We are called as Christians to make disciples of all the nations. Matthew 28:18-20 says, “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” We are responsible for sharing the message of God to everyone, including atheists. We are often concerned in sharing the Gospel with atheists because we assume we will be rejected. While many atheists believe that Christians are motivated by irrational faith, many are caught off guard when presented with evidence of God and Jesus. There are things that have occurred in history, in science and the miraculous that atheists can’t deny. There’s proof to back it up. Here are five messages from God, that even atheists can’t ignore.
There is Historical Evidence For Christ’s Death
While some believe there is no credible evidence that Jesus existed outside of the Bible, that isn’t true. There is solid historical evidence that Jesus Christ not only was a real person, but also died on the cross. The Old Roman Creed – the earliest surviving Christian creed outside the Bible – declared in the second century A.D. that Jesus was “crucified under Pontius Pilate,” and other sources both inside and outside of the Bible can agree. “Crucified under Pontius Pilate” provides Jesus with its most obvious link to larger history. Pilate was a historical figure, the Roman procurator of Judea; he was referred to in other sources of the time and even mentioned in an inscription found at the site of ancient Caesarea in Israel. Linking Jesus’ death with Pilate represents the insistence that Jesus was a real person, not merely a figure of myth or legend.
Also, according to Scripture, there were more than 500 witnesses who tested to the resurrection. What’s important to note is that the reliable Gospel eyewitness accounts aren’t the only ancient descriptions of Jesus from the late 1st and 5th Century. Ancient evidence related to Jesus reveals there were eyewitnesses and He did exist in history. These non-Christian interpretations help strengthen the claims of the New Testament.
There is Also Historical Evidence That Jesus Was Buried
New Testament scholars agree that the burial story is one of the best established facts about Jesus. One reason for this is because of the inclusion of Joseph of Arimathea as the one who buried Christ. Joseph was a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, a sort of Jewish supreme court. People on the ruling class were simply too well known for fictitious stories about them to be pulled off in this way. This would expose the Christians as frauds. So they couldn’t have circulated a story about him burying Jesus unless it was true. Also, if the burial account was legendary, one would expect to find conflicting traditions – which we don’t have.
The Origination of Space, Time, Matter and Energy is Not Random
There are noted scientists who agree that there has to be an Intelligence behind the complexity of our universe. Scientist, Michio Kaku who is known for his work popularizing the String Theory, developed a theory which he says points to the existence of God or an intelligent designer for the universe. He came up with this conclusion by studying “primitive semi- radius tachyons.” These tachyons are theoretical particles that have the ability to unstick matter in the universe or vacuum space between particles, which essentially leaves everything free from the influence of the universe. This led Kaku to the conclusion that the universe was created through design, not random chaos. These sorts of revelations, particularly from scientists have changed the minds of atheists before.
Prayer Can Change People
The power of prayer is beyond human comprehension. For Christians, prayer is a powerful way to communicate with God – this is the way He speaks to us. There are countless stories of people being healed from diseases and terminal illnesses and doctors couldn’t explain their healing. The common thread? Prayer. Sometimes, the curiosity of non-believers leads to experimentation with prayer or reading the Bible which has resulted in conversion to Christianity. Prayer changed their hearts. Devin Rose, a former atheist who was powerfully affected by prayer and Scriptures talks about the role the Bible played in his heart turning from atheism to Christianity. In his blog, he wrote: “I began praying, saying, ‘God, you know I do not believe in You, but I am in trouble and need help. If you are real, help me’ I started reading the Bible to learn about what Christianity said…” When he began reading Scriptures and talking to God, he found a very incredible thing happening to him, even as a skeptic: “Still, I persevered. I kept reading the Bible, asking my roommate questions about what I was reading, and praying. Then, slowly, and amazingly, my faith grew and it eventually threatened to whelm my many doubts and unbelief.” Even the heart of a skeptic can be turned around by God.
The Disciples Existed and They Suffered and Died For Their Beliefs
Not much information has survived about the fates of the 12 disciples, but some is still available from various sources, including the New Testament itself, apocryphal texts and early Christian historians. So for atheists who believe there is no information about the disciples outside of the Bible, they’re mistaken. Some include the story of Simon-Peter, who was appointed by Jesus as the leader of the new sect. He is viewed by Roman Catholics as the first pope. He was eventually martyred in Rome during the reign of the emperor Nero. As the story goes, Peter asked to be crucified upside down, so that his death would not be the equal of Jesus and the Romans supposedly obliged. Bartholomew supposedly preached in several countries, including India where he translated the Gospel of Matthew for believers. In one account, “impatient idolaters” beat Bartholomew then crucified him, while in another, he was skinned alive, then beheaded.
These messages from God have compelled some atheists enough to turn their hearts to God. Consider sharing these truths with those who don’t know God. One of the best things you can do to show your friends that way to Christ is by being a living witness, practicing love, joy, grace, discipline and humility in your own life. Many people are drawn to God when they see Christ at work in your life. Your love and spirit as a result of your faith can be a drawing force. Don’t be discouraged if your friends don’t hear the message of Christ. This doesn’t mean you’re a failure, or that you’re not being a good enough witness. Remember, God is the only one that can turn their hearts. Let your life be a witness, and never shy away from your faith.
