SHARING

STEP 3 - SHARING THE GOSPEL - CHAPTER 21

FEARS IN SHARING SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS

FEARS STOP MOST CHRISTIANS FROM SHARING THE GOSPEL

Recent research revealed what most of us already know. Christians are reluctant to share their faith. The transition conversation from the secular to the Gospel presentation is the place where most Christians need help. In this portion, let us consider some points we need to know. We will list the fears and solutions to prevent them.

1. THE FEAR OF ANTAGONIZING PEOPLE
This is the fear that if we talk to a person in an attempt to win them, we may "botch the job" and offend them, thus, driving them even more away. Numerous times Christians are truthful in this fear because they do not have the know-how or have personality issues.

OVERCOMING FEAR IN STARTING SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS
The answer to having fear is to discover and practice the principles of making folks like you. Here are ways that anybody can make people like them.
How do we make a person like us?
a. Become genuinely interested in the person, as though you're for them.
b. Be a good listener and let them speak freely at first.
c. Be aware and try to see things from their point of perspective.
d. Talk in terms of their interest (their job, family, home, hobbies, etc.)
e. Make them feel significant and do it sincerely. It is important the person likes you and has confidence in what you are saying.
f. Have a positive attitude. Be friendly, smile, and use sincere compliments. (Proverbs 18:24).
g. Use their name often and pronounce it correctly.
h. Recognize that people are looking for answers. Discern the person's true Spiritual condition by asking questions and listening to their responses.
i. Use illustrations as Jesus did to make your points clear and easy to understand for the non-Christian.
j. Keep it simple. The Gospel is already simple. Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. We turn (repent) and accept Jesus died on the cross for us and receive Him as Lord and Savior. Please do not complicate it by talking about denomination, churches, other doctrines, and using religious terms they do not understand.
k. Most important of all STRESS THE LOVE OF GOD. The Gospel starts with LOVE, and that is where we need to start. (John 3:16.)

We all Wrestle with Worry, Fear, and Anxiety as we Share Our Story. Jesus wants us to be set free from fears, worries, and anxieties. The Root of our worry stems from a lack of faith in our Lord, and unbelief can very quickly get the upper hand in our hearts. Book of Hebrews says, "Take heed lest there be in you an evil heart of unbelief." A reverent fear of God and reading God's Word daily fights against unbelief and motivates us to trust Him (Chapter 4 -Right Motivation) and creates a joy that no matter what the circumstances are that God is in control, as found in Matthew 6:25-34.

 

2. THE FEAR OF REJECTION
How does one conquer and get rid of the fear of rejection? The following thoughts may be helpful. TRY TO PLEASE GOD, NOT MAN.

We should always keep in mind the keywords of the apostle Paul, who wrote: "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10.)

If we are serious in our passion for being the servants of Christ, then we must make sure it is God; we are making an effort to please, and not man. This is not to imply that we give no thought and feelings about how to be much more pleasing in our behavior and attitude or presentation of the Gospel. But it does mean that we should be much more concerned and interested in what God thinks instead of what people may think.

3. THE FEAR OF COMING TO THE SPIRITUAL APPROACH.
How do we move from a warm and friendly discussion about the weather and world conditions to speaking about spiritual things? This is the fear of starting the spiritual conversation about inviting Jesus into their life. You can talk about things in general, but you freeze when it comes to making the switch. You seem to be at an enormous loss when it comes to bringing up the topic of Salvation. You find yourself troubled with fear and anxiety when asking them about their relationship with Christ. You have no difficulty speaking about current events - but changing the discussion to the spiritual is scary and sometimes terrifying.

Is this the case with you? One option for this fear is to learn some predetermined approach to spiritual questions. How do you shift a conversation of speaking with friends, family members, or someone you just met about general things to talk about an intimate relationship with God and the assurance of Salvation? The solution for this fear is to have your approach questions mastered. In this study guide, below are some excellent questions to lead to a spiritual conversation. Pick ones you are comfortable using, but it is essential to pick some for your presentation if you want to successfully open up a spiritual conversation. As wearing seat belts are mandatory in driving a vehicle, so is having spiritual opening questions mandatory in your introduction of sharing the Gospel. Without it, you will probably hit a brick wall in your delivery.
Do You Believe That? (Pause, Think, Consider, and Reflect on the Above!)

ASK SPIRITUAL QUESTIONS
Sometimes before you can share the Gospel, you simply need to get to a spiritual conversation with complete strangers that you come across throughout each day. I do this with everyone that I take place to strike up a conversation with.

