What about the “S” word? Do I have to talk about sin when I witness?

 

If you share the gospel on a regular basis, inevitably the subject of sin should come up in your conversations. That is because Jesus died and took our sin upon himself at Calvary to make a way so that we can spend eternity with Him. It is a subject that we shouldn’t gloss over - and must be covered at some point.

How then do we talk about this vitally important subject in a way that is relevant, understandable and above all means that when you see a person that you have witnessed to before, they don’t want to avoid you like the plague?!

There are ways of explaining the truth that will not offend people which importantly don’t involve watering down the message to get the point across. I teach adults how to communicate effectively with people in a number of ways. Many I have learned from others more experienced than myself, but others by experience – including from making mistakes. These techniques work if you use them, when you include scripture, because that is what convicts hearts.

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”(.) Romans 3:23

“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

The simple fact is that we all need forgiveness. There is no way of getting around it, because we need to repent and turn away from our sin and thank Jesus, who died in our place, for the grace He shows us.

Over the years I have helped people to witness; it appears that the subject of sin is one area that people particularly struggle with. This can be because of fear of rejection or causing offence. As a result people dance around the subject, often failing to explain adequately that we all have sin in our lives. The undeniable fact is that people are lost without Jesus. They are heading to a place created for Satan and the fallen angels that follow Him. It’s a truth that cannot be swept under the carpet.

Here are some points we must remember:

Forgiveness revolves around love: When we talk about sin, we must communicate the fact that Jesus died for our sins because God loved us so much. Yes - forgiveness of sin is all about LOVE.

“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

We must always include ourselves as sinners: We are sinners saved by grace. Praise Him! I always explain that I asked for forgiveness of my sin when I realised the truth. I would then go on to ask questions like “have you ever done things that you know were wrong, like lying, coveting, stealing, hating?” When the person admits the truth I always remark, “That means you are just like me.” I then go on to explain about why we need forgiveness, using myself as an example. Rather than the very direct approach of “You are a sinner”, “You are going to Hell”, “You are condemned”.

If someone has not received Jesus as Lord and asked for forgiveness, then those statements are true.  When you say something like “that makes you like me”, “I realised that I needed forgiveness”, “I realised that because of the things I had done in my life I was headed for a lost eternity”, they will realise that they are in the very same situation. You are telling them the truth using your life as an example.

Key Point: Use yourself as an example, explaining why you needed forgiveness - this will get people to think about their own sin.

Be honest with your answers to questions: If the conversation is going the right way, it is very likely that you will be asked questions like “Are you saying that I am sinner? I have done nothing that bad!”

You could be direct and confrontational and say “Yes”, but doing that (it) can sound very condemnatory. So I explain this way: “That is a question that is often asked. I will answer it honestly and explain why”, then I pause for a second or two, because at that point I have their full attention.

I continue with , “I can only answer your question based on the truth that I now know from scripture. One short passage in Romans 3:23 says that “we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God - that means everyone and it is a fact that can’t be denied”.

I keep talking here and start using the word “You”. Communicators will confirm that the word “You” is one of the most powerful words in verbal and written communication today. Looking directly in the eyes of my listener, I say, “But I have got some really fantastic news for you. God made a way so that all of the wrong things we have ever done in our lives can be washed away. He did that by sending His Son Jesus Christ to die for us” I then continue with “He did that because ……………….”

The technique of using yourself as an example is very effective and will get the message across. The requirement is that you of course get talking to people about Jesus.

There will always be times that you will have to be direct and give straight answers to get through to a person heart. The key in both areas is being able to rely on the Holy Spirit. He is the one who will guide you if you are willing to listen to His promptings.

God has given you a vital ministry. What are you doing with it?

I have been thinking about the light bulb moment when a person having heard the Gospel message and decides to put their faith in Jesus Christ. What is at that actually happens at that moment in the persons mind and much more importantly, what is that happens in the person’s heart?

