Talking to non believers

[WarZero]

What are your cue's when talking to non Christians? Have you ever brought any of them to knowng Jesus (Having faith) Do they change, or stay the same. I only ask that last question because I knew some Christians who didn't seem to be anything but self centered.

But then I have met a few more who are very diffrent from most people, you know the one's who judge you while they do silly things.

 

[sesantek]

Talking to non believers about Christ can be both spiritaul and physical events. If you want to talk to non believers about Christ, you should first of all pray about it asking God to help to say the right things.
Dont condemn them or condemn their sins straightaway. Take your time and share a practical story of yourself or any other you know who did not really had a good time practicing the sins they practiced. Be subtle about this but try to tell the story. It will be good if it's a story they can confirm.

Dont go into unnecessary argument with them. Learn how to withdraw when argument is heating up so that you can maintain the counselling friendship and you can always come back to them.

Pray for them

 

[FrankLee]

Witnessing must be led of the Holy Spirit. Men trying witness or push Jesus on others will fail. Only by the anointing of the Holy Spirit can a lasting impression be made on unbelievers. Before I was arrested by Jesus and convicted of my sins church people would come to visit from time to time to ask me to come to church. No sincere words about God's love for me or Jesus' sacrifice. Many times I want to witness but my mouth is kept shut. Without the anointing you are spinning your spiritual tires.

"some were sent and some just went".

Ezekiel 3:26-27 KJVS
And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house.

I used to pick up hitchhikers as God led me and some of them I hit to witness to and others I didn't. I drive along praying in the spirit under my breath and waiting for the anointing to fall. When it did they certainly listened. I remember one fellow saying after the Lord finished speaking through me "where did you learn to talk like that "? I knew he'd heard from God.
Pray for God to pour out His spirit on you and give yoh His words. Remember Jesus told us to settle it in our hearts not to consider beforehand what we were to witness. The Holy Spirit is our guide in all things. Not our own ideas or some kind of plan. As many as are led by the spirit these are the sons of God.

He is the one to loosen our tongues. Him alone.
[27] But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God ; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.

 

[Poor Old Spike]

Warzero quote- What are your cue's when talking to non Christians?
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I find a good approach is to let THEM do most of the talking, namely to just let them ask questions and give them simple brief answers.
However, if they won't listen I walk rather than waste any more time on them, they had their chance..
Jesus said:- "If people won't listen to you, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave, as a testimony to them" (Matt 10:14/15)
"The Jews argued with him, so Paul said 'I'm clear of my responsibility' and left" (Acts 18:6-7)

 

[Randy]

What are your cue's when talking to non Christians? Have you ever brought any of them to knowng Jesus (Having faith) Do they change, or stay the same. I only ask that last question because I knew some Christians who didn't seem to be anything but self centered.

But then I have met a few more who are very diffrent from most people, you know the one's who judge you while they do silly things.

Do you find fault with the Jesus as depicted in the NT? He is the good Shepard.

 

[Luminous_Rose]

A great conversation starter does not need to be super thought out. It can be something as simple as, "How is the weather?"

It is also useful if people know the "why" to why they need Jesus Christ as their Savior. If we don't explain this we would be like a blasting trumpet to those that have not given their life to God.

 

[Edward]

What are your cue's when talking to non Christians? Have you ever brought any of them to knowng Jesus (Having faith) Do they change, or stay the same. I only ask that last question because I knew some Christians who didn't seem to be anything but self centered.

But then I have met a few more who are very diffrent from most people, you know the one's who judge you while they do silly things.

The cues are usually all the same. I can usually tell right off just by looking at them.

If you're in a bad circle of people. Bad situation ir neighborhood. You should consider maybe the Lord put you there for a reason?

It's the sick that need a physician. So the Lord would need boots on the ground in that area. Sometimes I feel like He dropped me into thr valley of the shadow of death!
The best thing you can do for those people is love them. And pray for them.

 

[Razeontherock]

A great conversation starter does not need to be super thought out. It can be something as simple as, "How is the weather?"

It is also useful if people know the "why" to why they need Jesus Christ as their Savior. If we don't explain this we would be like a blasting trumpet to those that have not given their life to God.

