Conversational Evangelism:
How To Listen and Speak so that You may be Heard
By Dr. David Geisler
www.meeknessandtruth.org
Obstacles to Evangelism Today
The World we Live In
•Rejection of moral absolutes
•The skepticism of our society
•An indifference towards truth
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
Two-Thirds Reject
“It is not the lunatic fringe rejecting the
very concept of [absolute] truth, but twothirds of the American people."
Gene Veith, Postmodern Times, p.16
It May Be a Long Hard Journey Before Some
People Ever Approach the “Bridge”
The Road Further Behind…
“We cannot possibly agree on the solution
that Jesus provides if we cannot agree on the
problem he confronts.”
D.A. Carson, “Athens Revisited” in Telling the Truth, p. 386
Evangelism in the 70’s
The Challenges of
Evangelism Today
Problems Evangelizing Today
Truth is becoming an unwelcome stranger in
the land, so much so that even the
appreciation of and the ability to reason
critically is being lost.
“Truth” is increasingly fluid, arrived at
depending on the given situation and one’s
individual experience. Not being absolute, it
varies from one community to the next.
There is widespread skepticism or outright
rejection of universal moral absolutes,
objective truth and those who advocate either.
Obstacles to Evangelism Today
The World we Live In
•Rejection of moral absolutes
•The skepticism of our society
•An indifference towards
truth or rejection of truth
Signs of Trouble Have
Surfaced Even In The East!
The Tsunami of Post-Modernism
Signs of Trouble Have
Surfaced Even In The East
“Many students don't think that there is a
standard of right and wrong. Rather, they
believe that this is up to the individual. This
means they do hold a standard of right and
wrong themselves, but they feel that each
person's standard of right and wrong differs from
the other.”
“Personally, I feel stuck as to how to proceed on
with the conversation. It's like saying that this
food is nice for me but may not be nice for you.
They relegate the standard of right and wrong to
personal preference.”
Former Student, East Asia School of Theology
Signs of Trouble Have Surfaced
Even In The East
“I find that I'm shaken. Not in terms of my faith
but in terms of how to answer such questions.”
Former Student, East Asia School of Theology
Things That Have Changed In the Last 35 years
A World View Shift
“…a major cause of our current crisis
consists of a world view shift from a
Judeo-Christian understanding of
reality to a post-Christian one.”
J. P. Moreland, Love Your God with All Your Mind, p.21
Historical Development of Western World Views
Changing Beliefs - Pluralism
1st Century
17th Century
19th Century
Pre-modern
THEISM
Theism
GOD
Deism
GOD
Naturalism
19th-20th Century
20th Century
Late 21st Century
Modern
Postmodern
ATHEISM
PLURALISM
Nihilism
GOD
Existentialism
Fill in the blank
Postmodernism Weak
Theism
New Age: Pantheism,
Monism
Bottom line: “What
works for you.”
COSMOS
COSMOS
COSMOS
SOCIETY
There is an intolerance towards
those who say there is a bridge
they must cross!
Key Question
How can we do more effective
evangelism in this kind of world?
Answer:
We need to better understand the
times or culture in which we live.
Understanding the Times We Live In!
We need to be like the men of Issachar
and understand the times in which we live
and therefore know what we should do.
See I Chronicles 12:32
Key Question
How can we do more effective
evangelism in this kind of world?
If we truly understand the times or
culture in which we live in we will
engage in pre-evangelism.
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 2:22, 4:8)
“Pre-evangelism” is the emphasis of
Conversational Evangelism.
“… 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 4:8)
Being Effective in Pre-evangelism
means I will…
See “evangelism more as a
process”
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it,
but God made it grow.”
1 Corinthians 3: 6
Evangelism is a Process!
“We have come to believe that there are
only two kinds of Christians: the harvesters
and the disobedient. We must begin to
teach, with great urgency, that every laborer
should learn to reap and that God will call
some to exercise this role exclusively--but
everyone can learn to sow right now, right
where they are.”
Tim Downs, Finding Common Ground, p.32.
Expanded Definition of Evangelism
“Every day and in every way helping
our pre-believing friends to take one
step closer to Jesus Christ.”
Dr. David Geisler
Being Effective in Pre-evangelism
means…
allowing others to discover the truth for
themselves by asking them probing
questions about what they say they
believe!
Why Not Just Proclaim the Truth?
“We live in a world where people
are reluctant to be told what is true,
but are willing in some cases to
see for themselves (as in a mirror)
the inconsistencies in what they
believe.”
Dr. David Geisler
The Need For Probing Questions
“For the time will come when men
will not put up with sound doctrine.
Instead, to suit their own desires,
they will gather around them a
great number of teachers to say
what their itching ears want to
hear. They will turn their ears away
from the truth and turn aside to
myths.” (2 Tim. 4:3-4)
The Joy of Self-discovery
“We need to make
him
think it was his idea.”
From the movie
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
The joy of selfdiscovery
Conversation with a
Buddhist
“If giving up desire is
one of the goals of
Buddhism, how as a
parent does one give
up on the desire to
have children?”
Our Problems In Evangelism
Are Just the Tip Of the Iceberg
Our Problems in Evangelism Are
Symptoms…Of An Even Greater Problem!
“As we approach the twenty-first century,
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to
recognize that our entire culture is in
trouble. We are staring down the barrel of a
loaded gun and we can no longer afford to
act like it is loaded with blanks.”
J. P. Moreland, Love Your God with All Your
Mind, p.21
The Impact Of Our Changing
World on Christians
“How is it possible for a person to be
an active member of an evangelical
church for twenty or thirty years and
still know next to nothing about the
history and theology of the Christian
religion, the methods and tools
required for serious Bible study, and
the skills and information necessary to
preach and defend Christianity in a
post-Christian, neopagan culture?”
J.P. Moreland, Love Your God With All
Your Mind, p.188
In order to do pre-evangelism effectively we
need to identify some of the most common
misconceptions we have about the Christian
Faith.
1. What is involved in Biblical
Faith?
2. What is the relationship
between Faith and Reason?
3. What does it mean to be
ready in 1 Pet. 3:15?
A Misunderstanding of what is involved in
Biblical Faith
“About one out of four (26%)
born again Christians believe
that it doesn’t matter what
faith you follow because they
all teach the same lessons.”
Born Again Christians, 2000, George
Barna, Barna Web-site
A Misunderstanding of what is involved in
Biblical Faith
“Faith is now understood
as a blind act of will, a
decision to believe
something that is either
independent of reason or
that is a simple choice to
believe while
ignoring the paltry lack of
evidence for what is
believed.”
J.P. Moreland, Love Your God With All
Your Mind, p. 25
A Misunderstanding Of
What Is Involved In Biblical
Faith
Example: The DaVinci Code
“But you told me the New Testament is based
on fabrication. Langdon smiled. ‘Sophie, every
faith in the world is based on fabrication. That is
the definition of faith—acceptance of that
which we imagine to be true, that which we
cannot prove.”
