How is the Gospel put across in a modern world ?

Question

There is a lot of talk in churches here in Scotland about "Presenting the Gospel" but if you are on a bus and chatting to a stranger and want to tell him/her the gospel how do is that done in a short space of time without sounding all pious and religious. How do I put it across in everyday language that "Joe Bloggs" can understand ?

Please could you avoid answers like "the Holy Spirit will do it for you", I would like real life answers for this question please.

Thanks in advance for your replies

Andy

Answer 1

Good question and one that time doesn't allow a full answer (kinda like your hypothetical situation!)

I think different types of evangelism are effective - everything from preaching with a bible on a street corner to sharing a cup of coffee with a friend....

but you gotta take the situation, relax, and simply let God make Himself to be known..... but there are things we can do to better equip ourselves to make the most of every opportunity...

1. look for open questions - opportunities to share your faith, your testimony.
2. know your bible - be ready to give an answer to hard questions
3. show interest in the other person.
4. realize that your part in his salvation might just be to plant a little seed, maybe a little thought, and someone else will water it and cause it to grow
5. carry a little tract, a booklet, a pamphlet with you that you could give the other person
6. leave your card with the person, inviting him to coffee, to your home
7. and pray - pray that god will help you be effective, pray for the person. pray before you step on the bus. pray for the person when you get home.
7. finally - relax. let the love of Christ do its work. laugh. more people are attracted to honey than vinegar. It is not your job to save anybody. It is your job to shine for Jesus.

god bless!

Answer 2

You can only do what you can. Ask a question for which the answer is in the Bible. That's the simplest and quickest way. However, it has to be done subtly. Ask an innocuous question first - about the weather or about your (and their immendiate environment). This is an icebreaker. Then ask a question or make a statement about some local news. If they respond, you can carry on by suggesting that the answer is in the Bible. A word of warning, though: most people do not respond too well. You only have to look at some questions and answers on YA - 'religion and spirituallity' to see that.

You could try asking direct questions about the bible on YA. You will get many varied answers.

However, I can only personally recommend doing it the way God commands. God is already having a systematic worldwide work Bible witnessing blessed, and you may be better looking to join that work. However, you may feel more comfortable doing it the way you're looking for.

Try this web site for further information.

Answer 3

Well Andy, I beleive that to just bring the subject up is more a violation of a stranger's personal belief system than what was the actual intent behind the idea of presenting the Gospel.
I have seen the exceptions, with someone for a strong burden on their heart to be moved to speak with a stranger, and then the words do just flow.
Also for some this is a gift, to just be able to go & begin preaching on a street corner or striking uup a conversation in a way that is both comfortable and respectable. But I feel that those are specific callings and gifts, recognizable in part by the ability to connect and encourage rather than to put off. As a Christian myself, I do not believe it is either sensitive or respectful to otherwise attempt to just spout your views on so intimate a topic with a complete stranger.
We are called to live out the gospel in such a way as to draw others to the love of Christ.
Charging in like a bull in a China shop is not what is meant.
Follow after the example of God himself, He never forces himself on anyone, and neither should we assume that our faith makes it acceptable for us to do so. He has the authority to do so, as in some examples from Scripture because He can see into a man's heart. We cannot, and can therefore do more damage than good by insisting on foisting our faith on someone who's respect and trust we have not earned.
On the other hand, nothing to stop you from silently praying for people who's paths you cross. You will never know this side of Heaven how much power those prayers can have on behalf of someone.Kudos to you for asking such a thoughtful question. The tenderness of Christ is evident in such an attitude.

Answer 4

The Gospel of Jesus has been absorbed into the modern legal codes of the West, found it's way into the structures of many of our modern institutions and interpersonal interactions.
It continues to flourish with additions such as the Declaration of Rights, The Geneva Convention and the Human Rights Act.
It is still conveyed in it's more traditional form through Religion, but for me the Enlightenment and the birth of the Age of Reason represent a huge leap in the acceptance of His Gospel by humankind.
On a personal level one American said:
"Children will never be very good at doing what their elders tell them to do, but rarely fail to copy them."
So in my opinion, example is the best form of preaching.
I am very wary about recommending the powers of the Advertising (Propaganda) Industry. Sometimes I feel they understand human psychology more thoroughly than the clinicians.
So as for 'The Gospel', don't preach it, be it. Be courteous, considerate and loving. Talk about practical things and the things in This world. etc.

