Q: How do I bring my friends to church when all they care about is being entertained?

...Whenever I bring them to Agape events, they usually  just come for the entertainment without getting the real message behind everything.  Plus, one of my friends are so fixated on her own thoughts about life (first life, second life...) that it's hard to get my thoughts to her.  I want to bring my friends to church, but not so they will be entertained.  What should I do?

A:  Dear friend, do not be discouraged!  I know that it is tough to reach out to friends and introduce them to our Christian faith, but many have been in your boat and there are also many who have succeeded!

I think the most important thing to do at this point is twofold:

1.  we have to pray for our friends - forcing them to come to fellowship or church activities are only going to help so much.  We have to really lift them up to God and ask the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts.   After all, it is not us that have the capabilities to change them, but God Himself.  So keep your friends in prayer and remember to trust that God will do what He needs to do in His time.
2.  we have to model it for our friends - in addition to praying for them, we have to model the Christlike life to them.  You have to give them a reason to want to change, a reason to want to seek out who this Christian God us.  If your life is nothing different then theirs, then they'll wonder why they need to change. 

 Now, specifically about your friend that has her own thoughts about life.  You mentioned about her believing that she has a first life and second life and this seems to be aligned with the teachings of Hinduism and Buddhism.  In order to evangelize, we cannot just impose our beliefs on others.  We have to take the time to understand and love them.  In the case of your friend, it's important to see where they are coming from and then address the issue from there.  Remember that just as strongly as you hold onto your faith as a Christian, she may hold onto her own religion.  We have to be sensitive and understanding, but also not waiver in the Truth we believe in. 

For more information about how to evangelize and specifically about Buddhists and Hindus, please go to here to see other Ask Us Answers. 

[answered by Pastor KJT]

 

Q: Hindu AND Christian?

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:

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!

[Answered by Ray Lee, Summer Intern]

Q: What can I do to get my family to know Jesus and come to church?

I've been brought to church ever since I was little by my older brother, but my parents are not Christian. A while after, my brother stopped going as well, but I continued to go ever since then. I really want my parents to get to know Jesus and come to church with me, but it is just so so difficult because they are Buddhist and they think that church is just a place that scams your money (offering). What can I do to get my family to know Jesus and come to church? They also think that coming to church is going against their Buddhist religion which will then bring them bad luck if they do go to church.
 
Great Question!  I Know Many Students Struggle With This Issue! If you are part of a normal family, you'll probably find it quite hard to share the gospel with them. What part can you play in reaching out to your non-Christian parents?
 
They might have been keen for you to go to church earlier on, but now they're not so sure, because you're taking it far too seriously. They hoped that you'd learn some good morals and manners at church - but you've become really serious about Christianity - much too serious for their liking!  Or they were against you becoming a Christian from the very beginning. They were horrified when you started going to church, and have put every obstacle in your way ever since.
 
Opposition from non-Christian parents can come in various forms. They give you a hard time every time you want to go to church or Bible study. They even schedule family events to purposely clash with church events so as to force you to choose between family and God. They may even forbid you to go to fellowship or worship service, and will most certainly point out all your faults as being hypocritical. "Aha", they say with delight, "is that what a good Christians does?"
 
Sharing the gospel with your parents can be very hard.  Here are three things to consider and remember.
 1. There is a reason why parents find it hard to hear the gospel from you - and that's because you are their child. You are younger than them - and you always will be. They can remember you drawing on walls and biting the furniture. And now you want to tell them which God is real? You want to tell them that the stuff they have believed in all along is completely wrong? Well of course you want to tell them these things - and it's for their own good. But they will find it impossibly hard to listen, for the simple fact that you are their child and they are not disposed to learn such things from their child. Imagine for a moment that roles are reversed - and your own child is telling you how it is. You would probably also find it hard to believe your child knows better than you!
 
2. Does this mean that it's completely hopeless? No.  While they will be unreceptive to hear the gospel from you, they will hear it much better from someone their own age and life-stage. And this is simply how natural relationships work - they are much more likely to listen to their own peers. But how can you transform yourself from being a child, to being a 40 to 50-year old person? The answer is that you can't. However, chances are that there are others in your church and congregation that are already at the same age and life-stage as your own non-Christian parents.
 
