Time is short. Get out there.

[1Tonne]

Hi Guys

I have just come back from the park where I told the Gospel to a number of people.
One person was a neighbour of mine from 15 years ago. He just turned 80 the other day and is very much near the end of his life.
I also spoke to a young lady who was about 30 years of age. As we were talking, she told me that she has been thinking a lot recently about God as she has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. This shocked me. How could someone so young be facing the end so quickly. This is so sad.

We need more and more harvesters. This is so important.
Our average time on earth is about 75 years. So, most of us think we have plenty of time to share the Gospel. We can do it later. But there are others who only have a very short time. Weather that be because they are old or because they have cancer. Time is short for them. Really short. Just because we think that we have plenty of time does not mean your neighbour does. So, love them, warn them and tell them of the sacrifice God did for them.
Time is short.

 

[Unqualified]

How do you break the ice with people and get them to talk to you?

 

[1Tonne]

How do you break the ice with people and get them to talk to you?

Good question.
Make it your mission to memorise this. Then over time it will become normal and will overflow.

The Great Chocolate Evangelizing trick - This works.

I have been trying to find easy ways to approach non-believers and then tell them the Gospel. I personally find going up to a stranger and saying the full Gospel very scary. I read on this forum about a challenge where the stranger must name all the 10 Commandments in 60 seconds. If they get...

www.christianforums.com

Often, believers do not share the Gospel to strangers because they have never thought about how they would say it. But in 1 Peter it even says we should be ready to give a defence. So, we need to think it through beforehand, so we are ready.
"Always being ready to make a defence to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you" 1 Peter 3:15

 

[St_Worm2]

How do you break the ice with people and get them to talk to you?

Hello Unqualified, you may want to consider reading the following book by Greg Koukl, as I believe that it will be helpful to you!

Tactics, 10th Anniversary Edition: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions​

God bless you!!

--David
p.s. - I believe that Dr. Koukl has a YouTube Channel, as well, and that he is now associated with Ligonier Ministries as one of their teaching fellows, just FYI.

​

 

[Blade]

How do you break the ice with people and get them to talk to you?

Share what Christ has done in your life. Jesus Christ is real and the sweet sweet holy Spirit LUKE 11 13. Always be prayed up and let Him lead. We can go before God and do more harm then good if not allowing Him to lead us. Know when you ask Him what to say.. know He will tell you in that moment. He draws people to Him we do not save anyone

 

[1Tonne]

Share what Christ has done in your life. Jesus Christ is real and the sweet sweet holy Spirit LUKE 11 13. Always be prayed up and let Him lead. We can go before God and do more harm then good if not allowing Him to lead us. Know when you ask Him what to say.. know He will tell you in that moment. He draws people to Him we do not save anyone

There are many times in life where we can share the Gospel but have no time previously to pray. Often it is just on the spot. So always be prepared.
If God is first in your life and Gods Spirit lives in you and you speak the Gospel to a person, then they Holy Spirit can then work in that person's conscience. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
Also, do not get disappointed if people reject what you say. As long as you said the Gospel, you are 100% successful. Then it is God who creates the growth.

If things do not go well, we can learn from our mistakes. So, if you do stuff it up, don't give up. Try again but make sure you learn from the previous time.

 

[1Tonne]

Share what Christ has done in your life.

Telling what God has done in your life is good. It shows the reason for your faith. The reason why you believe.
But we should always make sure never to forget the Gospel as that is the power of God for someone's salvation.

 

[Unqualified]

Oh, I witness. It’s just that at the soup kitchen the people are often pretty closed off. I will read your chocolate thing @1Tonne . It’s pretty scary using a pre learned introduction. I could probably only use it once in a while in that small place. But they’re stories are interesting and I listen. I’m not too good at talking to where I stumble and stammer sometimes. But I can give a message. It’s just helpful to know them better if they talk.

