Vol.1 No.2

Q. I have a guy I’m friends with who sees no need of Jesus in his life. How can I prove to him that God cares about him personally?

A. Your situation is complicated by the fact that your friend is a male. I suspect that there may be a romantic involvement. If this is true, you are not the best person to help him. He may attempt to accept what you say, but the whole issue is complicated by emotional ties. A young man is in a better position to help him. In the mean time, my earnest counsel is for you to break any emotional ties with him. It is a dangerous situation to allow your emotions to be drawn out by someone who does not love the Lord. Too often young ladies think they can help such a man. They may even end up marrying unbelievers, hoping by their love to convert them. But this is a most dangerous delusion.

How can this young man be helped? Don’t try to debate your differences. It will only draw out his defenses. He probably already knows the arguments. If he has a genuine desire to explore God’s way in his life, then there is hope. If he does not, prayer and Christlike witness may awaken a desire later.

If he does indicate even a slight interest in spiritual things here are few suggestions:

1. Young people often are interested in why Christ means so much to you. Simply tell him.


2. Encourage him to fellowship with other truly converted Christian young people in their recreations.


3. Share with him some of God’s providential leading s in your life.


4. Suggest he join a Bible study group of young people who are enthusiastic for their faith.


5. Invite him to join in some simple witnessing activity where there is nothing that he would have to do except be present.


6. If he has talents, such as in music, invite him to use them at your fellowship groups.

Vol.1 No.7

Q. My best friend has asked me to go to a party with him but I know that there will be things going on in which I will not want to participate. But this could be an opportunity for me to witness to my friends. Do you think that I should go?

A. No, I do not think that you should go. I recall a young man once asking, “How can you witness to those who are in the dance hall if you don’t dance with them?” I asked him three simple questions:

1. “Do you ever go dancing?” “Yes.”


2. “Have you ever witnessed to anyone at a dance?” “No.”


3. “Why have, you not witnessed?” “I guess that’s not the place where one witnesses.”

So simply he had answered his own question. You will find the same thing with this party. Young people will be engaged in such a round of activities meant to gratify their selfish hearts that they will not likely provide any opportunity for you to witness.

The much greater fear that I have is that by beholding you will become changed and eventually you, not they, will be converted. You will be converted away from Jesus.

Vol.3 No.3

Q. I am shy about witnessing to other people, and this has made me extremely unhappy. I am afraid to do almost anything because of the fear of failure. Can you please help me?

A. Many Christians would like to witness, and know they should witness, yet feel afraid. This in turn provides the basis for guilt because they are not witnessing.

It is important to analyze why we are afraid to witness. The first likely problem is that we are insecure and find it very difficult to handle rejection. God would have us recognize that when we are rejected, or our witness is rejected, it is not us who have a problem. Our concern should not be for ourselves, but for the one who has rejected the wonderful opportunity that the gospel provides them.

Samuel felt that same rejection, but God reminded him "...they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me..." (1 Samuel 8:7). Assuming that your conduct while witnessing is Christlike, any such rejection of your witness is a rejection of God.

Secondly, your fear of witnessing reflects that you have yet to experience the fullness of the love of God. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love" (1 John 4:18). Each morning as you pray, ask God to give you the love for souls that will strengthen you and be reflected in your desire to lead them to Christ.

If we love Jesus supremely, we will have such a love for others that we “... cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).

As you ask for the love and power of God in your life each day, He will strengthen you to be a witness until the day comes when it will be natural to share with others, knowing that you have an understanding of the saving grace of Jesus that every human being needs.

Vol.11 No.3

Q. I have friends and family who seem hardened against Christianity. Others, such as atheists, do not even believe God exists How do you reach these people with God's love?

A. I'm so thankful for the Bible's explanation of how God works with people. Although we cannot change people, Jesus promises, "if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me" (John 12:32). Under inspiration, John also wrote that Jesus is the true Light, "which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (John 1:9). Through the Holy Spirit, God speaks to the heart of every one of His children. Since He knows us intimately and does not want any of us to lose eternal life, He knows the best way to reach us (Isaiah 44:2; 2 Peter 3:9).

However, God uses us to touch the lives of others, to meet people where they are, and to give them glimpses of His gracious character.

Jillian Bethel, a former atheist and social anthropologist, explained how God reached her while she worked on her doctoral degree in the Caribbean.

"What drew me? Simple things: the happiness and humor of a Christian schoolboy, the kindness and hospitality of a loving Christian family, the quiet persistence of a man who knew his Bible well, the right books provided at the right time, and the wise compassion of a Saviour who knows how to win proud, skeptical scientists."

Another atheist, 19-year-old Dennis Balyaev, was living a life of crime in Russia. He didn't like the Bible, but listened to Bible instruction from his Christian English teachers. Gradually, this instruction influenced Dennis. Then he met Andrew, a former criminal. When Dennis saw how God's power enabled Andrew to give up money, liquor, and women, Dennis gave his life to Christ.

Each situation is different, so pray earnestly that God will direct what you say and do. Claim God's promises for guidance (Proverbs 3:5,6; Isaiah 30:21).

A famous Christian author wrote, "The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian."

A personal relationship with Christ, through total surrender to Him and faith in His righteousness, allows His love to flow out naturally to others. Then we can truly be loving and lovable Christians.

Don't push your beliefs on people, but don't be afraid to share, when opportunity permits, what God has done for you. Jesus got involved with people in practical ways-healing, helping, feeding, and encouraging them. He desired their good, showed them His sympathy, supplied their needs, and won their confidence. Then they were more willing to listen to the gospel.

And we must never forget the gift of intercessory prayer George Mueller, the famous man of faith, prayed for most of his Christian life for the conversion an infidel friend. Not until Mueller died did the man finally accept Christ as his personal Saviour.