Dan Brown, The DaVinci Code, p. 341
The Consequences
“…if what we believe is off center and yet so pervasive
that it is seldom even brought to conscious discussion,
much less debated, then this explains why our impact
on the world is so paltry compared to our numbers.
I can not overemphasize the fact that this modern
understanding of Christianity is neither Biblical nor
consistent with the bulk of church history.”
J. P. Moreland, Love Your God with All Your Mind, p.25.
A Misunderstanding
Of What Is Involved
In Biblical Faith
Student, University of
Texas at Austin
“I have many different
objects of my faith.”
To download go to:
www.meeknessandtruth.
org/tools.htm
Faith Must Have an
Object - m4v (9.4 MB)
What Has Gone Wrong?
“When the foundations are being
destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
Psalm 11:3
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 15:14 (NIV)
* Biblical faith must have an object to
be valid.
But I Thought
That Christianity
Was A Leap Of
Faith?
Our Faith is Not a Blind Faith
The Bible does not teach blind
faith.
Example: I Kings 18:21, 36 – 39
Elijah at Mount Carmel
Verse 39: "And when all the
people saw it, they fell on their
faces and they said "the Lord, He
is God.”
… But is a Faith With Reason
“Love the Lord your God with all your
heart and with all your soul and with
all of your mind and with all of your
strength.”
Mark 12:30
… And a Faith That is Supported by
Evidence
“That which was from the beginning,
which we have heard, which we have
seen with our eyes, which we have
looked at and our hands have touchedthis we proclaim concerning the Word of
life. The life appeared; we have seen it
and testify to it, and we proclaim to you
the eternal life, which was with the Father
and has appeared to us.”
I John 1: 1-2
What is the relationship between
Faith and Reason?
What part does reason play in
someone coming to Christ?
•Important distinction between “belief
that” and “belief in”
James 2:19 says that the Demons
“believe that” God does exist but they
do not “believe in” Him.
Apologetics Bears on the Question
of “Belief That” not “Belief In”
Apologetics can make the horse come to
the water, but only the Spirit of God can help
it to drink!
John 6:65
You can’t use apologetics to argue someone
into the kingdom.
You shouldn’t give up using apologetics in
your witness to others (Acts 14:1)
What Does It Mean to
be Ready?
1 Pet. 3:15 says,
“But in your hearts set apart Christ
as Lord. Always be prepared
(ready) to give an answer to
everyone who ask you to give
the reason for the hope that you
have. But do this with gentleness
and respect.” (N.I.V.)
Observations about “Being
Ready” in 1 Pet. 3:15
1. We should know how to
answer the difficult questions
people ask us concerning our
faith.
2. Being ready involves also an
eagerness to share.
3. Being ready is one way we
make Christ Lord in our hearts.
*
Why we shouldn’t wait for
them to ask us questions?
Being Ready
The Greek word for ready
(Hetoimos) is used in Matt 24:44
and Luke 12:40 to communicate
the idea that as Christians we need
to anticipate Christ's return.
Now, if we combine 1 Peter 3:15
with 2 Corinthians 10:5 and I Cor.
9:22 and Paul’s example in Acts 17,
it is clear that our responsibility as
Christians is also to eagerly
anticipate the questions and
objections that our pre-believing
friends may raise against
Christianity, whether they ask us a
specific question or not!
Clarifying Misconceptions
Review
1. What is involved in
Biblical Faith?
2. What is the relationship
between Faith and
Reason?
3. What does it mean to be
ready?
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
The Value of A Pre-Evangelistic Approach
“Only on a good day do I help someone take
one step closer to Jesus Christ.”
Campus Crusade staff member in U.S.
The bottom line about Pre-Evangelism
The more opportunity we have to share the Gospel, the
greater the 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 the
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 4:8)
No One Size Fits All Approach
Not all pre-believers are
at the same place.
Hostile
Skeptical
Seekers
Trust in Christ
What is different about this approach?
• You don’t need to know much apologetic
information to engage successfully in using the
methodology of Conversational Evangelism.
• It attempts to keep in balance both cognitive and
non-cognitive elements to evangelism.
• It provides a methodology for doing pre-evangelism
that is transferable and easily taught to others.
Ingredients to This Model
1. Active Listening
2. Positive deconstructionism* (tearing
down)
* This concept was developed by Nick Pollard, Evangelism
Made Slightly less difficult, p. 44
Ingredients to this Model
Positive deconstructionism (Tearing down)
Nick Pollard’s definition
“The process of positive deconstructionism
recognizes and affirms the elements of truth to
which individuals already hold, but it also helps
them discover for themselves the inadequacies
of the underlying worldviews they have
absorbed. The aim is to awaken a heart
response that says, “I am not so sure that what I
believe is right after all. I want to find out more
about Jesus.”
Nick Pollard, Evangelism Made Slightly Less Difficult, p.
44
Ingredients to This Model
1.
+
2.
+
3.
+
4.
+
5.
+
6.
+
7.
Active Listening
Positive deconstructionism* (tearing down)
A questioning approach that allows others to surface the truth for
themselves
A method for removing the burden of proof from us to them
(Boomerang Principle*)
A method to determine the real barriers to the Gospel
A strategy for finding common ground
A strategy for building a bridge to the Gospel (both intellectual and
heart bridges)
_______________________________________
= The Conversational Evangelism Method
*Concept developed by Nick Pollard, Evangelism Made Slightly less difficult, p.
44
Conversational Evangelism in Action…
The Apostle Paul said, “I have become all things
to all men so that by all means, I may save some.”
I Cor.9:22
We too should do what ever it takes, remove what
ever obstacle, whether it be intellectual, emotion,
or spiritual, to help others take steps to the cross.
Learning the Mechanics
of Doing Evangelism
It can seem as difficult
and mechanical as
learning how to drive a
clutch for the first time!
The Vital Role Of
The Holy Spirit
In Evangelism
The Vital Role Of
The Holy Spirit
In Evangelism
Remember we are just the instrument!
“God chose the weak things of the world
to shame the strong.”
1Corinthians 1:27b (NIV)
What do we want to trust the Holy
Spirit to do?
To empower us to speak in a way that
makes a difference. (Acts 14:1)
To empower us to live godly lives.
(Philippians 1:14)
This approach is not a
substitute for a caring
sensitive approach of
loving people in the
context of a Christian
Community.
Conversational Evangelism
Four types of conversations we want to have with non-believers
Four types of roles you need to
play in your friend’s life
Artist
Musician
Builder
Archeologist
Hear what they are
saying!
Hear
Illuminate
Uncover
Build
The Importance of Being
A Good Listener
Proverbs 18:13 (NASB)
“He who gives an answer before he hears, it is
folly and shame to him.”
Learn how to be a better listener
James 1:19-20
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.
Really hear
what people
are saying
to us!
Hear the Sour Notes
People are Singing to us!
