from objection to assimilation common barriers, objections, & questions guidelines for effective...

From ObjectionTo Assimilation

Common Barriers, Objections, & QuestionsGuidelines for Effective Response

Crucial Responses

• To the gospel itself

• To doctrines/tenets of Christian faith

• To sensitive moral issues

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Concepts FromGoing Public With Your Faith

William Peel & Walt Larimore

Two Harmful Attitudes

1. Anti-intellectual attitude– Those opposed to a “thinking” Christianity

– Those threatened by contrary perspectives

2. Naïve reliance on “reasonable” answers– Explanations are not magic wands

– Distinction between “pat” answers and reasoned understanding



Recognitions

• Objections are not necessarily negative signs

• Objective of the evangelical engagement If being right becomes more important than helping one come closer to Jesus…we have lost sight of main objective in the redemptive relationship. [p 170]

The Lost are not our enemy…they are captives of the

Enemy [p 171]



Breaking Barriers to Belief

1. Misperceptions

– Distortions about God, Christianity, Jesus,

and Salvation

• From poor examples

• From bad teaching

• From natural fears

Concepts FromBecoming a Contagious Christian

Bill Hybels


2. Intellectual Roadblocks– General Strategy

• Help them realize bankruptcy of alternative beliefs• Help them see by contrast, the superiority of

Christian beliefs

– Common intellectual roadblocks• Biblical credibility • Logic of faith • Problem of evil • Christianity vs. science


Bill Hybels


3. Moral Misgivings

– Impenetrable logic may be unconvincing

– Multiple behavioral issues people cling to

– Responding to possible “smoke screens”


Bill Hybels

Socratic Evangelism:Disarming Technique of Truth Discovery

• Questions posed to unpack the other person’s own perspectives / logic

• Examples of Jesus in Socratic Evangelism– Taxes to Caesar? Matt. 22:17, 20

– Heal on Sabbath? Matt. 12:10-12

– Good teacher? Mark 10:17-18



Socratic Evangelism:Communicates positive, non-threatening messages

• I value your opinion– Tell me what you think

• I’m not trying to cram this down your throat– Let’s compare and see if we can come to a common

understanding

• I want to understand what you are really asking– I value your concerns, and want to be certain what the

issue is for you



Socratic Evangelism:Three categories of questions

1. Questions of clarification

• What do you mean by that?

2. Questions of justification for one’s beliefs

– How did you arrive at that conclusion?

3. Questions of consideration

– Have you ever considered?



Three Principles for Truth-Tellers

1. Use the Bible itself whenever you can Prayer: Mark 9:24

Promise: Matthew 7:7-8; Jeremiah 29:13

2. Balance truth with graceColossians 4:3-6

3. Balance knowledge with humility1 Corinthians 8:1-2



General guidelines for responding

1. Don’t react negatively (never argue)

2. Don’t get discouraged

3. Acknowledge the value of doubt

4. Confess your own ignorance

5. Don’t discount the experience/belief of others

6. Don’t treat non-Christians like the enemy

7. Turn an objection into a faith story



General guidelines for responding

8. Learn basic answers that defend the Faith

– Master the general areas of objections / questions

– Know where to find answers to questions others are

asking



Resources for responding to questions• Search Ministries: [http://www.searchnational.org/]

– The Search for Meaning, (Audio source)– I’m Glad You Asked, Ken Boa and Larry Moody

• Apologetic Books– The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict, Josh McDowell– The Case for Faith, Lee Strobel

• Personal Evangelism Books– How to Give Away Your Faith, Paul Little [pp. 110-127]– Witnessing Without Fear, Bill Bright [pp. 148-151]– Share Jesus Without Fear, William Fay [pp. 153-181]– Evangelism Explosion, James Kennedy [pp. 149-182]– The Case for Christianity, C.S. Lewis



Seven Archetypical Questions 1. What about the heathen?

2. Is Christ the only way to God?

3. Why do the innocent suffer?

4. How can miracles be possible?

5. Isn’t the Bible full of errors?

6. Isn’t Christian experience only psychological?

7. Won’t a good, moral life get me to heaven?

Concepts FromHow to Give Away Your Faith

Paul E. Little

From ObjectionTo Assimilation

Conversion Follow-up

Spiritual Life Start-up Investments

• Face the obstacles

• Recognize the process of growth

• Minimum Daily Requirements

– Learning God’s Word

– Responsible involvement in serving others

– Worship through knowing/responding to God

– Community with others in Christ

– Evangelism that passes on grace received



A “Little” Advice for Follow-up

• Provide the big picture

• Direct them to spiritual food

• Offer assurance of salvation based on God’s promises

• Help them learn how to deal with sin in their lives

• Help them maintain healthy relationships with non-

Christians

• Help them find Christian fellowship/community

Concepts FromHow to Give Away Your Faith

Paul E. Little

Follow-up for Dummies1. Affirmation of salvation

– Saving faith is a secure faith

Rev. 3:20; 1 John 5:11-13; 18-20; John 10:27-30

2. Explanation of regeneration

– New creation: 2 Corinthians 5:17

– New born child: 1 Peter 2:2-5

– Growing disciple: John 15:4-8

Concepts Adapted FromABC’s of Evangelism

Stan Toler

Follow-up for Dummies

3. Prescription for conversion

– Faithful obedience to God’s commands: 1 John 1:5-7

– Regular study of the Bible: 2 Timothy 2:15

– Commitment to prayer: 1 Thessalonians 5:17

– Regular fellowship in community of worship: Heb 10:25

– Public confession of your salvation: Matt. 10:32-33; John 1:41

– Baptism as witness to your new Faith: Mk 16:16; Rom. 6:1-4

Concepts Adapted FromABC’s of Evangelism

Stan Toler

from objection to assimilation common barriers, objections, & questions guidelines for effective...

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