Faith, Family, and the Journey to Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Challenge of Leaving Deeply Ingrained Cultural Identity

For many, faith is not just a set of beliefs but an identity woven into every aspect of life, from birth ceremonies to family traditions and community expectations. Choosing to follow Jesus can feel like betraying one’s heritage, family, and even oneself, making the journey toward Christ a profound and often painful transformation. The pull of loyalty and belonging is strong, and stepping away from it requires courage, conviction, and the assurance that one’s new identity in Christ is worth the cost. [02:44]

Matthew 10:37-39 (ESV)
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Reflection: In what ways does your cultural or family background shape your sense of identity, and how might Jesus be inviting you to place Him above even your deepest loyalties today?

Day 2: The Struggle and Power of Persistent Prayer

Years of praying for loved ones can feel fruitless, especially when there is no visible change, but God is always at work behind the scenes, softening hearts and preparing the way for transformation. Even when words and arguments fail, desperate and honest prayer can move mountains, reminding us that salvation is ultimately God’s work, not ours. Trusting God’s timing and sovereignty, even in the face of discouragement, is an act of faith that He honors in His perfect way. [09:16]

James 5:16 (ESV)
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Reflection: Who is one person you have been praying for over the years? How can you renew your commitment to pray for them with faith and perseverance, trusting God’s timing?

Day 3: The Importance of Absolute Honesty in Witness

Honesty in sharing the gospel is essential, especially when trust is fragile and skepticism is high. Any hint of manipulation or deception can plant seeds of anger and close hearts, but transparent and genuine interactions allow God’s truth to shine through. It is not clever arguments or tactics that draw people to Christ, but the integrity of our lives and the authenticity of our message. [11:07]

2 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV)
“But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”

Reflection: Are there ways you are tempted to “soften” or “spin” the truth when sharing your faith? How can you commit to absolute honesty in your conversations about Jesus?

Day 4: The Necessity of Long-Term, Relational Discipleship

Transformation rarely happens through brief encounters; it is through long-term relationships, consistent presence, and genuine investment in others’ lives that hearts are opened to the gospel. Inviting others into your life, sharing joys and struggles, and walking alongside them over time allows them to see the reality of Christ in you. Discipleship is not a quick transaction but a patient, ongoing journey of love and faithfulness. [14:18]

1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV)
“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”

Reflection: Who is someone you can intentionally invest in for the long term, inviting them into your life and building a relationship that reflects Christ’s love?

Day 5: Trusting God’s Timing and Surrendering Control

No amount of argument or effort can change a heart—only God can bring true transformation. Our role is to faithfully love, pray, and share, but ultimately, we must surrender control and trust that God knows the right moment to move. Letting go of frustration and trusting in God’s sovereignty brings peace and allows us to witness His miraculous work in His perfect timing. [11:07]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Reflection: Where are you striving to control outcomes in someone’s spiritual journey? How can you surrender this to God today and trust Him to work in His timing?

Sermon Summary

Growing up in a Hindu family in India, faith was not just a set of beliefs but the very fabric of daily life—woven into every tradition, ceremony, and relationship. Hinduism’s deep-rooted presence in identity and family loyalty makes it more than a religion; it is a way of being, shaping how one sees oneself and the world. The inclusivity of Hinduism, which welcomes a multitude of beliefs and practices, can make the exclusive claims of Jesus seem foreign and even threatening. Choosing to follow Christ is not simply a personal decision; it can feel like a betrayal of family, heritage, and self.

My own journey began when, by God’s providence, I attended a Christian school in West Virginia. From a young age, I was exposed to the gospel and began praying for my parents’ salvation. As I grew in faith, the tension at home increased, especially with my father, who, though not devout in practice, was deeply Hindu at his core. My commitment to Christ was met with suspicion, anger, and even shame within my family. The struggle was not just theological but relational, touching on issues of honor, belonging, and generational identity.

Years of arguments and attempts to persuade my father bore little visible fruit. Yet, God was at work in ways I could not see. As my father aged and his health declined, the Lord began to soften his heart. The turning point came not through my arguments, but through his own recognition of his need for forgiveness. After countless conversations, he finally asked how he could begin a relationship with God. From that moment, his life changed—he prayed, read scripture, and never again spoke of Hindu gods. He even agreed to be baptized, a step I had once taken in secret.