That's right, the parents and adults in your church are exactly the thing you need to help witness to your non-Christian parents. And what you need to recognize is that you aren't the only one who reaches out to your parents. It’s our church and community as a whole who should be reaching out to your parents. And so what you need to do is to mobilize the other parents and adults in our church / congregation to help reach out to your parents.
 
How can you do this? If Bobby, your good friend at church has Christian parents, why not drop hints to see if your parents would like to either go over to meet your friend Bobby - and Bobby’s parents or come visit your home. And as they meet Bobby's parents they see that Christian's aren't strange and immature - they are in fact people just like them. And as they build relationships and common interests they can hear the gospel explained to them in time by someone their own age, and their own life-stage.
 
You could even make a point of finding out about events that the Chinese Cantonese or Mandarin side is running, and tell your parents about them. They can choose which activities they would feel comfortable in joining or attending.  You could let the Chinese pastors responsible for caring or potential older people in our church consider helping to reach out, visit and pray for your non-Christian parents.
 
Thirdly, does that mean that there's nothing for you to do but sit back and watch? No. You play an important part in the process, by witnessing to your parents, showing them what Christians are like in day-to-day life. Bobby’’s parents can explain to them what Christianity's all about, but they can't hang around to live out the Christian life for your parents - only you can do that. And as you strive at being godly at home, as you make gospel-driven decisions, as you repent from your sin, you are witnessing to your parents.
 
This doesn't mean that you have to be perfect at home - for no Christian will be perfect. And in fact, that's not what a Christian is in the first place! Instead you are showing to them that a Christian is a sinner who has been forgiven, and is growing in godliness. They may still make sarcastic and hurtful comments when they catch you at your worst (and we are all at our worst at home). But if you are turning from your sins, and seeking to walk in righteousness, they will notice.
 
Above all, remember to pray for your parents and be patient with the work of the Holy Spirit!
 
Here are 2 links to questions that may help you understand Buddhism and how to help your parents:

1.  What is Buddhism and what do Buddhists believe? http://www.gotquestions.org/buddhism.html
2. I am a Buddhist, why should I consider becoming a Christian? http://www.gotquestions.org/Buddhist-Christian.html

GREAT QUESTION. THANKS FOR ASKING!
 
[Answered by Ray Lee, Summer Intern]

Q: How should a Christian react to someone who is hostile towards Christianity?

By “hostile” I assume you are talking about non-Christians who make fun of, perhaps even physically persecute Christians. I believe the Bible says a lot about the hostility of non-Christians, and I’ve structured my response into three points.

1) The world is hostile.

Romans 8:7 – “The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.”

This partly explains why it’s so hard sometimes to live as a Christian: we’re going against the grain. The world as a whole is hostile to God. Though some people might choose to manifest that through physical anger or verbal abuse, and others choose to just be chill and tolerant, the same heart of unbelief and hostility is at work. You might meet non-Christians who are very easy-going to talk with about spiritual matters. Maybe you know some who love to hear and debate about Christianity and the Bible; even those who don’t mind visiting church with you. But if they choose to not accept Christ, the Bible paints the picture very clearly that they have nothing in common with Christians (2 Cor 6:14).

Ultimately, the only thing that can bring someone from non-Christian to Christian is a true confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If that isn’t there, they are hostile in one way or another to God.

2) Love the hostile non-Christians.

Now, it’s easier to love people who are nice and friendly. Those who directly oppose what you believe to your face are obviously harder to love. But the Bible still tells us to love them. Here are some Biblical principles regarding love for non-Christians.

(Matthew 28:19-20) Our responsibility is to preach the Gospel and make disciples of all nations, teaching people to obey everything God has commanded; that includes the most hostile of non-Christians. Though it is a hard assignment, we are told and empowered to do it by Christ himself. There are countless stories of the most hostile non-Christians coming to Christ through the witness of the church.

(Luke 6:27-33) "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you … If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them.” Christ is magnified when we love our enemies, because it points to a supernatural and unconventional love that the world does not naturally display.

(Matthew 10:14) “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.” This verse reminds us that it’s God’s battle, not ours, to “win over” hostile non-Christians. If we have proclaimed the Gospel, and they do not listen, we should simply get up and find the next opportunity. There is no use in endless bickering that only further frustrates both parties.

3) Pray for the persecuted church.

We should be thankful that we live in North America where the hostility of non-Christians is not severe to the point of life and death. However, Christians in many countries around the world face severe hostility on a regular basis. Let’s make sure to remember them in our prayers.

