DFD 6-3 - HELPING OTHERS FIND CHRIST

HELPING OTHERS FIND CHRIST

God passionately desires to see all people embrace Christ and find salvation through Him. So He invites His children to partner with Him through their natural relationships. As insiders in our own culture and spheres of influence, we are strategically placed to introduce our friends and acquaintances to the Lover of their souls — through our deeds as well as our words.

“God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.” (, MSG)

PARTNERING WITH GOD

1. What is God’s overarching purpose and plan for all people? ()

Ephesians 3:1–10 NIV84

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,

ANSWER: The Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Jesus Christ.

2. What was God’s purpose in sending Jesus?

Mark 10:45 NIV84

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

ANSWER: to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Luke 19:10 NIV84

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

ANSWER: to seek and to save what was lost.

John 10:10–11 NIV84

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

ANSWER: that all may have life, and have it to the full.

3. In Jesus’ prayer just before He went to the cross, how did He describe the part His followers would play in working out God’s purposes among those who don’t know Christ yet? ()

John 17:15–23 NIV84

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

ANSWER: We have been sent into the world, protected from the evil one, to be sanctified by His word which is truth. We are sent into the world so that those who will believe will be made one, just as Jesus and the Father are one. We are sent into the world so that all may be brought into complete unity and know that they are loved.

4. Why is it critically important to share Christ with others? (; )

John 14:6 NIV84

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

Acts 4:12 NIV84

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

ANSWER: Because no one comes to the Father except through Christ for salvation if found in no one else . . . there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

5. When we share Christ with others, we are entering into God’s ongoing work in their lives. How is the Holy Spirit actively engaged in preparing people’s hearts to receive Christ?

John 3:5-8

John 3:5–8 NIV84

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

ANSWER: The Holy spirit works in people’s hearts to prepare them and help them receive the truth of God’s Word in Christ.

John 16:7–11 NIV84

But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

ANSWER: The Holy Spirit convicts the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

1 Thessalonians 1:4–5 NIV84

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

ANSWER: The Holy Spirit deeply convicts and reveals power.

6. Read . What is the best preparation for sharing Christ with others? Explain.

Matthew 4:19 NIV84

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

Matthew 4:19 NIV84

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

ANSWER:

ANSWER: Following Christ.

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

As we partner with God, many of us face obstacles within our own hearts. Some of us associate almost entirely with believers because our fears and busyness keep us from forming quality relationships outside our religious circles. We may fear exposing our own struggles, sins, and weaknesses. Christ will help us overcome these obstacles as we follow Him into our needy world.

7. Read .

Matthew 9:10–13 NIV84

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

a. What kinds of people did Jesus associate with?

ANSWER: Tax collectors and sinners

b. How did Jesus interact with them?

ANSWER: He ate with them

c. List several people you know (friends, family members, classmates, neighbors, coworkers, social acquaintances) who have not yet met Christ.

ANSWER: Brady, Hayden, Ariel, Vicente, Emma, Collin, James, ....

PRAYER PAUSE

If you have few unbelieving friends or family members, ask God to lead you into association with people with whom you can share Jesus and demonstrate His love.

8. Read the parable of the weeds, in which Jesus talks about living as members of His family in the midst of those who do not know Christ. Why do you think God wants us (the wheat) to continue to grow together with unbelievers (the weeds)? (, )

Matthew 13:24–30 NIV84

Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ “ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ “ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’ ”

Matthew 24:36–42 NIV84

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

ANSWER: Because we can be made stronger when together with the weeds and some of the

ANSWER:

Matthew 13:36–42 NIV84

Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

ANSWER: Without reading something into this there is no answer to the question posed.

9. As you live for Christ among unbelievers, which of these fears (if any) do you have?

Being rejected

Exposing your inadequacy in talking about the gospel

Exposing your own feelings

Exposing the flaws in yourself or your spiritual life

Saying the wrong thing

Being stereotyped and labeled as intolerant

Losing friendship

Failing

Adding more stress to your busy life

Negatively affecting your family by involving them with the unbelieving culture

Being contaminated or losing holiness

Living outside your comfort zone

Fearing other believers’ disapproval

Other fears?

ANSWER:

10. What encourages you from Paul’s example of openness and vulnerability about his own struggles? (; ; )

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 NIV84

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.

2 Corinthians 4:7–9 NIV84

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 12:9–11 NIV84

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.

ANSWER: He struggled just like any of us and he did not give up but continued to press through.

LIVING AS AN INSIDER

11. What kind of lifestyle will reveal Christ and attract people to Him as God works out His purposes in and through us? ()

Philippians 2:13–16 NIV84

for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

ANSWER: A blameless and pure life that shine’s God’s glory.

12. What practical guidelines for relating naturally to others do you see in these verses?

Matthew 5:13–16 NIV84

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

ANSWER: We need to keep our saltiness (difference, taste, purity) and be a light that is set up to shine God’s glory.