Musician
As a musician, you
need to listen, and
you
need to train yourself
Artist
to hear what people
Builder
areArcheologist
saying to you!
Our Purpose…
By listening to the sour notes we may
be able to “detect” some of the
uncertainty in their beliefs which may
give us an opportunity to help them to
think more clearly about what they
believe and why.
Dr. Norman Geisler
Not All Religious Viewpoints
Can Be Right!
“Either Jesus is the Only “Way The Truth
and the Life…” (Jn. 14:6)
or
He is not the Only Way the Truth and the Life
Jesus’ Approach in Matt: 19:16-22
“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?’
Jesus’ Approach in Matt: 19:16-22
‘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.’”
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.
Sour notes in Acts 17
Example:
Idols in Acts 17:22-30
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 17:28-29 NASB)
A. You created these wooden gods
B. These wooden gods created you.
Types of Sour Notes You Might Hear
Types of inconsistencies you might hear:
Belief vs. Heart Longing (Eccl. 3:11)
Belief vs. Behavior (Galatians 2:14-16)
Belief vs. Belief (Acts 17:22-30)
Illogical Belief (2 Cor. 1:18)
Belief vs. Heart Longing
1. The inconsistency can be between their
worldview perspective and their heart longing.
*
People may believe one thing but their
heart may long for something else
Belief vs. Heart Longing
"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)
Belief vs. Heart Longing
1. The inconsistency can be between their
worldview perspective and their heart longing.
*
Many world religions contain views
which are inconsistent with the longings
of people’s hearts.
Belief vs. Heart Longing
(Buddhism)
In Buddhism the goal is to achieve a state of
Nirvana which is an abstract nothingness.
However this means I must loose myself
(personhood)
But not only is losing myself not fulfilling, but
the way to get to Nirvana can only be
accomplished through a heavy burden of living
according to rules and regulations that can
never be completely attainable .
Belief vs Heart Longing
(Hinduism)
• Some Hindus believe in only an
impersonal god
• Yet a Hindu desires to know God in a
deeper more personal way
Belief vs Heart Longing
(Chinese)
• I believe in materialism
•I want to be remembered after I died or at
least die with a good reputation.
Belief vs. Heart Longing
The teachings of Islam betrays the heart cry to
have an intimacy with God.
“In Islam, the distance between God and
humanity is so vast that even those most
devoted to Allah never get close to
him….Repetition (of rituals) and submission
take the place of a warm relationship.”
Ravi Zacharias, Jesus Among Other Gods, p.
78-79
Belief vs. Heart Longing
“Union with the impersonal force won’t ever
satisfy our human ache for intimacy—to know
and to be known.”
Ravi Zacharias, Jesus Among Other Gods, p.
78
Belief vs. Heart Longing
(Postmodern culture)
*
In a postmodern culture there is a
desperate need today for young
people to feel a sense of belonging. To
be a part of something bigger than
themselves.
*
The popularity of reality TV
Belief vs. Heart Longing
1. The inconsistency can be between their
worldview perspective and their heart longing.
Example 1:
A pre-believing student who after 9/11 said
his life had to now count in some way….
Belief vs. Heart Longing
Example 2:
Student who said (after 9/11) I don’t believe in
an afterlife but I believe that the terrorist were
going to be held accountable for what they did.
What do you think was his heart longing?
Answer:
That justice must be done!
The Bible Speaks About Heart Longings
Solomon wrote that:
"He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;
yet they cannot fathom what God has done
from the beginning to end." (Ecl. 3:11).
What You Might Hear
Types of “sour notes” or inconsistencies you
might hear:
• Belief vs. Heart Longing (Eccl 3:11)
• Belief vs. Behavior (Gal 2:14-16)
Belief vs. Behavior
The inconsistency can be between what they say
they believe and how they live or behave.
Paul challenged Peter about his inconsistent
behavior. (Galatians 2:14-16)
Student:
What Hitler did was not necessarily wrong
Reply: “ It must be hard to live your life
that way…huh?
Belief vs. Behavior
Talking to a Buddhist:
If one of the goals of Buddhism is the
elimination of desire, is it really possible for
human beings to really live without emotion or
desire?
(conversation with Buddhist auto-mechanic)
Specific Questions To
Ask A Buddhist
If Desire is the source
of all suffering, how do
we desire to stop
desiring?
Jesus taught that the
issue is not giving up
desire, but having right
desire (Matt 5:6).
Belief vs. Behavior
What is wrong with these statements?
•
Someone who claims that there is no
such thing as right and wrong
•
Yet they try to live a good life.
Belief vs. Behavior
What is wrong with these statements
made by a Chinese student?
A. I don’t think that religion is really necessary.
B. Sometimes I pray but I don’t feel anything.
Belief vs. Behavior
What is wrong with these statements?
• I believe in naturalistic evolution.
• I try to live a good life.
• I treat others with respect.
• There is no such thing as right and
wrong.
Belief vs Behavior
What is wrong with these statements?
•
I believe that there is no absolute right
or wrong.
•
Yet I believe it is important to treat
others with respect and civility.
Belief vs. Behavior
What is wrong with these statements?
•
I believe in Buddhism.
•
I hope I can win the lottery tomorrow.
• I don’t’ believe in life after death.
• We need to respect our dead
ancestors by practicing burning
incense and money for them.
Belief vs. Behavior
What is wrong with these statements?
• I think it is important that we offer
our joss sticks to our dead relatives .
• I am not really sure how real my
sacrifice is.
Belief vs. Behavior
What is wrong with these statements?
• I am an Atheists or Free Thinker
• I sometimes go to temple for fortune
telling and pray for success in my
career.…
Belief vs. Behavior
What is wrong with these statements?
•
Christianity is not suitable for Chinese
because it comes from the West
•
I am going to study to get a science
degree in the United States…
Specific questions to ask a Muslim
Do you pray at least five times a day
A. I believe that my good deeds must
outweigh my bad deeds in order to
get to heaven.
B. I don’t pray at least five times a day.
How then can you have any assurance that you are
going to heaven when you die?
Specific Questions To Ask A Confucianist
Confucius said, “Man is born with uprightness”
Wing-Tsit Chan “A Source Book in Chinese Philosophy. Princeton, N.J.; Princeton
Univ. Press, 1963, p. 29
If it is true that humans are good by nature, then wouldn’t the
doing of good come more naturally and easily to us?
Do our thoughts naturally tend toward kindness when people
speak evil of us?
Do we automatically desire to love those who have wronged us?
When someone is promoted ahead of us do we immediately
consider them more worthy than we and want to congratulate
them?
Specific Questions To Ask A Confucianist
The Bible says:
The Apostle Paul, who was perhaps one of
the greatest Christians who ever lived, said
himself,
“I have the desire to do what is good, but I
cannot carry it out.” Romans 7:18
What You Might Hear
Types of “sour notes” or inconsistencies you
might hear:
• Belief vs. Heart Longing (Eccl 3:11)
• Belief vs. Behavior (Gal 2:14-16)
• Belief vs. Belief (Acts 17:22-30)
The inconsistency can be between two
contradictory beliefs.
