Conversational Evangelism:

1
Conversational Evangelism "How to Listen And
Speak So You Can Be Heard" By Dr Dave
Geisler
www.meeknessandtruth.org
2
Pre-Evangelism

• If evangelism is planting seeds of the Gospel,
  pre-evangelism is tilling the soil of their mind
  and heart, preparing them to at least be willing
  to listen to the Truth.
  - Mark 222, 48

3
The Need For Pre-Evangelism

• As a Campus Crusade Staff, I am trained in
  using the 4SL and some apologetics skills, but I
  have problems trying to integrate them during
  evangelism. When people indicate that they were
  not interested, I could only ask them for the
  reason and then invite them for an evangelistic
  bible study or share my personal testimony.
• This (pre-evangelism) model helps me to go
  further by asking questions, identifying the
  barrier, and finding common ground in my
  conversations with non-believers.
• - Former student at East Asia School of
  Theology

4
The Challenges of Evangelism Today
5
Problems Doing Evangelism in the World We Live in

• It is hard to proclaim the forgiveness of sins
  to people who believe that, since morality is
  relative, they have no sins to forgive.
• - Gene Veith,
  Postmodern Times, p.16

6
There is an intolerance towards those who say
there is a bridge they must cross!
7
No One Size Fits All Approach
Not all pre-believers are at the same place.
Hostile
Skeptical
Trust in Christ
Seekers
8
Understanding the Need For Pre-evangelism Will
Cause Us To
Redefine what we mean by evangelism
We will see evangelism more as a process

• I planted the seed, Apollos watered it,
• but God made it grow.
• 1 Corinthians 36

9
Redefined Definition of Evangelism

• Every day and in every way helping our
  pre-believing friends to take one step closer to
  Jesus Christ.
• Dr. Dave Geisler

10
The bottom line about Pre-Evangelism

• The more opportunity we have to share the Gospel,
  the greater percentage of people will come to
  Christ.
• The more pre-evangelism we do, the more
  opportunities we will have to share the gospel
  with others.
• Therefore, the more pre-evangelism we do the
  greater percentage of people will come to Christ!

other seeds fell into the good soil and as
they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop
and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.
(Mark 48)
11
The Vital Role Of The Holy Spirit In
Evangelism
The Vital Role Of The Holy Spirit In
Evangelism
12
Remember we are just the instrument!
God chose the weak things of the world to shame
the strong. 1Corinthians 127b (NIV)
13
What do we want to trust the Holy Spirit to do?
To empower us to speak in a way that makes a
difference. (Acts 141)
To empower us to live godly lives. (Philippians
114)
14
This approach is not a substitute for a caring
sensitive approach of loving people in the
context of a Christian Community.
15
Conversational Evangelism Four types of
conversations we want to have with non-believers
16
Four types of roles you need to play in your
friends life
Artist
Builder
Musician
Archeologist
17
Hear what they are saying!HearIlluminateUncove
rBuild
18
Learn how to be a better listener

• James 119-20
• My dear brothers, take note of this Everyone
  should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow
  to become angry, for man's anger does not bring
  about the righteous life that God desires.

19
Really hear what people are saying to us!
20
Hear the Sour Notes People are Singing to us!
21
(No Transcript)
22
As a musician, you need to listen, and you need
to train yourself to hear what people are saying
to you!
Artist
Builder
Musician
Archeologist
23
Our Purpose
By listening to the sour notes we may be able to
detect some of the uncertainty in their their
beliefs which may give us an opportunity to help
them to think more clearly about what they
believe and why.
24
(No Transcript)
25
Not All Religious Viewpoints Can Be Right!
Either Jesus is the Only Way The Truth and the
Life (Jn. 146) or He is not the Only Way
the Truth and the Life
26
Jesus Approach in Matt 1916-22

• Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, Teacher,
  what good thing must I do to get eternal life?
  Why do you ask me about what is good? Jesus
  replied. There is only One who is good. If you
  want to enter life, obey the commandments.
  Which ones? the man inquired. Jesus replied,
  Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not
  steal, do not give false testimony, honor your
  father and mother, and love your neighbor as
  yourself. All of these I have kept, the young
  man said. What do I still lack?