Firstly we have to remember that God has chosen to use us to share the gospel with those people who don’t know Him. He wants us to tell people about the relationship that he longs to restore with them, because He gave us the ministry of reconciliation. In simple terms witnessing for Christ is our responsibility. We must obey the command that Jesus gave us to go and tell people about Him.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:16-17

The Gospel has a power like nothing else. The message of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is a life changer. As an evangelist I have seen the power of the Gospel at work on a one to one basis, in large groups and while sharing on the streets or speaking at dinners. Something incredible happens when the Gospel is shared and I never tire of seeing its impact on the lives of people.

The point to notice is that the Gospel becomes a life changer when a person decides to believe. It is clear from the scripture that “It is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes”. We know that some people can hear it but still decide and choose not to believe it.

What happens before that decision making moment, when a person hears scripture, a message or a testimony of salvation in Christ? What is it that opens a person’s heart, so that they decide that they want to obey the Gospel, repent of sins committed and put their faith in Jesus Christ?

Making a decision for Christ always involves the work of the Holy Spirit and His work is essential to conversion. He convicts hearts of sin through the Word of God and proclamation of the Gospel. In every instance of conversion in the New Testament, the Spirit and the Word are never separated. The word of God was spoken to every person who was converted to Christ.

We can and should pray for friends, family and others to have a revelation of who God is and how He sent His only Son to die for them. Sometimes amazing things happen when we do this, as God moves upon a person’s heart. But the onus is really on us to talk to people about Jesus, communicating and engaging them with the word of truth.

I hardly ever quote from the Message version f the Bible, however its interpretation of the scripture regarding the ministry or reconciliation that has been given us by God, is very clear.

“God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now.” 2 Corinthians 5: 20-21 Message Bible.

This made me ponder, “What am I doing with the task that God has given to me”? It is also a question that I must ask you. What are you doing in your role as an ambassador for Christ? Very likely you would agree that many of us could do more, step out of our comfort zones more often and take risks in sharing Jesus. Many of us need constant reminding to do this. When we do, the Holy Spirit goes right along with us. Incredibly He works through us.

The scripture speaks of God making His appeal for reconciliation through us. He has given both you and me that ministry and it is fact that we should not ignore.

Key Point: God had entrusted each of us with the ministry of reconciliation. 

We should let Jesus light shine through our lives and actions. This is vital because when the opportunity comes along to witness, we have credibility. In fact, we cannot make Gods appeal without actually saying something. At some point we have got to talk to people and tell them what Jesus did for us, through sharing our testimony, or sharing the Gospel in some way. 

This message is not intended to make people feel guilty, but rather its a reminder of what God says He wants us to do. Looking at scripture we will find clear commands from Jesus to tell people about Him. He always spoke with encouragement, pointing out our relationship with Him saying, “Do it because you love Me”.

When we share the Gospel the Holy Spirit is always there working through us and He has the power to open the hardest of hearts. We just have to believe this as we share it. Gods Word is alive and working! We are living proof of the fact. The Holy Spirit opened your heart, and mine at some point. Yes, our own light bulb moments.

Scripture that spoke about Jesus opened my heart. As you share, scripture will have the same impact on others. Make a concrete decision to believe God, believe the scriptures and share the message - then watch the power of the Gospel do its work.  

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” Hebrews 4: 12

Pray asking God in prayer to use you. If you mean it, He will do it.

Oh, and what was the scripture that opened my heart?

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. John 3: 16

When we witness it helps to understand how non-Christians think

 

 

If you have been a Christian for years, or maybe you came to Christ at a young age then there is a possibility that you have forgotten the way that non-Christians think. The more time you spend with Jesus the more you become like Him. As a result of this, its natural that our thoughts start to change.

In some churches the members don’t socialise, interact or get involved with those who don’t believe, because they feel that they have nothing in common. They end up only socialising with people who share their beliefs. They become like hermits, shutting themselves off from the outside world.

However the Bible teaches that we are supposed to be out there, meeting with people and eagerly seeking for opportunities to share the good news. As I have often said – “If we don’t witness for Christ, who else will”?