I will keep in mind the suggested book and I do think talking about myself is ok. I pray and want to be led and so far it seems to be working. Yesterday some little kids came in with their mom. So I went over there and said a little bit. It seemed they wanted love, not having had a dad in their life. But as far as the gospel all I could do was God bless them, not being Christian. Any little bit was good. Man I just wanted to be their dad.
But I just didn’t have much for them. 3 girls and a young boy. Sounds convicting.

 

[1Tonne]

I’m not too good at talking to where I stumble and stammer sometimes. But I can give a message.

That is the same as me. I panic when talking to strangers. The first time I went out evangelising, I panicked so much that I lost track of what I was saying and made a fool of myself. It was really embarrassing. This made me realise that I needed to study and have a plan on what to say so I had a defence for my faith that was pre-practiced. My desire to honour God and my love for unbelievers drove me to memorizing the script. I spend 1-2 hours a day over 3 or so months studying and memorizing. And now, I have become so confident with the script that it comes out naturally and I do not have to stay with it. (What you put into yourself will eventually overflow outwardly)

I pray and want to be led and so far it seems to be working.

Many times, we may say the Gospel and it may seem as though nothing has happened but sometimes, we can reap where others have sowed. So, you may not see any results but someone else may see the results in the future.
I do not believe we should judge how successful our evangelism is by the amount of people that make a decision for Christ. You could tell the Gospel in a city like Sodom or Gomorrah and everyone could turn a deaf ear to it and scoff at you. But if you said the Gospel, then you were 100% successful in your mission. Jesus said to "Go and preach the Gospel to all creation." This is our mission. Then it is God who creates the growth within the person.

 

[DragonFox91]

I’m so glad you were able to do this. I’ve definitely been trying to get out of my routines, slow down, & look for opportunities. I know that’s not quite what you have in mind, but that’d be a big step for me.

I find my calling is more strengthening existing disciples’ faith. Evangelizing for conversion is very challenging for me. I know others who don’t care for strengthening & just want to get someone to say they converted. That being said, I love learning apologetics & believe I’d be able to answer questions & would love to do something like you did in a group of 2 or 3. (I’ve done it in the past but wasn’t ready)

One thing I run into a lot is people who say they are Christians – but they either don’t live like it or believe in a false Gospel. Their passion needs to be reignited or their path needs to be strengthened.

Question: Assuming you do this often, do you find there are more people who’s faith is asleep, or people who just don’t believe period? I tend to find in person it’s more faith asleep or false Gospel.

There are many times in life where we can share the Gospel but have no time previously to pray. Often it is just on the spot. So always be prepared.
If God is first in your life and Gods Spirit lives in you and you speak the Gospel to a person, then they Holy Spirit can then work in that person's conscience. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
Also, do not get disappointed if people reject what you say. As long as you said the Gospel, you are 100% successful. Then it is God who creates the growth.

If things do not go well, we can learn from our mistakes. So, if you do stuff it up, don't give up. Try again but make sure you learn from the previous time.

That is so encouraging 1Tonne. It's beautiful seeing your devotion. Your post #9 too!

 

[1Tonne]

Question: Assuming you do this often, do you find there are more people who’s faith is asleep, or people who just don’t believe period? I tend to find in person it’s more faith asleep or false Gospel.

I do speak to people often.
When I speak to people on the street or in the parks, out of those that want to speak to me, about 20% of them do not believe that there is a creator. 60% believe that something must have been there in the beginning for everything to be made but they do not know who He is. And about 20% are professing believers.
For those who believe, I still tell them the Gospel as I would a non-believer. The reason I do this is because I know that even though many profess, they may not have a proper understanding. I do believe that many people in this day and age that go to church, go because of friendship. So, they have not come to a place of true repentance. Sadly, the churches are filled with unbelievers because churches have now put friendship evangelism above actually speaking the Gospel in public. If believers went out into society and spoke the Gospel to unbelievers, and the unbeliever then believed, they then would go to church. So, we would be filling the church with believers instead of unbelievers. But, because we have filled the churches with unbelievers or people who are luke-warm, the preachers will then shape their sermons for these people. So, most sermons these days are like milk. This is really bad because it is not equipping those that have a firm foundation. It does not build them up. We are not giving them meat in the sermons. As a result, the church is getting weaker and weaker.
In saying this, I do believe that we are to make friends with non-believers. But I also believe that it is really important to speak the Gospel. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Our friendships are not the power of God unto salvation. Though, through friendship we may be given the opportunity to speak of Gods great sacrifice.

