Abstract
Have you ever been in a gospel-oriented conversation with an atheist, perhaps on Facebook or face to face? How about one who uses caustic, even vulgar language? How should you respond as a faithful witness for Christ? We're tempted to join in a fight rather than seeing them as a soul that needs to be rescued. Jesus promised, "If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). He further said, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets" (Luke 6:26). Paul, too, instructs godly Christians to expect persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). So we should not be surprised by hostile opposition to biblical truth and the gospel.