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1: 18

People who are un-churched rarely look for God. By His grace He reveals Himself to some people in extraordinary ways and it changes the way that they live. But many people are just too preoccupied with their busy lives and miss Him because they don’t take time to think about what will happen when they die. Apparently we start to think about death more often from the age of about thirty five. Having worked in the life assurance industry I would agree with that. But most people only think of what they will leave behind, rather than considering where they will spend eternity.

To some, the message of the cross is either a story or it seems difficult to believe. It may simply appear foolishness to them as they are unable to understand it. When I first heard about Jesus dying on the cross it didn’t make any sense to me at all. Somebody had to explain it to me.

"He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn--and I would heal them." John 12: 30

My mother told me a story a few years ago about a young lady who went in to a jewellery shop to buy a crucifix. The shop sales assistant dutifully presented her with a tray full of different types and sizes. She seemed unable to make up her mind. After a minute or two she asked the sales assistant, “Do you have one with the little man on it”?

Society has changed considerably during my lifetime and there are many more people like that who know nothing of Jesus and the incredible sacrifice that He made at Calvary. As I often point out, when I see a crucifix with the Lord nailed to it, I say, “He is no longer on the cross, He is risen”.

Key Point: People need to have the Gospel explained to them. The Lord wants to use you to do it. 

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Acts 8: 30-31

People need to have the Gospel explained to them. The Lord wants to use us to do it. Firstly, though, we need to understand how the un-churched think. Here are some typical comments that non believers make:

• I tried reading the Bible once, but found it hard to understand.
• I really get very angry when I hear Christians saying that they know everything.
• I don’t believe that Christians have much fun because they live by a list of rules. 
• I was given a church leaflet in the street the other day. It was so badly produced though and had a lot of text and Bible verses on it. I can’t see how any of it relates to me.  
• I wouldn’t go to a church on my own, even if I wanted to. I’d feel like a fish out of water
• I don’t really know any Christians. Otherwise I would try to find out more and ask some real questions, though I worry about being preached at. 
• I really don’t understand what this religious stuff is all about.

We need to ask God to guide us in which ways to reach people.  There are some great witnessing initiatives that are very effective. However, there are some fundamental things that we should be doing every day in our mission to share the Gospel, whilst remembering how people think, because many will not be looking for God.  Somebody has to tell them about Jesus. It should be you!

Have look at the list below. How many of the suggestions do you use on a regular basis? What would happen if you used them all on a regular basis for the next year?  

To be an effective witness for Christ, remember to:

• Pray for specific people who don’t know the Lord as Saviour, asking God to give me ‘divine appointments’
• Read and study ways to witness
• Mix with other soul winners
• Always have tracts available to hand out when opportunities arise
• Know how to share your testimony in 2, 5 and 10 minute explanations
• Let people see Jesus in your life and actions
• Know how to present ‘the Roman road’, or share the Gospel in a simple way
• Step out of your comfort zone and witness
• Trust the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you
• Invite people to church or church events
• Invite people to meetings that are visitor-friendly, dinners, breakfasts, men’s and women’s events
• Ask a good friend to critique your testimony or Gospel presentation
• Pray, pray, pray, because praying and witnessing go hand in hand.

Something amazing has happened to me and I have got to tell you about it

Last Saturday evening I had the great pleasure of being with the international evangelist Tony Anthony, who is the award winning author of the book “Taming The Tiger”. Our church had invited him to share his amazing story of how God impacted his life. People committed their lives to Jesus that evening – the power of his testimony glorified God in a mighty way.

As Tony came to the end of his story he asked a question. It was one of those “Wow” questions. He simply asked the people listening to think of a moment or event in their lives that had made such an impact on them that they just had to speak to people about it every day. As I sat there I felt challenged by it, and I am an evangelist! I often say when I preach or train people in evangelism that it a good thing to be challenged, especially by the word of God. We just have to make the choice to respond or ignore it.

