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Thanks, Richard! This was a tough one as I felt he was just trying to go down rabbit holes. Let's be in prayer for him!
Thanks, Nathan! Oh, he definitely was blind to the truth. I was so shocked how he started the conversation and I didn't know what to do after that. hahaha. Great tips, too, thanks! I rewatched the video and noticed I had a missed opportunity at the end when he said Jesus died 2,000 years ago and I agreed with him. I should have said, "Yeah, he did die, then rose again on the 3rd day and conquered death and sin..." and then go from there. But, it was definitely a learning lesson.
It is not a debate and it is not a contest. If you only want to convince people to believe like you without first authentically listening to them, hearing their narrative, you won't really connect with them person to person. Listen to him. That does not mean agree with him or become atheist.
Sometimes a person will take you down a rabbit trail that leads to nowhere. These rabbit trails are a waste of time. So, if possible, it is best to redirect the person back to the Gospel.
That is pretty judgmental of you. You know nothing about his personal life.
You can tell a lot about a person in the first few seconds. We all make judgements like that, and it is not bad. By making judgements, we can figure out where to take the conversation. This is how we use wisdom. The Bible even says to give grace to the humble and law to the proud. To know if someone is proud or humble, we have to make a judgment call.
You are judging by saying that he has heard these phrases and scripture quotes a hundred times. How do you know that he had heard them a hundred times? (Not trying to make an argument. I am just pointing out that we all make judgments)
That is one way but often we do not have the opportunity to do that. Also, many Christians make friends with non-Christians and never share the Gospel. It is often harder to tell the Gospel to someone close than it is to a stranger.
Different kind of judgement. Gaging where one is at in an interpersonal conversation is not the same as writing them off as lost.
So share the Gospel's effect in your own life.
All are lost until they come to the foot of Jesus. But, the Gospel has the power to change lives.
So, he did. But he was speaking exaggeratedly.
We can do that. Our testimonies give validity to what we believe. But our testimonies are not the power of God unto salvation. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
It sounds like you are more interested in Religious Imperialism like a conquistador than actually communicating with someone. And if someone doesn't want to play that game you write them off, "closed to the Gospel". Presented like that, no wonder. How successful have you been with this kind of evangelization? Do you really use "unto" language with them?
No need to throw insults.
I don't measure success by the amount of people I get to say a prayer. Instead, I ask myself, "Am I honouring what God commanded us to do?" That is to preach the Gospel to all creation, to as many people as possible. We are not to stay silent as many believers do.
How often do you share the Gospel with your type of evangelism?
But, don't forget to tell the Gospel.
Sorry
Every day
The Gospel permeates our presence. I find that many people just need a little opportunity and encouragement to share the seed of faith they already have. They have not reflected on it to the point maybe acting on it. Others, like the guy in OP are pretty set. I know a fellow just like him.. Rather than antagonizing, once our differences are established., continue to dialogue.
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