Belief vs. Belief
1. The woman is pregnant
2. The woman is not
pregnant
Belief vs. Belief
3. The inconsistency can be between
two things they hold that are
mutually contradictory.
Jay Leno’s Headlines:
Psychic Sarah says her predictions
never fail (99% Accurate)
What are the two contradictory
beliefs?
1. Her predictions never fail
2. They are only 99% accurate
Can Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad all be right?
Can all religions simultaneously be
true?
Contradictory Truth Claims Regarding “Salvation”
Christianity– by faith alone in Christ alone
Islam– by belief in Allah, his prophet
Muhammad, and good works
Hinduism– by overcoming karma an
incarnations with good works
Buddhism– by cessation of desire through
eight-fold path
Show That They Cannot Hold
Conflicting Views!
What is wrong with these statements?
A.
B.
Jesus is my Savior
I can measure up
A.
B.
The Bible is reliable
I must do good works to be saved
(Ephesians 2:8-9: Titus 3:5)
Belief vs. Belief
•
The Bible is reliable
•
Jesus is just one of the many ways to
God
Conversation with Chinese Student
•
I’m a Christian
•
I’m not quite sure why Jesus had to
die on the cross.
Belief vs. Belief
•
Someone who claims to be a Buddhist
•
Yet they are not sure if there is any
life after this life
Belief vs. Belief
•
As a Chinese I believe in Deng’s
pragmatism, therefore I try my best to
succeed by all means possible!
•
I believe that the salesperson is so evil
to cheated me money! It really is not
fair!
Belief vs. Belief
•
There is no absolute right or wrong.
•
The Japanese military leaders were
absolutely evil and wicked in killing
millions of Chinese and Asians during
World War II.
Belief vs. Belief
•
I believe that Jesus is just a great
prophet
•
But Muhammad is the last and
greatest prophet though the Koran
teaches that Jesus was without sin
and virgin born while Muhammad
was not.
Belief vs. Belief
(Reincarnation)
•
I believe that all humans are reincarnated
after death and that if they are bad they will
become an animal.
•
I believe that both the human population in
the world is getting bigger and that there is
an increase in crime.
But if reincarnation is true, how can we
accounted for the increase in population in
spite of the increase in crime everywhere?
What You Might Hear
Types of inconsistency you might hear:
• Belief vs. Heart Longing (Ecl. 3:11)
• Belief vs. Behavior (Galatians 2:14-16)
• Belief vs. Belief (Acts 17:22-30)
•
Illogical Belief (2 Cor. 1:18)
“The Apostle Paul said, “But as surely as God is faithful,
our message to you is not yes and no.”
- 2 Cor. 1:18,
NIV
Illogical Belief
The inconsistency or contradiction can also be in
the statement itself
Illogical Belief
Just because a statement is sayable does not
mean that it is meaningful.
Example: I cannot utter a word in English!
Statement That Are Illogical Are Unmeaningful
Example: Winnie the Pooh
What Are Some Unmeaningful
Statements?
• You should be skeptical about
everything.
• Always avoid making absolute
statements.
Unmeaningful Statements
More Examples:
•
God is so far beyond us that we can not
really know anything about Him.
•
There is really no absolute truth.
Unmeaningful Statements
More Examples:
What is wrong with these statements?
•
Everything is relative.
•
You can’t really know anything.
•
I know for sure there is no god.
Your Greatest Tool in
Answering False Claims:
Apply the claim to itself!
For Example. . .
Apply the claim to itself!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
There is no such thing as truth!
You can’t know truth!
All truth is relative!
It’s true for you but not for me!
No one has the truth!
All truth depends on your perspective!
What You Might Hear (Review)
Types of inconsistencies you might hear:
Belief vs. Heart Longing (Eccl. 3:11)
Belief vs. Behavior (Gal 2:14-16)
Belief vs. Belief (Acts 17:22-30)
Illogical Belief (2 Cor. 1:18)
The Difficulty In Listening To Them And At The
Same Time Spotting The Discrepancies In
Their Viewpoint
“It is very difficult (and still is) to listen
earnestly to the other person during the
conversation and trying to spot the
inconsistencies at the same time. However, as I
talked to more people, some common things will
eventually surface and be repeated, and I will be
more ready to pick them up the next time.”
Former student at East Asia School of Theology
Don’t 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.
Don’t forget to focus on a few sour notes
*
Point out the most stand-out
inconsistencies rather than
pointing out all inconsistencies
Illuminate The Discrepancies!
Hear
Illuminate
Uncover
Build
Illuminate the Discrepancies!
What question
should be
asked?
Illuminate the Discrepancies
by Asking Questions
Be like detective Columbo!
“Miss, can I ask you just one
other question?”
As an artist you want to paint a
picture by asking questions
Artist
Musician
Builder
Archeologist
Asking questions
helps paint a picture
to help them see
themselves more
clearly
The Importance of
Questions
• Questions that help
clarify the meaning of
certain unclear terms
• Questions that
surface uncertainty
and / or expose false
belief systems or
concepts
The Importance of
Questions
Questions that help
clarify the meaning of
certain unclear terms
Questions that uncover the meaning of
certain unclear terms
What do you mean by…?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Savior
Good
Died for us
Son of God
Buddhist
Free Thinker
Jesus is God
All religions are basically
the same
Accept Jesus
Clarify Unclear Terms!
Clarify the Terminology
I was playing with Billy in
the garage and he anointed
my head with oil.
Use Your Unclear Understanding About
Their Beliefs To Your Advantage
Help me understand what you mean by…?
I’m not sure if I really understand what you are
saying. Could you clarify what you mean
by…?
The Importance of
Questions
Questions that surface
uncertainty and or
expose false belief
systems or concepts
How are we suppose to
do this?
Begin With Asking
Probing Questions
That Surface the
Uncertainty in Their
Beliefs
Introductory Questions To Explore the
Uncertainties of their Beliefs
1. Do you really think it really matters what we
believe or is the important thing we have
some kind of religion to make us a better
person?
2. Do you think that all religious beliefs basically
teach the same thing?
3. Do you think life has a purpose?
Introductory Questions To Explore the
Uncertainties of their Beliefs
4. Do you think human lives are valuable?
5. Do you believe that some things are either
right or wrong?
6. Do you think that by doing good we can get
to this better place or heaven?
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 other’s
key beliefs?
• for there to be meaning and purpose in
our lives and at the same time believe
that there is no God?
Follow-up Questions That Can Expose
False beliefs or Concepts
How is it possible. . .
• for human life to be valuable but yet
believe that life is just a random byproduct of nature?
• to claim that there is no absolutes
absolutely?
Follow-up Questions That Can Expose
False beliefs or Concepts
How is it possible. . .
• How is it possible for us to empty
ourselves from all desires?
• How do you fit Jesus into your
religious beliefs?
