Christians: How can you help someone believe who has gotten to the pt that certain things that pt to God arent

Question

effective anymore?

Answer 1

It depends if you are trying to witness based on theology and apologetics, meaning a more evidence oriented approach, or if you are taking a more faith, gospel, message of hope approach. If the person you are trying to help needs evidence, try Josh McDowells "Evidence that demands a verdict" There are also some good scientific creation books by Dr. Duane Gish, look him up. But if you are trying to bring a more philosophical appoach to the table, you have to make sure that the person understands how attainable the gospel is, and that Christ wants to meet a person in their lowest state and bring them out of it, to establish strong faith in him. You cant just decide to make someone have faith in God, and someone just cant decide to have faith in God just because it is logical or even just because there is substantial evidence for it. If you only believe in God based on evidence, you have no faith. Evidence can help break the ice, but it is not deep. The thing I see very often with people who are exploring Christianity, is that they seem to think that they have to make a lifestyle choice right away to basically change, and become a good person, and they think that they need to instantly be this great Christian before they essentially become one in the first place. In other words, they ready themselves with good works and lifestyle changes before they become a Christian, because they think that God wont accept them any other way. But it is not about God accepting us, it is about us accepting him as our savior, from our sins, literally. God wants to meet someone in their heart, with a beer and cigarette in that persons hand, and say, "trust in me" not when they have made everything perfect and there is nothing left for them to give up to him. And what I am getting at to answer your question, is that many people do not think of the gospel message in this way, which is why they dont become christians in the first place. Its too much to live up to, especially before you actually have God in your life! And the minute you decide you are a good christian, you are a bad christian. Alll the christians who have their acts together are the most selfish bigotted people! Beware of "great" christians, because these people, though not always, are using Christianity as a crutch for their insecurities. Just remember the story of the theif on the cross. A criminal in the last moments in his life was able to accept christ, as the first christian in history after the sacrifice of Jesus, simply because he believed, and understood his sins. I just want to make sure that you know to present the gospel in its simplicity. Its just a matter of realizing you are in need of God, and he will do the rest once he is in your life. Thats what having faith means. A lot of people who become Christians just because they realize evolution is a joke, or something else like that, are also not believing on any deep level, but only based on logic. It may be a good start, but something has to happen in the persons heart that goes beyond evidence. And trust in God because in my life, I have learned that everything that I have become, though I have thought I was bettering myself, becoming who I wanted to be, was all the while Gods doing, which I appreciated later on.

Answer 2

I was brought up in a very Christian family, and I became a person of science. Mathematics and physics did not challenge my childhood faith, but certainly biology did. Literal interpretation of the Bible is very difficult in the face of strong scientific theory. During college, I completely rejected my faith.

I can only say a few things to this:

1) Jesus rarely spoke in literal terms. He spoke in allegories and parables, so literal interpretation of his words is not applicable. There is no reason to believe that the old testament is not full of this same narrative device which some have codified into fact which must be strictly and literally interpreted. The Bible was indeed written by people, translated and transcribed by people, who may have altered or misunderstood various passages along the way. But whether you believe the Bible or not, there is indeed much wisdom in its pages. Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln and many of our revered leaders' principles were founded in the Bible's writings.

2) I still cannot fully explain certain events in my childhood that would point to the existence of God. When I was young, there are two things I remember from Church. First, when you pray, don't ask God for things. Instead pray for His will to be done. And pray for acceptance of that will. Second, when non-believers asked Jesus for a miracle as proof that he was God, he responded by saying that there was no proof, no miracle that he could perform that would ever satisfy all possible doubt.

I mention these two points to illustrate a moment in my life that I can't explain. When I was about 10 years old, we lived on a large tract of land. One day, after seeing the movie Robin Hood, I went to the backyard to make a bow and arrow. I fashioned them out of the green lithe branches along the river bank that flowed by our back yard. The problem was, the arrows I made didn't fly straight.

So I got on my knees. I prayed silently. I told God that I knew I shouldn't ask for an arrow, that I should only ask for His will. But I confessed that He would know the real reason I was praying, was for an arrow. I finished my prayer not expecting much. Stood up. Turned around. And there in the ground was a red arrow.

That moment sustained my faith for many years. With time, I have contemplated many explanations for how this happened.

I have many theories. My education has challenged my upbringing. My education smashed my faith. But I always remember what Jesus said, no sign would ever be enough -- and to this day, that incident gives me pause.

It reminds me that all theories, including scientific ones, are just theories.

I am fairly content not knowing what the truth is.

I have been working too long in the scientific community to believe that all our theories, even those in science, are eternal. New theories continously challenge the gospels of science.

Answer 3

Pray and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work. Live your life in such a way that the person you are trying to witness to sees Christ in your life. Live your life as a witness, not just your words but your actions, your attitudes, everything you can. Be a friend, if that is the situation. Make a friend, if you are not. Be a companion, while protecting yourself from temptation. Don't argue and debate with someone with a hardened heart; it is pointless and fruitless. Pray for God to soften their heart, and then allow the seed you have planted to germinate. Remember, your job is to teach and guide; you cannot bring someone to faith by force.

Just some thoughts off the top of my head. Some will apply to your specific situation, hopefully, and some will not

Answer 4

Best way, get down on your knees and say, lets pray, lets ask God, and tell them, "we are not moving till you feel him." Some folks, you can lead them and lead them, but till you go point to point with God with the person, God will met you.
You know Jesus, you know he loves you, pray for his presents when you do this. But be bold, don't cow down, remember we wrestling not with flesh, so rise above it, in high places in God, just be forward.
If the anointing is on your life, he will feel your atmosphere change when Jesus walks in your room, just humble yourself in the sight of the lord. He will too, an your going to have a Super natural visit from Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, the battle is not yours, its Gods. You do your part, God will do his, through Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
Sing praise's too, dont be ashamed of Christ. He will meet you, on you knees. Trust the Lord, not your mind.

Answer 5

pray. and then pray some more. and not just for his/hear heart to be changed. but for your behaviour to reflect a Godly heart. For anyone who might come into contact with this person to be an opportunity to be introduced to God in a whole new way. For your willingness to be used however God wants to use you.

Answer 6

Prayer

God inspires people in different ways. Ask God for direction and for Him to speak through you. Maybe you just haven't struck the right chord yet. Keep trying, my friend! :)

Answer 7

All you can do is encourage them to read the Bible (starting with the Gospel of John) and pray for God to reveal Himself to them.

Answer 8

It is to begin with, a matter of faith. After faith, God will open your eyes, ears and mind to his word for better understanding. If you have any faith left, I suggest you ask God to make it stronger and give you knowledge.

Answer 9

Just back away. Don't push. That makes people angry and defensive. You've planted the seed let God work.

Answer 10

personal faith can only come from God. tell the person to read the scriptures and ask God him or herself. you can not force someone to believe.