Hey, what's wrong with the voice of a trumpet? Lol

There was a time I was warming up on the RR tracks before playing trumpet in Church and the Pastor got a panicked phone call from a backslidden neighbor who thought the Angel Gabriel had descended

They were in Church THAT day

 

[Luminous_Rose]

Hey, what's wrong with the voice of a trumpet? Lol

There was a time I was warming up on the RR tracks before playing trumpet in Church and the Pastor got a panicked phone call from a backslidden neighbor who thought the Angel Gabriel had descended

They were in Church THAT day

Lol! What an interesting story. While there is of course nothing wrong with a trumpet, they can be loud and obnoxious if they want to be =P More of a figure of speech, I guess.

 

[Who Me]

Talking to nonchristians about Christianity requires alot of listening to what they believe about Christianity and once they are prepared to talk seriously and not complain/blame Christians and Christianity to ask them about origins.
How do they explain the fact that the universe exists? What caused it?
Once they have recognised that an entity that exists outside of time, space and the material universe, they are most of the way to believing in God.
It is a short step then to point out that noone follows Gods laws, thatthis deserves punishment and that salvation is neccesary to escape Gods rightous and just punushment, which brings one to Jesus and his death, resurrection and 2nd coming.

Discussing this without the foundation belief in a creator God merely takes one round and round in circles.

 

[john darling]

I'd try to find some common ground between what they already do believe and what Jesus taught. For example, I've met atheists who think it's good to visit the sick in hospitals or volunteer to help the poor etc. Even though they do not profess the believe in God or to be Christian, the ideal of loving your neighbor is still consistent with what Jesus taught.

 

[th1b.taylor]

What are your cue's when talking to non Christians? Have you ever brought any of them to knowng Jesus (Having faith)

Yes.

Do they change, or stay the same. I only ask that last question because I knew some Christians who didn't seem to be anything but self centered.

Only the true followers and to be a Christian's eyes all converts will change from the Selfish. Self Centered, Me Driven agendas.

But then I have met a few more who are very diffrent from most people, you know the one's who judge you while they do silly things.

LOL! I like your printed misuse of Matthew 7:1 and jfyi, That verse can never stand alone if you will put the translated text back into the format YHWH had it recorded in... no verse numbers and no chapters.

Matthew 7:1 is a clear and vivid demonstration of Yashuah's understanding of HIis Crown Jewel of His Creation, Mankind. This opening sentence of this paragraph is a shocker, meant to open the eyes of both the Lost and the Saved Men and Women... it is an attention grabber.

It is greatly abused and misused by Lost and Self Proclaimed Saved Men, alike and I feel it is greatly misused by the Minions of Satan, inside and outside of the Church Building. Although the Address System is a Brilliant and Blessed Addition to the Holy Scriptures.

It is a blessing to old folks, like myself and my wife, because we need not search the entire book of Matthew to search out the verse the Pastor used in his message last Corporate Worship Day.

On the flip side of this of this live the Known Lost of the World and the Deceived Lost in every Chuech Family around the globe.

In summation; The, quote, unquote, Christian that will send you or anyone to Hell is either a Baby Christian and don't I, these many years latter remember this stage of my Spiritual Growth, or they are members of one of the many sects that do not teach the Bible but teach, instead, the Sermon on the Mount or other parts of the New Testament only.

I pray for your Salvation brought by/with the Indwelling Of Ruah, a.k.a. the Holy Spirit.

 

[Bull of the Woods]

1 Peter 3:15
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"

I think there is clearly a place for up front evangelism. But this idea in 1 Peter of being different, putting Christ first in our lives is good. Then people will see that there must be a unique reason for such a life and faith and ask you about it.

 

[sunflower]

What are your cue's when talking to non Christians? Have you ever brought any of them to knowng Jesus (Having faith) Do they change, or stay the same. I only ask that last question because I knew some Christians who didn't seem to be anything but self centered.

But then I have met a few more who are very diffrent from most people, you know the one's who judge you while they do silly things.

