Problem:
hi, recently, well within the last school year i have begun believing in God. before this i had been emotionally abused and raged against any type of religion. i had gone through some hard times and fought with depression. but then i found God, i started to read the bible and things popped out at me. like he was speaking to me through the bible. now, no one really knows in my family. they have all really known that i was strictly atheist. and to be honest i don't have a problem with them not knowing. but i had a big fight with a boy at school and intending to hurt me he went ahead and questioned me faith. he told all these things about how i only did it because i was following others. but he knows nothing about me. i tried to do the right thing and not be mean to him back but i found it so hard trying to defend my faith. it made me feel as if i didn't have strong faith but i do. i love God. i trust in him and believe that he loves me as well. but i am so frustrated that i had a hard time defending what i believe in. please help me. Rhiannon
Answer:
You know, it’s just great to read that you love God, you trust in him and believe that he loves you. That is such a good starting point. If you can only build on that foundation, then in time you will be able to get everything else into place too.
When you had the argument with the boy at school, well done for not being mean back to him. It’s really hard to keep your cool when someone is having a go at you, but you managed it, and I think God is so pleased with you for it.
When people criticise your beliefs, or maybe they even criticise God too, sometimes it’s right to keep quiet and sometimes it’s right to answer them. When Peter was writing to the Christians who had been scattered over quite a long way, who didn’t have the sort of support we can get through church etc., he advised them “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (That comes from 1 Peter Chapter 3, verses 15 and 16).
That sounds like pretty good advice to me, and I don’t think I can improve on it.
I suppose it will be the same for your family. Even if you don’t say anything, eventually someone will realise that there has been a change in your behaviour or your language, or that there is something different about you. So, when they ask you what it’s about, be ready to tell them. Until then, just keep following God and being the person he wants you to be.
Problem:
I want to become a christian but what if my friends make fun of me ! please help
> Please help
Answer:
Well, it is fantastic news to hear that you want to become a Christian. It will be the best decision you ever make in your life - because it'll change your life and it'll book you a place in heaven for all eternity. However, rather like in that film, 'The Matrix', those people who haven't heard about the truth will possibly consider your decision to be a bad, silly or even downright mad one. Sadly, this does mean that you might find some of your friends may make fun of you. You'll probably find that they are actually more supportive than you expect. However, there are ways to cope with this sort of treatment.
First of all, if you have some Christians friends, go to them for support and advice. If you don't, perhaps you can find out whether there is a Christian Union (CU) at your school or college. Alternatively, there are many church youth groups who can support you or you could contact Crusaders (via info@life2themax.net ) who look after this website and who also run great youth groups and events all over the UK. Ultimately, you will have to face your non-christian friends and they may make fun of you. However, if you can tell them why you are a Christian and what it is you stand for, then you might well find that they actually respect you for it.
The reality is that Jesus Christ, the son of the Almighty God, came to Earth as a human and died the worst possible death on a cross to save you. If you really believe this and accept that he has taken away your sins, you have to be prepared for what it truly means. Sometimes it will mean that you have to suffer a bit in His name too. In the first of the apostle Peter's letters in the Bible, he says "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead be very glad - because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering and afterwards you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to the whole world" (verses 12 & 13). No one ever said that being a Christian was going to be a walk in the park. In fact, Jesus himself said "You cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me" (Luke 14:27). Obviously he didn't mean carry a big lump of wood but he was meaning that tough times are faced everyday, even when you have been given freedom.
Please don't be discouraged - being a Christian is a fantastic thing and God is with us through all things. He wants to protect us and support us, because He loves us so much. He just also wants us to be prepared to stand up for him when it counts.
Problem:
I became a Christian a few weeks ago and I love being a part of God's family. The only trouble is that I don't know how to tell anyone! I have told one of my friends via email, but I can't seem to be able to tell them face to face. Please help!
> Please Please help
Answer:
You are not the only one who finds talking to people about God hard! There are loads of people who freeze up when they hear the word 'evangelism'. To many people the main problem with it is that they think that their friends will change towards them. Talking to people about your faith is always very
difficult and even the most practised of Christians get nervous! It is something that comes in time and it is something that gets easier. Perhaps you could start by talking to people if the subject comes up in
conversation. It may be easier than going in 'cold.' The biggest encouragement when you are talking about it comes from the fact that God is with you all the time and if you find it hard then pray to God that He will help you. With His help you may find that you suddenly start having more opportunities to talk to your friends. Keep going though - you are doing a great job and God is really proud of you!
Problem:
how do u tell non-christains u r a christain in a way that they understand and dont freak at???
> Please Please help
Answer:
This is a really tough question! There are many ways of witnessing to people, but generally I find that the most helpful way of doing it is to be yourself! Becoming a Christian doesn't make you into a freak who's out of touch with the world, which sadly appears to be how most people stereotype it. We still enjoy the usual things such as music, going out with mates and following fashion.
It can also be helpful to let them initiate the conversation. Instead of constantly forcing it down their throats (which can often put people off), wait for an appropriate time, such as when they ask about your opinion on something (e.g. "Why don't you swear?" "Well actually I'm a Christian and I think that....."), or start a conversation off gently. You will probably find that most people are more interested and curious about Christianity than they make out to be! You could even invite them to your school/college CU.
Finally, it is ALWAYS helpful to express your worries before God & ask Him for guidance and help when witnessing to people - It is by His strength, not ours, that people respond to the message.