27
Jesus Approach in Matt 1916-22
Jesus answered, If you want to be perfect, go
sell your possessions and give to the poor, and
you will have treasures in heaven. Then come,
follow me. When the young man heard this he
went away sad, because he had great wealth.
28
Inconsistent Beliefs
What were the two inconsistencies that Jesus
wanted the rich young ruler to see?

• A. I am a good person, I keep all of the
  commandments.
• B. I care about financial wealth more than
  following Jesus.

29
Sour notes in Acts 17
Example Idols in Acts 1722-30
What are the two contradictory beliefs?
For in Him we live and move and exist, as even
some of your poets have said, For we also are
His offspring. Being then the offspring of God,
we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is
like gold or silver, an image formed by the art
and thought of man. (Acts 1728-29 NASB)

• You created these wooden gods
• These wooden gods created you.

30
Sour Notes Between Belief vs. Behavior
Paul challenged Peter about his inconsistent
behavior. (Galatians 214-16)
Student What Hitler did was not necessarily wrong
31
Specific questions to ask a Muslim
Do you pray at least five times a day

• I believe that my good deeds must outweigh my bad
  deeds in order to get to heaven.
• B. I dont pray at least five times a day.

How then can you have any assurance that you are
going to heaven when you die?
32
Show That They Cannot Hold Conflicting Views!
What is wrong with these statements?

• A. Jesus is my Savior
• B. I can measure up
• A. The Bible is reliable
• B. I must do good works to be saved
• (Ephesians 28-9 Titus 35)

33
Dont forget to really listen
The fact is that some people hold to beliefs that
are some what different than what their
particular religion teaches!
By listening to them carefully you also
communicate that you really care about them and
want to understand what they believe.
34
Dont forget to focus on a few sour notes
Point out the most stand-out inconsistencies
rather than pointing out all inconsistencies
35
Illuminate The Discrepancies!
Hear Illuminate Uncover Build
36
Illuminate the Discrepancies!
What question should be asked?
37
The Joy of Self-discovery

• We need to make him
• think it was his idea.
• From the movie
• My Big Fat Greek Wedding

38
The joy of self-discovery Conversation with
Charlenes Uncle
Do you believe the same thing as Aunty?
Dont we come from somewhere? We couldnt just be
here forever could we?
Do you know the difference between Christianity
and all other religions?
39
The joy of self-discovery Conversation with
other former nanny
I went to church with my son and his girlfriend,
but I did not take communion.
What question do you want to ask her?
40
As an artist you want to paint a picture by
asking questions
Artist
Builder
Musician
Archeologist
41
Asking questions helps paint a picture to help
them see themselves more clearly
42
The Importance of Questions

• Questions that help clarify the meaning of
  certain unclear terms

• Questions that surface uncertainty and / or
  expose false beliefs or concepts

43
The Importance of Questions

• Questions that help clarify the meaning of
  certain unclear terms

44
Questions that uncover the meaning of certain
unclear terms
What do you mean by?

• Savior
• Good
• Son of God
• Died for us
• I am a child of God
• Jesus is God
• All religions are basically the same
• Accept Jesus

45
The Importance of Questions

• Questions that surface uncertainty and or expose
  false beliefs or concepts

How are we suppose to do this?
46
Begin With Asking Probing Questions That Surface
the Uncertainty in Their Beliefs
47
Introductory Questions To Explore the
Uncertainties of their Beliefs

• 1. Do you think that all religious beliefs
  basically teach the same thing?
• 2. Do you think the important thing in our
  relationship with God is that we go to church
  regularly or is there something else involved in
  a knowing God more personally?

48
Introductory Questions To Explore the
Uncertainties of their Beliefs

• 3. Do you think that by doing good we can get to
  heaven? (Eph. 28-9 Titus 35)
• 4. Do you think we are all going to be held
  accountable for the way we live our lives? (Heb.
  927)
• If so what do think the standard is?

49
Follow-up Questions That Can Expose False beliefs
or Concepts
How is it possible. . .

• for all religions to be the same when some of
  them contradict each others key beliefs?
• for us to do enough good in our life that we can
  measure up to Gods standard when we dont even
  live up to our own standard of right and wrong?
  (Rom. 323)

50
Follow-up Questions That Can Expose False beliefs
or Concepts
How is it possible. . .

• To say that you believe the Bible but somehow
  think you can live your life by your own rules?