Answer 5

Hi there.

We Christians can often be guilty of speaking in our own language of "Christianese" when witnessing to the unsaved. We need to learn the art of conveying the truth concerning sin, judgement, God, Jesus, salvation, etc. in terminology that can be understood by "the man on the street". However, we must not fall into the trap of redefining the message in our well - intentioned attempts to witness. Remember that the Bible says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17), not by hearing some watered - down, health & wealth "Jesus wants to tweak your life" pseudo -gospel.

Andy, I'm afraid that if you faithfully communicate the true message of salvation to others (including what the Bible says about sin) then you will inevitably cause offence. People will consider you to be coming across "all pious and religious" even if you genuinely witness with meekness and respect. Light exposes darkness and some people will react to that in an adverse way. Just goes with the territory.

I think that a lot of professing Christians who use this site would considerably enhance their "witness" and honour God if they were to practice politeness in sharing their faith with others. Exercising more restraint in the face of insults, etc. would be appropriate. Still, even such behaviour will not prevent the Lord from getting His work done (although it could hinder it).

Might I kindly suggest that you spend more time clariyfying what you believe and then work on translating those beliefs into everyday terms that you can share with others. This may sound strange, but I often preach sermons in my head and imagine scenarios where I am witnessing to others, what questions they would ask, etc. Peter says that we should always be prepared to share with people (1 Peter 3:15), so perhaps this is one way of doing that.

May God bless you.

Feel free to check out my 360.

Answer 6

The gospel is put accross in a modern world by modern people like you who see Christ in a modern way. Let me explain.

These days people do not realy have time to sit and listen to you for a very long time preaching the gospel, but words like GOD LOVES YOU, to a bystander could go a long way setting up the thinking faculty of the person. the man may come back to you then you will have a good time explaining what you mean.

Sharing tracts are helpful. You can walk in to a work house where every body is busy, stuff tracts into the work cloths of coleagues. You can smile at somebody and say I AM HAPPY TODAY. you can tell your friends CHRIST DIED FOR YOU.

These are simple words that could set precedence to the Word of God being preached to Gods people.

They are modern. These are not the way Christ did his preaching.

It takes Gods grace to PREACH TO them this way, and God can convert them if you do them this way. TRY THEM!!

Answer 7

I know this: If the person next to me on the bus started preaching gospel at me, I'd change seats.

I don't think there IS a way to put it across without sounding pious and religious (read holier-than-thou zealot).

Why don't you let people go to the churches if they want to be introduced to the gospel? Otherwise, respect their privacy.

Answer 8

As an American preacher I can tell you that the simplest way is to ask the person if you can pray for him. If he says yes, then ask Jesus to come into his heart and wash him clean with God's saving grace. Say your prayer in the name of Jesus. Keep it simple and short. The Holy Spirit will have done the work for you without a lot of confusing theology from you. The fact that the other person has allowed you to strike up a conversation with him/her leading to pray shows that the Holy Spirit is in your presence. I pray that this is a help to you.

Answer 9

simple. You need not give big lecture on gospel in the bus or on the way . Just giving a smile,and humble behavior you have passed on the message. A true christian is a smiling christian. Every day plan to do a good deed and the message is passed on to atleast one person.

Answer 10

A drunken man got on the bus late one night, staggered up the aisle,
and sat next to an elderly woman who was clutching a Bible.

The woman, who happened to be on her way home from church, looked
the wayward drunk up and down and said, "I've got news for
you, Mister. You're going straight to hell!"

The man jumped up out of his seat and shouted with obvious pain in
his voice, "OH, Man, I'm on the wrong bus AGAIN!"