I have a friend who says she's Hindu and Christian. I want to share the gospel with her & be able to tell her that it's not really "right" to have 2 different faiths but I don't know how to do so without offending her.
Great Question! The question is, "What is the right religion?"
Fast food restaurants entice us by allowing us to order our food exactly the way we want it. Some coffee shops boast over a hundred different flavors and varieties of coffee. Even when buying houses and cars, we can look for one with all the options and features we desire. We no longer live in just a chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry world. Choice is king! You can find about anything you want according to your own personal likes and needs.
So how about a religion that is just right for you? How about a religion that is guilt-free, makes no demands, and is not encumbered with a lot of bothersome do's and don'ts? It is out there, just as I have described. But is religion something to be chosen like a favorite flavor of ice cream?
There are a lot of voices vying for our attention, so why should anyone consider Jesus above, say, Brahma, Muhammad or Confucius, Buddha, or Joseph Smith? After all, don't all roads lead to Heaven? Aren't all religions basically the same? The truth is that all religions do not lead to Heaven, just as all roads do not lead to Toronto.
Jesus alone speaks with the authority of God because Jesus alone conquered death. Jesus, by His own power, walked away from the tomb three days after dying on a cruel Roman cross. Anyone with power over death deserves our attention and deserves to be heard. Jesus claims to be the only way to salvation (John 14:6). He is not a way; He is not one of many ways. Jesus is the way.
Sharing the true gospel with others can be difficult, and it can become even more difficult when it involves your friend. The Bible tells us that some people will be offended at the gospel (Luke 12:51-53). However, we are commanded to share the true gospel and there is no excuse for not doing so (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15).
One of the first things we can do is to pray for them. Pray that God would change their hearts and open their eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4) to the truth of Jesus and the gospel. Pray that God would convince them of His love for them and their need for salvation through Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Pray for wisdom as to how you can minister to them (James 1:5). In addition to praying, we must also live godly Christian lives in front of them, so they can see the change God has made in our own lives (1 Peter 3:1-2). As Saint Francis of Assisi once said, “Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
So, pray for an opportunity to talk, share and explain the gospel with your friend. When the doors do open to share your faith and beliefs, remember to do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Trust that their heart has been prepared by God to receive His truth. Know also that the Holy Spirit will be with you! Ultimately, we must leave the salvation of our friends to God. It is God's power and grace that saves people, not our efforts. What we can do is pray for them, witness to them, and live the Christian life in front of them.
As you approach your friend carefully and humbly in prayer the following link may help you:
One of the first things we can do is to pray for them. Pray that God would change their hearts and open their eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4) to the truth of Jesus and the gospel. Pray that God would convince them of His love for them and their need for salvation through Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Pray for wisdom as to how you can minister to them (James 1:5). In addition to praying, we must also live godly Christian lives in front of them, so they can see the change God has made in our own lives (1 Peter 3:1-2). As Saint Francis of Assisi once said, “Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
So, pray for an opportunity to talk, share and explain the gospel with your friend. When the doors do open to share your faith and beliefs, remember to do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Trust that their heart has been prepared by God to receive His truth. Know also that the Holy Spirit will be with you! Ultimately, we must leave the salvation of our friends to God. It is God's power and grace that saves people, not our efforts. What we can do is pray for them, witness to them, and live the Christian life in front of them.
As you approach your friend carefully and humbly in prayer the following link may help you:
I am a Hindu, why should I consider becoming a Christian? http://www.gotquestions.org/Hindu-Christian.html
HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL! THANKS FOR ASKING!
HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL! THANKS FOR ASKING!
[Answered by Ray Lee, Summer Intern]