So, there are many that are asleep or have a false Gospel. There are also many that become Christians because their friends are. But often these people do not have a proper understanding of their sin, or the great sacrifice Jesus did. They just believe because their friend believes. So, their faith is more in their friend's faith.

 

[DragonFox91]

I do speak to people often.
When I speak to people on the street or in the parks, out of those that want to speak to me, about 20% of them do not believe that there is a creator. 60% believe that something must have been there in the beginning for everything to be made but they do not know who He is. And about 20% are professing believers.
For those who believe, I still tell them the Gospel as I would a non-believer. The reason I do this is because I know that even though many profess, they may not have a proper understanding. I do believe that many people in this day and age that go to church, go because of friendship. So, they have not come to a place of true repentance. Sadly, the churches are filled with unbelievers because churches have now put friendship evangelism above actually speaking the Gospel in public. If believers went out into society and spoke the Gospel to unbelievers, and the unbeliever then believed, they then would go to church. So, we would be filling the church with believers instead of unbelievers. But, because we have filled the churches with unbelievers or people who are luke-warm, the preachers will then shape their sermons for these people. So, most sermons these days are like milk. This is really bad because it is not equipping those that have a firm foundation. It does not build them up. We are not giving them meat in the sermons. As a result, the church is getting weaker and weaker.
In saying this, I do believe that we are to make friends with non-believers. But I also believe that it is really important to speak the Gospel. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Our friendships are not the power of God unto salvation. Though, through friendship we may be given the opportunity to speak of Gods great sacrifice.

So, there are many that are asleep or have a false Gospel. There are also many that become Christians because their friends are. But often these people do not have a proper understanding of their sin, or the great sacrifice Jesus did. They just believe because their friend believes. So, their faith is more in their friend's faith.

That would be why members of the body who are more fit to strengthen current believers are so important. You got them in, now it'd be up to someone like me to keep them in.

I'm not surprised at your '60% believe in some sort of higher power'. That's what I seem to encounter too from the irreligious Average Joe. I was just saying that in another thread it seems like most irreligious believe that, they're just not convinced it's the Christian God. I think that's eye-opening. That should be an encouragement for evangelizing. Half the battle - God revealing himself - has already been accepted by them! The hardest part - showing something's invisible - is done! God has done that in their lives already! They just need to be pointed the right way. Wow! That is exciting!

 

[1Tonne]

That would be why members of the body who are more fit to strengthen current believers are so important.

Stronger believers who build up new believers are important. But in my area, it seems to be that every believer wants to be the type of person who strengthens new believers. So, we don't have anyone who will tell the Gospel in public. I do think that this is partly because of the way churches have decided to use friendship evangelism more than speaking the Gospel. Most strong believers have only ever been trained by their church to be friends with newcomers and disciple them. They are not taught to go into public and speak to strangers.
So, please, make sure that you are able to share the Gospel as well as disciple.
All strong believers should be able to do both. If they can't then they need to equip themselves.

I'm not surprised at your '60% believe in some sort of higher power'. That's what I seem to encounter too from the irreligious Average Joe. I was just saying that in another thread it seems like most irreligious believe that, they're just not convinced it's the Christian God. I think that's eye-opening. That should be an encouragement for evangelizing. Half the battle - God revealing himself - has already been accepted by them! The hardest part - showing something's invisible - is done! God has done that in their lives already! They just need to be pointed the right way. Wow! That is exciting!