Matthew 5:46–47 NIV84

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

ANSWER: Love everyone!

Luke 6:27–36 NIV84

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

ANSWER: Love my enemies and do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse me and mistreat me. Give to those who need, and treat others as you would want to be treated.

The simple act of greeting people by name can open up opportunities to develop deeper relationships with them. Lean the names of three people you would not ordinarily greet and write them here. Take the initiation to greet these people several times in the coming weeks. Write down what happens. Then look for small initiatives (a meal, an act of kindness, just listening) that you could take to strengthen these relationships.

13. Early believers were recognized as followers of Christ by outsiders because of the quality of their love and their acts of service. Summarize in your own words the main point of .

1 Corinthians 13:1–3 NIV84

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

ANSWER: Love above everything else.

14. Consider practical ways you could imitate Christ’s servant heart by serving those around you. As you read over this list of biblical acts of service, write the names of any unbelievers you could serve in this way.

Give your time

ANSWER: Fixing things for people

Offer hospitality

ANSWER: Invite people over for food and relationship

Stop and listen, being fully present

ANSWER: to the hurting

Weep and rejoice with people

ANSWER: to those going through a hard time

Show mercy instead of judgment

ANSWER:

Speak the truth in love

ANSWER:

Keep your word

ANSWER:

Hold your anger

ANSWER:

Apologize

ANSWER:

Be generous

ANSWER:

Treat an enemy with loving care

ANSWER:

Other

ANSWER:

15. Not everyone responded positively to Jesus, so don’t be surprised if some people do not respond well to your “fragrant” lives or words of truth. Why might some people resent or resist your attempts to share Christ? ()

2 Corinthians 2:14–17 NIV84

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.

ANSWER: Because I speak and live differently than the world does.

16. According to the following verses, what can you pray for those who have not yet met Christ?

John 6:44 NIV84

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.

ANSWER: That the Father will draw them.

John 16:8–9 NIV84

When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me;

ANSWER: That each person will be convicted of sin and righteousness and judgment.

1 Timothy 2:1–4 NIV84

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

ANSWER: Pray and intercede for people everywhere and in every position in life that they may be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

Jesus was sensitive to people’s needs and spoke to the issue that was of deepest concern to those He met. The primary need of people without Christ is to receive Him as Savior and Lord. But people without Christ may feel they have many other needs that should be met before they consider christ. You may have to meet “felt” needs before you can help people with their “real” needs. People usually want to know how much you care before they care how much you know.

CONVERSING THE GOSPEL

17. What guidelines are we given for talking naturally with others about our faith in Christ?

Colossians 4:5–6 NIV84

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

ANSWER: Be wise in the way we act and make the most of every opportunity. Let our conversations always be full of grace and seasoned with salt.

2 Timothy 2:23–26 NIV84

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

ANSWER: Don’t get into foolish and stupid arguments that lead to quarrels but be kind to everyone, able to teach and not be resentful.

1 Peter 3:15 NIV84

But in your hearts set apart 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,

ANSWER: Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you for a reason for the hope we have . . . and do it with gentleness and respect.

Here are some additional guidelines on how to have a spiritual conversation:

Talk about the realities of our shared humanity

Talk about the beauty and mystery of nature.

Ask open-ended questions that deepen relationships

Listen closely to what the other person is saying

Reflect on what the other person says by expressing spiritual truths in non-religious language.

“Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words. — Attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi”

18. Why and how should we use the Bible appropriately in sharing the gospel?

Isaiah 55:11 NIV84

so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

ANSWER: Because the Word of God does not return empty but accomplishes what He desires.

2 Timothy 3:15 NIV84

and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

ANSWER: They are able to make one wise for salvation

Hebrews 4:12 NIV84

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.

ANSWER: The Word is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword . . . penetrating even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, judging the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

19. Loving actions and service in the context of relationships can open the door for you to converse with others about your faith. Good open-ended questions can help you introduce spiritual matters into your conversations with unbelievers. Consider the examples in the chart that follows. Julia is a college student, David is a businessman, and Jason is a soldier. Following these examples, add the names of two friends with whom you would like to share Christ, along with loving actions and questions tailored to them.

Person: Julia

Question for Conversation: How have your ideas on spirituality changed since you came to school?

Loving Action: Help with laundry during test time.

Person: David

Question for Conversation: What need in your own life do you hope to meet by having a successful business?

Loving Action: Offer to help with yard work.

Person: Jason

Question for Conversation: Why do you suppose there is so much conflict and terrorism in the world today?

Loving Action: Go with him to visit his fellow soldiers in the hospital.

Person #1:

Question for Conversation:

Loving Action:

ANSWER:

Person #2:

Question for Conversation:

Loving Action

ANSWER:

20. Name one unbelieving friend or family member you see regularly. Create some questions that would help you transition your conversation naturally into the good news of Christ. Also brainstorm practical ways in which you can demonstrate the love of God to this person.

