe that Jesus could stand right in front of them and they would still deny him. In Isaiah 6:9-10 God said to Isaiah "Go and tell this people. Keep on hearing , but do not understand, Keep on seeing but do not perceive. Make the heart of the people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and return to be healed. But we are commanded to go out and preach the word. We know the word is sharper than a two edged sword. We plant seeds then pray for the Holy spirit to intercede.

 

[Messy]

The athiests I have witnessed to do not want to hear how God worked or works in your life. They call it "emotionalism" They also do not want to hear about the bible, I was told not to use the bible to explain God, to leave the bible out of the discussion. What makes them very very angry is when I quote scripture which proves that: Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. As far as proof? they tell Christians that we have no evidence. That science gives evidence against God. Science does not give evidence that there is no God or that there is a God. I also tell them that we come to Jesus through faith and are accepted through grace. That also angers them. As far as athiests asking for proof? I really believe that Jesus could stand right in front of them and they would still deny him. In Isaiah 6:9-10 God said to Isaiah "Go and tell this people. Keep on hearing , but do not understand, Keep on seeing but do not perceive. Make the heart of the people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and return to be healed. But we are commanded to go out and preach the word. We know the word is sharper than a two edged sword. We plant seeds then pray for the Holy spirit to intercede.

I witnessed on the FreeThinker forum for 33 pages. They were friendly and let me qoute a lot of scripture. Most of the people there are ex-believers.
Now I'm praying for them. It was amazing, they have trick questions trying to proof God is a monster, like Richard Dawkins does. I know nothing about the Old Testament, but God gave me all the answers to their questions.
How I started?
I said: I have this burning Love in my heart and woke up this morning and had to pray for someone there who wrote a book and with it has succeeded to pull a lot of christians off their faith. I said: can you explain this with science? hahahahaha, but they did listen, because that's the reason he fell off his faith. He didn't believe God loved him unconditionally. They told him 9/11 was God's will and punishment. That's also when the whole Dawkins movement started, trying to proof the God of the Old Testament is immoral and therefore doesn't exist.
And yes, they want proof and xrays of Divine healing. They can get it.