“For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Acts 4: 20 NIV

“As for us, there’s no question—we can’t keep quiet about what we’ve seen and heard.” Acts 4: 20 The Message

We tell people how much money we saved when we went shopping, on a holiday or the saving of our mobile phone that was almost left on the train. But many of us fail to share the news about the one who truly saves.

Having worked in sales and sales training for many years, one of the most important points to learn to be effective in selling any product or service was to state the benefits of it rather than its features. For example, when selling cars a feature would be that there is a range of colours to choose from, whereas a benefit would be that the car does 80 miles to the gallon. I changed my car recently and told anyone who would listen about the money I was saving on fuel costs!

We don’t need to procure the Gospel message, because it doesn’t need selling and it doesn’t need exaggerating, sweetening, altering or watering down. It’s the most life impacting message that anyone can ever hear!

Key Point: There are more benefits than we could ever count in this life and beyond because of what Jesus has done!

If you just consider three benefits that making Jesus Lord of your life has done for you.

·        Eternal life

·        The Holy Spirit dwelling in your heart

·        Heaven

When we consider just those benefits, the realisation of what they mean should compel us to share what Jesus has done for us. It is better than anything I can think of. People need to hear the Gospel and God has a plan to use you and me to tell them. Yes, imperfect me and imperfect you. That is just incredible.

“Go and preach the Gospel to all creation.” Mark 16: 15

We must remember that Jesus wasn’t just talking to the disciples when He gave the commandment to go and preach the Gospel. He was talking to you and me as well.

It is important to understand that when we do in fact “Go” we never actually “Go” alone. We have the Holy Spirit who will always accompany us whenever and wherever we share Jesus.

We must pray for opportunities to share the message with people, asking God for the boldness you need to share it and then expect something to happen. It is essential that people see the love of Jesus in what we say and do most of all.

Some simple suggestions:

• Read the word of God and let it fill your heart and mind. You simply can’t get enough of it. It will change you, guide you and equip you for the task.
• Mix with people who are soul winners and people who witness for Christ on a regular basis. It is better caught than taught as my old boss used to say. What they do and say will rub off on you. If you were a footballer and you had the chance to train with Lionel Messi of Barcelona, there is no doubt that you would become a better footballer. Being with him, watching him and playing in game in his team would rub off onto you. The example is the same for any activity.
• Learn how to witness by getting some evangelism training from a person or organisation that is a winner of souls for Christ. There is plenty of information available on the internet.

Let’s “Go” and witness for Christ!

Are you a typical Christian Stereotype?

Do you find that when you share your faith in Jesus Christ that some people already have an image in their minds of what Christians are really like? Do they have a ‘Christian Stereotype’ fixed in their minds?

It is true that some Christians can come across as:

·        Intolerant of other religions

·        Judgemental of others

·        Anti gay

·        Dogmatic and intolerant of others’ opinions

·        Hypocrites

There are a number of Scriptures that I could use regarding this subject, but here are just two.

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.” John 3:17-18

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 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. 3 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” Matthew 7:1-5

How do we communicate with people of other religions, gay people, and people who are totally anti religion without coming across as a ‘Christian Stereotype’? It is a challenge –when we share Jesus we need to demonstrate His love first and foremost. It is absolutely essential that we do not come across as judgemental or with a condemnatory attitude.

A very good friend of mine has described me as ‘dogmatic’ on occasion because I hold firmly to my beliefs. We cannot compromise the message of the Gospel in any way, even if we know that it may not be received well. It is vital that we show the love of God in our exchanges with people.

Last night I was asked a challenging question. It was this: “I like to think that my father is in heaven waiting for me; I know that he wasn’t a Christian, but he was a good man. Do you believe that he is heaven?”

I asked a couple of questions and discovered that the man had some knowledge of church as he went to Sunday school as a child. Also he had been ill for a period before he died, so I explained that many people call on the Lord in situations like that, which gave me an opportunity to explain about the parable of the Vineyard owner in Matthew 20: 2-16, who hired labourers at different times of the day, but paid them all the same wages irrespective of how long they had worked.