Here are some ideas to get you brainstorming on conversation starters. I recommend you take a couple of minutes to develop your own set of questions that come naturally for you.

If you do not know a person, ask a lot of questions to get to know them. Ask a direction-setting question about what they believe and why when you are in a conversation about spirituality. Example why do you think that? Studies have shown that most people have no idea what they believe or even why they believe it.

The primary point of this sharing concept is getting comfortable finding out and asking questions to understand where the other person is coming from. Of course, you must make every effort to get through all barriers, however for this challenge, focus most on listening and ask good questions. Do not forget to pray first and ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance.

You will be amazed in your day's activities if you are aware of this concept of looking for opportunities to share and listening to a person, how many doors of opportunity will present themselves. In our busy lives, we need to pray that is our main focus sharing throughout each day. In the 21st century, it is easy to forget this concept of telling others about Christ. (Pause and Reflect!)

In one example, the other day, a waitress mentioned she just came back from a conference. I asked what type of conference she went to. This started a discussion on spiritual matters. She was searching for spiritual answers but searching in the wrong places for answers. As in previous study guides, we emphasized that having a good tract helps to leave with the person after the discussion if there is not much time available.

TO START A SPIRITUAL CONVERSATION
If possible, always use their first name, making it more personal."(There Name), has there ever been a time in your life ...

General Questions In Talking To Someone About Jesus Christ.
1. Keeping it simple without being forceful and judgemental by asking, "Is spirituality important to you?"
a) Usually, this question can open up doors very quickly to share the Gospel.
b) After they respond, another question is: "Do you believe there is spiritual growth going on in your daily life?"

2. "Is God or religion important to you?"
a) "In what ways?" If they answer, not really or never.
b) Respond with, "Is there any specific reason why not?"

3. "What gives the most significance and meaning in your life?"

4. "When you have trouble or crises in your life, how do you cope with it?"

5. "What would you say are your driving forces for living each day?"

God Questions
1. "Do you feel close to or a long way from God?"
2. "Is God or a higher power seem to be very personal to you?"
3. "Have you ever been very upset or mad with God?"
4. "Do you feel there are obstacles of a kind that separate you from God?"
5. "Do you think God has a plan of action for every person's life?"

If They Say They Are A Christian Or Are Attending Church Ask
1. "How is God working in your life now?"
2. "What are some things that God has done for you?" Or "What are your most exciting spiritual experiences?"
3. "Do you know about God's forgiveness and what it means?"
4. "Are you involved in a church?" or "How does your church help you grow spiritually?"
5. "Do you depend on God for your future?"
6. "Do you read much of the Bible?"
a) If they say yes, ask, "Does your Bible reading help you in your everyday living?"
b) "How?"

7. "Can you explain to me all about your church background?"
a) "Did you go to church as a child or a teen?" This would lead to . . .
b) "What do you think about your childhood and your understanding of spiritual things?"
c) "How would you define your way of life with God right now?"

When you ask any of these questions listen carefully to the person's response before you respond. It is very easy to be concerned with what to say next and not listen to what the person says.

IMPORTANT:
This list is not as much about what to say as more to demonstrate different ways to talk about spiritual matters as every person and situation is different. Be flexible in which approach you should use and silently ask for the Holy Spirits' guidance. Mix up the questions to fit the individual's personality and circumstances.

 

4. THE FEAR OF NOT KNOWING HOW TO PRESENT CHRIST.
When we are talking to folks about God and His salvation and forgiveness, at this point, the Christian is afraid that they cannot from the Bible show the non-Christian how to be saved. Although they know that the sinner must believe in Christ, many Christians do not know how to lead them into this Lordship relationship step by step. They do not know where to begin in the Bible and are not familiar with the things a sinner should know in order to be saved. The solution for counteracting this fear lies in learning a presentation of the Gospel. In the following few chapters, we will look at close to 20 ways to share the Gospel. If you are new to sharing your faith, we recommend study guide 21, the 3 Circle method. It is a 3 minute interesting, clear, and the easiest Gospel illustration that absolutely anyone can use.

Questions On How To Present Salvation.
1. "Would you like to have faith in something?"
2. "What would a purposeful life look like?"
3. "What do you believe is a person's most significant spiritual need?"
4. "Do you give much consideration to spiritual things and God?"
5. "Can you admit that there may be a God?"
6. "How do you think a man or woman begins a personal relationship with our Lord?"
7. "When do you feel nearest to God?"
a) "What things or changes brought you nearer to God?"
b) "What would reawaken that awareness of closeness to God?"