It is good but it there is still a battle to be had. Most unbelievers who think that there must have been something that made everything, often are too complacent to worry about finding out who the creator is. People also love their sin and often do not want to give it up. They also think that they are good and so by their works they will make it into heaven. So, there are many battles to be had.

 

[DragonFox91]

Stronger believers who build up new believers are important. But in my area, it seems to be that every believer wants to be the type of person who strengthens new believers. So, we don't have anyone who will tell the Gospel in public. I do think that this is partly because of the way churches have decided to use friendship evangelism more than speaking the Gospel. Most strong believers have only ever been trained by their church to be friends with newcomers and disciple them. They are not taught to go into public and speak to strangers.
So, please, make sure that you are able to share the Gospel as well as disciple.
All strong believers should be able to do both. If they can't then they need to equip themselves.

Ahhh, but aren't congregations full of those who just go b/c their friends go? Clearly those who build up believers have a big hole to fill as well.
But no, I definitely agree with you. Street evangelizing has been on my mind lately. I've been thinking of reaching out to our Sunday School leader & asking them about the next opportunity for it. I know a few in the class have recently done it at a Pride parade. feel like I've grown more since last time I tried it & want to again & see the need for it & have the passion for it.

It is good but it there is still a battle to be had. Most unbelievers who think that there must have been something that made everything, often are too complacent to worry about finding out who the creator is. People also love their sin and often do not want to give it up. They also think that they are good and so by their works they will make it into heaven. So, there are many battles to be had.

Definitely. we still have a role to play!

 

[1Tonne]

I know a few in the class have recently done it at a Pride parade

They were very brave. I don't know if I would have gone there.
I think at those events, we need to be very careful as some preacher just preach condemnation.
Personally, when speaking to someone who is gay, I try to stay off that topic. Instead, I try to show them that they have fallen short of Gods standard by lying, steeling, blaspheming and lusting. Then the Holy Spirit may work in them and they may feel convicted. I do not need to bring up their sexuality as they already know that it is wrong.
But if the topic does come up, I say to them that I am just as guilty. I have stolen, I have lied, I have blasphemed, and I have lusted. So, I deserve death too. And within me, I have a desire to be intimate with many ladies. But I choose not to. Just like we all have the choice. They have the choice to be with who they like too. We all have the choice if we want to honour God or not.

Doing evangelism in a group is good. I think it is a great way to learn. Then, once you have confidence, you may want to go into the parks by yourself and talk one to one. Often people will open up more as they don't feel out numbered.

 

[DragonFox91]

They were very brave. I don't know if I would have gone there.
I think at those events, we need to be very careful as some preacher just preach condemnation.
Personally, when speaking to someone who is gay, I try to stay off that topic. Instead, I try to show them that they have fallen short of Gods standard by lying, steeling, blaspheming and lusting. Then the Holy Spirit may work in them and they may feel convicted. I do not need to bring up their sexuality as they already know that it is wrong.
But if the topic does come up, I say to them that I am just as guilty. I have stolen, I have lied, I have blasphemed, and I have lusted. So, I deserve death too. And within me, I have a desire to be intimate with many ladies. But I choose not to. Just like we all have the choice. They have the choice to be with who they like too. We all have the choice if we want to honour God or not.

Doing evangelism in a group is good. I think it is a great way to learn. Then, once you have confidence, you may want to go into the parks by yourself and talk one to one. Often people will open up more as they don't feel out numbered.

In a pair w/ some prep, I would’ve been at least willing to try it, but alone, no way.
I definitely agree 1-on-1 can get person to open up more during street evangelizing, I guess I’m not at that stage yet.
I’m really curious to learn more of their experience doing it there & want to ask them. It sounded like it went okay.

