The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum www.arrogantatheist.com/forum/

We here are not modern fundamentalists and thus our understanding of the Gospel isn't some 10 second sound byte. In fact, we don't believe that the Gospel can be compressed into some neat little 'package' and parroted to people we meet. One needs to discern where each individual is as far as knowledge of biblical truths beginning with the person and nature of the Triune God, the incarnation, the Fall, salvation, etc. In this way, one meets the person's true needs in understanding the truths of the Gospel. We can see this vividly in the contrast between what Paul taught to Gentiles vs. what Peter taught to Jews who had centuries of exposure to the teachings of Moses and the Prophets. What are the basic elements which must be included in the Gospel, which again aren't necessarily to be covered in one sitting, nor is it often possible? See here: A Gospel Summary.

"How long?" is answered by prayer and discernment given by the Spirit and learned through experience. There is thus no definitive length of time. One can generally get a good idea of when to cease from what questions a person asks and/or the manner in which they are asked and the response received when those questions are answered. However, a correction is needed here in that "we" are decidedly not the "means of grace." For, "the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe." The means of grace are the preaching/teaching/speaking forth of the Word, prayer and the sacraments which are God's 'visible sermons'. We are vessels, ambassadors of Christ to be sure, but again we are not "the means of Grace."

Our very lives are "salt" and "light" unto the world and thus true Christians are 'influential' in that they are witnesses to the sinfulness of all mankind. It is through our votes during elections that we help combat corruption, lasciviousness, and all manner of evil. Even by observing and sanctifying the Sabbath we shine forth the truth of God to the world. Yet, in regard to dialog there is a limit to how long we should continue with individuals. Remember, it is not our ability to persuade, but rather the Holy Spirit working through the Word which we faithfully proclaim according to God's eternal purpose. To do nothing is to disobey God. To continue beyond what is prudent is to offend God. In all situations we are to rely upon the Spirit of God to guide us. As Solomon wrote under the divine inspiration of this same Spirit:

Proverbs 12:15 (ASV) "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel."

Proverbs 18:2 (ASV) "A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself."
Proverbs 23:9 (ASV) "Speak not in the hearing of a fool; For he will despise the wisdom of thy words."

THUS...

Proverbs 26:4-5 (ASV) "Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit."

CONSIDER...

Proverbs 29:20 (ASV) "Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him."

Hopefully, even if no one chooses to visit that Atheist site, perhaps for good cause, you will continue to avail yourself of the brethren here and their wisdom as well as the myriad resources on The Highway main website which contains over 1600 books, articles, sermons, etc.

In His grace,