41203 Conversations That Matter

Introduction

Jesus often used a mix of probing and rhetorical questions in talking to people. Questions can be a great springboard into the Gospel! Some questions Jesus employed in conversations were:

Informational Questions

“Who do people say I am?” Mark 8:27.
“Who do you say I am?” Mark 8:29

Discerning Questions

Mark 8:5: “And (Jesus) ask them, ‘How many loaves do you have?’ They said, ‘Seven.’” Jesus asked questions to gather information. Most people love to talk about themselves. Sometimes, the more we know about a person, it can be easier to know how to share the gospel or our personal testimony.
Matthew 16:15: “(Jesus) said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’” We may ask in a given situation as we get to know them better, “What do you think? Or “What is your opinion?”

Corresponding Questions

Mark 10:3 “(Jesus) answered them, ‘What did Moses command you?’” You can ask a person what they think something means such as have them read: Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ask them, “What does this say to you?” Bill Fay in his book, Share Jesus Without Fear employs this method. He asks the person to read the scripture aloud and then asks them “what does this say or mean to you. Jesus said: “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” (Luke 10:26).

Using Conversations to Share the Gospel

We have conversations daily about many things (i.e. sports, finances, work, children, school, etc.).
Conversations share ideas, interests and concerns and form deeper relationships.
Conversations build trust and friendships with people.

Why Use Questions?

It shows people that you care about them.
It focuses attention on their needs; not on you and your needs.
It helps you to know and understand their fears, hurts, concerns, and needs in life.

Illustration

Questions serve like a meat thermometer: What is the Lord doing in this person’s life.

Some Other Questions That Open Conversations (consider memorizing 2 to 3 of these questions).

Do you have any kind of spiritual belief?
At what point are you in your spiritual journey in life?
Do you go to church anywhere?
When you and I leave this planet, what do you think is on the other side?
Do you believe that God exists and that you can know Him personally?
Do you consider yourself a good person?
What if any has God ever played in your life?
On a scale of 1 to 100, how would you rate you certainty of going to Heaven?
Do you ever wonder about life after death.
Has anyone ever taken the time to explain how a personal relationship with God is possible?
What do you think are the general entrance requirements into Heaven?
If you were to die tonight, how sure are you that you would go to Heaven?
If you were to die tonight, and God were to ask you, ‘Why should I let you into heaven?’ what would you say to God? Or “If you were to die tonight, do you know where you would spend eternity?” (Dr. Bill Bright, the Founder of Campus Crusade for Christ would ask people)
Is there anything that would prevent you from trusting in Christ right now?
A simple question to ask using the Four Spiritual Laws is: “Have you heard of the Four Spiritual Laws?” Most people will say “no”. Then say: “This changed my life completely. Over 2 billion people have heard of the 4 Spiritual Laws since it came out. Basically, it contains 4 points on how to know God personally. May I briefly share it with you?”

Questions # 11, 12, 13 are questions that are used in the Evangelism Explosion method of evangelism.

Helpful Questions to ask when people go through Trials (Questioning Evangelism by Randy Newman)

What have you found helpful in handling such difficult things?
Do you have the kind of faith that has helped you deal with this?
What has brought you hope during this trial?
Would you mind if I prayed with you right now?”
Some Good Question Starters:
- Do you ever think about spiritual things?
- At what point are you in your spiritual journey?
- Do you ever ponder about life after death?
- Has anyone ever taken the time to explain to you how a personal relationship with God is possible?
- Are there any dangling questions that would prevent you from trusting in Christ right now?

Bill Fay’s book, Share Jesus Without Fear has 5 Main Questions

Do you have any kind of spiritual belief?
To you, who is Jesus Christ?
Do you think that there is a Heaven or Hell?
If you died, where would you go? If they say “heaven” ask “Why” or “Why would God let you in?”
If what you are believing is not true, would you want to know?

To the Atheist or Skeptic

“Do you think it is possible that God could exist outside of your realm of experience?”
To the Agnostic: “There are two main categories of an agnostic. One who says, “I don’t know and I don’t care” or the other one who says, “I don’t know but I’m willing to find out.” Which one are you?