Reflecting on this journey, I see the importance of absolute honesty and integrity in sharing Christ. Any hint of manipulation or trickery only breeds distrust. True transformation comes not through clever arguments or tactics, but through authentic relationships and the patient, faithful work of God. Reaching those from deeply rooted backgrounds requires a long-term investment—inviting them into our lives, walking with them, and letting them see Christ in us over time. This is the slow, relational work of discipleship, trusting God to do what only He can do.

Key Takeaways

1. The depth of religious identity in Hinduism is not just about beliefs, but about belonging, family, and self-understanding. When sharing Christ with someone from such a background, recognize that you are inviting them to reconsider not just ideas, but their very sense of who they are. This requires deep empathy, patience, and respect for the weight of what is at stake. [02:44]
2. The inclusivity of Hinduism can make the exclusive claims of Jesus seem not only strange, but even offensive. For many, accepting Christ is not simply adding another god to the pantheon, but a radical reorientation of life and loyalty. The gospel’s call to exclusivity must be presented with humility and clarity, understanding the cost it represents for those who hear. [05:53]
3. Transformation in the heart is ultimately God’s work, not ours. Years of argument and persuasion may seem fruitless, but God works in His timing and in ways we cannot predict. Our role is to be faithful, to pray, and to trust that God can soften even the hardest heart, often through circumstances and relationships we never expected. [09:16]
4. Absolute honesty and integrity are essential in sharing Christ, especially with those who are wary of manipulation or deception. Any attempt to “trick” someone into faith undermines the very message we proclaim. Let your life and words be marked by transparency, so that trust can be built and God’s Spirit can do the convincing. [11:07]
5. Reaching people from deeply rooted cultural and religious backgrounds requires a long-term, relational approach. It is not enough to share a tract or have a single conversation; true discipleship means inviting others into your life, building genuine friendships, and walking with them over time. This slow, patient investment allows them to see the reality of Christ lived out and opens the door for meaningful spiritual conversations. [14:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:32] - Hinduism as a Way of Life
[02:44] - The Challenge of Identity and Loyalty
[03:50] - Inclusivity and the Difficulty of Exclusivity
[05:53] - Early Encounters with the Gospel
[07:27] - Family Tension and Cultural Barriers
[08:45] - Years of Struggle and Arguments
[09:16] - God Softens a Heart
[10:30] - The Turning Point: Seeking Forgiveness
[11:07] - Baptism and Lasting Change
[12:00] - Lessons Learned: Honesty in Evangelism
[13:10] - The Importance of Relationship
[14:18] - Discipleship as a Long-Term Investment
[15:00] - Encouragement for the Church

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 14:6 — Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

2. 1 Peter 3:15-16
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

3. Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Observation Questions

According to the sermon, how is Hinduism described as more than just a set of beliefs, but as a way of life and identity? [02:44]
What was the turning point in the speaker’s father’s journey toward faith in Christ? [09:16]
How did the speaker’s family react when he first committed his life to Jesus? [07:27]
What does the speaker say about the importance of honesty and integrity when sharing Christ? [11:07]

Interpretation Questions

Why might the exclusive claims of Jesus (John 14:6) feel especially challenging or even offensive to someone from a Hindu background? [05:53]
In what ways does the speaker’s story illustrate the truth of Galatians 6:9 about not giving up, even when there is no visible fruit for years? [09:16]
How does 1 Peter 3:15-16 connect to the speaker’s emphasis on sharing faith with gentleness, respect, and honesty? [11:07]
What does the speaker’s experience teach about the role of relationships and long-term investment in discipleship, especially with those from different cultural or religious backgrounds? [14:18]