Key Point: Take people back to scripture because that is what opens the hardest of hearts

We need to take people to scripture where possible because that is what opens their hearts to the truth. It is a living and powerful Word and I have seen it change the hardest of hearts.

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

When asked if there are many roads to God, I always explain that it would be nice to believe that but then go through scriptures that clearly show that “many roads” are not the case. Using scriptures like John 14: 6 to explain that the only way to God is through His Son Jesus Christ, and that all other roads lead to the wrong destination.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7: 13-14

I was asked once if I hated homosexuals because I was a Christian. My reply was that I didn’t hate anyone in anyway at all and said that God is the same way. He loves people more than anyone ever could. In fact He loves them so much that He sent His only begotten Son to die for them. What greater demonstration of love could anyone show? The truth of the matter is that God doesn’t hate the sinner; rather He hates the sin itself.

Let’s remind ourselves that we need to live out our lives so that the people who watch us do not see us as hypocrites. Our Christian walk speaks volumes about us, long before we have the chance to start quoting scripture!

Also try not to get into the “you are wrong” type of exchanges. Instead, let people know that you appreciate what they have to say. Then, in love, tell them the truth. The Holy Spirit will be with you.

Tell the truth in love…it’s the only way.

A Relevant Gospel

Whilst preparing a message to preach next Sunday I paused to consider the relevance of the Gospel in society today and how we as individuals go about making it known. I believe that it is indisputably still relevant!  The Bible has been described as a manual for life, a road map showing the way in which we should go. These are good descriptions.

The word relevant simply means to relate to a matter at hand. While I was preparing my Sunday message I read this scripture by the Apostle Paul, which clearly demonstrated that he knew how to make a subject relevant in his letter to the Corinthians.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27

Paul was talking about the Christian life we lead and the goal of eternity with The Lord. He used the example of the Isthmian games, that were held in the area every two years, as the Corinthians would have seen the relevance immediately. Everyone knew about them and many people had probably been to Corinth to watch them.

The question is then, how do we make the Gospel relevant to the people we witness to? How can we explain it in simple terms so that our listeners immediately understand the context?

This subject has been one of great debate over recent years. Some people believe that you should leave the word alone and let it do its work, while some others want to amend it so that it can be brought up to date. I believe that we, like Paul, must be on the lookout for opportunities where we can share the good news.

When I went through evangelism training, as students we had to be ready to share the good news at any time. In lessons our lecturers would have a bag full of items that they would use like a lucky dip bag.  They would put their hand in, grab an item and throw it to a student, who would catch it and immediately have to relate the item to sharing the good news.

In the same way we should be able to do that with situations that come up from time to time. Over the years I have used news events and the like as a doorway to share the Gospel. Whatever subject was brought up by work colleagues, friends or family, I could use it to share the message, creating an opportunity.

Key Point: Be watchful and ready, because there will be plenty of opportunities for you to present the Gospel in a way that is relevant

Below are a few examples. These are just ideas  which  you can adapt to situations that arise in your own life.

Wars, Famine etc: I would get involved in the discussion with people for a while and then make or point or ask a question to the group like “Did  you know that the Bible talked about things happening like this when Jesus was on the earth?”  I would get asked questions like “Where does it say that then?”

The question opened the door to share the scripture in Matthew 24: 6 “You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”

Evil and greed in the world: There have been many times over the years where I have got into discussions about subjects like this. It is a great opportunity to sow seeds. I would often say “We shouldn’t be surprised about this happening really” and would then be asked “Why

I would then explain 2 Timothy 3: 2:  “For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”

Doesn’t everyone go to heaven, aren’t there many roads to God?: Occasionally a “Biggy” like this would present itself. Sometimes people would discuss the matter of eternity and going to heaven.

When this happened I would patiently listen, ask questions along the lines of “Oh that’s interesting, why do you believe that?” Invariably in a group of people there would be a range of views given as to why they believed that they would end up in heaven. People would explain their reasoning about receiving eternal life.

