I recently started a thread entitled "Are you a good person?" The purpose was to get people to see themselves as God see us, as sinners in need of his grace, few got it, but it made everyone who took the test think and that was the main objective.
How do you witness? Do you mention hell? Do you mention the Commandments? Do you make the person see themselves as God sees them? Do you only mention his Love? Did you know that out of 100 people who make a decision to follow God 90 will fall away from God? Why? I believe whoever witnessed to them only told them the good part and didn't let them know that it wouldn't always be easy or popular to follow God, but to holdfast his word. So when they hit a rough patch they stumble, and resorted back to their old ways, because it's "easier" and less confrontational. This hub is not telling you to force God down throats of anyone, but to be an honest witness. Tell them the whole truth about God, and not to "water it down". So they will make an educated choice to follow God or not.
In the forum I received a lot responses this one spoke volumes to me read the response of an atheist when she forced to see herself through God’s eyes.
Jenblacksheep said "This is what PISSES ME OFF about religion! Who are you to tell me that I'm not a good person? Of course I've lied to people (sometimes lying is the kindest thing), I've probably stolen things although I don't actually remember any particular occasion, of course I've felt lust (who the hell hasn't) and ye, I've hated one or two people, they deserved it. But I'm NOT a bad person. I don't do things out of malice or spite. I try very hard not to be rude or disrespectful to other people (even when they deserve it). I stand up for myself, my beliefs and my friends. I don't ever hurt other people nor do things that I think might hurt someone. AND most importantly, I don't do or not do these things because some questionable higher being says I should or shouldn’t do them. I (and only I) am accountable for my actions and I do what I think is right because I think it is right! The question is are YOU a good person since you only act in a good way because God tells you to and because you want to get to heaven!" After telling her I would pray for her she went on to say "Well I'm 100% sure I'll be spending eternity in a brown box about 6ft under, but I appreciate the concern ... sorta. Heaven is not for me. Anyway, I have been assured by many concerned theists that I will get to heaven despite not believing in God (although I have been told by one that I'm going to hell). So it looks like I'm in a better position than you as I get the best of both worlds! And please don't pray for me ... that is so incredibly patronizing"
Does this sound familiar? "Look at this delusion! Humanity is so full of itself, so arrogant. So self righteous. How can we see ourselves as liars, thieves, adulterers, and still think that our day with the One True God will be ok. Its nonsense" True, so why do we continue if this will be the response? If God has truly entered your life your heart breaks for the lost we just have to try to reach them. When you are confronted by someone like this don't be discouraged, ask yourself Why? Are they angry with God? Did they have a bad experience with a church?, Are they so full of conviction that when they are asked think about their life they believe you are judging them, and since believe that they can stop thinking about their fate and put the focus on you? Or are they so bent on "living their life" that the thought of someone being in control of all this threatens their choices so much that it's easier for them to deny his existence entirely then to submit to GOD? Submit is an interesting word ask any atheist what submit means they'll say to bow down and give in to. But if you ask a Christian that same question they'll say it means to go under the protection of. Interesting.
If you witness here on Hubpages, or anywhere you'll be outnumbered, sometimes force to stand alone against evil, but take solace in that you are doing God's work and he is with you. Romans 10:15 "And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" and Mark 16:15 He said to them "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." Even though a person may choose to be an Atheist, a New Ager, unrepentant sinner or any thing in opposition the Jesus Christ and his word they will discover an endless desire for peace and approval, but will not find it (Isaiah 48:22). They will need to surround themselves with others who continually reaffirm their choice not to follow Christ in order to numb their conscience about the lies they have embraced. You'll never see an Atheist alone, you'll never see an unrepentant sinner alone and you'll never see a New Ager alone. They have to constantly jump into religious forums. Have you ever wandered why? If they get more people to agree with them they believe they are justified for their unbelief. But it’s only a veil so they can find some "comfort in numbers" against God.
God doesn't guarantee an easy life 11 of the 12 apostle were
killed for their belief in Jesus. Our reward is not here in this
world it's in Heaven. Mat. 7:13-14, "Enter by the narrow
gate. for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to
destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is
small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those
who find it." So as you witness here or anywhere remember to
tell them the whole truth about God, and if/when your message is
rejected keep in mind that they are not rejecting you they are
rejecting God. You plant the a seed pray that God reaps the
harvest, and continue to pray for that person, because no matter
what they believe they will have to face God on Judgment Day.