51
Other Questions To Consider

• Do you think it is possible for someone to go to
  church all their life and never have a personal
  relationship with Christ? (Matt. 722)
• Do you think it is enough just to believe that
  Jesus died for our sins that will make us
  children of God? (Jn. 112)
• Do you know the difference between believing that
  Jesus is the Messiah and believing in Him? (Js.
  219)

52
Lets Try It!
Some non-Christians who believe in God say they
are getting to heaven by
Being mostly good Performing more good deeds than
bad deeds High standard Following the Ten
Commandments Treating others well Trying their
best Being sorry for the bad things Being humble
What questions might you want to ask?
53
Exploring Their Beliefs
Example Follow-up Question Do you think Hitler
will be in Heaven?
If Hitler will not be in Heaven, what is the
standard by which we will all be
judged? (Matthew 548 James 210)
54
The Right Questions Can Help Them Better Face The
Truth!
55
Conversational Evangelism in Action (Short)

• Interview with students U.T. Austin

56
Why Asking Questions Is So Helpful?

• A person can close his ears to facts he does
  not want to hear, but if a pointed question
  causes him to form the answer in his own mind, he
  cannot escape the conclusionbecause its a
  conclusion that he reached himself.
• David Reed Baker, Jehovahs Witnesses Answered
  Verse by Verse, (Grand Rapids Baker, 1986) p.
  113

57
Ask Am I asking questions in a way that
surfaces their uncertainty about their own
perspective, while at the same time minimizes
their defensiveness, and yet creates a curiosity
to want to hear more?
How do I know if I am asking the right kind of
questions in the right way?
58
Ask Am I asking questions in a way that
surfaces their uncertainty about their own
perspective, while at the same time minimizes
their defensiveness, and yet creates a curiosity
to want to hear more?
How do I minimize someones defensiveness?
59
The joy of self-discovery Conversation with
guy in weight room
What church do you go to? I go to _______
catholic church.We believe in Mary!
What do you mean byWe believe in Mary? We
believe that Mary makes up what Jesus lacks!
60
The joy of self-discovery Conversation with
guy in weight room
But do you know what 1 Tim. 25 says? What do you
think this verse teaches?
61
The joy of self-discovery Conversation with
guy in weight room
Certainly I can see how some Catholics could see
Mary as being a helpful person who could pray for
them just as some Baptist might consider it
helpful if they got Billy Graham to pray for
them. But can Mary do anything to help you atone
for your sins in any way?
62
Always begin by saying, Would it terribly offend
you if you were to learn that I believe that the
Bible teaches that
What about when someone asks us highly charged
questions that could make them defensiveness no
matter what we say?
63
As an Archeologists Uncover Their Real Barriers
to the Gospel
Archeologist
64
Uncover the Real Barriers
65
Uncovering Real Barriers
Hear Illuminate Uncover Build
66
Go Below The Surface
Proverbs 205 says, The purpose in a man's mind
is like deep water, but a man of understanding
will draw it out. Good apologetics requires
people of understanding who have the patience and
insight to not only deal with peoples stated
questions but to go below the surface and speak
to their true objections MT Trainer, Rev.
Dave Montoya, Dealing With Both Minds and
Hearts Answering the Questions Behind the
Questions, which can be downloaded at
http//meeknessandtruth.org/tools.htm
67
Barriers Between Them and God
The Goal Explore whats getting in the way of
honestly talking about God.
How Keep seven steps in mind!
68
Is the Barrier Real?

• 1. Determine whether their issue is real
  concern or a smoke screen.

69
A Formula for Clearing Away Smokescreens

• If I could answer your questions in a way
  that would make sense to you, would that help you
  to more seriously consider a belief in God and
  Christianity?

If you could know the truth, would you want
to know it?
70
Why It Is Important To Ask This Question!

