Enticing Questions
Summertime always seems to be a greater opportunity to interact with people and engage in gospel conversations.
There’s more light.
There are more people out and about
Environments are more relaxed.
People seem happier and more relational.
Questions are a great way to dialogue with people and learn about who they are and what they think and believe. Some strategic questions can open the door to deeper conversations about the most important part of life...salvation.
Take a look at the following questions and consider how you could use one or more of these questions in your interactions with friends, neighbors, and others you meet this summer:
My favorite question (works 99% of the time) is Do you have any kind of faith background? Or Did you grow up with a faith background? (Follow-up questions could include: How would you describe your overall faith experience? Do you mind sharing what changed for you about your faith? What would motivate you to consider any kind of re-examination of your faith?)
If Christianity were true, would you become a Christian? This question is recommended by Dr. Frank Turek (an apologist and Author & Founder of CrossExamined.org). You can listen to Frank’s thoughts (2:37 video) on why he believes this question is one you should always consider asking unbelievers.
Jesus was a master at asking questions and some were designed to elicit a response about ultimate things:
Do you believe this? Jesus asked this right after He identified Himself this way: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25–26). A simpler way to engage in this type of question is to ask What is your belief about Jesus Christ? Or you could ask it the way Jesus did, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matt. 16:15).
"For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?" (Luke 9:25). Another way of asking this question could be Is there anything in this world that is greater to possess than the gift of eternal life?
What ultimate belief do you have that has most shaped your life? Another question could be What belief do you have about life and beyond that has most influenced how you choose to live your life? Or What gives meaning and purpose to your life?
Be looking for opportunities to transition your friendly discussions with some good thought-provoking questions that may open gospel doors, or at least put a stone in someone’s shoe to make them think.
Pastor Jeff