I want to welcome this week’s guest blogger, Mark Hunter. Mark is a former atheist who gave his life to Christ in January 2010. You can download and read his touching testimony for free on his website “Awakening From Atheism.<\/a>”<\/p>\n

With Easter coming up, I thought it would be fitting to share this message I read recently on Mark’s blog:\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Being The Light In The Darkness <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

By Mark Hunter<\/p>\n

Today I wanted to very briefly touch on the influence of faith especially amongst those closest to us. I was drawn to read 1 Peter 3:1-2<\/strong> recently in a book and it struck me that this was precisely what happened to me after initially coming to God. When I met my girlfriend, now fianc\u00c3\u00a9, it was her demonstration of simply \u00e2\u20ac\u0153being\u00e2\u20ac\u009d who she was that won me over. I was so awestruck by her attitude, personality, conviction, optimism, positivity, can-do work ethic, unconditional love, guidance and support. These are just some of the compliments plucked out of the air that I can throw her way. When she explained the root of who she was, as someone who has complete faith and total trust in God, I said to myself \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I want to experience the same as that please! I want to feel better. I want to be better. I want to change. I want to live!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/em><\/p>\n

Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives<\/strong>, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives (1 Peter 3:1-2)<\/strong> .<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

These verses, I believe, can actually apply to anyone with a testimony of faith for others to witness. There is nothing more powerful, in bringing others to Christ, than personal testimony.<\/strong> It is what is responsible for peaking the interests of my own family, friends and co-workers. You need do not much except simply be who you now are. A life lived for Christ becomes readily apparent for all to see. Those who are blinded to the truth will dismiss it without consideration or will focus on wisdom rather than faith. Those who are open, receptive or curious will have that interest peaked. They will ask you questions, often, and sometimes very subtly. It is important once you witness such curiosity that you engage with them as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

When I spoke to my fianc\u00c3\u00a9 I had a lot of questions but, more than anything at all, it was her demonstration of life itself that drew me into faith. Sure we can be positive, focused, etc without faith but when you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have such great character traits in the first place they can be exceptionally hard to create and maintain. It takes huge amounts of personal willpower (for most people) to generate and (especially) maintain it. Why run on your own batteries when you can easily plug into to the power grid that is faith?<\/strong> I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t expect much to come out of it at the time but in reading the Bible and having my fianc\u00c3\u00a9 as a strong mentor in my life made all the difference. My personality began changing almost instantly. Life, in this world, was no different but my ability to manage and cope with it increased dramatically. Depression faded away and disappeared all together. Joy and love returned to my life and now dominate my existence.<\/p>\n

I ask any unbelievers who read my blog to take a look at any real Christian in their life\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 whether that is a family member, friend or co-worker. Take a close look at their character and ask the following questions. Are they happy or depressed? Are they focused or lost in life? Are they positive or negative? Are they able to cope with stress and difficulty or are quick to anger and argue? Are they kind and compassionate or cruel and unkind? Are they always helping others or not? Are they always giving and supporting or are they unhelpful and closed off? Do they avoid social ills or jump right in? Then they need to ask the same questions of themselves. A true Christian would reflect positive answers to these questions. An unbeliever, whose morality is not in question here, would struggle to do likewise. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not impossible, of course \u00e2\u20ac\u201c and I am generalizing, but it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s rare. As a Christian we are the light in the darkness. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t hide your lamp under the table \u00e2\u20ac\u201c let others see it brightly illuminating.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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You can follow Mark on:
\nWebsite: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Awakening from Atheism<\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u009d
\nFacebook: http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/mahunter<\/a>
\nTwitter: http:\/\/twitter.com\/#!\/atheist_convert<\/a>
\nLinkedIn: http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/markhunter1975<\/a><\/p>\n

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*Thanks, Mark, for reminding us to let our light shine before others that they may see our good works and praise our Father in Heaven ( Matthew 5:16). <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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