8. "Where do you see yourself in relation to God?"
a) "Where do you desire to be?"
b) "How do you see yourself progressing deeper to God?"
c) "How can I encourage you to get where you would like to be?"

Review List of all Questions PDF Here. Recommend Printing PDF and keeping a copy in your Bible.

 

5. THE FEAR OF NOT KNOWING HOW TO HAVE A PERSON ACCEPT CHRIST.
Here are some ideas below to get you thinking on conversation starters to lead folks to turn their lives over to Jesus. Take a few minutes to come up with your own set of questions that come naturally for you.

Here the Christian is afraid that, after presenting Christ to the sinner, they cannot lead them to accept JESUS NOW. It is the fear of asking the PERSON to exercise their faith now and call upon the Lord. The tendency is to call the preacher for help or walk away, saying, "I hope you will come to church Sunday." The solution to this fear is to learn to give an invitation each time you present the Gospel.

Here Are Five Share Jesus Questions
Which can be presented to any conversation to shift to accepting Christl are:

1. Do you have any spiritual beliefs?
2. Do you understand who Jesus Christ is?
3. Do you believe there is a heaven or hell?
4. If you died today, where would you go? If heaven, why?
5. What if whatever you believe is not real would you like to know?

These questions supply a simple method for somebody to bring any conversation to a spiritual one and an opportunity to present Christ and Salvation to all that put their trust in Him. As soon as the conversation turns into a spiritual direction, seven scriptures can be shown to the hearer, welcoming them to read aloud from the Bible or tract. These verses are:
1. Romans 3:23
2. Romans 6:23
3. John 3:3
4. John 14:6,
5. Romans 10:9 -11
6. 2 Corinthians 5:15
7. Revelation 3:20

A NOTE:
If you are using a Bible or a tract, let the unbeliever read the scripture verses aloud for themselves as they will more than likely understand it easier. It is also harder to disagree when they read it out of a Bible. It will help in showing confidence that it is teachings from the "Word of God," not man's ideas. The hearer is asked what they believe after each verse and what it means after reading it and before continuing to the next verse. Challenge the reader to trust the power of scripture in the hearer's life. Encourage the reader to bring every conversation to the point of decision on each issue below.

There are five terrific questions to assist with this.
They are:
1. Are you a sinner?
2. Do you want forgiveness of sins?
3. Do you believe Jesus died on the cross for you and rose once again?
4. Are you willing to surrender your life to Jesus Christ?
5. Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life and your heart?
These questions help bring a person to the point of decision. We are challenged to step out by faith, in obedience, sharing the "good news" and experiencing God's joy at the same time.

Questions On Knowing God Personally
1. "In your opinion, what would you say a person must do to inherit eternal life and go to heaven?"
2. "If you were to drop dead today, are you sure that you would go to heaven?"
3. "My friend, can you tell me the way to heaven?"

General Questions in Talking to Someone about Jesus. PDF Here.
Recommend Printing PDF and keeping a copy in your Bible.

METHODS OF HANDLING OBJECTIONS.

a. Be Respectful of and Consider their Situation.
Usually, they will be doing something or going somewhere. You can say, "Could I have 10 or 15 minutes of your time, just to show you from the Bible how you can be sure of going to heaven?" Then stick to the time limit you have asked for. Tell him that it will not take long. Do not wear out your welcome by staying too long.

b. Do Not Argue.
Don't argue. Agree with them or "set it on the shelf," promising to come back later to answer their side-tracking question. Do not condemn or be rude about other religions or opinions.

c. Postpone.
If they raise an issue or a question that would divert you, just say, "I'm glad you mentioned that. I would want to discuss that with you, but let me first finish with my presentation. So, as I have said in this point . . . " Tell them you'll take it up later. And be sure to take it up if it's worth discussing. If not, let it pass.

d. Research and Return.
Occasionally the question is so hard, or you are concentrating on your presentation and can't think of a good answer. Just be honest and tell them, "I don't know the answer to that (or I can't remember where in the Bible it is found,) but I'll look it up and give you the answer when we can meet again. Now as I was saying . . ."

e. Answer Quickly, Don't Rush Them and Lead Gently.
If the objection is connected to their acceptance of Christ, somewhat like an excuse, try to have it in your mind where to look for it in the Bible. You can say, "I see that you think you cannot make that decision because of (excuse). well, the Bible says in (verse) ..." and then go back to the outline. Stick to your presentation. We do recommend practice, practice, and practice as it will assist you to stay focussed and not be side-tracked easily. The more you share more comfortable you will get in delivering God's message to the unsaved.