I have found that listening is the most important thing you can do. So many don't have anyone who will listen (even sometimes Christians) but taking time to hear non-Christians is essential. In time even though maybe not immediately you'll see an opening to share a story about something God did in your life but only when you think he or she is ready to listen. Mainly I pray for that person and ask for God's guidance after an encounter or situation in connection with an unbeliever. Sometimes it has taken a long time for them to start asking questions. Usually it isn't to you they will turn when they are ready to commit because ..we tend to be links along the way for most people. However, if there is a direct question and an opening, I pray I am ready to answer them, give more testimony, invite them to a Christian gathering, etc. I pray always for wisdom. God has a way of opening ears when they are ready to "hear"..

Also God opens eyes when they are ready to see. But, rest assured that non-Christians are always watching Christians to see if they really are any different than others.

There are usually really good reasons why people have closed off other Christians. And we need to patiently continue to accept that and not take offense. They simply have the wrong idea of what being a Christian is and you may be the one to show them by your behavior, attitude, words, or actions otherwise.

I have been in conversations with a neighbor for over a year along these lines. She has rebuffed me more than once not at anything I said about being a Christian but just in general..she was hurt by a church a long time ago and so has closed off anyone who goes to church. She has me pegged as one of "those." We usually talk about other things..but I haven't given up and continue to pray for her. Someday she may have a need and I am here to hear her. Meanwhile, in little ways our connection has improved.

As far as the difference between Christians and others. It is sometime hard to tell those who may believe and those who do not follow in the Way of the Lord. Christians aren't perfect. Only God is perfect. And we are all sinners redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

And, as you know, and it has been said often on this forum...It is good to look within our own hearts and see how things are between us and God before we estimate how things are between someone else and God.

However, I do understand that some of the most devastating blows to our own faith are when we see Christians behaving in un-Christian like ways.

Mainly, those we encounter will know we are Christians by our love for God and others, including them.

 

[Bull of the Woods]

There is the thing about one man planting, one watering, and another harvesting.
But some folks go at an unbeliever like a car salesman that doesn't want them to get off the lot without closing the sale.
In some cases I suspect they care more about their "commission" than the welfare of the potential "buyer".

 

[turnorburn]

There is the thing about one man planting, one watering, and another harvesting.
But some folks go at an unbeliever like a car salesman that doesn't want them to get off the lot without closing the sale.
In some cases I suspect they care more about their "commission" than the welfare of the potential "buyer".

Well said!

 

[stovebolts]

I have found that listening is the most important thing you can do. So many don't have anyone who will listen (even sometimes Christians) but taking time to hear non-Christians is essential. In time even though maybe not immediately you'll see an opening to share a story about something God did in your life but only when you think he or she is ready to listen. Mainly I pray for that person and ask for God's guidance after an encounter or situation in connection with an unbeliever. Sometimes it has taken a long time for them to start asking questions. Usually it isn't to you they will turn when they are ready to commit because ..we tend to be links along the way for most people. However, if there is a direct question and an opening, I pray I am ready to answer them, give more testimony, invite them to a Christian gathering, etc. I pray always for wisdom. God has a way of opening ears when they are ready to "hear"..

Also God opens eyes when they are ready to see. But, rest assured that non-Christians are always watching Christians to see if they really are any different than others.

There are usually really good reasons why people have closed off other Christians. And we need to patiently continue to accept that and not take offense. They simply have the wrong idea of what being a Christian is and you may be the one to show them by your behavior, attitude, words, or actions otherwise.

I have been in conversations with a neighbor for over a year along these lines. She has rebuffed me more than once not at anything I said about being a Christian but just in general..she was hurt by a church a long time ago and so has closed off anyone who goes to church. She has me pegged as one of "those." We usually talk about other things..but I haven't given up and continue to pray for her. Someday she may have a need and I am here to hear her. Meanwhile, in little ways our connection has improved.

As far as the difference between Christians and others. It is sometime hard to tell those who may believe and those who do not follow in the Way of the Lord. Christians aren't perfect. Only God is perfect. And we are all sinners redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

And, as you know, and it has been said often on this forum...It is good to look within our own hearts and see how things are between us and God before we estimate how things are between someone else and God.

However, I do understand that some of the most devastating blows to our own faith are when we see Christians behaving in un-Christian like ways.