[Answered by Mark Cheng, Agape Counselor]

Q: Pushy Christianity?

Recently my dad told me I was being too pushy when trying to tell others about how Christ has worked in my life. I also find that it seems fake when I try to fit God into my conversations with others. How can I evangelize without being pushy?

Hey! I think it’s awesome that you want to share about Christ and how He has worked in your life.

First and foremost, it is a commandment for us to spread the gospel to all corners of the world as we read in Matthew 28:19-20 to “… go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

We share about Christ because we, who have been given eternal life through grace by faith in Jesus Christ, love Him and seek to obey Him! There are many believers who don’t feel they are properly prepared to be an effective witness for Christ. So often we don’t even share with others because we fear the “What If’s”. What if they ask me something that I don’t know the answer too? What if they get offended? What if they reject my offer? What if? What if? What if? After pondering these “What if’s” long enough most of us never get going in sharing the Good News of Christ to others. We all have struggled with these hindrances throughout each of our Christian lives but we can overcome them by doing 4 simple things. Hopefully these will help you.

1. Pray! Pray!! Pray!!! - Before any conversation, ask the Lord to break our hearts for the individual who is not saved. Far too often we can come across as a used car salesmen selling something, a little bit insincere and very pushy. This is usually because we may think that we are better than the other person and not because of a compassion-filled heart. People respond more readily to a humble offer from a loving friend then a pushy preacher. It is in prayer that our confidence is built up and our compassion is developed. So begin to pray regularly for your friend who you would like Christ to reach through you.

2. Know the Gospel - According to Acts 4:12, salvation is found in a person, Jesus Christ! The security found in Christianity is that salvation is based upon our relationship with Christ, which does not change. You see when someone places their faith in Jesus they are adopted into the family of God. God loves us so much that he sent his Son into the world to die for our sins and enable us to have a relationship with Him. Because of Christ, we can now enter into a relationship with God by trusting in Christ with all of our hearts and surrendering our lives to Him.

3. Know Your Testimony - The fact is the number one reason why people come to Christ as seen in the New Testament is because of the simple presentation of the gospel coupled with the personal testimony of someone who has become a follower of Christ – you!. Over and over again the Apostle Paul shares his testimony with those he wants to win to Christ. The question that many folks will have is “why are you a Christian?” Be ready to share your faith and know how to answer this question.

4. Start the Conversation … But Don’t Force It - The best context to share your faith with someone is when you are in a relationship with them. Don’t be afraid to take your time getting to know their heart and unique challenges. It’s been said that as we come to share Christ with others, that “Evangelism is one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” Yet taken one step further, we can say that the “Gospel is one beggar simply giving another beggar the bread of life.” Let’s learn to be willing to give it away!

Take a look at Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4 as an example of how you can witness to others. Here are some off-the-top-of-my-head ideas that may help you not be pushy with your friends. Here goes...

Don't:

1. Interrupt people's lives purely for the sake of evangelism.
2. Hand anyone a tract until you know they're interested in reading it (maybe not even then.)
3. Use tracts that look like money (ever!)
4. Wear a sandwich board, hold a sign or use a bullhorn (or shout as if you wished you had one.)
5. Use scripture with people who clearly don't care about it.
6. Wear a big, fake smile and slap people on the back and say "awesome" all the time.
7. Argue (ever!)
8. Force people to hear your message in order receive something else that they want.
9. Lose interest in a person once they've said they're not interested in the gospel
10. Separate your "real life" from your "ministry life."

Do:

1. Listen carefully and respectfully
2. Be yourself, and talk like you talk normally.
3. Be willing to admit that you don't know everything.
4. Be willing to admit that Christianity is not easy.
5. Apologize for the times that you have failed to exhibit the love of Christ.
6. Meet people's needs with no strings attached.
7. Invite people into your life.
8. Consider living among the people you're ministering to (or minister to the people you're living among.)
9. Pray earnestly for unbelievers and for your ability to be Christ to them.
10. Enjoy people's company, plain and simple.

OK. I know I'm missing a lot, so you'll have to add a few of your own. Go ahead. I know you can do it. Great Question! Thanks for asking!

[Answered by Ray Lee, Summer Intern]

Q: When does the Holy Spirit come upon us?

At point of conversion? At baptism? When do we have the power that Jesus states in Acts to evangelize, to fulfill His commandment, etc.?