Application Questions

The speaker describes Hinduism as deeply tied to family, culture, and identity. Have you ever felt that following Jesus put you at odds with your family or background? How did you handle it? [02:44]
The sermon highlights that arguments and pressure did not change the speaker’s father’s heart—only God could do that. Is there someone in your life you’ve been trying to “convince” about faith? What would it look like to trust God more with their journey? [09:16]
The speaker’s father was wary of any attempts to “trick” him into faith. Are there ways you might unintentionally come across as manipulative or insincere when sharing your faith? How can you be more honest and transparent? [11:07]
The speaker’s journey with his father took decades. Is there a relationship in your life where you need to be more patient and persistent, rather than expecting quick results? What is one step you can take this week to invest in that relationship? [14:18]
The sermon encourages inviting people into your life and building genuine friendships as part of discipleship. Who is one person or family you could intentionally include in your life this month? What would that look like? [14:18]
The speaker began praying for his parents’ salvation as a child. Is there someone you need to start (or keep) praying for regularly? How can your group support each other in this? [05:53]
The gospel’s exclusivity can be hard for people from inclusive religious backgrounds. How can you share the message of Jesus with humility and respect, without watering down its truth? [05:53]

Sermon Clips

I think the challenge with Hinduism is similar to the challenge of an Amish person coming out of their background. Although I think it's even harder because Hinduism is such a normal way of life in India. It literally begins when you're born with ceremony. Even the naming of your child is based on some astrological signs and you consult with the priest. Your first haircut is loaded with religious symbolism and meaning and it's a ceremony. Your upbringing is just is filled with these this help, this normal way of life. It's your family. It's your it's your parents. It's your grandparents. It's what people have always known. [00:01:01] (58 seconds) Edit Clip

It's not a religion in the terms that we think of in the States as, oh, you're you're a Baptist. So you believe this and you're you're you know, whatnot. But it's just who you are as a person. It's so ingrained into your identity. You walk around India and you see statues of idols just on the streets. There's there's no formality to some of it. It's it's just in everything you do and growing up. And it's such a web of interconnectedness and this idea of loyalty is so deeply ingrained. [00:02:01] (39 seconds) Edit Clip

It makes it very difficult for a Hindu person to then choose Jesus alone as Savior. So those are, I think, a couple things that make it very difficult to enter into the world of Hindu, to introduce them to the exclusivity of Jesus and the centrality of Jesus into your way of life, as opposed to what you've always been taught from your very earliest days. [00:03:45] (28 seconds) Edit Clip

From the age of four or five years old, after hearing the gospel and understanding, I began asking prayer for my mom and dad to be a Christian. So that's 38 years. Um, and, uh, I would share the gospel with my family. It wasn't taking any sort of route that I could see visibly with anybody. Um, but I would, you know, I was growing. [00:05:40] (25 seconds) Edit Clip

I don't know when exactly in that timeframe I became a Christian through my school year. I was immersed in scripture, able to learn, eventually began a relationship with Jesus of my own. Things were okay because, you know, you're a kid, you say these things, you go to a school, they teach you these things until about, um, 16, 17 years old when I'd really surrendered my life to the Lord and just wanted to follow Jesus and made that a commitment. [00:06:05] (29 seconds) Edit Clip

My dad and I, some real hostility, real tension growing up through medical school, through my residency training, some heavy arguments. Dad, eventually, he is getting older. I was born when he was almost 50, so he's older when I'm in my 30s. He gets sicker and frailer. By this time, I'm married. He and my mom come to live with us, and so over the course of many, many years, even then, we're having tens of times, fights, arguments, not going anywhere with those, but the Lord softens his heart. [00:08:26] (43 seconds) Edit Clip

The Lord just begins a work in him to where he starts to acknowledge that he's in need of forgiveness. And I think that was the first thing that triggered in his mind. And one day, you know, after a thousandth time of sharing the gospel with him, you know, he says, how? And he was talking about how does he begin a relationship with God? And I was able to explain to him again the gospel. [00:09:18] (31 seconds) Edit Clip

Even then, he was a little bit resistant, but the Lord just kind of calmed his heart and he was able to understand. And from that one day, January 2nd, 2023, until the day he died, March 26th, sorry, 2022. March 26th, 2022, I was able to explain to him again the gospel. able to read scripture with him on a regular basis he he started trying to pray on his own he never again talked about hindu gods not once never came up and the lord just did a work in his heart something i tried maybe in my own strength these arguments i talked about trying to convince him trying to help be okay god this is i can't do this on my own. [00:09:48] (40 seconds) Edit Clip

Yeah, it's got to be more than dropping a track and thinking, okay, I've done my job. I'm done. You know, I've shared the gospel with them. I'm out. It's got to be, hey, how can I invest in this person for the long haul? This is the long game. And so I think that's really critical. [00:14:48] (17 seconds) Edit Clip

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