Start Spiritual Conversations by Sticking to the Basics

“It’s best to remain silent and be thought of a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.”

“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” (Proverbs 17:28)

If silence is golden then why do I tend to open my mouth and remove all doubt about being a fool?

Perhaps that is one of several reasons why evangelism is so dangerous. Proclaiming the wisdom of the gospel is considered foolish by the world.

Due to historically high levels of biblical illiteracy, growing political division, and a promoted cultural ideology that elevates the progression of human wisdom over God, the fields are being filled with suffocating thorns and weeds. Unbelieving neighbors and acquaintances may be assuming that Christian believers are out-of-touch, uncaring, and intolerant. Instead of the Word being the double-edged sword that separates, silent believers are allowing untruths and hyperbole do the separating for them.

How can Christians begin to communicate the most important message a lost soul will ever hear? A way to start spiritual conversations is by sticking to the basics.

Witnessing does not need to step on cultural landmines that destroys well-meaning opportunities. We keep doors open to share the gospel by being steadfastly concerned about winning souls through the power of the Word rather than defending a political stance.

Cultures and political ideologies shift and change, but God is unchangeable. His Word is the same. His Word still works.

When starting a conversation with a person who does not know Christ, always bring conversations back to Christ and what he has done.

This is the strategy that was employed by a monk five hundred years ago who tackled the culture and the teachings of the church.

Widespread religious lunacy punctuated by the selling of indulgences dominated the culture of the early 16th century. Uplifting man’s ability to save themselves and their loved ones from hell through the purchasing of indulgences was a church-sponsored way to raise money. The possibility that the forgiveness of sins was attainable outside of God’s grace cloaked the world with spiritual darkness until God raised up a monk to confront it. Martin Luther boldly declared “Sola Scriptura” – God’s Word – as being the only way and the truth to receive righteousness from God. Faith alone saves sinful men and women. Faith alone through the power of the Word declares that all people are justified by faith.

Even before the Reformation, the church fathers provided a plum line for Truth. The Apostles Creed serves as a basis for confession and the proclamation of the orthodox Christian faith by teaching:

Christ really died.
Christ really rose from the dead.
God the Father has really accepted his Son’s work on our behalf.
Our sins are really atoned for in full.
A real heaven awaits those who trust in God’s promises.

This is the core message of the gospel – the essential doctrine of the Christian faith. The creed is a simple explanation of who Jesus is and why.

Spiritual conversations are risky, but I don’t believe a discerning tongue in today’s climate can remain silent. People don’t know that they don’t know. They need the Truth.

It’s worth remaining a fool and removing all doubt that Jesus lives. Eternity in heaven depends on receiving this message.