So how does one witness to an atheist? Do you engage in arguments about apologetics, intelligent design, or proving evolution? Or is there a simpler, more basic way to share your faith with an atheist? Dr. Rainer asked Mrs. J if she had a best argument for believing in God. Here’s her answer:
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“Atheists think that faith is belief without reason. But my faith is based upon the trustworthy character of Christ. Quite frankly, the words of Christ are unlike any other words I have read.â€
I can attest to that in my own journey towards Jesus; that is why I always ask an atheist to read the Gospel of John if they are willing to search the scriptures.
Here is another important point; you must have confidence in your faith if you intend to share it with anyone, much less someone who aggressively opposed to God and well-armed to do verbal battle. Let me ask you a question: Do you believe what you believe? How well can you convince me of your faith? Would you be willing to give a defense of your faith to me, someone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ? Or are you already feeling intimidated by the thought of explaining why you believe what you believe? There is a good reason for that; your faith is weak.
And your faith is weak because you are trusting in your faith instead of trusting in a faithful God. Your confidence in your faith is affected by the object of your faith. When David had to flee from his own son Absalom, he knew that God was with him:
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“I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.†(Psalm 3:5-6)
There are a number of great tools that will teach how to address the questions atheists are going to throw at you and it is important to have a ready answer for your faith, as Peter has written:
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“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.†(1 Peter 3:15-17)
You sanctify, that is set apart, the Lord God in your heart by abiding in Christ and His words. We learned this yesterday in Sunday School:
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“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.†(John 15:4-8)
We must be steeped in God’s Word if we are to abide in Christ, and we are to keep on abiding, living with Jesus every day if we are to be effective Christians and witnesses for our Savior. There are no shortcuts and you cannot forsake reading your Bibles. You can buy all the books, tapes, and tracts you want but without a solid foundation based on Bible study, you will crumble under the barrage of an atheist’s onslaught. If this sounds like battle, that’s because it is.
So reading the Bible is key, as is praying for the hearts of the recipients of your words. Don’t forget to pray for yourself too!
Now, I will share with you two websites that have extensive information on how to witness not only to atheists, but also many other belief systems. The first is one I’m sure many of your are very familiar with; it is called The Way of the Master with Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron. This is an excellent resource and is packed with videos and information that will help you in all areas of evangelism. Go to www.wayofthemaster.com
Second, is a website I learned of in seminary and one that I rely upon extensively. It’s called Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry and it is probably the best one-stop shop on the Internet for Bible resources and information of different belief systems. It’s page on atheism is by far the best I know of. You can visit them at http://carm.org/atheism.
I’m not sure what we’ve accomplished these last few days, but my main focus was to help clear up many misconceptions about atheists and how to approach them. I know many of you are dealing with family members, co-workers, friends and neighbors and I pray the Lord increases your burden for them so that you can do what you know the Lord wants you to do. Share the gospel!
Have a blessed day and there will be no devotional tomorrow as I have an early morning. The Lord willing we’ll see you on Wednesday.
In Christ
Dave
Ps. 37:4
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Copyright © 2011 David Jeffers
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Aletheia, Apologetics, atheism, Bible, Christian Activism, Christianity, Evangelism, Faith, Forgiveness, Grace, Holy Spirit, Liberty, Mercy, Morality, Revival, Sin, Truth, Wisdom