At the point of conversion, not baptism (2 Cor. 1:21-22). The Holy Spirit is the primary person of the Trinity at work in applying the finished work of Christ in the lives of Christians. Remember, the acts of the Holy Spirit - not the acts of apostles - are the focus of the book of Acts. He is the one who enabled the apostles to do everything they did. In the same way, when we become Christians, the Holy Spirit comes upon us, transforming our manner of living and giving us the power to kingdom-advancing work like evangelism.

[Answered by Pastor HM]

Q: The church always encourages us to share our faith w/ others. How do you suggest we share our faith with friends of other religions?

Good question! I’ll try to answer this in two ways: biblically from 1 Peter 3:15-18 but also with three of my own personal suggestions.  

¹⁵But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.  ¹⁷It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.  ¹⁸For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.  He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,

1.  Be Christ-centred – “set apart Christ as Lord.”  The best ways to be a good witness to friends is to be a Christ-centred Christian so it’s obvious you love the Lord and live for Him. 

2.  “Be prepared to give an answer.”  How do you prepare?  Develop a good grasp of the Gospel so you can explain from the Bible about who Jesus is – God’s Son, the Lord, Saviour or Redeemer, etc. – and why He came – to point us to God as The Way (John 14:6), to die for our sins, etc. 

3.  Be gentle and respectful – “But do this with gentleness and respect.”  You get a better reaction with honey than vinegar!  You must be courteous and respectful toward our friends in talking about their differing beliefs, not ever insulting them or their religion – that gets you nowhere fast!   Show a genuine interest in what they believe but gently point out how Christianity is very different.  (Usually the difference revolves around earning one’s way to heaven – good deeds outweighing the bad = DO – or being saved by God’s grace = DONE!) 

4.  Be an example – “keeping a clear conscience ... good behaviour.”  Our faith makes a difference in how we live our lives – it’s not just something we believe inside but it affects how we live. 

5.  Be ready to be ridiculed – “to suffer for doing good.”  Just be aware that some will make fun of you because of being a Christian and that is okay.  In fact, in some countries being a bold witness can bring intense persecution.   Are you ready to maybe be ridiculed or even rejected for the sake of Christ?

6.  Be able to share the Gospel in a nutshell – “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.  He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.”  The core of Christianity is Jesus Christ!  Steer your conversation from merely being a cerebral discussion of comparative religions (about what they believe versus what Christians believe) to talk about the wonderful Person of Christ – you’ve got to get to Jesus and speak about how precious and unique He is! 

Three personal suggestions on how to share your faith with your friends: 

1. Be a good friend!  This sounds so simple but this is how you can have a BIG impact.  True friends share what’s really important to them; so, if you’ve been a really good friend s/he will likely be open about hearing about your faith in Christ.  And if s/he is not keen about Christianity, still be a good friend!  

2. Pray lots for your friend!  Ask God to open up opportunities to share Christ with your friends and then look for when He opens those doors for you to talk about Jesus.   As well, pray that God will open your friend’s heart to be willing to listen.  Maybe even ask God to even give your friend a dream or a vision of Jesus because that really has an impact (something like 75% of Muslims background believers [MBB’s] report having had a dream or vision of Christ); so, why not pray for one for your friend! 

3. Do some reading about your friend’s faith and talk with your friend about each others beliefs.  Pastor Rodney Woo in The Color of Church tells how he did this: ‘Hasan and I became friends and engaged in multiple conversations concerning the similarities and the differences between the Islamic faith and Christianity.  The conversations were very open and dialogical ... I shared on several occasions about the historical facts of Christianity and the life of Jesus.  I always emphasized that God’s love was most clearly expressed by Jesus dying in our place ... and that He wants an intimate and personal relationship with you’ (pg. 195,196).  There are lots of things you can read or study to be more prepared to share your Christ with your friends of other faiths.  For example Lee Strobel’s books that start with the titles, “The Case For ... Christ ... Faith ... Christmas,” etc., and there are easier youth editions! 

                 

Check out this link on various faiths and how to dialogue with them; it has some good information:

Note: My initial response to the question was more than twice as long with several quotes especially from this link.  If you’d like the longer version, please e-mail me.

[Answered by Pastor Daniel, English Ministry]

Q: What happens to infants when they are still young and they pass, but never hear about God?

