How to Be a Witness
Posted April 8, 2009
Mike,
Thanks so much for the additional words of wisdom. I so appreciate the time you take for those of us who hunger and thirst after the truth.
Your sister in Christ,
I am hoping you can help me again. I was in touch with a friend today. She and I have remained in touch after nearly 25 years. She is very sick right now. She told me that she believed she was sick because she had been reading her Bible a lot, and she said she knew the devil was after her for that. She said there was a lot in the Bible that she didn't understand. I told her I would get her some stuff printed out to help answer her questions -- she had a lot of questions about hell, heaven, what happens to us when we die, etc. I could answer some questions, but I was just overwhelmed. She doesn't have a computer, so I am going to print out some stuff from your website to take to her. All this being said, what is the single best advice you can give me to share with her when I see her? She said she used to go to church a long time ago, but she stopped going because she couldn't believe what was being taught. Please help. I don't want to mess this up.
J____
Hi again J____,
Thank you for your question about how to handle your friend's questions. The very best way to handle her is to answer her questions as she poses them. If she is asking about hell, then the very first thing she needs to understand is the meaning of the word aion. There is a section in the FAQs entitled 'Eternal Life'. Here are the letters on the subject of the Greek word 'aion' in that section:
If you could look through those letters and find one which you think would best answer her questions, that would be the best thing to do.
Do not expect her to accept everything at once. This takes a lot of time normally, so just don't overload her with things you think she needs to know. Let her set the agenda, and answer all of her questions as she asks them.
Do not worry about "messing this up." This is all being orchestrated by God, and He will give you the wisdom and strength to do the right thing.Your friend could not come to God if He is not dragging her, and when God does drag her, He will also give you the fiery words you need to do what He already has ordained for you to do as His servant.
Luk 21:12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute [you], delivering [you] up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.God will give you what you need when you need it.
Luk 21:13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
Luk 21:14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
Luk 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw [Greek, drag] him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Your brother in Christ,
Mike