Mainly, those we encounter will know we are Christians by our love for God and others, including them.

I love your wisdom. Thank you.

 

[sunflower]

Hey, what's wrong with the voice of a trumpet? Lol

There was a time I was warming up on the RR tracks before playing trumpet in Church and the Pastor got a panicked phone call from a backslidden neighbor who thought the Angel Gabriel had descended

They were in Church THAT day

Just gotta say..this post brightens my day. I more than "like" it...Thanks.

 

[Gazelle]

What are your cue's when talking to non Christians? Have you ever brought any of them to knowng Jesus (Having faith) Do they change, or stay the same. I only ask that last question because I knew some Christians who didn't seem to be anything but self centered.

But then I have met a few more who are very diffrent from most people, you know the one's who judge you while they do silly things.

So glad to see this thread got back onto track :D

Yes, I have led many to Christ.... face to face and online! (BUT then, I have been of Christ for over 50 years.) It's a very exciting but also fearful (as in awe-some) experience...as the Holy Spirit gives you Words and works within... I have often come away with... did I really remember all those verses and did I really say that...wow... that could not have been me! God is good.

With the influx of Islam into the USA, and many neighbors as well (for right now) I have changed my approach somewhat to fit all. The topic is the LOVE OF GOD. Since many do not have a god of love (whatever their god is, it doesn't love them back) they are craving this. I give examples of God's love... how there are no coincidences in life... how He wants only good and if they aren't getting good in life, then why not? I make sure they don't attribute bad things that occur to Him...

Of course, continuing on this theme, I show them how Jesus is the embodiment of God's Love! Even moslems were commanded by their Leader to study Jesus' Words as He was (is) a Great Prophet...and also told to ask those of us of "the Book" when they had a question... sometimes it's easier to witness Christ to a moslem than to a person who grew up in a "Christian" home but never accepted God's Love for himself!

One main thing that is a stumbling block to moslems is that they have been (wrongly) taught we worship 3 gods. WE know this is not true. Here's how I liquefy that: I ask, are you a brother/sister, a son/daughter, a father/mother ? Are YOU 3 people? No, of course not. Are you 3 different people in those capacities? Yes. You do not treat your son like you do your father... you do not love your mother the same way you love your wife, right? So then, GOD being God, can be even moreso different (He being God we cannot begin to fully understand,but this is a start.)

Jesus must be the key to all witnessing. I don't let them change the subject or you could talk for hours, days or years trying to answer those questions they will NOT understand until they have Jesus. "For the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God, neither can he know them for they are SPIRITUALLY discerned."

Even in the elevator...you can witness. Going UP? Yes...and when I die also--what about you? Or, I'm only going down in the elevator, when I die I'm going up to heaven with God-- do you know where you will go?

I know this is long but... if you really want to study... there are some very good courses to help you have good answers and approaches ready. EE (Evangelism Explosion) and the Samaritan's Purse/Billy Graham Evangelistic Association both have good materials.

Remember to say SOMETHING to everyone! God promises His Word will not return to Him void... meaning if you say something from God's Word He will use it to speak through His Spirit to their hearts. Even a "God loves you" as you leave the cashier is a good start! :D Go for it today!

 

[Gazelle]

1 Peter 3:15
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"

I think there is clearly a place for up front evangelism. But this idea in 1 Peter of being different, putting Christ first in our lives is good. Then people will see that there must be a unique reason for such a life and faith and ask you about it.

What is the quote? "Preach Christ and when necessary, use words"?

 

[Book Keeper]

My approach is simple; I talk to everybody, Christian or not, with love and compassion. God loves His children, even those who have not accepted Him; it is not for us to greet non-Christians with hostility - we should respect their current situation and show understanding.
If someone wished to talk about Christianity, I would openly discuss it, however I would not try and force my beliefs onto others; I equally wouldn't like someone else of another faith to force their beliefs onto me.
If one does something silly; they may be judged, this is a natural fact of life - it doesn't matter whether the person is Christian, Muslim, Jewish etc.

Regarding judgement; please refer to the following extract of scripture - I think all Christians try to follow these words.

Matthew 7:2
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.