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Not long after I began teaching at Talbot Seminary in Southern California, I was asked by my department head to attend a seminar on student life in Chicago. As I listened to one of the “learned” speakers who had a theological degree from a famous university, it wasn’t long before I realized this man didn’t have a clue about what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
So, during one of the lunch breaks, I sat with this “Doctor” and started a conversation about salvation, and the gospel message, and the fact that those who don’t become Christians are condemned to an eternity without God. I’ll never forget this religious professor’s response…
“Well, what about the heathen in Africa?”
His question brings up one of the most common fears most people have about sharing their faith. They worry, “What if someone asks me a question that I can’t answer?”
Well, the chances of that happening aren’t too great, for there are only about seven basic questions that non-Christians generally ask as they grapple with the truth of the gospel. And would you believe it — this well — educated man asked the Number One question on the list!
A question for you — Are you like most guys, afraid of the questions that might come your way after you’ve built the bridges and after you’ve developed the friendships? Well, cheer up. Questions are a good thing. Hopefully there will be questions! You should welcome them. Questions are a good sign that the person might want to hear more, and that God might be working in his heart!
Witnessing for Christ is not a one-way street. And reaching out is not a monologue, but a dialogue. Evangelism is listening to other people. It’s understanding their fears and questions. And it’s seeking to give biblical answers.
What we as Christians need to do is have enough compassion to find out the questions our peers have and then go to the Bible for answers. There are only about seven basic questions (or objections) that unbelievers have and ask about. I’ve listed them here. And after each objection, I’ve provided the most basic scriptures that will help you with the answers. My prayer is that you have developed the kinds of friendships with others that will make them feel comfortable asking you one — or even all — of these questions.
1. What about the heathen who never hear the gospel? (Answer: Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:18-20)
2. Is Christ the only way to God? (Answer: John 14:6)
3. Why do the innocent suffer? (Answer: Romans 5:12)
4. How can miracles be possible? (Answer: John 1:1,14; 3:2)
5. Isn’t the Bible full of errors? (Answer: 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
6. Isn’t the Christian experience merely psychological? (Answer: Acts 9; Romans 5:8-10)
7. Won’t a good moral life get me to heaven? (Answer: Galatians 2:16; Titus 3:5; James 2:10)
For more information on this topic,
read A Young Man After God’s Own Heart.