• But finally, after about an hour of us talking
  and sharing views, he said even if you put all
  the evidence right in front of me, I still wont
  believe. I dont want to believe. I did not
  know what else to say after that.
• Former student at East Asia School of Theology

71
Why It Is Important To Ask This Question!
(Continue)

• In retrospect, I realize this student had been
  throwing up a smokescreen, and early in the
  conversation I should have tried uncovering the
  real barriers by asking him something like If I
  could answer your questions....
• Former student at East Asia School of Theology

72
2. Determine the Nature of the Barrier
Determine whether their barrier is mostly an
intellectual or emotional question or concern,
or a combination of both.
Example Problem of Evil
73
Handling the Tough Questions
Reverse the burden of proof! Remember, when
someone throws a question at you, like a
boomerang, let it come back around to them first!
Q Isnt Christianity only a crutch? A What do
you mean by crutch?
74
Handling the Tough Questions
Reverse the burden of proof!
For example, if someone says I dont believe the
Bible is reliable? Ask why is it that you dont
think the Bible is as reliable as other books of
antiquity written around the same time period?
75
Jesus Example
Jesus used this approach!
Luke 202-4 And they (the chief priests and
scribes) spoke, saying to Him, Tell us by what
authority you are doing these things, or who is
the one who gave you this authority?
And He (Jesus) answered and said to them, I
shall ask you a question, and you tell me Was
the Baptist of John from heaven or men?
76
3. Uncover the Specific Emotional Baggage That
They are Carrying
Ask God for wisdom in discerning what the
real issues are that you need to address with
your pre-believing friends (Js. 15).
77
(No Transcript)
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Handling Emotional Baggage

• Invite them to share their story
• Listen discernibly for the most obvious barriers
  to the gospel.
• Empathize with them
• If appropriate, affirm Gods love and hope for
  them
• If appropriate, apologize for how another brother
  or sister in Christ treated them
• Tell them you will keep them in your prayers.

79
Determine Whats Below The Surface
4. Determine whether there is a question or
concern behind the question or issue raised.
Jesus was a mastered In getting below the
surface in His interaction with others.
80
Jesus was a Master In Getting Below The Surface
In Mark 1218-27 notice how Jesus responds When
the Sadducees asks Jesus a hypothetical question
about who will be the wifes husband at the
resurrection, (since all seven brothers were at
one time married to her but all died but didnt
leave any children),
First, He pointed out that they dont know the
scriptures for in heaven they neither marry nor
are they given in marriage. But next he gets
underneath their question and surfaces their true
nature of their objection. What was their true
objection? Jesus knew that their real question or
concerned had to deal with the issue of the
resurrection of the dead.
81
Jesus was a Master In Getting Below The Surface
Jesus response Now about the dead risinghave
you not read in the book of Moses, in the account
of the bush, how God said to him, I am the God
of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of
Jacob. He is not the God of the dead, but of the
living. You are badly mistaken. Mark 1226-27
(N.I.V.)
Jesus points to a passage in the Pentateuch
(which they did accept) Ex. 36 which supports
the position that there is a resurrection.
82
Jesus was a Master In Getting Below The Surface
I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and
the God of Jacob. By using the present tense
verb (am) this implies that the patriarchs were
still alive and that God still had a relationship
with them as a covenant keeping God, even though
they died long ago.
83
4. Determine whether there is a question or
concern behind the question or issue raised.

• Example
• How can you claim that there is only one way to
  God?

84
How can you claim that there is only one way to
God?
What might be the belief behind the question?
They may believe that Christians are arrogant to
think that they have the truth and are therefore
better than others.
They may believe that Christians are not very
open to other faiths by being so exclusive.
85
Speak to Their Heart Felt Issues
Discover 5. Find out what their biggest barrier
to Christianity?
Family obligation or expectations
86
Barriers to Belief in God and Christianity

• "One of my biggest barriers to belief in God
  or Christianity is that I am not brave enough to
  consider religious issues solely without
  considering the consequences of what other people
  think."
• International Student, U.T. Austin

87
Speak to Their Heart Felt Issues
Discover 5. Find out what their biggest barrier
to Christianity is?
Family obligation or expectations Confusion
about Christian beliefs
88
(No Transcript)
89
Speak to Their Heart Felt Issues
Discover 6. Find out what would motivate them to
get answers in these areas?
90
7. Uncover the Volitional Factors
91
Volitional Factors
In this step we are attempting to surface an
unwillingness to believe that goes beyond just
dealing with the intellectual and emotional
barriers. But though He (Jesus) had
performed so many signs before them, yet they
were not believing in Him. (Jn. 1237)

• Prayer for spiritual enlightenment

92
Uncovering Barriers (Review)

• 1. Determine whether their issue is a legitimate
  concern, or whether it is a smoke screen.
• Determine the nature of their barrier
  (Intellectual, emotional, or a combination of
  both)
• Uncover the specific emotional baggage that they
  are carrying.
• Determine whether there is a question or concern
  behind the question or issue raised.
• 5. Find out what their biggest barrier to
  Christianity is.
• Find out what would motivate them to get answers
  in these areas.
• Uncover the volitional factors

