Conversational Evangelism 1 Boodskap / Message Daniel Shayesteh Guideline for Conversational Evangelism 1

Guidelines for Conversational Evangelism Evangelism means engaging with questions of life

Introduction to Evangelism

The right question, at the right time, can completely change the direction of someone’s life

Life-changing conversations take place when: You are prepared to give solid and sensible reasons for your faith. You are ready to learn what questions to ask and how to respond. You understand or are ready to understand the significant parts of people’s worldviews. You encourage people for openness, because the truth cannot be discovered without openness.

Why do we need to invite people into a process of discovery? God is the God of reason. He gives understanding in all things. (2Tim.2:7) Come and reason together. (Isa.1:18) God presents reasons for building a long-lasting relationship with people. We also need to help people to be available for God for a reason and be able to express that reason to others. Those who understand God’s mind and heart better will love God with all their hearts and minds (Matt.22:37) and will be used better. (Matt.28:19-20)

Why do we need to invite people into a process of discovery? People have capacity to understand the truth and make decision People (Gentiles) by nature have the things contained in the Law (Rom. 2:14-15) If we handle the word of God by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. (2 Cor. 4:2) The law (values) of God is in charge to lead people to Christ (Gal. 3:24)

Why do we need to invite people into a process of discovery? People need to have reason for life (1Pt.3:15) “Reasoning” is a great tool for understanding and discovering the truth Reasoning rejects passivity, fanaticism or violence, and establishes reconciliation among nations, and between nations and God. Passivity and violence in the families, countries or among the nations of the world are not removed unless people are open to reason.

Why do we need to invite people into a process of discovery? People need to understand the effectiveness of the message of Christ Personally (Heb.4:12) People need to understand the superiority of Christ in comparison with other gods or ultimate realities (Rev.17:14; 19:16) and the effectiveness of His message in comparison with other beliefs (Acts 4:12)

The way you guide the conversation Like the Bible, always challenge consciences If the root is holy, so are the branches (Rom.11:16) Can imperfect lead to perfection? (1Cor.13:10) Who can bring what is pure from impure? No one (Job.14:4)

The way you guide the conversation Challenge the consciences Can someone teach freedom or be the messenger of freedom while s/he is not free her/himself? Can someone be a peace-maker without submission to the absolute peace? Can someone lead to God if s/he is not united with God?

The way you guide the conversation Encourage people to believe that they are capable to discover the Truth: Do you think everybody knows the truth? Do you believe that people have the capacity and capability to understand the truth? How is the truth best understood? Do we need to evaluate the definitions for truth by others? Do we have a responsibility to know the truth and help others know and understand it? Do you think that everybody should embrace the truth? Do you believe that people need to understand each other’s beliefs so that by communicating with one another they might discover the truth ?

Thought provoking questions can lead to Truth Questions about the nature and attributes of God Is God relational (personal) or non-relational (impersonal)? God is relational in the Bible God is non-relational in all other religions Can a non-relational god reveal himself? If not, how then we are able to know that he exists, talks and guides? How can someone claim that he is a messenger of a relational god? If god is non-relational, then how can he create? Does the relational God reveal Himself? Should the relational God reveal Himself? Why?

Thought provoking questions can lead to Truth Questions about God, Satan and Creation Is God absolutely holy, just, moral and loving? Is God the source of the absolute peace? What is the origin of sin? Where has Satan come from? Can a just God create sin? Can a genuine God have partnership with sin? Where did death and suffering come from? Did the Holy and Perfect God create a suffering imperfect world? Should God reveal His perfect justice and love and release people from Satan? Why wouldn’t God be interested in abolishing the work of Satan on earth and leave it for afterlife?

Thought provoking questions can lead to Truth Questions about sin and humanity Can you see lawlessness, unfriendliness and unrighteousness as problems in life on earth? Can there be any solution for these? Have you ever sinned, broken a law or the heart of someone? Have you ever cooperated with Satan? Does your life please God?

Thought provoking questions can lead to Truth Questions about the solution for sin and lawlessness Who is able to implant holiness and righteousness in your heart? Does your power supersede the power of Satan? Are you able to abolish the work of the lawless Satan in your life? Do you need a higher power to overcome Satan?

The significance of these questions These questions start discussions from the root so that people might be able to discover the Reliable Standard for life If people discover that their belief or god is against freedom and peace, they will be challenged and motivated to search for the truth and eventually will believe in Christ.

A sure and certain hope Faith in Christ is reasonable and the Christian faith is defensible: Yes, it is possible to be a follower of Christ and a rational, clear thinker. Intellectual integrity and faith in Christ go very well together. As well as spiritual experiences, Christians have also a rational basis for trust in the Revelation, Death and Resurrection of Christ.

Reason for hope in Christ Christians are given fullness in Christ (Col.2:10); out of this fullness Christians can find answers to the questions of life for themselves and for others (1Pet.3:15). All other beliefs and philosophies rely on relativistic thinking, or they depend upon claims which cannot be rationally demonstrated to be true. The Bible is the words of a reasonable God (Isa.1:18), and its messages can be tested and proved true (1Thes.5:21).

Reason for hope in Christ Christianity can answer questions of life more completely than other beliefs: it offers certainty to people’s hearts. The Christian worldview accounts much better for human experience than any other religious world views. A Christian can show his or her beliefs are true, reasonable, rational, and worth of living and dying for.

How can this ministry be strong and wide spread How can this ministry be strong and wide spread? Is God calling you to play a role in this ministry? Dr. Daniel Shayesteh 7spirits@gmail.com