Mu 201: Dealing with Tough Questions. Tough Questions May come from a tough crowd. Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick”

Mu 201: Dealing with Tough Questions

Tough QuestionsMay come from a tough crowd.Jesus said, “It is not the healthywho need a doctor, but the sick” (Matthew

9:12).We need to introduce Jesus to

The unhappyThe difficult

Opposition to Christianity

American CultureThis is a post-Christian nation.Over 100 million unchurched in US– 1990: 86% self-identified as “Christian”– 2008: 76%

But only 6% hold Christian beliefs!

2008 American Religious Identification Survey & The Barna Group

Cultural OppositionReligious apathyCriticism towards ChristianityAttack from mediaRelativity versus truth

Growth of Non-Christians

Buddhism Muslims Eastern Relgions Atheists Agnostic

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

2

1990

2008

0.4 0.5

0.700000000000001

0.9

1.2

2

1.5

2

1.6

2

19902008

228 million total Americans American Religious Identification Survey 2008

Growth of Non-Christians

No Religion

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

1990

20084

12

19902008

228 million total Americans American Religious Identification Survey 2008

Media CriticismAmerican media conveys Christians as

MindlessJudgmentalScandalous

Christianity in the Media

“It’s All Relative.”

“Truth is relative.”

Whether you are Muslim or Christian, you will attain your believed outcome.

The Concept:One God, many paths to reaching him.

A STEADFAST GOD

“It’s All Relative.”The Bible says there is one truth.

Open to John 14:6.

Christ is the way, the truth and the life – the only way to heaven –

The one who has removed our sins.

“It’s All Relative.”Open to Hebrews 13:8-9.

Jesus will not change. He is the same - yesterday, today and forever.

God does not adapt to society.We must adapt to Him.

Other ReligionsGod purposefully places us in lives to shed

light:"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.”

Matthew 5:14-1

“WHY DO YOU ASK?”

Identifying the root of a question

“Why Do You Ask?”When someone asks a spiritual

question, first respond with, “Why do you ask?”

This will help youget to the root of their question.form an appropriate, sensitive answer.

“Why Do You Ask?”Listen intently to identify their emotions. Anger may be a guise for pain. Empathize: Jesus does! Read Hebrews 4:15.

See them as people God wants to save – not your enemy. They are rejecting God – not you.

Read Luke 10:26.

Law or Gospel?Based on their answer, determine which path.

Law: God’s demand of perfection in what we do.– The Law accuses and condemns.

Gospel” God’s gift of forgiveness.– The Gospel only give. It doesn’t demand.

How to Determine Law or GospelIs this the decision- making stage?– Law

Is this after the fact?– Gospel

“Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”

TOUGH QUESTIONS ARE GOOD!

They reveal interest versus apathy.

Our ResponseThoughtful and informativeLoving and mercifulsincere

When You Don’t Know an AnswerDon’t give up!

We cannot answer every objection a person can generate.Not knowing is a good excuse to schedule a second meeting.

When You Don’t Know an AnswerDon’t make it up!

Respond with:“That’s a good question. I’d like to learn the

answer, too. Let’s find it together.”Look together in Scripture for the answer. – This will connect them with Gods’ Word.

When You Don’t Know an AnswerIf you can’t find an answer, ask:

“May I look into it and get back to you?”Bridge back to the Gospel!

“I don’t have all the answers; but I do know what Jesus has done in my life. May I share with you?”

Use SensitivityBe sensitive.Be respectful – not condescending.– They don’t speak church-ese.

They may not disagree; they may not understand. i.e. “sin”

Avoiding ConflictFollow James 1:19

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Be a good listenerThink before you speakDon’t get pulled into an argument.

Conversations Gone WrongNot every witnessing scenario will result in

“Yes!”– Sometimes you plant a seed.– Sometimes you reap the harvest.

It’s okay not have answers to all their questions.

It may train you for the next conversation.

Spiritual WarfareThe devil will do anything to keep the

kingdom from advancing.

Do not allow objections, tough questions or personal insecurities to keep you from sharing the Gospel.

Spiritual WarfareRead 2 Timothy 1:7.

Ask God to give you His power. Combat the devil by sharing the Gospel.

Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.Be on the offense through the Word!Know the Bible. Speak the Bible.