MAY 2017 SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Ten Questions to Ask to Turn a Conversation Toward the Gospel
by Dr. Donald Whitney
Many Christians suffer with unnecessary fears about sharing their faith. Once they finally get a conversation turned to the subject of the Gospel, however, most believers find that they're able to manage quite well. Much of the time the biggest problem is simply moving a conversation from small talk to "big" talk, the biggest subject of all—the Gospel. Here's a list of questions that can help. Some of them aren't original with me, though I don't recall where years ago I first heard the ones I've borrowed. I've found that the last one opens more doors for the Gospel in the widest variety of situations.
- When you die, if God says to you, "Why should I let you into Heaven?", what would you say? Are you interested in what the Bible says about your answer?
- If you were to die tonight, where do you think you would spend eternity? Why? Are you interested in what the Bible says about this?
- Do you think much about spiritual things?
- How is God involved in your life?
- How important is your faith to you?
- What has been your most meaningful spiritual experience?
- Do you find that your religious heritage answers your questions about life?
- Do you have any kind of spiritual beliefs? If what you believe were not true, would you want to know it? Well, the Bible says . . . .
- To you, who is Jesus?
- I often like to pray for people I meet; how can I pray for you?
It may seem awkward at first to ask these types of questions, but it is more loving to ask someone a question that leads to a presentation of the gospel, than it is to save them an awkward moment at the expense of their eternity. Ask for God to make you faithful and bold in your confidence in the truth of the gospel and to give you opportunities to beginconversations with people about the most valuable gift they could ever receive.