Pastor John MacArthur has written a very good book on this very subject. You can see the description HERE and read a great little article by Pastor MacArthur HERE. The answer he argues for (& I agree with him) is that babies and young infants instantly go to heaven. The main reasoning is this: Salvation is by grace, and condemnation is by works - most notably the action of rejecting God. Infants are incapable of rejecting or accepting God, and thus God chooses to extend His mercy to them. It is important to note that God saves them not on the basis of justice but on the basis of His grace.

Below is a video of Pastor MacArthur speaking about this very topic on CNN's Larry King Show.

Q: How do you convert someone if they dislike going to church?

Firstly, we have to remember that is it not US that does the conversion. We are simply the vessel in which God uses to bring people closer to Him. If you think that what you say, what you do, how you act, is the SOLE way in which your friend will come to know Christ, than you are sadly mistaken.

My advice would be this:

1. Model your life after Christ (1 Cor 5:2) - If you want people to know who God us, make sure you're life resembles the life of Christ. What good is it to tell people about God and how He has changed your life for the better, if you act no differently than the rest of the world? Christians have often been criticized as being hypocrites, so don't let that be the way your friend sees you. You want your friends to become Christians, you gotta give them a good example of what that is.

2. Pray for your friend (Luke 10:2)- As I said, it is not US that converts people, but the Holy Spirit. Pray that God would reveal Himself to them, and ask God to open their hearts. Also ask God to opportunities to talk to your friend about Christianity.

3. Talk to them - Please don't just expect to bring your friend to church and then let the pastors do the converting. Talk to your friend about their experience. You said that they dislike going to church - why is that? Perhaps they simply do not understand why we do certain things - this could be an opportunity for you to explain it to them. If there is something they are unclear of and you can't answer the question, come talk to one of the Pastors and we can help to clarify.

Hope that helps you out a bit. Check out this website from Christianity Today to learn a little more about evangelizing in the postmodern world.


[answered by KJT]

Q: Satan but not God?

Q: I was having a discussion on religion with my friend. He is an atheist and believes more in Satan than God. If we have another discussion, how should I defend my position as a believer and bring him closer to God?

Your question is timely as recently there has been a debate on Nightline on the question, "Does Satan Exist?" (see above). 

First, I would recommend you graciously explore why he/she believes in Satan and not God. What exactly does he believe about Satan? Who is Satan? What evidence is there for the existence of Satan, but not the existence of God? Does he believe in God at all? Why does he claim to be atheist if he believes in an entity such as the devil? Listen patiently and carefully, and try to understand where they are coming from. Sometimes, a person's disbelief in God is not purely scientific or intellectual. For example, they may refuse to believe in a God of love if they have suffered or been hurt or felt unloved. Since they do not feel love in their life, they conclude that a God of love cannot exist.

Second, I would say you must understand, from Scripture, who the devil is. It's going to be very hard to defend your position unless you know what the Bible says about the devil. For a good summary, visit CARM.org's article on the devil HERE. In short, Satan is a fallen angel who opposes God who is leading a rebellion against God. His primary motive is to elevate his throne above God. He counterfeits all that God does, hoping to gain the worship of the world. Additionally, Satan is the ultimate source behind every false cult and world religion. Satan will do anything and everything in his power to oppose God, and those who follow God. However, Satan’s destiny is sealed—an eternity in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10). For more information, visit this site - which has links to other questions & their answers including "If God is all-powerful, why doesn't he just kill Satan?"

Third, I would challenge your friend to really examine whether believing in Satan over God makes sense. If anything, the fact that your friend observes evil and suffering in the world (i.e. Satan's influence) means he/she is judging by a objective moral standard. Without a standard (something more than our subjective opinion about what is and is not moral), we have no right to say what is and is not evil. 

[Answered by Pastor HM, who had a friend in high school that believed in Satan, but not God]

Q: How can an all-loving God make me do his bidding?

Q: "My friend, who I had a discussion on God with, said that the reason why he doesn't believe in God (or a god) is that an all-loving God would never need people on Earth to do his bidding. Even though I tried explaining this to him, he still refused to believe. Is there a way past this barrier, or does it requite 'brute' persuasion?"

