In desperate need of help!!!!!!!

[4given29]

I'm in need of some major advice. Today I was on the bus going home from school and I was sitting with this guy named George. I asked him what kind of music he liked. He told me he liked a lot of heavy metal and he was telling me the lyrics and they all put down God. I told him that I listened to a lot of Christian rock and he put down every band that I said I liked (DC Talk, Relient K, etc.) Then we got into a discussion about what we wanted to do with our lives and I told him I wanted to be a missionary. And he made some kind of sarcastic remark that was like oh you're going to go to foreign countries and try to convert the paganistic religions of people everywhere. Then we got into a kind of debate. He said that we were just all out there trying and fighting to get to heaven and I said that you can't fight your way into heaven and he said sure you can. I told him that the only way to heaven was to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and he said oh yeah to become a "Christian." Then he asked me what about all the people in third world countries who haven't even heard the name of Jesus, and he said so all those people are just going to go to hell. And I told him that that's why people go to those countries so that those people can hear too and I told him that I thought that everyone deserved to go to hell but Jesus died for us so that we don't have to got to hell. And he said what about the babies and kids who die, they're just going to go to hell. I told him I didn't think that God would send babies to hell. And then he asked me how I knew that Jesus was real and I told him because of the Bible and he asked me who wrote the Bible, I told him men who were inspired by God wrote the BIble and he asked me how I knew and I told him because I did and that I believed it was and I told him it was called faith. He gave me this look and he said how can you preach something that you don't have all the answers to. I didn't really know what to say to that. Then he asked me if I believed that he was going to hell and I told him that if he didn't have Jesus in his heart and that was between him and God. And then he asked me if I wanted to know if he believed in God and I said yes so he said, "Yes I believe in God." THen I had to get off the bus and when he stood up to let me out of the seat he said, "See ya in hell." I told him that I wasn't going to hell, I was going to heaven. And I had to get off. So what am I supposed to say to him? How do I respond when I don't know the answer to something when he challenges me. I can't just say I'll ask someone and find out and I'll get back to you because he thinks it's phony if I don't know the answer. He basically puts down everything I say and I don't know how to answer him back. Please help if you have any advice. Linz

 

[Mr.Cheese]

Well, Vatican II went as far as to say that those who have never heard of Christianity, but are responding as best they know how to "God" are "anonymous Christians."

I believe that Jesus is the only way, but I also know that God is good.
Without trying to speak for God, I personally cannot resign those who have never heard to fry in hell.

You just do the best you can. You've done well so far. pray for him.

I probably listen to harder stuff than he does.

 

[Rage4Christ]

4given29

First, you must take a long pause and ask: what do you want. What are you emotionally/spiritually/personally willing to put up with.

It is perfectly reasonable to stick up for yourself and say, "i'm not comfortable with arguments about God." If he mocks you for, that's his problem and social failing for not respecting other's boundaries.

Just because you are on the path of Christ, doesn't mean everyone can be rude to you. Stick up for yourself and what you want. (this is alot harder than it sounds-- before you can stick up for what you want.. you need to know what you want.)

That is one option-- but I would recommend another. Do research, get involved, feel empowered. You can do it. The path to Christ is not easy. You can't just say "i have faith in Christ" and think your work is over. It is a struggle that will last the rest of your life. Its best to face that struggle with an active mind, active spirit giving unconditional love to everyone you encounter along the way.

I struggled with skepticism and agnosticism. And I'll tell you, that part of my struggle to Christ was some of the most rewarding, revealing and spiritual moments of my life.

Christ demands deep reflection on the very sorts of question this guy asked. Apologetics is a great way to ponder the mystery of Christ. There is more to learn than you have lifetime.

You're 15, and i'm not sure what your reading level is. I would suggest going to the very sources of his arguments-- the best way to understand where he's comming from is to research that very opinion. Read works by Ayn Rand, and Camus-- if you can read those, understand them-- then you'll be able to know the questions that God has intended us to ask, and how some people chose to answer them. You'll come out of it stronger and more perceptive than before. You will have an "active mind" along the path for Christ.

Also, try to give unconditional love for this guy. Remember, that you love him, that he is on his own path. Don't judge him. Don't fear him. Show him respect. Listen to what he says without feeling threatened--- If he wants to attack your faith, stick up for yourself-- don't let him be rude.

Just ask questions. If he asks you a question, return that with a question.

Unconditional love, that's the key.

 

[Rafael]

Your going to run into some people along the way that will remind you of the scripture where Jesus tells us to not cast pearls before swine. And in the presence of swinish behaviour, it is best to be silent and wise as a serpent - getting out of the way of trouble.
Always pray that the Holy Spirit will help you be kind to rude behaviour and thereby heap up coals of hot fire on their heads when they realize that they have mistreated you and been unjustice when you respond to them with love and patience.
It sounded to me like you did a real good job speaking, but some people are out to find fault with God because they prefer darkness and are very offended by the light. God will protect you on this life's journey as you gain wisdom and grow in His grace.
Be Blessed.......

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

[Heidilein]

You said that he told you he also believes in God. If he's mocking you for something that he also believes in, then he's also mocking himself. I think you did a wonderful job arguing your side and standing up for God and what you believe in! We can't possibly know all the answers, we're human and there are things that we just can't comprehend or know and we won't know until we meet God. I, personally, am of the opinion that all people will go to heaven after a time (perhaps after a stint in hell). I don't think God created heaven just to tell half of the world that they aren't invited. Good luck and keep up the great ministry!

