..to people who say that
'I just don't understand what makes christianity better than living ordinary, good life so that you don't hurt anybody and you try to do as much good as you can.' 'I can't believe that i will go to hell. That makes God evil if he's gonna put me into hell.'
I have many friends who say that to me and I really cannot explain it the way THEY could understand. I mean, reading Bible verses to them isn't gonna help. :/
I share your frustration with these arguments. Its difficult to get some people to view it from Gods perspective. Felix makes some good points in his post.
As people, when we start to view life from our own standard of morality rather than Gods, its a no win situation. This is a trap that even some Christians fall into. e.g. Well, I don't think God would disaprove of such and such etc. As sanctified believers, we are set aside for Gods Holiness in our lives, and must base our morality on Gods view, not mans. So this must be the starting point when answering questions like this. Any reasonable human being knows very well they are not perfect, and fall short of
perfection and holiness. Christians are not perfect, they are forgiven! When God views the heart of man, He is looking for pure perfect holiness. Christians die to self, and allow the holy spirit to take up residence in our hearts, to guide our lives, and live by
Gods standard of Holiness. Even though we are not perfect, God see's His Son in our lives. His forgiveness removes us from our sin as far as the east is from the west.
Its hard to get this through to some folks who don't accept scripture as Christians would, but you simply have no alternative for explaining Gods perspective. Speak the word of truth from scripture! Let the Holy Spirit do the rest. When you speak it, the holy spirit is capable of moving the hearts of men. Simply share it, and let God do his thing. Its not about making a sound argument for God....thats already set forth in scripture. Its about sharing
that truth and letting Him do the rest
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
It sounds too simple to be effective doesn't it? But it isn't. Most times this will move the conversation to whether or not the bible can be trusted which will open the door to talk about scripture. Prayer is often overlooked in these cases. Pray for them, that God will tenderize their hearts to hear his gospel.
Listen to there responses carefully. If you don't know the answer tell them you will look into the matter for them and try to find the answers....follow up! by doing research in the word. Not only will this help them, but it will help improve your witness in the future.
Keep a prayerful heart and ask God to make you a better, and more effective witness for Him....He will! I will be praying for you also Tuomoko, that God will give you the right words to speak, and in the process strengthen your own walk with the Lord.
Grace and Peace!
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