I'll say a few things regarding this issue. First - as a matter of theology - God does not need anyone to do anything. He is all-sufficient, all-sovereign and all-powerful. God did not create us out of necessity, but to glorify Himself (Psalm 19:1), show His love (Psalm 136) and show us His attributes (Romans 1:20). He created us because he is creative God. I'm sure you already tried to explain this to your friend, but I wanted to clear this up for others reading this blog post.

Second, I would lovingly challenge your friend to explain what he/she means by "all-loving" and "bidding."It seems your friend's conception of God is that of a control freak who desires mindless robots to obey his every word (perhaps they feel controlled in their life and are directing that anger toward God?). 

Of course, this is not simply true. God created us to be in joyful & close relationship with Him. But he also created us with dignity, and therefore with freedom and choice. Sadly, all of us have abused this freedom, choosing to reject God instead of following our created purpose of being with him in close relationship. That is why Jesus came. Jesus was lived, died on the cross for our sins, and was resurrected so that this broken relationship with God could be restored. What is the result of a restored relationship with God? JOY! Jesus said,  "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy" (John 16:22). 

Your friend (and sadly, many others) may think that choosing to follow God and his ways is sad, pathetic and mind-numbing, but the truth is that God created us to be in relationship with him in JOY! Christians follow God - not because we HAVE to - but because we know that it is only in Him that we find true and lasting satisfaction, joy, peace and love. Remember that biblical freedom is not the ability to do whatever we want, but do what we were CREATED to do. We also evangelize others because we want our friend and family to know this joy as well. 

Third, to answer question directly ("Is there a way past this barrier, or does it requite 'brute' persuasion??"): No, there is no way past this barrier. We simply cannot convert people. It is only by God's Spirit that anyone comes to know Him and repent of their sins (John 16:8, 2 Tim. 2:25) . The only thing we can do is to witness faithfully, lovingly and joyfully. For example, when the opportunity arises, we can share about the impact God has made in our lives and the joy, peace and hope we know have in Him. On the other hand, though we cannot 'save' anyone, we can challenge their presuppositions and beliefs. Patiently listen to your friend and graciously respond. Tell them about why Christianity makes sense to you. Lastly, pray for them. Ask God to open their heart and doors of opportunity where you can share the gospel with them.

Thanks for your question, and your heart for your friend!

[Answered by HM, whose heart breaks for his friends who feel the same way about God]

Q: How do you evangelize to someone who doesn't believe in the existence of God?

In tackling this question, it is important to figure out what it is actually asking. This is one of those broad questions that we would hope had a easy simplistic answer. The truth is that this topic is so vague because there is no formula of witnessing to those who don’t believe there is a god because everyone comes from a different history and background, with their own story and perspectives.

Firstly, to clarify, atheists believe that there is no god, as opposed to theism (which is a belief that there is a god or gods). As Christians, we have a monotheistic view (one God) existing in a Trinity (the Christian belief of God existing as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – 3 in 1, one nature, three persons).

The reason for this question being so vague is that there are many various reasons why people don’t believe in God (or a god, for the matter). The most common major objections are: the problem of evil (there is evil in the world, so there can’t be an all good and loving God); the Big Bang/Evolution vs. Creation debate; God didn’t answer my prayers; and I’m doing fine, so why do I need God?

The main approach to evangelizing to someone who doesn't believe there's a god is to ask or find out: Why he/she doesn’t believe that there is a god? This is the key clincher question to approach this topic. We have to know where they are coming from, and ultimately believe and trust that God will meet them where they are at. This is our hope and confidence.

Here's what we can do:

• pray and ask God to reveal Himself to that person
• recognize that it is God, through the power of the Holy Spirit who moves and changes a person’s heart and not our own efforts
• pray for strength, discernment, and courage to witness to this person and for God to speak through you
• devote yourself to following Jesus that others may see Him through you
• ask yourself, “why do I believe God exists?” and share your personal answer with them
• Come alongside them, get to know them, see what they are all about, befriend them, show God’s love to them

As we start to understand where a person is at by answering that key question, we are able to know how to encourage them to look to God. If they just don't know anything about God and are oblivious on how to look, examine the Scripture accounts that talk about who God is and look to Jesus, who the apostle Paul says in Colossians 1:15 is the image of the invisible God. If they have rational doubts, study up on how to answer these barriers and look at some reasoning proofs, such as intelligent design or first cause. The most important aspect is to find out where they are at and the barriers they hold against believing in God. Only then we will be able to begin evangelizing to those who don't believe in Him.

[Answered by Jon]