93
Uncovering Conversations

• From the Movie Uncle Buck

94
Build a Bridge to the Gospel
Hear Illuminate Uncover Build
95
Build a Bridge to the Gospel
Artist
Builder
Musician
Archeologist
96
Build a Bridge
97
Building a Bridge to the Gospel

• Goal
• The goal is to find common ground and build a
  bridge to the Truth.
• How
• Keep five steps in mind

98
Building a Bridge to the Truth (Jn. 832)

• Find the Right Balance in your approach

99
(No Transcript)
100
1. Find the Right Balance in your approach?
Building a Bridge to the Truth (Jn. 832)
Objective Evidence Subjective Experience
101
A Caution In Using Reason

• there is just enough of the modern worldview
  left so that reason still has a point of entry.
  But we have to use this knowledge wisely. We
  cannot give an overdose of argumentation.
• Ravi Zacharias, An Ancient Message, Through
  Modern Means To the Postmodern Mind in Telling
  the Truth Evangelizing Postmoderns, p. 27

102
Be mindful of the fact that your life will speak
louder than your words

• Because of my chains, most of the brothers in
  the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word
  of God more courageously and fearlessly.
• Philippians 114 (NIV)

103
(No Transcript)
104
Building a Bridge to the Gospel (Jn. 832)

• 2. Find Common Ground with those you are trying
  to reach (1 Cor. 922)

105
Find Common Ground
To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I
have become all things to all men so that by all
possible means I might save some. (1 Cor. 922)
106
2. Find Common Ground
Biblical Example Acts 28 Acts 17 Notice that
Pauls approach was different in these two
passages. Why?
107
2. Find Common Ground

• Start with ideas that you and the other person
  agree on.
• Search for common ground with low-key spiritual
  questions.

• Does it matter what you believe?
• Is it enough to get into heaven that we are
  members or X church?
• Is there any difference between Jesus and other
  religious leaders?
• In what way is Jesus our Savior?

108
Finding Common Ground in Action in Singapore

• I went into this taxi where the driver was
  playing some Buddhist mantras over his sound
  system. He asked me politely if I minded and
  offered to turn it off if I did. Actually I did
  mind, but I decided to use the opportunity to ask
  him what he was playing. He told (me) what it was
  and asked if he could explain it to me. He also
  asked which religion I belonged to which I
  answered Christianity. I agreed to hear his side
  of the caveat that he was open enough to hear my
  side at the end of his.
• He then began an exposition on his Buddhist
  faith that he enjoyed immensely, talking about
  how he tries to be as good a person as possible
  At the same time, he boasted how he was open to
  other faiths as well. So I asked him if I could
  share why I felt Christianity was different.By
  the time we reached my destination, I had taken
  the opportunity to invite him to my church
  (likewise, he had invited me to attend some of
  his Buddhist meetings).
• Former student at East Asia School of Theology

109
Finding Common Ground in Action in Singapore

• I realized what made him open up to me
  initially was the fact that I was open to him to
  start with. Though he did not say it explicitly,
  I had to hear his desire to continue listening
  to his mantras, following which I bothered to
  hear about his faith. By allowing him that, the
  common ground of understanding was laid and he
  was open to listen to my view.
• Former student at East Asia School of Theology

110
Building a Bridge to the Gospel (Jn. 832)

• Find the right balance in your approach
• Find Common Ground with those you are trying to
  reach
• 3. Build a bridge from point of shared beliefs
  (even those they are not quite aware of)

These can be head bridges and or heart bridges.
111
Show others that Jesus meets the longings of
our hearts!
Heart Bridges
"There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of
every man which cannot be filled by any created
thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known
through Jesus." Blaise Pascal (French
mathematician, philosopher, and physicist)
112
Heart Bridges
What oxygen is to the brain, Jesus is to our
hearts. He satisfies our deepest longings unlike
anything else.If we were to list all of our
hungers, we might be surprised at how many
legitimate hungers we have. We hunger for truth,
love, knowledge, belonging, self-expression,
justice, imagination, learning, and
significanceto name a few. Ravi Zacharias,
Jesus Among Other Gods, p. 71-72
Heart Bridge question Can I share with you what
God has taught me that helps me to cope better
with lifes problems?
113
Comparing Jesus, Muhammad, and Buddha
Head Bridges