Where the opportunity was right I would say something like “Well, although I have heard what you have all said about the subject, it seems you are not CERTAIN that your belief that you will go to heaven will truly work. Rather you are HOPING it will”.  

I would go on to say “I base my beliefs on one thing, the word of God. The Bible clearly states………..”.  I could use a number of scriptures here, such as John 14: 6 “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Sometimes what I said fell on deaf ears, other times I was able to discuss the gospel, sometimes I was able to share my story of salvation and on other occasions I was able to lead a person to Christ.

We must be ready and willing, being prepared to share the truth in love. God will back you up. He always does and He always will.

Is the Gospel simply black and white?

 

Is the Gospel black and white? It is a simple enough question to ask, isn’t it? What do you think? Is your answer an immediate yes or no, or are you having to think about the question?

How does your belief in the clarity of the Gospel affect the urgency and way that you share it? Have you ever found it difficult to deal with questions surrounding eternity, heaven and hell?  Is the Gospel a turn or burn message that was preached years ago and heard of so little today?

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” Matthew 7:13

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Matthew 25: 31-46

If you are a regular reader of my blogs, you will know I believe that the Bible is very clear in what it says about ‘being in Christ’ compared to not believing and accepting Him as Lord and Saviour.

I want to make it clear that I am not suggesting that you go and start telling people that they are destined for hell. My point is that we should present the Gospel with clarity, and not be afraid to speak plainly when required.

My first pastor for 16 years had a major effect on my life during those years. He taught me very much, challenged me, pushed me and even irritated me sometimes. An outstanding part of his character was that he was always very clear when it came to the Gospel message and from his ministry and my own study I have developed very similar beliefs about doctrine.

On one occasion a person who had been attending our church for a while told my pastor that they wanted to try a different fellowship. He was disappointed to hear this and asked why the person felt that way. I will never forget the person’s reply. They said, “Oh, the stuff that you preach is too black and white for me”.

I remember thinking, “Too black and white! Do you really want the matter of your eternal destiny to be a grey area?” People need to understand that the only way to God is through His Son. There is no other way. It is a fact that cannot be watered down. It is through Jesus and Jesus only!

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14: 6

So then how do we answer the “Am I going to Hell” question and other difficult ones like it?

I suppose you could be direct and answer “Yes”, if you knew that the person you were in conversation with had not received Christ as Saviour. I believe that if you did that on a regular basis, you would have very short conversations with people while witnessing.

Whenever I am asked a question like that I tend to deal with it in a way is not offensive. When asked about Hell and other similar questions I try to answer saying something like, “That is a great question and probably the best way to answer it would be to tell you what the Bible says about it”.

Key Point: Never be tempted to compromise the message so that it becomes more palatable.

I would then go through something like the Roman road scriptures and explain them in simple, easy to understand terms. Sometimes you will need to be sensitive, while at other times you will need to be quite direct. The Holy Spirit will guide you if you seek Him. But never be tempted to compromise the message so that it becomes more palatable for your listener.

I have covered the Roman Road before in previous blogs, but just as a reminder the scriptures are:

Romans 3: 23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Romans 6: 23: "The wages of sin is death..."

Romans 6: 23:"But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 5: 8: "God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!"

Romans 10: 13: "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!"

Romans 10: 9-10: "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."

Jesus talked more about Hell that He did about Heaven. He is our model and example to follow. He was the ultimate evangelist, so that should answer any questions we have about harder to deal with areas such as this.

I have had debates with people on this subject and have then asked them, “Do you believe that you know a better way of answering difficult questions like this than Jesus did”?

On the other hand I have met people who have a great desire to share Jesus, but all they seem to talk about is hell and damnation. We need to share the love, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus and what He accomplished for us on the cross. As we witness people must see the love of Jesus in us.

We must also be prepared to give straight answers when asked the difficult questions. People respect honesty, especially when you answer in love.