Heidi

 

[nickie8705]

when he puts everything you say down tell him the truth that not everyone has the answers he is looking for, but just be cause you don't have them doesn't mean that there isn't one. And as well keep telling him of faith and being a witness to him because that is what you are being and when he asks you to prove it ask him if he's ever looked at the Bible if he hasn't show it to him if he has have him read some of Romans. The other thing is if anyone ever asks you how can you believe in something that there is no proof or sight of tell them something like this, there's wind but I can't see it dose that mean that it doesn't exsisted. Or even just tell them that just because you can't see it dosen't mean its not real all you need is love and faith in one thing and believe that it is real. If you can do that then all you have to do is forget what others say and just keep telling them of your beliefes.

 

[gentle quiet spirit]

Sounds like you did a great job. Keep standing firm in your faith. It sounds like this boy is in real need of prayer. When I'm faced with questions or comments, and I'm not real sure how to respond, I'm just honest with them. I don't have all the answers, I don't know all the answers, But I do know without a doubt, God loves me, and everyone else. And I made the decision to believe and trust in Him. We can agree to disagree, but I will still pray for them, and for the Holy Spirit to help me speak the right words. Stand firm in your faith, be compassionate and kind(the armor of God). Faith is something we cannot see or prove, but we know and trust to be true, like the wind, we cannot see it, but we know it's there. We can feel it. You can tell him that if he has any specific questions he is more than welcome to ask them, and if you are unsure how to answer them, you can tell him that you will ask someone more knowledgable about that subject, then you both will learn something new! Don't pretend to know things you do not, and don't be ashamed to addmit you're human and don't have all the answers, but are willing to find them out. Maybe you have a youth leader you can talk to, or simply invite him to a service or fellowship gathering and give him the opportunity to ask questions for himself. Never hurts to ask. Remember, a tree is known by its fruit, try to bring forth good fruit. Good always overcomes evil, and love never fails! God's Blessings and Guidance.

 

[Crofter]

Then he asked me if I believed that he was going to hell

I don't think he needs to worry too much about what you think... but more about what he wants...



It sounds like you did a grand job... good on you.



... you never know how your words can be used to transform a person's heart... even years later what you say now and how you act can stay in a mind and be there when the time is right. God bless.

 

[Yitzchak]

Here is a crucial point which makes all the difference. Being a messanger for God does not mean I am God. I don't have to know all and answer every question in order to have a message form God. we are to point people to the savior , not become their savior. I would say, that is a really good question or point , why not ask God? Don't try to be what you are not. Just be what God ahs called You to be.

 

[Alternate Carpark]

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

It would seem that you have been attacked through one of satan's main tactics 4given29, and no doubt you are feeling disheartened and inadequate and that you have failed your Lord and saviour. Satan always tries to make the saints feel that way.
It's one of his chief weapons to keep our eyes off God through shame.

1 Cor. 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Here's a more detailed description of satan's tactic and see if you can relate any of the words to what you experienced-

[The act of confusing] — Syn. obscuring, blurring, mixing up, upsetting, disturbing, embarrassing, discomfiting, abashing, agitating, addling, fuddling, miscalculation, miscalculating, befuddling, tangling, mixing, cluttering, disarranging, unsettling, dumbfounding, confounding, perplexing, demoralization, stirring up, snarling, embroiling, misconceiving.

People like the one you met are used by satan for the one purpose of devouring your faith in God, this happens a lot. It's like what raphe said, do not cast you pearl before swine. It is written 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

It says be ready to answer people's questions about our faith in Christ, it doesn't say we have to answer everyone.

I am in a non believer forum as well as this one and there are a few people there who are just itching to mock the Christian faith. They challenge my beliefs all the time. They ask a multitude of questions, normally globally impacting ones, yet they do this for one reason only.
So they can tear my answers apart and try to make me believe that God can't be real and I am not a very good Christian.

I confront them about their motives and do not answer their questions, and of course they respond with, "nah nah.. you can't answer, god isn't real !"
These people aren't searching for God, so I am led by God not to answer their questions, no matter how much flack I get from them.
Instead, I tell them about the love God has for them as individuals, I tell them about the relationship He desires to have with them.
I do this because that's what they need to hear, and God's word does not return void.

Sometimes you will be led to say nothing and you have to put up with the ridicule.
Just like Jesus did before His crucifixion, but that's what His Father told Him to do isn't it !
Jesus never defended Himself in that situation, and there will be many times in all our lives that we are not to defend ourselves or God, and then to suffer the consequences.

Build your foundation on the secure immovable rock that is Jesus and you will withstand any storm. You will still may be battered and bruised in these storms but you will stand through them. And each storm you go through will strengthen you.

1 Peter 4:12-16
Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. [13] Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.
[14] If you're abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It's the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. [15] If they're on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that's a different matter. [16] But if it's because you're a Christian, don't give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!

 

[4given29]

Thank you everyone for the advice and encouragement. I know now that I don't have to have all of the answers all of the time to stand up for God, I just need to remember that He loves me and everyone else. Thank you so much. 4given29

 

[LynneClomina]

Matthew 10
13If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.