I am the only Christian in my family and among most of my friends. I feel like I have a responsibility to let the ones I love know about God's Word, but I don't know how to do it without pushing it or feeling like an annoyance. The thought that my friends and family aren't going to heaven because I didn't bring it up breaks my heart. I also don't know how to tell them that Christ's church is different from other churches.

Sincerely, Letting My Light Shine

Dear Letting My Light Shine,

With some relationships, there isn’t much you can say; it is how you live that makes the impact. Even Jesus had struggles converting His family. His brothers initially mocked him for His teachings (Jhn 7:3-5). Jesus didn’t argue with them; He just kept on being Himself, and eventually his brother James, his brother Jude, and his mother are recorded as having been converted.

The problem with family is that they have seen you at your youngest and most immature. Your words don’t have the same impact with a parent that has changed your diapers. No matter how logical and right you might be, all they can think is, “This is my child” or “This is my kid brother/sister”. Jesus said that even a prophet doesn’t have respect in his hometown (Lk 4:24). Those who knew you before you became a christian will be very skeptical of anything you say. They will need to see the change in your life first.

Converting your family is very similar to converting a spouse. God says that if you have an unbelieving husband or wife, you should live with them and let your influence do the talking (1 Cor 7:12-16). Never compromise your morals and always stand up for what you believe in, but don’t force it upon them. Let time and influence do the work.

As for telling them the differences between Christ’s church and other churches? Your life, convictions, and consistency will show the difference. Remember, your loved ones know you better than anyone – they are watching to see if this new person you say you are is the real deal. You know it, and over time they will to.

5 minutes a day 5 days a week All the New Testament in a year

With the new law trying to be passed to make doctors unable to turn down someone that wants an abortion, what are you to do if the situation comes up?

Sincerely, Doing No Harm

Dear Doing No Harm,

Do what is right in God’s eyes and forsake man’s laws (Acts 4:19-20). It is a sad fact that our modern culture does not value life. The deaths of unborn children skyrockets every year, exemplifying our ever more selfish culture that refuses to care for its weakest and most innocent members. Who are we to decide what is and isn’t life? As a society degenerates, God’s people are more and more often persecuted for their beliefs.

• Lot lost everything to flee from Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:29-30).
• Joseph was thrown in jail for fleeing fornication (Gen 39:12-20).
• Elijah was almost murdered by Jezebel (1 Kgs 19:1-2).
• Christ lost his life for doing good (Acts 3:14-15).
• Paul was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19).

If a doctor is asked to kill a child by the United States legal system, he must refuse. He serves a greater law than America, and his treasures are stored in another place (Matt 6:20).

5 minutes a day 5 days a week All the New Testament in a year

I'm not very good at praying; what's a good way to start?

Sincerely, One Step At A Time

Dear One Step At A Time,

You start by creating the most fertile soil for success. All prayer needs two key elements. Without these two things, it is impossible to pray.

1. Time
2. Something to say

Both of these elements are equally important. If you have time but nothing to say – you won’t pray. If you have concerns, thanks, or praise but no time set aside to say them – you won’t pray. Neither element can be neglected.

Daniel made it a point to pray regularly (Dan 6:10). Christ set aside time to go away from the multitudes and pray (Matt 14:23). In our busy world, we have to schedule the things that are important to us. If prayer is a priority (as it should be), we need to set aside time to do it. Find two or three times a day that you can set aside short time-blocks (as little as two or three minutes) to focus on prayer. Make sure it is time when you won’t be distracted or disturbed.

Now that you have the time, find a topic. There are many ways to do this. Make a list of others who need prayers (1 John 5:16, Phm 1:22), personal flaws that you are seeking to correct (Acts 8:22), and blessings for which you are thankful (Php 4:6). Taking the time to jot these things down can go a long way to preparing your mind to address your Maker.