Question:
Hi,
I'm 13 and my parents and brother are non-believers. My dad claims he is a christian but "doesn't need to go to church" but he never seems to bring up the topic. My mum says that she has her own religion, that i think she made up.It is Something to do with the forces and energy and so on and so forth. My brother is 11, and I guess he doesnt really know about God's word or anything. I'm really concerned about my folks coz I really want to see them in heaven. I have tried to encourage them to grow in faith and get to know God but nothing seems to be happening. What should I do to help them become Christians?
Answer:
I hope you've been doing this already, but my number one bit of advice for you: pray for them! That's going to do more than you, yourself ever could.
Seconldy, probably the only way they're all going to be conviced is to see a difference in you as a Christian. If they're "pretty good people" than this is going to be a challenge all the more! Just keep striving to imitate Christ and LOVE them no matter what. Eventually they'll see the difference and want that.
Last, and in part with the second, don't make Christianity look like a burden or a chore. Let your standard be high, but don't be legalistic. Show them how great God is! Show your joy!
Praying for you and your family,
Jozeca
Answer:
Pray, it sounds like your mom is into new age stuff. Now I would advise you to talk to your dad about this sort of thing and find out where he stands as goes Jesus Christ.
Those would be some steps. Also, teach your younger brother as you get the opportunity.
Most important is prayer. I am praying God will give you the wisdom and strength.
Answer:
Preach and live the Word of God. Tell them the truth but also show it by your life. Remember that Jesus said that we are His witnesses and also that His Word will not retrun void. Sounds like a good combination to me.
Answer:
New age is just another word for Taoism, or a sect of Taoism that some hippy made up in the 60s. Try reading some of Lao-zi's writings. He founded Taoism. If you're going to talk to your mom about it, you need to know about her general beliefs before you go blundering in.
Spend time with your brother. Don't be afraid to talk to him about things like religion. Ask him what he thinks about any afterlife that humans might have, etc.
Talk to your dad. Invite some friends over that like to talk about things like theology, and get him involved in it. It's true that you don't have to go to "church" to be a Christian. I get just as much out of discussing theology with my debate partner as I do out of church. Fellowship is what Christianity needs, not going to church on Sundays and Wednesdays, although church can play an important role in providing that fellowship.
Lastly, pray for them. And get others to pray for them. Every day, at absolute minimum. Live what you talk, and talk nothing but what you know. Seek wisdom from a church elder or some other variety of "older and wiser head."
Answer:
Definitely the best advice is pray. Pray before you talk to them about God. Pray after too. Pray for them when you get up and when you go to bed. And get others to pray too.
Ask your dad about what he believes as far as Jesus' sacrifice.
Ask your mom why she believes what she believes. Make sure you also are ready to explain why you believe in Christ in case she asks.
Try and teach your little brother about God. Read some of the Bible to him here and there if he's interested. Try the Psalms that talk about God's love for us, Romans where it teaches us that all of us have sinned, John where it talks about Christ coming for us all.
With all of this you may need help from an adult in your church. (I'm assuming you go since you talk about your dad not thinking he needs to go.)
Remember too, to live your life as an effective witness tool. Follow the commands we're given, obey your parents, love your brother, be an all around good kid. Your actions speak louder than you can scream.
Answer:
I'm going to echo what everyone else has said thus far: pray.
when I was young(er) my grandparents took me to sunday school. for years and years I asked every Sunday for them to pray for my mom to be saved... it got on the nerves of the teachers, even! But in the end it paid off: 1 or 2 years before she died, she was saved and started attending church regularly and even got baptized (and I was there to watch it!)
Answer:
Originally Posted by jc_freak_bex Hi,
I'm 13 and my parents and brother are non-believers.
Wow, how did you become a strong christian at such a young age? Especially with what you described about your parents, there must have been another outside influence??
Im just repeating what others have said, but dont under estimate the power of prayer! PRAY! Also you can teach your younger brother to pray with you!
Answer:
Thanks all for your great advice! I have been praying hard and continue to. But sometimes I feel arkward talking to my family about Christianity and all...I don't know why though. Thanks again...I will keep praying soooo hard!