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?
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 5:48; James 2:10)
The Right Questions
Can Help Them Better
Face The Truth!
Asking Thought Provoking Questions!
If you were coming to the end of your
life, and you met Jesus and other great
religious leaders, and each suggested
a different path, who’s advice should
you take.
Wouldn’t you take the advice of
someone who’s been to the other side
and come back to tell us about it?
Asking Thought Provoking Questions!
If you were not sure if you should follow Jesus
or other great religious leaders, consider this
perspective.
If you follow Jesus and you are wrong, you
may have many other life times to get it right.
Yet if you follow other paths and you are
wrong, you do not have any more chances to
get it right. (Heb. 9:27)
Wouldn’t it be wise then to choose Christ first?
Asking Thought Provoking
Questions to Our Muslim Friends!
Question:
Why do you believe that Jesus was considered
just a great prophet when the Bible mentions in
many places that Jesus was worshiped as God?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Matthew 8:2 – Leper
Matthew 28:9 – women at the tomb
Matthew 14:33 – the disciples
Matthew 28:17; Luke 24:52 – the disciples after Jesus rose
John 9:38 – a blind man
John 20:28-29 – Thomas called him “My Lord and My
God”
Matthew 2:2 – God sent wise men to worship Jesus, and
wise men today worship him too.
Asking Thought Provoking Questions!
Their Answer:
The Bible is corrupt and cannot be trusted to tell
the true story of what Jesus believed about himself.
Response:
Yet if Jesus is just a great prophet why does the
Qur’an teach that Jesus was virgin born (Sura 3:47)
and sinless (Sura 3:45-46: 19:19-21) and yet at the
same time why does it teaches that Mohammed
was sinful (Sura 40:55;48:1-2) and not virgin born?
The Right Questions
Can Help Them Better
Face The Truth!
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
conclusion—because it’s a conclusion
that he reached himself.”
David Reed Baker, Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse
by Verse, (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1986) p. 113
Jesus’ use of questions in Luke 20:41-44
“Then Jesus said to them, “How is it that they say the
Christ is the Son of David? David himself declares in
the Book of Psalms: ‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at
my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for
your feet.’ David calls him Lord. How then can he be
his son?
What was the scribes problem?
They didn’t believe that Jesus was the Messiah.
What were the two contradictory beliefs that the scribes
held?
Jesus’ use of questions in Luke 20:41-44
Pointing out their discrepancies:
A. I believe what the Old Testament says in Ps.
110:1 about the Messiah being the son of David.
B. I don’t’ believe that it is possible that Jesus
could be the Messiah.
Jesus’ use of questions in Luke 20:41-44
What was the question behind the question?
Verse 44- “David therefore calls Him Lord, and how is
He his son?”
The bottom line:
Jesus was asking if the Messiah is the Son of David,
why isn’t it possible for Jesus to be the Messiah?
Conversational
Evangelism in Action
(Short)
Interview with
students U.T. Austin
To download go to:
www.meeknessandtruth
.org/tools.htm
Conversational Evangelism m4v (23 MB)
Show that they can’t hold both
conflicting views!
A.
I can have a foundation for my
moral beliefs
B.
Right and wrong is based on
majority rule
Response:
If right and wrong is based on majority rule
what about back in times of slavery when we
thought it was okay to have slaves?
Show that they can’t hold
both conflicting views!
A.
There are no absolutes
B.
I am absolutely sure there are no absolutes
Show that they can’t hold
both conflicting views!
A. The Bible is reliable
B. There are other ways to God other than
Jesus
Follow-up Question:
Is it possible for the Bible to be reliable and yet not
believe that Jesus is the only way to God?
Show that they can’t hold
both conflicting views!
Further follow-up question:
So the Bible is not reliable
Yet if the Bible is reliable, and history records what
the disciples said, and the disciples said that Jesus
claimed to be the only way, then either they were
wrong or Jesus is right.
How do I know if I am
asking the right kind
of questions in the
right way?
Is it according to the Three
D’s of Asking Questions?
Doubt
Defensiveness
Desire
How do I know if I am
asking the right kind
of questions in the
right way?
Ask “Am I asking questions in
a way that surfaces their
doubt (uncertainty) about
their own perspective, while
at the same time minimizes
their defensiveness, and yet
creates a desire (curiosity)
to want to hear more?”
How do I minimize
someone’s
defensiveness?
Ask “Am I asking questions in
a way that surfaces their
doubt (uncertainty) about
their own perspective, while
at the same time minimizes
their defensiveness, and yet
creates a desire (curiosity)
to want to hear more?”
The joy of self-discovery
Conversation with guy in exercise room
What church do you go to?
“I go to _______ catholic
church….We believe in Mary!
What do you mean by…We believe
in Mary?
We believe that Mary makes up
what Jesus’ lacks!
The joy of self-discovery
Conversation with guy in weight room
But do you know what 1 Tim. 2:5
says?
What do you think this verse
teaches?
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?”
How To Ask
Questions
Highway Video clip
Who is Jesus Christ?
www.highwayvideo.com
Notice his skill in asking
questions in a nondefensive way.
Notice how he is listening
to what others say and
asking follow-up
questions based on what
they say.
Good Follow-up Questions
Is there any reason to consider Him
further?
Have you ever thought about it?
What have you come up with?
Do you think there is any reason to
decide?
Do you think there is any reason to check
it out further?
Does He mean anything to you?
Do you think there is any reason to
decide?
Do you care?
Uncovering Real Barriers
Hear
Illuminate
Uncover
Build
As an
Archeologists
Uncover Their
Real Barriers to
the Gospel
Archeologist
Uncover the Real Barriers
Go Below The Surface
“Proverbs 20:5 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 people’s stated questions
but to go below the surface and speak to their
true objections…”
M&T 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
Barriers Between Them and God
The Goal:
Explore what’s getting in the way of honestly
talking about God.
How:
Keep seven steps in mind!
Is the Barrier Real?
1. Determine whether their issue is real
concern or a smoke screen.
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?
Why It Is Important To Ask This Question!
“My second conversation was with a student at
Nanyang Polytechnic. I started by using a simple
survey form asking about belief in God. From there,
I was able to find out that he believes in a supreme
being, and even believes that he will be accountable
to that Being at the end of his life. When I asked him
if he believed all religions could be right, he
revealed that he believed each person was entitled
to their beliefs.” I asked him if it was important
whether the object of what someone believed in was
true or not, and used the example about jumping out
of an airplane with a backpack, believing that it was
a parachute. But he did not seem convinced, and
kept repeating his stance that each person could
believe what he or she wants to, and that is all that
is important.
Former student at East Asia School of Theology
Why It Is Important To Ask This Question!
(Continue)
“He also revealed that he had gone to a Christian
school for a few years and therefore ‘knew all the
stories’ and about the Gospel, but he did not
believe it. I tried presenting him with some
evidence to show him that the Bible is a reliable
historical account. 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
won’t believe. I don’t want to believe.’ I did not
know what else to say after that.”
