The Truth has always had a way of offending people. Despite all the evidence that support the radical claims of Christ, most folks can't be "talked into" believing in Him. I suppose it's like trying to talk someone into falling in love with someone else. Skeptic's arguments usually mask deeper issues of either intellectual pride, emotional scars or a self-focused worldview where they don't want to be held accountable by anybody's set of absolute moral truths. Sadly, oftentimes their skepticism is a direct result of seeing hypocrisy or experiencing harsh judgment from so-called Christians.
So how should we respond?
We should never respond to hostility with hostility. Jesus always responded with love. As Christians, the best thing we can do is live out our faith by loving and serving in a way that gets the attention and earns the respect of a very skeptical world. Once we have their attention, God will give us the words to say. Saint Francis of Assisi once said, "preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words."
When it is time to "use words," there are some great resources to equip you for these types of conversations. Start and end with the Bible of course, because it is the Living Word of God and the source of Truth. In addition, books such as "The Case for Christ" and "The Case for Faith" by atheist-turned-Christian, Lee Strobel are solid tools. Above all, pray for those who are far from God. Prayer changes our hearts and often the hearts of those for whom we pray.
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