I have a good friend who, at one time, was a catholic christian. She denouced her beliefs, tryed other religions but currently is an Atheist, a person who belives in nothing. I am moving soon and probably wont be able to see her much after this week. I have known her for a while and i want to minister to her but i just don't know how to bring it up. She is a good friend and i don't want her to go to hell when i could have ministered to her but i didn't. Please anyone who is a Christian and has been in this situation before help me.
2006-06-26 07:12:59 · 21 answers · asked by jedimastershaun1119 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I can't emphasize enough the power of prayer. The battle for souls is not won arguing with a person, remember, we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places. Our weapons of warfare are not carnal (arguing, etc.) but spiritual (prayer), mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds.
Stop arguing or trying to convince this person. It won't work. Be kind, loving, thoughtful, listen to them. And pray without ceasing. My dad confessed Jesus as his savior four days before he died...and he was 91 years old! I had been praying for him for about ten years. And you know what? About a year before he died, I stopped talking to him about God all together, because the conversations did no good at all. But prayer did. Don't give up, ever. Know that God hears and sees, and promises, whatever you ask for in the name of His son....He shall surely do it.
2006-06-26 07:42:38 · answer #1 · answered by christian_lady_2001 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Remember that what she believes is her business, and as her "friend" you should already realize that she's a good person. (Otherwise you wouldn't be hangin' with her). Good people do not deserve to be harassed in this way. If you love and respect her as a friend, as you suggest you do, then why can't you let her be? Why ruin a good "friendship" with you attempting to shove your beliefs down her throat, or "save her soul". She believes what she will. If you have any respect and value any shred of friendship you two have, then you'll leave her alone.
If you are the type I think you are, and absolutely insist (as most Xians will) on being preachy with her, perhaps the best 'Miss Manners' approach would be for you to 'accidentally' leave your bible at her place. Leave the decision to her. Do not make it for her. She will likely toss the damn book in the pale when you've moved, but at least you can rest well at night knowing that you gave her an opportunity.
Fair warning: If you attempt this and she insists that you stop, you'd better - or you will lose her as a friend.
2006-06-26 07:24:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Very carefully. If she's your standard "former theist", then she's done her homework. You'll be playing with fire, and run the risk of losing your own faith.
Becoming an atheist is not a decision one makes lightly. Anyone who has the courage to disbelieve in something so frightening as the Christian god, will have found some good reasons to do so.
2006-06-26 07:23:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
seems like a couple of things are going on here
1. It looks like you friend is QUESTING. If she's tried other religions, then it seems likely that she is just trying on atheism so give her a little space, or she mak never be a christian again just to spite pushy people telling her that she's going to hell.
2. Your PRIDE is getting in the way of you spending time with the precious little time left that you have with a friend. Just leave her be and have FAITH that she will find what she needs to have a fulfilling life.
2006-06-26 07:30:47 · answer #4 · answered by questingjester17 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your friend is a former Christian, odds are she knows why she left, and in her mind it was a valid decision.
The only way to reconvert her would be to first understand why she left, and then find a way to demonstrate that those are not valid reasons.
If you just try to 'minister' to her without first taking the time to understand why she left, you're just going to piss her off.
2006-06-26 07:19:24 · answer #5 · answered by lenny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An atheist believes in something. We believe that no gods exist. And don't try to force your beliefs on her, it will only hurt your relationship. One thing most atheists hate is having religion forced on them. Let her make her own decision and be happy with it.
2006-06-26 07:19:11 · answer #6 · answered by holidayspice 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First pray that God will send her a helper..you may not be the one. If you pray for her salvation and turn that over to God...you unleash the powers of Heaven on her..God will show up in a million way you could never think of. Trust him...and watch!
2006-06-26 07:21:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First you have to pray. Then open a casual conversation, if this doesn't work wait until something happens and then tell him that God can work things out. I always share part of my personal testimony and then let God lead me from their on.
2006-06-26 07:18:55 · answer #8 · answered by baby_genius2005 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe me when I tell you, she doesn't believe in nothing. She does believe but has pushed that so far inside. Just keep her in your prayers and ask God to heal her heart and spirit. He will in His own time and way. All you can do is let her know you will always keep her in your prayers, and that tiny seed can have a profound effect.
2006-06-26 07:22:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Bible requires believers to share the Gospel with other's who wants hear & receive!...GOD will open a door for you to share the Gospel with her!...check with a pastor or evangelist for more info.
2006-06-26 07:26:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