My friend is not living his life the way he should...

[greenluver05]

I have a friend who goes to church on sundays, but lives the rest of the week for himself and doesn't share the gospel, he says he's a christian, but only goes to church because his parents do and he feels obligated to go. He's a casual christian and doesn't make time for God(only on sundays) but dedicates more time to his friends ans sports. He knows I love God and when I give him bible scriptures, he doesn't apply them to his life, he only says "thanks," and "That is very true." I am concerned about his future in eternity after death and I want to tell him that God wants to speak to him. God has spoken to me the entire week about telling him that God wants my friend back in God's family. I know what to tel my friend, but I don't know how I can begin a good conversation that makes him focus on God and his future. I was thinking about asking him the 2 question test: Do you consider yourself a good person? & If you were to die, where would you go for eternity? I want him to realize that life is not a joke and that Jesus Christ died for everyone to be saved and to live their lives according to scripture. How would I tell him?

 

[buckeyegirl700]

I know how you feel. My best friend is always their for me and I speak to her about God and all of the things he has done in my life. She tells me she believes in God but she dosen 't go to church or read the bible. Her husband is buddhist and he gets really upset if anyone talks to him or his family about God. The other day me and her where going to go somewhere together and she wanted to bring her son. She called me before we left to tell me her husband told her that she couldn't bring her son because he did not want him exposed to people preaching and talking about God. When she told me this it broke my heart. He told her that she could go but that he couldn't. I have been praying a lot lately for her as well as her family. Maybee you could pray about the situation you are dealing with. Tell God that you want to witness to your friend and to give you words to speak. If your friend does not respond don't not give up keep praying for him. I will pray for you and your friend.

God bless

 

[greenluver05]

Thank you Buckeyegirl for your encouraging words, I will pray for your friend as well, times are tough and we need to stand firm in the Lord.

 

[Densetzu]

Perhaps it's just not his personality to worry about such things. I mean is he actively living in rebellion towards God? You haven't described him as being an unloving person, or as participating in sins and selfishness. I don't see where the problem is.

 

[andrew87]

Hi greenluver. I think the best thing you can do for your friend is show him by example, by the way you live your own life and your demenor. It's great that you want your friend to give hs life more fully to God, but sometimes it is best to let be what will be without forcing too much. It is possible to push people further away if they are constantly reminded of things they are not particularly receptive to at the moment. However, preaching by example and demenor is typically always welcome by others. Then, maybe one day in the future after having witnessed the love of God in you, he will be more receptive to your words. Patience is a virtue.
May the Lord bless You and your friend

 

[Sharp]

greenluver maybe the only really effective thing you can do is pray and keep giving him bible verses.

sometimes when i've spoken to other christians far more educated than I am and they've given me bible verses and explained them, all i've said is thankyou or yeah thats cool. it doesnt necessarily mean he's disregarding what you're saying. he might even be praying in his own quiet time, there's no way of knowing. maybe he's just not comfortable talking about God yet.