Atheists / Unbelievers

[nebula]

Likewise, as Serpentine's post demonstrated (as you can see he's been found to be an Unbeliever), when dealing with these atheists we need to be "wise as serpants and harmless as doves" (OK, no pun intended there). Likewise, we need to head the warning about "casting pearls before swine." When Jesus sent the disciples out, He instructed them to walk out and shake the dust off their feet "as a witness against them" from homes that did not receive them and their words.

The way these athiests talk, I'd swear they are lawyers who moonlight as used car salesment - if you catch my meaning.

I know we want to scatter seeds, but if it keeps landing on the path and in thorns, you are merely wasting seeds.

There comes a point we need to stop letting ourselves be toyed with (as Serpantine so eloquently stated) and focus on taking the Gospel to those with ears to hear.

Bad boys need to lose their toys, you know?

Edited November 30, 2006 by nebula

[billie]

But how do we know when to stop, Neb?

[GeneV]

But how do we know when to stop, Neb?

God brings them here.

We don't - hopefully they will see the light of the Saviour

[nebula]

After the same circular argument the tenth time maybe?

When it becomes clear they aren't seeking?

When you know they've heard the Gospel enough that when they are do get to the place of brokenness they will know to call on the name of the Lord?

Obviously, I'm still trying to learn this myself. I keep thinking that the next time I'll come up with just the right argument to get their goat and prove them wrong . . .

But they are way too slick for this.

Maybe if I was Ravi Zacharias or something . . . lol . . . but I'm not.

How many of the athiest in Outer Court have been here for months with no sign of changing?

Maybe it is time to say, "It's been real...." and just let them taunt the wind - until their boredom forces them to face how lonely they aren't without some illusion of being able to manipulate everyone into their game that will force them to face their emptiness inside.

[undone]

After the same circular argument the tenth time maybe?

When it becomes clear they aren't seeking?

When you know they've heard the Gospel enough that when they are do get to the place of brokenness they will know to call on the name of the Lord?

Obviously, I'm still trying to learn this myself. I keep thinking that the next time I'll come up with just the right argument to get their goat and prove them wrong . . .

But they are way too slick for this.

Maybe if I was Ravi Zacharias or something . . . lol . . . but I'm not.

How many of the athiest in Outer Court have been here for months with no sign of changing?

Maybe it is time to say, "It's been real...." and just let them taunt the wind - until their boredom forces them to face how lonely they aren't without some illusion of being able to manipulate everyone into their game that will force them to face their emptiness inside.

Nebula,

You know I agree with you to a certain point as evidenced by my earlier post in apologetics regarding "TheProcess". At the same time, I think it's up to the leading of the Holy Spirit. When TP rejected even the plausibility of an explanation I offered, it was clear to me what to do despite the appearence of giving up or giving in. My pride doesn't matter.

I pegged RH months ago and stated it in a post back then. She never denied it. Just a short while ago, she mentions in a post that she's only testing the teaching she's learning in her philosophy class here on Worthy - very close to what I suspected months ago.

I think employing a little discernment after a few days of posting reveals the true intentions of their hearts. Others may feel differently and choose to keep trying. I don't stand in their way. The Holy Spirit may be working through them at this time and not me. Again, my pride doesn't matter.

The reality of the internet is that people are probably more willing to speak their hearts in an anonymous fashion such as this. This is giving us, as Christians, a reality check of the thinking that many unbelievers hold. Where else would we really engage with the godless without them veiling their true beliefs?

As I've said in other posts, as long as these boards are reasonably moderated and Godly men and women will represent the truth, the harm that could be done to a weaker believer is minimized. For me, my faith has only strengthened as a result. If their goal has been to pull believers away, for me at least, that plan has backfired.

[darski]

I have been giving prayerful consideration to Professor Dawkins and to his latest book. I have only seen excerpts of it but it does cry out to me as someone in desperate need of salvation.

His life is so pathetic if that is the best thing he can think to do with pen and ink.

[GeneV]

After the same circular argument the tenth time maybe?

When it becomes clear they aren't seeking?

When you know they've heard the Gospel enough that when they are do get to the place of brokenness they will know to call on the name of the Lord?

Obviously, I'm still trying to learn this myself. I keep thinking that the next time I'll come up with just the right argument to get their goat and prove them wrong . . .

But they are way too slick for this.

Maybe if I was Ravi Zacharias or something . . . lol . . . but I'm not.

How many of the athiest in Outer Court have been here for months with no sign of changing?

Maybe it is time to say, "It's been real...." and just let them taunt the wind - until their boredom forces them to face how lonely they aren't without some illusion of being able to manipulate everyone into their game that will force them to face their emptiness inside.

Nebula,

As I've said in other posts, as long as these boards are reasonably moderated and Godly men and women will represent the truth, the harm that could be done to a weaker believer is minimized. For me, my faith has only strengthened as a result. If their goal has been to pull believers away, for me at least, that plan has backfired.

I have to keep the faith that it will be the other way round

[cjrose]

Whilst I welcome the views of atheists and non-believers. I have to admit I am curious as to their addiction to Worthy Boards.

Enlightenment humbly required.

I have often asked myself the same question until I became extremely fond of a couple. I think they stay because they feel the communication between our differences as I do, can still be on a level of respect, kindness, intelligence and love.

There are those who come to start trouble or who have bad attitudes but, here they might find what they don't even know they are looking for or if they do seek something, it may be they find Jesus. Only God knows their hearts and we plant seeds. For a reason. God has a purpose, reasoning, plan. They are led here by Him. Why they stay is only between them and God's purpose for them. I know I've learned a lot of from some. I hope that what we have to say here will somehow find a way into their heart and understand our belief and come to believe it as well.

Maybe Worthy is the only place they can relate. There are not many forums that allow anyone but Christians which is somewhat biased in my opinion. There is a balance in life that we should all be aware of. Not everyone believes as we do and if we belong to a forum where we are emersed in the Word, which is not a bad thing, so don't get me wrong,

but we need to know that this is the world. satans world in which many bad things happen as well. I think it's great we have different views.

One thing I do find inconceiveable and this may sound hypocritical or narrow minded but how can any one person, refuse the divine love of God and believe the Bible is a library of books for entertainment purposes as fables with no meaning.

We are chosen. When we are chosen is up to God. These atheists may also be chosen and come to a transformation later in life.

[sweetycakes]

I also think that there is a good chance, as others have said here, that a seed may be sown in an unbelievers heart, which may not spring to life for many years even.

But the time may come, maybe a tragedy of something in his/her life, when God reminds them of a portion of His Word being mentioned, maybe years before. And the Holy Spirit will bring that word alive, just at the right moment when they need it and are open to it.

Is this not the purpose of planting the seed, anyway?

I think that as long as they are willing to discuss, they are at least exposed to the word, which they wouldn't be otherwise.

Maybe only one in ten will actually be affected, who knows?

But as long as they are here, and discussing, and being civil about it, I see no problem at all. It's only when they become abusive or offensive in their language that I switch off.

I agree that it is very hard to know when our efforts are being either productive or futile. I haven't figured that one out myself.

But we are told to preach the word in any case, and that the seed/word has life in itself[/b].

Keep preaching

[Prodigalson123]

ok, my argumentative side has been shown, because once I was searching and by the grace of God I found someone willing to listen to the questions, the sarcasm etc. Pray for me when I am tempted to answer a question, that I do it led by the Spirit and not leaning on my own understanding. Thanks for the reality check CJ Edited November 30, 2006 by Prodigalson123