ANSWER:

PARTICIPATING IN A NEW BIRTH

21. From , summarize the main points of the gospel.

John 3:16–18 NIV84

“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. 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.

ANSWER: God loved the world and gave his son Jesus. Whoever believe in him will be saved and they will not perish but have eternal life. If we do not believe we will be condemned.

Be ready to speak about Christ in any situation. Know the essentials of the gospel. Plan and practice how to explain Jesus Christ in a clear and interesting way. They pray and take advantage of your opportunities.

After explaining the gospel, the key to helping a person open his heart to Christ is often a question such as, “Would you like to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord now?” If he would like to, ask him to pray and invite Jesus to come into his life as Savior and Lord.

22. In bringing a person to this point of decision, it is good to use an “action” verse to show him his part in responding to Christ’s offer as the Holy Spirit prompts him. Choose one of the following verses and explain how you could use it in such a situation.

John 1:12 NIV84

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

ANSWER: When we believe and receive Christ we are made a child of God.

John 3:16 NIV84

“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.

ANSWER: God loves us and when we respond to His love and receive Jesus His son He saves us from perishing and He gives us life forever.

John 5:24 NIV84

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.

ANSWER: Whenever we hear God’s Word and believe it, we move from death to life and are no longer condemned.

Revelation 3:20 NIV84

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

ANSWER: When God knocks on the door of our heart and we respond and open the door and invite Him in . . He comes in and dines with us.

23. What happens every time a person repents and trusts Christ? How does this make you feel? ()

Luke 15:7 NIV84

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

ANSWER: All of heaven rejoices.

SUGGESTED VERSE FOR MEDITATION AND MEMORIZATION

:15

1 Peter 3:15 NIV84

But in your hearts set apart 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,

GOING DEEPER

Conviction of sin and the desire to receive christ come from god alone. but He gives followers of Jesus the privilege of cooperating with Him in helping others come to faith in Jesus Christ

People who have heard the gospel have reasons for not receiving Christ. You can become familiar with some of the more common objections and courteously point out how the bible responds to them. This may help others see more clearly their need for Jesus Christ. The following verses apply to some of the most frequently given objections.

Objection: “If God is all-powerful and a God of love, why does He allow evil in the world? Why doesn’t He stop it?”

Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV84

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live

Matthew 13:24–30 NIV84

Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ “ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ “ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’ ”

Romans 6:14 NIV84

For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

Objection: I don’t deserve the love of god.

Ephesians 2:3–5 NIV84

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

1 Peter 2:9–10 NIV84

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Objection: Christians are intolerant people who have caused many wars.

John 13:34–35 NIV84

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Objection: what about those who have never heard the gospel?

;

Psalm 19:1 NIV84

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Psalm 97:6 NIV84

The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.

;

Romans 1:19–20 NIV84

since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Acts 14:17 NIV84

Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

Objection: What about the errors in the Bible

Isaiah 55:8–9 NIV84

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

2 Timothy 3:16 NIV84

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

Objection: Why do so many educated people reject Jesus?

Daniel 12:10 NIV84

Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV84

The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

2 Peter 2:16–18 NIV84

But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—a beast without speech—who spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.

Objection: What about all the hypocrites?

Job 8:13 NIV84

Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless.

Matthew 7:1 NIV84

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

Romans 14:12 NIV84

So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Objection: If a person is doing the best he can, God will accept him. Sincerity is what counts.

,

John 3:18 NIV84

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 3:18

John 3:36 NIV84

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

;

Romans 3:23 NIV84

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23 NIV84

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hebrews 2:3 NIV84

how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.

Objection: Surely there is more than one way.

;

John 11:25 NIV84

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;

John 14:6 NIV84

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

Objection: There is too much to give up.

Psalm 116:12 NIV84

How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?

Mark 8:36 NIV84

What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

Luke 18:29–30 NIV84

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.”

Objection: I will probably become a follower of Jesus some day.

Proverbs 27:1 NIV84

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Isaiah 55:6 NIV84

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

Matthew 24:44 NIV84

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV84

For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Objection: There are so many things in the Bible I can’t understand” or “I must wait until I understand more.

Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV84

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.

Romans 11:33 NIV84

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

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1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV84

The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV84

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Objection: I’m really not such a bad person.

Genesis 6:5 NIV84

The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.

1 Kings 8:46 NIV84

“When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to his own land, far away or near;

Proverbs 20:9 NIV84

Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?

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Isaiah 53:6 NIV84

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 64:6 NIV84

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

Romans 3:23 NIV84

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Galatians 3:22 NIV84

But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

1 John 1:8 NIV84

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Objection: Maybe we’ll get another chance after we die.

Luke 16:19–31 NIV84

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”

Hebrews 9:27 NIV84

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,

Objection: I’m too sinful to be saved. God won’t accept me.

Mark 2:17 NIV84

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

John 3:17 NIV84

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Romans 5:8 NIV84

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Timothy 1:15 NIV84

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.