EXCUSES PEOPLE USE NOT TO COME TO JESUS!
1. Living a good life. Doing our best.
2. Give to charity.
3. Good Works. Try to obey the Golden Rule. Following God's Law and Commandments
4. Tithing or giving money to the Church.
5. Church membership or I regularly go to Church.
6. Been Water Baptized and take Holy Communion.
7. Born of Christian parents.
8. No time. Maybe someday.
9. Many more excuses why people say they do not need Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Be prepared with a short answer, ideally a Bible verse, and then return to your presentation without skipping a beat.

SIX OBJECTIVES IN SHARING

Suppose we are going to share to win a man, woman, or child to Christ. First, we must realize that we do not always win the person to Christ on the first visit. Therefore, we have several objectives in view as we make this all-important "first visit." There is the groundwork to be accomplished that may bring about their salvation at a later visit. Memorize these six objectives and keep them in mind as you share.

1. ENDEAVOR TO MAKE THE PROSPECT LIKE YOU.
It is so vital that the person likes you. We must sell ourselves first if we are going to sell Christ. We must win the confidence of the sinner. If they resent you, likely, you will not be able to minister Christ to them.

Moving from a basic conversation to a spiritual discussion.
Once you talk with a person about general topics (the news, hobbies, weather, etc.), it is easy to shift to a spiritual conversation by asking reflective questions. If you're speaking about the bad in the world and the news, you could easily ask, "What is their hope in?"

2. DISCERN THE PERSONS TRUE SPIRITUAL CONDITION.
We want to know just where they really stands in relation to God. Is this person a non-Christian or a born-again believer, or is that person only a religious-but-lost church member? Maybe the person is a discouraged believer who needs encouragement or a hardened backslider who needs jolting.

Your giving special attention to their answers to your questions will help you discern their true condition. Often their expressions and reactions to your questions will be revealing. One big question that will usually let you know where a person really stands is. "What are you counting on to get you to heaven?" If the answer is anything other than Christ and His substitutionary work on the cross, this person probably needs to be saved.

Depend upon the Holy Spirit to open your understanding and give you discernment to know their condition. If you are not sure, the person is not saved in your own mind, set out to deal with him as if he were lost.

Moving from a spiritual conversation to the Gospel.
From a spiritual conversation, you can quickly shift to the Gospel by asking another shift question like, "What has been your background with Christianity?" From there, it is straightforward to continue into a discussion of the Gospel.

3. EXPOSE THE PERSON TO THE GOSPEL MESSAGE.
For the Holy Spirit to produce conviction and draw the sinner to Christ, we must do our part in presenting the message of the Gospel to them. The Holy Spirit works with and accompanies the Gospel of Christ. Our part is to give the Gospel out. The Holy Spirit's role is to take the Gospel and drive it into the heart convicting, and wooing the sinner to Jesus.

By asking the person, "Where they're at spiritually and where they'd prefer to be." Then informing them how to get there . . .

If you are not able to open your Bible and read the Gospel message, you could quote the scripture or tell the Gospel in your own words. If the person does not want to hear it, you might ask for permission to have prayer before leaving and in your prayer relate the Gospel. You can thank God for giving His Son to die on the cross for your sins. But whatever you do, expose them to the Gospel so the Holy Spirit can begin His work of convicting them.

Whatever method or tool you use, make sure to communicate the fact that they have a decision to make. If you practice working through each of these obstacles, you will rapidly see yourself sharing the Gospel fearlessly and frequently!

7 SPIRITUAL CONVERSATION STARTERS

1. What do you think the solution to (insert recent troubling news event) is?

2. Do you have time for a short story? It's the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I love to tell people about it! A suggestion then share the 3 Circles Gospel Method.

3. Do you understand how to have a relationship with God?

4. Are you a spiritual person? or Do you have any kind of spritual beliefs?

5. Did you grow up in church? What were you taught about God growing up? Do you still believe that?

6. May I pray for you? Do you have any special needs I can pray for?

7. What did you think of the pastor's message this week? (After attending a church service.)

Note: Write out some of these questions on your presentation method for reference.

Leading to the next part of getting a decision response, use one of these questions.
1. "Billie, does this make sense to you?"
2. "Billie, is there anything that I have said that you do not understand?"