Former student at East Asia School of Theology
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
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
2.
Determine the Nature of the Barrier
*
Many times the barriers will be
non-intellectual
Questions that Possibly Indicate
Emotional Baggage
1. How could a good God allow so
much suffering and evil in the
world?
2. If God is there, why doesn’t He
answer my prayers?
3. If God is real, how come there
are so many hypocrites in the
church?
Statements that Possibly Indicate
Intellectual Baggage
1. It doesn’t matter what you believe
as long as it makes you a better
person.
2. Since so many people disagree on
so many things there cannot be one
right answer.
3. Since the Bible has been
mistranslated so many times, we
can’t be sure what it originally said.
4. It’s been too long since Christ lived,
so we can’t really know what he
said or did.
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: Isn’t Christianity only a “crutch?”
A: What do you mean by “crutch?”
Handling the Tough Questions
Reverse the burden of proof!
For example, if someone says I
don’t believe the Bible is reliable?
Ask why is it that you don’t’ think
the Bible is as reliable as other
books of antiquity written around
the same time period?”
Jesus’ Example
Jesus used this approach!
Luke 20:2-4
“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?’”
Jesus Knew The Value Of Answering Questions With
Questions
“When religious leaders asked Jesus if it was right to pay
taxes, Jesus referred to a coin and asked, “Whose portrait is
this?” (Matt. 22:17-20). When the Pharisees asked him, “Is it
lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” Jesus’ response was a question:
“If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath,
will you not take hold of it and lift it out?” (Matt. 12:9-12).
At times (far too many, I’m afraid), I’ve answered questions with
biblically accurate, logically sound, epistemologically watertight
answers, only to see questioners shrug their shoulders. My
answers, it seemed, only further confirmed their opinion that
Christians are simpletons. So I started answering questions
with questions, and have gained far better results.”
Randy Newman, “Rabbinic Questioning: A Better Way to Evangelize”
http://www.christianitytoday.com/workplace/articles/rabbinicquestioning.html
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. 1:5).
One of the biggest baggage issues for Asians
to deal with is the perceived lack of honor for
elders and ancestors, if one trusted in Christ.
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 God’s 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.
Determine What’s 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.
Jesus was a Master In Getting Below The
Surface
In Mark 12:18-27 notice how Jesus responds
When the Sadducees asks Jesus a hypothetical question about
who will be the wife’s husband at the resurrection, (since all seven
brothers were at one time married to her but all died but didn’t
leave any children), :
First, He pointed out that they don’t 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.
Jesus was a Master in Getting Below
The Surface
Jesus’ response:
“Now about the dead rising—have 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 12:26-27 (N.I.V.)
Jesus points to a passage in the Pentateuch (which
they did accept) Ex. 3:6 which supports the position
that there is a resurrection.
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.
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?
“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.
Speak to Their Heart Felt Issues
Discover:
5. Find out what their biggest barrier to Christianity
is?
*
Family obligation or expectations
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
Speak to Their Heart Felt Issues
Discover:
5. Find out what their biggest barrier to Christianity?

*
Family obligation or expectations
*
Being fearful of spirits
Be mindful of the Devil’s
schemes (2 Cor. 2:11)
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around
like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8)
N.I.V.
Being fearful of spirits
His scheme is to make us fear the lesser spirits
rather than the God of Heaven who created all of
us including the spirits
A Biblical Perspective:
*
We should only fear God
“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and
after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear;
Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you
into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” Luke 12:4-5
Speak to Their Heart
Felt Issues
Discover:
6. Find out what would
motivate them to get
answers in these areas?
7. Uncover the Volitional Factors
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. 12:37)
Handling Volitional Barriers
• Prayer for spiritual enlightenment
“But a natural man does not accept (welcome –
the Greek word is dechomai) the things of the
Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him,
and he cannot understand them, because they
are spiritually appraised.” (I Cor 2:14 NASB)
*
Remember that the natural man can
perceive some of the truth (Romans
1:19) but he cannot receive or welcome or
embrace the truth of Christ without the work
of the Holy Spirit.” (Jn. 6:65)
Uncovering Barriers
(Review)
1. Determine whether their issue is a legitimate concern, or
whether it is a smoke screen.
2.
Determine the nature of their barrier (Intellectual,
emotional, or a combination of both)
3.
Uncover the specific emotional baggage that they are
carrying.
4.
Determine whether there is a question or concern
behind the question or issue raised.
5. Find out what their biggest barrier to Christianity is.
6.
Find out what would motivate them to get answers in
these areas.
7.
Uncover the volitional factors
“Uncovering
Conversations”
From the Movie “Uncle Buck”
Build a Bridge to the Gospel
Hear
Illuminate
Uncover
Build
Build a Bridge to the Gospel
Artist
Musician
Builder
Archeologist
Build a Bridge
Building a Bridge to the Gospel
Goal:
The goal is to find common ground and build
a bridge to the Gospel.
How:
Keep six steps in mind
Building a Bridge to the Gospel (Jn. 8:32)
1.
Find the Right Balance in your approach
Building a Bridge to the Gospel (Jn. 8:32)
1. Find the Right Balance in your approach?
Objective Evidence:
Subjective Experience:
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
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 1:14 (NIV)
Building a Bridge to the Gospel (Jn. 8:32)
2. Find Common Ground with those you
are trying to reach (1 Cor. 9:22)
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. 9:22)
1. Find Common Ground
2. Find Common Ground
• Start with ideas that you and the other person agree on.
• Search for common ground with low-key spiritual questions.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Does it matter what you believe?
Can everyone be right?
Is just faith enough?
Is there any difference between
Jesus and other religious leaders?
Biblical Example: Acts 28; Acts 17
Notice that Paul’s approach was different in these two
passages. Why?
Finding Common Ground
in Action in Asia
“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
Finding Common Ground
in Action in Asia
“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
Building a Bridge to the Gospel (Jn. 8:32)
1.
2.
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.
Heart verse Head
“…‘giving an answer,” while it often includes dealing with
intellectual objections, should not end there. The reason for this
is simple. People are more heart creatures than head creatures.
As Pascal famously observed, “the heart has reasons that
reason will never know.” He insightfully said that you first need to
get a person to want to believe Christianity is true before actually
making a case for it. In other words, you have to deal with
people’s heart’s as well as their heads. That, I believe, is why
Peter draws our attention to the hope and not the knowledge
within us (in 1 Pet. 3:15). Hope appeals to the heart and its
deepest longings, longings that can only be filled by God. For the
scoffer, the head is a barrier to the heart; for the seeker, the head
is an Bridge to the heart. In both cases, the heart is the final prize
that God seeks.”
Meekness and Truth Trainer, Rev. Dave Montoya, Dealing With Both
Minds And Hearts, Unpublished works located on Meekness and Truth
web-site at:
http://meeknessandtruth.org/tools/articles/MindsAndHearts.pdf
Heart Bridges
*
Show others that Jesus meets the longings
of our hearts!
