Reaching someone for Christ - when they refuse learning, cuz they love their sins
Q: I invited a family member to a Bible study and was told no, because she isnt interested in religion. She prefers to live her day every day how she wants to, and that's it.
How do we respond to people who think this way, so we can draw them to Christ?
A: As a believer you are a totally new person, one who lives in righteousness. So you may not really remember how your life used to be before you were saved by Christ, (esp if it was at a young age)....
The one trapped in their sin nature [unsaved] have no desire for the things of God, because theyre spiritually dead, and are living in sin. They love sin and only desire it. They might try to live by their moral standards (influenced by the country they live in) but they only do so since the legal law restrains them.
The only way she will desire the things of God is if she is given Spiritual life, and that comes when God converts a person; transforms them into a new creation. Then they will love God and righteousness.
The Gospel has the power to convert, because its truth reaches them; those whom God opens their eyes and heart to it.
The only thing you can do is share the Gospel with her, and pray God saves her. [And live out a life that shows forth the love of God].
Here is a short Gospel video you can show her. You can probe kindly and truthfully afterwards like "Have you ever understood the gospel so clearly?" And then "Knowing no one is guaranteed to live through the night or even until tomorrow, it is urgent that we get right with God today. Would you like to settle this matter with God, in prayer, right now?" And then let her pray if she says yes. Then you can pray over her.
Rejoice with her, maybe celebrate at a meal out, [and give thanks before you eat]. Gift her a good Bible and maybe these books, too. And take her to church on Sunday. (1)
If she is open to things of God then God is involved in that, drawing her. The majority of time people have no interest because they love their sins. Be wise in what and when you say things, and be open to God giving you openings to reach her, planting seeds. If she rejects it fine. If she os softening then praise God and wisely go about sharing truth in love. With ultimate goal of sharing the Gospel.
Here are some books to gift her:
Here is a good Bible:
Here is testimony and baptism helps
Here are Resources for New & Growing Believers. *This can be a great help to her, and you can be blessed by it too.
God bless
If she rejects the Gospel, it at least has started to plant seeds of truth with her.
And if she is open to at least reading (or an audiobook) on Christianity this would be a good one. (2)
Footnotes:
(1)Take her to see the Pastor on Sunday and ask him when she can get baptized.
*contact him in advance [ask to see him briefly after church on Sunday] to introduce her and to ask about her baptism.
*Then schedule a baptism meeting for her with him.
*Get her in a new believers class or have the Pastor pair her with a mature believer who can take her through a new believers discipleship course (even if they put it together themselves).
>typically a person is baptized after that class bcuz they want to ensure she really does understand the gospel and what it means to be a Christian. The course covers the fundamental essential beliefs, and some on Christian living, to help them start their life with Christ off to a good start. Theyll tell her the importance of reading the Bible, church attendance and involvement etc.
(2) for the unsaved the book Hard to Believe is great. Many came to salvation after reading it. Here is a audiobook version. If she has a paid spotify or audible account [even through Amazon] she can hear it for free.
Listen to it free if you have a paid spotify account. Otherwise you can buy them at audible thru Amazon. (They are avail in print and kindle ebook too.)
If she is open to one more book, Reasons We Believe would be good. (only in print)
The believers link above has a list of several solid Christian books (in the books area) you can read as well. It also has a course on how to share the Gospel, so if you are wanting to obey the great commission... you can get equipped there (some is free some is small fee but all is worth it).