• Buddha claimed to point to the way, Mohammed
  claimed to be a prophet of God, but Jesus Christ
  is the only major religious leader that ever
  claimed to be God, who fulfilled prophecy, lived
  a sinless life, and then died on the cross and
  rose from the dead.
• Dr. Dave Geisler

114
Jesus is one of a kind!
Head Bridges

• Jesus was without sin.
• Even the Koran states that Jesus was without sin.
  (See Sura 345-461919-21)
• Mohammed was told to ask for forgiveness
• (Sura 4055481-2)

115
Comparing Jesus, Muhammad, and Buddha

• Buddha was imperfect
• He was understood as have many rebirths thus
  indicating an imperfect life.
• At best, Buddha pointed to the way and followed
  a path to purity. He did not possess it fully
  himself.

116

Jesus
Muhammed
Not Virgin Born
Virgin born -Sura 347
Sinless - Sura 345-461919-21
Sinful -Sura 4055481-2
No Miracles except Quran -Sura 1790-93
Did many miracles
Advance by the Sword Sura 29,2,36,73,111,123
Blessed the peacemakers Mt 59
Forgave enemies
Retaliated on Enemies
Motivation by Fear
Motivation by love
Died and was buried
Rose and His tomb is empty (Muslims reject)
Adapted from N. Geisler F. Tureks PowerPoint
12 Points
117
Build Your Bridge Using Planks Of Common
Understanding
118
Six reasons why it matters what you believe!
Building Head and Heart Bridges!
Building Bridges with those you are trying to
reach! ( I Cor. 922)
119
1. What you believe will affect how you live!
120
Not All Religious Viewpoints Can Be Right!

• 1. What you believe will affect how you live!
• 2. Not all religious viewpoints can be right!

Can Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad all be
right?
Can all religions simultaneously be true?
121
Faith must have an object!

• 1. What you believe will affect how you live!
• 2. Not all religious viewpoints can be right!
• 3. Faith must have an object to have merit!

About one out of four (26) born again
Christians believe that it doesnt matter what
faith you follow because they all teach the same
lessons. Born Again Christians, 2000, George
Barna, Barna web-site
122
What is this student missing in her view of
Biblical faith?

• Interview with students U.T. Austin

123
Christianity is Based on a Historical Event

• And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching
  is useless and so is your faith.
• I Corinthians 1514 (NIV)

• Biblical faith must have an object to be
  valid.

124
It matters what you believe

• 1. What you believe will effect how you live!
• 2. Not all religious viewpoints can be right!
• 3. Faith must have an object to have merit!
• 4. Not all religious leaders made equal claims!

125
The Unique Claims of Jesus Which religious leader
ever made these claims?
I am without sin (John 846) I have always
existed (John 858) I am the only Son of God
(John 316) I am the light of the world (John
812) I have come to save the world (John 317) I
have authority to forgive sins (Mark 210) I was
born to testify to the truth (John 1837) You
trust in God Trust also in me (John 141) I am
the Truth and only way to God (John 146) I will
come again to judge the world (Matt 2531-46)
Take from The Top Twenty-three Presentations By
Norm Geisler and Frank Turek
126
It matters what you believe

• 1. What you believe will effect how you live!
• 2. Not all religious viewpoints can be right!
• 3. Faith must have an object to have merit!
• 4. Not all religious leaders made equal claims!
• 5. The proof of Christs claims have no parallel
  among major religious leaders!

127
Comparing Christianity and other Religions is not
like comparing apples with apples!
No Comparison!
Other Religions
Christianity
128
The Proof of Christs Claims(Cont.)

• Buddha claimed to point to the way, Mohammed
  claimed to be a prophet of God, but Jesus Christ
  is the only major religious leader that ever
  claimed to be God, who fulfilled prophecy, lived
  a sinless life, and then died on the cross and
  rose from the dead.
• Dr. Dave Geisler

129
It matters what you believe

• 1. What you believe will effect how you live!
• 2. Not all religious viewpoints can be right!
• 3. Faith must have an object to have merit!
• 4. Not all religious leaders made equal claims!
• 5. The proof of Christs claims have no parallel
  among major religious leaders!
• 6. Without God, some people find it difficult to
  find meaning in life!