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 significance—to name a few.
Ravi Zacharias, Jesus Among Other Gods, p. 71-72
Developing Heart Bridges with Asians
“In a religious culture that seeks either to ‘appease’ or to
‘bribe’ the gods for one’s own needs, I need to find a way
to communicate and contrast the idea of a personal
Christian God as opposed to the distant and impersonal
deities that the Chinese is familiar with.
Although Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy is suppose to be
the deity symbolizing love and mercy for mortals, who can
claim to have a personal relationship with this deity? Other
than coming to her when one needs something, can
anyone talk to her as with a friend and have a two-way
conversation to boot? Of the thousands of deities available,
can one find a friend amongst them?”
Former student at East Asia School of Theology
Show That Jesus Is One Of A Kind
“Jesus stated without a doubt that God
is the author of life and that meaning in
life is found in knowing Him. This idea
would be totally denied by Buddhism,
which either ignores God or rules out His
existence altogether.”
Ravi Zacharias, Jesus Among Other Gods, p. 12
Head Bridges
Comparing Jesus, Muhammad, and Buddha
1. Jesus was without sin.
– Even the Koran states that Jesus was without
sin. (See Sura 3:45-46;19:19-21)
2. Mohammed was told to ask for forgiveness
(Sura 40:55;48:1-2)
Comparing Jesus, Muhammad, and Buddha
3. Buddha was imperfect
– He was understood as having 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.
Muhammad
Jesus
Not Virgin Born
Virgin born -Sura 3:47
Sinful -Sura 40:55;48:1-2
Sinless - Sura 3:45-46;19:19-21
No Miracles except
Qur’an -Sura 17:90-93
Did many miracles
Advance by the Sword
Sura 29,2,36,73,111,123
Blessed the peacemakers
Mt 5:9
Retaliated on Enemies
Forgave enemies
Motivation by Fear
Motivation by love
Died and was buried
Rose and His tomb is
empty (Muslims reject)
Adapted from N. Geisler & F. Turek’s PowerPoint 12 Points
Build Your Bridge Using Planks Of Common
Understanding
Building Head and
Heart Bridges!
Six reasons why it
matters what you
believe!
Building Bridges
with those you are
trying to reach!
( I Cor. 9:22)
1.
What you believe
will affect how
you live!
Not All Religious Viewpoints Can Be Right!
1.
2.
What you believe will affect how you live!
Not all religious viewpoints can be right!
Can Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, and
Muhammad all be right?
Can all religions simultaneously be true?
Can They All Be Right?
Christianity
Judaism
Islam
One
God
Atheism,
Theravada
Buddhism
No God
Polytheism,
Mahayana
Buddhism
Many
gods
Objection!
But God can become whatever he wants
to be!
Reply:
Can God as creator be separate from the
Universe He created at the same time
that He is identical to the Universe?
No, He can not.
Faith must have an object!
1.
2.
3.
What you believe will affect how you live!
Not all religious viewpoints can be right!
Faith must have an object to have merit!
“About one out of four (26%) born again Christians
believe that it doesn’t matter what faith you follow
because they all teach the same lessons.”
Born Again Christians, 2000, George Barna, Barna web-site
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 15:14 (NIV)
* Biblical faith must have an object to
be valid.
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!
The Unique Claims of Jesus
Which religious leader ever made these claims?
I am without sin (John 8:46)
I have always existed (John 8:58)
I am the only Son of God (John 3:16)
I am the light of the world (John 8:12)
I have come to save the world (John 3:17)
I have authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10)
I was born to testify to the truth (John 18:37)
You trust in God; Trust also in me (John 14:1)
I am the Truth and only way to God (John 14:6)
I will come again to judge the world (Matt 25:31-46)
Take from “The Top Twenty-three Presentations” By Norm Geisler and Frank Turek
It matters what you believe
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What you believe will effect how you live!
Not all religious viewpoints can be right!
Faith must have an object to have merit!
Not all religious leaders made equal claims!
The proof of Christ’s claims have no parallel
among major religious leaders!
No Comparison!
Comparing Christianity and other Religions
is not like comparing apples with apples!
=/
Christianity
Other Religions
The Proof of Christ’s 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. David Geisler
It matters what you believe
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What you believe will effect how you live!
Not all religious viewpoints can be right!
Faith must have an object to have merit!
Not all religious leaders made equal claims!
The proof of Christ’s claims have no parallel
among major religious leaders!
Without God, some people find it difficult to
find meaning in life!
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
Fyodor Dostoevshi (1821-1881)
The Brothers Karamazov
If God is
dead,
anything is
permissible!
The Death of God Leads
to the Death of Man
12 million
murdered
18 million
murdered
30 million
murdered
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 Christ’s claims have no parallel
among major religious leaders!
6. Without God, some people find it difficult to find
meaning in life!
Building a Bridge to the Truth (Jn. 8:32)
1.
2.
3.
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)
4. Memorize a basic outline for defending the
Christian faith to guide you in your discussions
with others
GETTING THE BIG PICTURE!
GETTING THE BIG PICTURE!
GETTING THE BIG PICTURE!
GETTING THE BIG PICTURE!
In Him all things hold
together. Col. 1:17
“I came that they might have life,
and might have it abundantly.” Jn.
10:10
12 Steps in Establishing the Case for Christianity
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Truth about reality is knowable.
The opposite of true is false.
It is true that the theistic God exists.
If God exists then miracles are possible.
Miracles can be used to confirm a message from God.
The New Testament is historically reliable.
The New Testament says Jesus claimed to be God.
Jesus’ claim to be God was miraculously confirmed by:
a. His fulfillment of many prophecies about Himself;
b. His sinless and miraculous life;
c. His prediction and accomplishment of His resurrection
9. Therefore, Jesus is God.
10. Whatever Jesus (who is God) teaches is true.
11. Jesus taught that the Bible is the Word of God.
12. Therefore, it is true that the Bible is the Word of God (and anything
opposed to it is false).
See Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics by Dr. Norman Geisler for
more details, which can be ordered at: www.normgeisler.com
The Importance of Memorizing Logical
Progression of Points
“The main difficulty I had in applying the
conversational approach in the three encounters
was in effectively linking one question or argument
to the next, to lead the person to a clear conclusion.
I often felt somewhat muddled in the conversation.
I realize I need to focus on understanding and
remembering a logical progression of points so that
I can help someone to see and understand for
himself.”
Former student at East Asia School of Theology
Building a Bridge to the Truth (Jn. 8:32)
1.
2.
3.
4.
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
5. Remember the goal
Remember the Goal!
Don’t get so
caught up in
removing barriers
that you forget to
remember the
goal!
Remember the Goal in
Using Apologetics in
Evangelism!
To remove the
obstacles so that we
can help people take
one step closer to Jesus
Christ each day.
