Faith with Works

Last week we looked at the pattern of how to witness to a person. There was an example that Philip gave to us when he met the Eunuch and led him to Christ.

This week, we will look more into how to lead certain people to Christ based off their ‘religious backgrounds’.

This will not be an exhaustive list of different beliefs but it will be an introductory into those realms so that we might be able to open the door. You must also explore and be equipped by doing the work of digging into the scriptures.

The reason being that it will be fresh in your mind and then you will be better equipped in your own mind and have knowledge of the scriptures in their context. I will do my best to give you a good foundation at the best of my ability.

Today we will talk about how to make the most impact on a person that is atheist.

James 2:14–19 KJV 1900

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

What is atheism?

Webster defines atheism as:

A philosophical or religious position characterized by disbelief in the existence of a god or any gods.

Notice though that atheists have a religious belief, this is something that I constantly state, because it is true. They also have a belief in eternity, whether they believe that it exists or does not exist.

James gives us good instruction into how to witness to those around us, in which makes a much greater impact than words.

Now today, we are dealing with people we know that are atheists and not approaching a person at random. We will touch on them as we continue this topic.

Today is more about dealing with:

Family

Friends

Co-workers

Here are what I would consider the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’.

Do: Tell about your faith

First let them know your stance. This should be evident.

We want people to know that we are believers and what standards we hold.

James addresses this very thing:

James 2:18 KJV 1900

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

We must state firstly that we have faith and that it is clear in what we believe.

This should above all things tell the person that you are a Christian.

Do: Make it clear that you pray

This I think is more important than we recognize oftentimes. Because this will set the stage for future conversations and you will be surprised how those people will come to you with requests.

Do: Pray publicly

Don’t pray to be seen. Praying over your food at work or with family is enough of a demonstration.

Don’t: Continually reiterate your faith to the person

Let me clarify what I mean here…

We have already set the foundation and the person will grow distant and disinterested if we continually try to witness to them or reiterate what we believe vs their beliefs.

It is fine to remind them at times, but let the majority of your interactions with the person be genuine without being pushy about your faith. This will go a long way.

Also under this same rule:

Don’t: try to force what you believe onto a person.

I’m going to give you some examples from my own experience and it is a recent experience.

I have some co-workers of mine that are Christians. They have gotten pretty harsh criticisms from some of the co-workers. One in particular I was told was ‘obnoxious’ and above all ‘annoying’. He is known to be pushy about his faith and to give his opinion on matters that are ‘none of his business’ and to the point that when he sees other people talking he will stop working and go try to involve himself in their conversation.

That is not effective evangelism, in fact it is destructive and now co-workers of mine are extremely turned off about talking about anything religious.

One time when a co-worker was complaining about that individual (whenever I first learned about them) I stated that I was a Christian and went to church and their response was ‘them being a christian is the least of the problems I have with them.’ They later did say that their problem was in how that person acted how everyone should believe what they believe or his attempt to force it upon them.

Do: Let your work talk

Not enough can be said about this very point.

James in this passage tackles a problem that most people would find in the church. That Christians don’t seem to live up to their own standards.

People will not remember what you say, but they will never forget what you do.

We have all heard the phrase:

Actions speak louder than words.

When it comes to our faith, this could not be more true.

James C. The Proof of Faith (James 2:14–26)

The subject of the last half of this chapter is about proving your faith to others. It is an application of “by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20).

Matthew 7:15–20 KJV 1900

15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

I remember when I first started working as an electrician in the field. The first time I ever mentioned going to church someone ‘accused’ me of being ‘one of those ‘biblethumpers’. I let them know I was a christian and was content to leave it at that. One of those guys was an atheist and had gone to Harford Christian during his school years. He looked me straight in the face and said ‘Oh I can make you question everything about your faith!’ I looked at him and said well, ask me anything and I will do my best to answer it and if I can’t answer it today then give me a week and I will have an answer for you. He started asking me questions and after awhile their interest died down as I answered them. I ended up getting the nickname ‘Moses’ from my foreman and I just kept working hard and never complained about him calling me that. He would curse and make fun of me, but after a year or so of working with me he got to a point he would not mock me or curse in front of me. When he did he would apologize and he attempted to not be offensive to me. I never told him not to do those things or suggested it. I simply kept working and left it up to them to ask me questions or show the interest as they knew where I stood. I spoke to them as they presented the opportunities.

Your actions are a powerful witness to people that you believe what you say.

James puts it best when he says to show your faith by your works.

James 2:18 KJV 1900

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.