130
Friedrich Nietzsche 1844-1900
God is dead. God remains dead. And we have
killed him. How shall we, the murderers of all
murderers, comfort ourselves? The Gay Science,
125
God
131
1. What you believe will effect how you
live!2. Not all religious viewpoints can be
right!3. Faith must have an object to have
merit!4. Not all religious leaders made equal
claims!5. The proof of Christs claims have no
parallel among major religious
leaders!6. Without God, some people find it
difficult to find meaning in life!
132
Building a Bridge to the Truth (Jn. 832)

• Find the Right Balance in your approach
• Find Common Ground with those you are trying to
  reach
• Build a bridge from point of shared beliefs (even
  those they are not quite aware of)
• Remember the goal

133
Remember the Goal in Using Christian evidence in
Evangelism!
To remove the obstacles so that we can help
people take one step closer to Jesus Christ each
day. (I Cor. 36)
134
Building a Bridge to the Truth (Jn. 832)

• Find the Right Balance in your approach
• Find Common Ground with those you are trying to
  reach
• Build a bridge from point of shared beliefs (even
  those they are not quite aware of)
• Memorize a basic outline for defending the
  Christian faith to guide you in your discussions
  with others
• Actively seek for opportunities to transition
• to spiritual things.

135

• 5. Actively seek for opportunities to
• transition to spiritual things.
• Example
• Has anyone ever explained to you the difference
  between Christianity and all other religions?
• Explain Do verse Done
• (See Bill Hybels, Contagious Christians
  Training)

136
Has anyone ever explained to you the difference
between Christianity and all other religions?

• For example
• Muslims believe that mans good works have to
  outweigh his bad works. (Do)
• Hinduism teaches that if one does enough good he
  can pay off his karmic debt and escape the cycle
  of reincarnation. (Do)
• Buddhism teaches that salvation comes about when
  one desires to stop desiring. (Do)
• Jesus says accept the gift I offer. It has
  already been Done for you (you can do nothing
  to earn Gods gift) Invite me to come into your
  life and change you from the inside out (Phil.
  213)

137
Building a Bridge to the Truth (Jn. 832)
(Review)

• Find the Right Balance in your approach.
• Find Common Ground with those you are trying to
  reach.
• Build a bridge from point of shared beliefs (even
  those they are not quite aware of).
• Remember the goal.
• 5. Actively seek for opportunities to transition
  
• to spiritual things.

138
Invite Them To Take A Step Of Faith

• Accepting Jesus is like drinking a cup of tea,
  you will never know how it really taste by
  hearing what others say unless you drink it for
  yourself.
• Former student at East Asia School of Theology

139
But what if they dont care?

• Answer
• If life is just a drop in the bucket compared
  to eternity, wouldnt that be worth checking out?

140
Building a Bridge to the Gospel

• Interview with students U.T. Austin

This 15 minute video (Building Bridges to the
Gospel) is contained on our Resource C.D. and DVD
materials.
141
Conversational Evangelism Four types of
conversations we want to have with non-believers
142
Four types of roles you need to play in your
friends life
Artist
Builder
Musician
Archeologist
143
The Conversational Evangelism Model (In a
nutshell)
We want to hear their discrepancies and then
illuminate them by asking questions that will
clarify their religious terminology and
expose the weaknesses of their perspective.
Then we want to uncover the real barriers and
build a bridge to help them take one step
closer to Jesus Christ each day (I Cor. 36).
144
A Biblical Perspective

• The Apostle Paul said, I have become all things
  to all men so that by all means, I may save
  some.
• I Cor.922

145
Application Exercise

• This next week I will
• 1. Listen for the types of sour notes I hear in
  my conversations with others.
• 2. Look for opportunities to ask clarifying
  questions in my witness to others.
• Ask, what do you mean by? (Example I am a
  child of God)
• Attempt the process of building a bridge with a
  not-yet-believer by asking probing questions to
  reach areas of common understanding and
  agreement.
• Actively seek for opportunities to transition to
  spiritual things. (example Do verses Done)
• 5. Discuss the results of this exercise with my
  pastor

146
Conversational Evangelism "How to Listen And
Speak So You Can Be Heard" By Dr Dave
Geisler
www.meeknessandtruth.org