To witness to Prides, I believe Christians really have to emphasize what many heteros do - Christian heteros included – is sin too & we & God are just as upset at that. Whether it being pornography, being promiscuous, being selfish in a hetero relationship or motivated by the flesh in it, etc. Many Christians stopped fighting the fight against hetero sins b/c we, or they, didn’t want to be viewed as prudes. At the same time, many Christians know what we do as heteros is wrong & sin, but the difference is we are ashamed of our actions. We don’t say ‘it’s just how we were born’, just how we don’t say ‘it’s just how we were born’ if we were born being a rude person. For every discussion on Pride sins, there needs to be discussion on hetero sins – maybe even more b/c more people are hetero. Sometimes, when I see all this talk about Pride sins, I feel it’s wrong -> why aren’t we talking about hetero sins w/ this passion?

That is a great strategy bringing up their other sins -> sins they probably share w/ me & you

Many times I see people talk about how churches talk too much about sin -> at many churches I’ve attended regularly, I’ve seen the opposite: they are afraid to talk about sin. They will touch neither Pride sins, nor hetero sins. They talk about sin, but only in generalities & vagueness or simplicity like ‘be nice to people.’ Big problem!!

 

[1Tonne]

In a pair w/ some prep, I would’ve been at least willing to try it, but alone, no way.

Pray for boldness that you will one day be able to do it. It is scary but it can be very fulfilling and effective.

We don’t say ‘it’s just how we were born’

If they say that they were born gay, I take a different approach. I say that I am born the way I am too. I am born with a desire to fornicate with girls. I was born and within a few years, I started to think about girls and being with them. Then as I get older the desire becomes bigger and bigger and I want to be with many of them. So, I have the choice to run with my desires or not to. It is my choice to honour God by not sleeping around just like it is a gay person's choice to honour God by what he does.
Here is the approach done in a really good way.

Many times I see people talk about how churches talk too much about sin -> at many churches I’ve attended regularly, I’ve seen the opposite: they are afraid to talk about sin.

This is true. Churches do not like to point out people sin or talk about it as it may scare people away. They are seeker friendly. This style of church often makes friendship evangelism the main type of evangelism. They create sermons that do not offend people. These sermons are often just milk. So, believers who have been around a long time, never get meat.

 

[DragonFox91]

Pray for boldness that you will one day be able to do it. It is scary but it can be very fulfilling and effective.


If they say that they were born gay, I take a different approach. I say that I am born the way I am too. I am born with a desire to fornicate with girls. I was born and within a few years, I started to think about girls and being with them. Then as I get older the desire becomes bigger and bigger and I want to be with many of them. So, I have the choice to run with my desires or not to. It is my choice to honour God by not sleeping around just like it is a gay person's choice to honour God by what he does.
Here is the approach done in a really good way.

This is true. Churches do not like to point out people sin or talk about it as it may scare people away. They are seeker friendly. This style of church often makes friendship evangelism the main type of evangelism. They create sermons that do not offend people. These sermons are often just milk. So, believers who have been around a long time, never get meat.

You speak so much truth. It's so good hearing what you have to say & what you think. We are cheering for you so know that when / if some tough / rough conversations happen. (tho we certainly desire to have that boldness too!) How often do you evangelize on the streets / parks like this?

 

[1Tonne]

We are cheering for you so know that when / if some tough / rough conversations happen.

Thankyou for this. Often there is not much encouragement and so I am very thankful. It helps to build up.

How often do you evangelize on the streets / parks like this?

I try to go once or twice a week. Sometimes less and sometimes more.
When it rains, it can be a week or two that I may not be able to go out. But when it is sunny, I can go out more often.

 

[DragonFox91]

Thankyou for this. Often there is not much encouragement and so I am very thankful. It helps to build up.


I try to go once or twice a week. Sometimes less and sometimes more.
When it rains, it can be a week or two that I may not be able to go out. But when it is sunny, I can go out more often.

Wow that's a lot! Very good!