(I Cor. 3:6)
Building a Bridge to the Truth (Jn. 8:32)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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
Remember the goal
6. Actively seek for opportunities to transition
to spiritual things.
6. 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 versus Done
(See Bill Hybels, Contagious Christians Training)
Do vs Done
For example:
Muslims believe that man’s 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 God’s gift) Invite me to come into your life
and change you from the inside out (Phil. 2:13)
Building a Bridge to the Truth (Jn. 8:32)
(Review)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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.
Remember the goal.
Actively seek for opportunities to transition
to spiritual things.
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
But what if they don’t care?
Answer:
“If life is just a drop in the bucket
compared to eternity, wouldn’t that be
worth checking out?”
Has anyone ever explained to you the difference
between Christianity and all other religions?
For example:
Muslims believe that man’s 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 God’s gift) Invite me to come into your life
and change you from the inside out (Phil. 2:13)
Building a Bridge
to the Gospel
Interview with
students U.T. Austin
To download go to:
www.meeknessandtruth
.org/tools.htm
Building Bridges to the
Gospel - m4v (89 MB)
Conversational Evangelism
Four types of conversations we want to have with non-believers
Four types of roles you need to
play in your friend’s life
Artist
Musician
Builder
Archeologist
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. 3:6).
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.9:22
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: Free
Thinker)
3.
Attempt the process of building a bridge with a notyet-believer by asking probing questions to reach
areas of common understanding and agreement.
4.
Actively seek for opportunities to transition to
spiritual things. (example: Do versus Done)
5.
Discuss the results of this exercise with my small
group and or evangelism pastor.
Build A Bridges With a Taxi Cab Driver
Introductory question
Me:
How long have you been driving a Taxi?
Him:
About one and a half years.
Me:
My wife’s uncle used to drive a taxi. It seems like
it is harder and harder to make money these
days being a taxi cab driver when petrol prices
keep rising.
(This statement was to get him talking which he
enjoyed doing and sharing his frustration)
Build A Bridges With a Taxi Cab Driver
Me
(After he seemed more open to talking I asked)
Do you have any kind of religious belief?
Him:
I am a Buddhist
Me:
Are you a devote Buddhist?
Him:
(no real response) – meaning he probably was Buddhist
in name only
Me:
Do you know the difference between Christianity and all
the other religions in the world?
Pause wait for him to respond…
Build A Bridges With a Taxi Cab Driver
Him:
No, I won’t mind if you told me
Me:
I can explain the difference between Christianity and all the
other religions in the world using two words “Do versus Done.”
All the religious in the world basically say “do this.” For
example, Muslims belief that their good works have to
outweigh their bad works; Buddhist believe that one must get
rid of desire; Hindu’s believe they must do good things to be
released from the Karmic cycle and reach Nirvana. All these
religions basically say you have to do something.
Christianity on the other hand says, there is nothing you can
do, it has already be done. All you need to do is to accept the
gift that God has provided in sending Jesus to die for us in our
place and invite Jesus to come into our lives and to change us
from the inside out.
Build A Bridges With a Taxi Cab Driver
Me:
Have you ever heard anything like this?
Him:
Sort of, my brother in law is a Christian.
Me:
So when he because a Christian did you see any changes in his life
after that?
Him:
Yes….(I can’t remember what else he said here)
Me:
Another way to explain the difference between Jesus and all the other
religious leaders is to say it this way.
“Buddha claimed to point to the way, Mohammed claimed to be a
prophet of God, but Jesus Christ is the only major religious leader who
ever claimed to be God, who lived a sinless life, who fulfilled prophecy
written hundreds of years before he ever existed, who died on the
cross, and rose from the dead and had all these miracles to prove it.”
Build A Bridges With a Taxi Cab Driver
Him:
Pause….Why are there so many different religious beliefs?
Me:
It is partly because people see God in different ways. Some see
there is one God, some see there is many gods, and some see
(as in some form of Buddhism) there is no god.
But do you see that they all can not be right? God can not be
one, many and none all at the same time.
Him:
Pause…I believe in one God
Me:
Christians believe that no matter how much good we do, we
can never do enough good. That is why Christians believe that
God send Jesus to die on the cross to take the penalty of our
sins.
Have you ever heard anything like this before?
Build A Bridges With a Taxi Cab Driver
Him:
Not so clearly
Me:
But it is not just that we believe that Jesus is the Messiah, who
died for our sins to take the penalty for what we deserve, that
makes us a Christian. Each person must individually decide to
accept Christ to come into their lives, forgive us or our sins,
and change us from the inside out.
For example when I talk to people about Jesus I tell them that
there are two decisions one must make about Jesus Christ.
First you have to decide is there good evidence to believe that
Jesus is who he said he is. Then once you have decided that
you have to make the most important decision, do I want to
put my faith and trust in Christ? And the second decision is
much more difficult than the first decision because you have to
decide whether you want to submit your will to another
person.
Build A Bridges With a Taxi Cab Driver
Me:
So I can give you good evidence to show that Jesus really
was who he says he was but you personally have to decide to
put your faith and trust “in Him.”
For example, when I married my wife Charlene, I believed that
she would make a good wife based on the evidence. But that
evidence as to why I believed she would make a great wife
never forced me to say I do to her. That was a decision of my
will, right? In the same way you may be convinced that Jesus
really is who he said he was but still you must decide whether
you want to “believe in” Him before you can become a
Christians.
Does that make sense?
Him:
Yes
Build A Bridges With a Taxi Cab Driver
Me:
Have you ever heard it explained in that way?
Him
No
Me:
(I could see the Spirit was convicting him but he was not ready to
make a decision for Christ).
Have you ever been to church?
Him:
(I can't remember for sure but I think he said he's attend before)
Me:
If you are interested to learn more I can meet you sometime and
we can go together to my church, Covenant Evangelical Free
Church.
Him:
Yes maybe sometime I can do that.
Build A Bridges With a Taxi Cab Driver
Me:
Here is my card, give me a call sometime
and we can go together.
To me this is the most important decision
anyone can make in life, who is Jesus Christ.
Evangelism Training
for the New Millennium
Conversational Evangelism
Acknowledgements:
This material was developed by Dave Geisler & his Meekness
team members, and was refined by suggestions from people
around the globe and based in part on the Mirror model
concept developed at Hill Country Bible Church and pioneered
by Glenn McGorty (See speaker notes for more details).
Special thanks to Kent Vanderwaal for all his work in developing
our new graphics.
Thanks also to Brett Yohn (Baptist Student Ministry Dir. U.N.L.) who
originally developed the imagery of artist, archeologist, and
engineer to better describe the Think model process which we
now call the Conversational Evangelism model based on the
imagery of the Musician, Artist, Archeologist, and Builder.
www.meeknessandtruth.org
Revisions
Descriptions of Revision
Author
www.meeknessandtruth.org
Conversational Evangelism:
How To Listen and Speak so that You may be Heard
By Dr. David Geisler
www.meeknessandtruth.org