4. GET A RESPONSE - GET THEM TO DECIDE FOR CHRIST NOW, IF POSSIBLE - CLOSE EFFECTIVELY
After you have presented the Gospel of Christ, it is always wise to invite him/her to accept Christ there on the spot. GET A RESPONSE!! You cannot always tell by their outward appearance if they will do it. The sinner may seem outwardly disinterested, yet within may be hungry for the Lord. I have made it a practice to try always and give an opportunity to obey and accept Christ before leaving by asking one of the following questions.

Examples: A direct and simple question is all that is necessary.
1. "Billie, wouldn't you like to go ahead and settle it today by asking Jesus to come into your heart and be your Savior?"
2. "Billie, would you like to obey Jesus now and accept Christ as Lord and Savior for the forgiveness of your sins?"

If they say no, there is no harm done so long as you do not continue to press them. After all, they may say yes. The night I came to the Lord, I had zero thoughts about God and Salvation. I was invited to a church service because I liked a girl. At the end of the church service, an invitation was given to inviting Christ into my life. Nothing could have stopped me under the conviction of the Holy Spirit to get my life right before God. NOTHING!!! I did not know anything or any desire about Christianity two hours before the service. You never, never, never know that person that you meet next, what God has in store for them under the convicting power of the Holy Ghost. NEVER!!!

God's converting power in Salvation will not be found unless "you believe with all your heart." (Acts 8:37.) We need to be cautious and mindful not to apply undue pressure. While we want to help others to obey the Gospel, we must make sure that the choice and decision are theirs. Since transformation occurs only when our faith is working in partnership with God's power, it is absolutely necessary that the non-Christian has truly come to repentance and faith in God. (Colossians 2:12.) So be careful to let Gospel be the transforming power, "not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power."(1 Corinthians 2:4.)

If the individual says no, you could ask why not, and depending upon the answer, set up a time for future meetings and studying. In any case, let that soul know that you are always interested in meeting again. Remember, what you sow this day may take time before it finally brings forth a harvest.

5. LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN FOR ANOTHER VISIT.
Just because they did not accept Christ, do not get discouraged. Remember, it may take several visits to bring this person to Christ. Perhaps you have sowed the seed today, and someone else will come along and reap the harvest. R. A. Torrey said, "anyone who expects to win a soul to Christ every 15 minutes had better go into some other business."

If you become upset because the non-Christian would not accept Christ and start scaring them with threats of "sinning away their day of grace" or "this is your last chance," you could possibly do considerable damage. You may be closing the door for others to deal with him. After you have done your part in the visit, be sure to leave a good taste in their mouth for another visit. Be careful not to stay too long, as this may close the door for another visit. (Proverbs 25:17.)

It is starting the conversation for those that are searching or having a hard time in their spiritual journey. One conversation will not complete the task; it will be more of a process than a one-time event. Always ask questions that are related to recent discussions. Listen carefully and be sensitive to the person's responses. Keep going as long as the person shows interest. Highlight any truth or insight offered by the person, and interjecting the right question can make a difference.

If you are asked a difficult question, do not bluff your way through, be honest, and say,
"Billie, I do not have the answer, but your interesting question deserves an answer. Can we meet again, and I will find the answer for you?"
Hard questions might seem to you as a stumbling block, but use them as a stepping stone for another opportunity to meet and have future studies.

6. GET THEM TO ATTEND CHURCH THE NEXT SUNDAY.
After you have finished your conversation, invite them to church Sunday as you are preparing to leave.
Do not let it be a vague invitation such as:
"Billie, we would like to have you and your family visit with us at church sometime."
Be specific by saying.
"Billie, how about you and the family coming this Sunday and visiting with us in our church service? Would you let me come by and pick you up? We are going to have a good service this Sunday, and I sure would like for you to be there."
Get a commitment. Aim to get the unbeliever in your next church service. If they come, make them feel comfortable, sit with them, and invite them out for a Sunday brunch.

Heart to Heart Talk
Some Christians are content and do not want to take any risks in believing God to grow or mature. They become hardened in unbelief, no sense of God's presence, no vision, and no prayer life over-time. Lacking interest for the lost world and their entire focus is on their problems going from one crisis to another. A lot of their days are filled with strife, confusion, and division. BUT, Beloved, you will only see His glory when you walk in obedience and faith as a Christian. Choose that path and find life everlasting! Be a soul-winner.

Recommend that each study guide be saved in a folder on your device to go back to for further reference.

Print this Page Here and keep a copy in your Bible.

 

General Questions in Talking to Someone about Jesus. PDF Here. Recommend Printing PDF and keeping a copy in your Bible.

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