The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! 1. Two ears to hear with(Hear) 2. One spirit to listen with(Illuminate) 3. One heart to love with(Uncover) 4. One mouth to speak with(Build) Each with a message & small group discussion A Great Commission Series

One spirit to listen with Testimony? Dont miss your small group discussion this week! The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people!

(B) TEXT: Jesus and Nathanael John 1:43-51 One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people!

Who is Nathaniel? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (B) TEXT: John 1:43-51

Who is Nathaniel? V47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false. How do you know me? Nathanael asked? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (B) TEXT: John 1:43-51

Who is Nathaniel? V48b-49 Jesus answered, I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you. Then Nathanael declared, Rabbi, you are the son of God; you are the King of Israel. One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (B) TEXT: John 1:43-51

(1) God works with us in ministry (2) We need to take initiative to engage people in conversation One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (B) TEXT: John 1:43-51

(C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people!

We are increasingly talking across cultures, for we have a Christian worldview, but the world has an increasingly postmodern one. One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

We are increasingly talking across cultures, for we have a Christian worldview, but the world an increasingly postmodern one. A conversational approach to evangelism is a method that is particularly suiting our times. One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

The question game? You may only ask questions The conversation must make sense First person to make a statement is out

VIDEO: The Columbo Tactic By Gregory Koukl One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people!

The Columbo Tactic in summary: Question 1: What do you mean by…? This seeks to clarify WHAT they believe Question 2: What led you to that conclusion? This seeks to clarify WHY they believe that Question 3: Have you considered that…? This seeks to redirect to / illuminate a different way of thinking

Six benefits of asking questions before talking: 1. …it creates space for you to listen to them before you speak

Six benefits of asking questions before talking: 1. …it creates space for you to listen to them before you speak 2. …it creates space for you to listen to God before you speak

Six benefits of asking questions before talking: 1. …it creates space for you to listen to them before you speak 2. …it creates space for you to listen to God before you speak 3. …it potentially opens an ongoing conversation

Six benefits of asking questions before talking: 1. …it creates space for you to listen to them before you speak 2. …it creates space for you to listen to God before you speak 3. …it potentially opens an ongoing conversation 4. …it returns the onus of proof to them, if they have criticised

Six benefits of asking questions before talking: 1. …it creates space for you to listen to them before you speak 2. …it creates space for you to listen to God before you speak 3. …it potentially opens an ongoing conversation 4. …it returns the onus of proof to them, if they have criticised 5. …it is non-threatening – you can even disagree without ever disagreeing

Six benefits of asking questions before talking: 1. …it creates space for you to listen to them before you speak 2. …it creates space for you to listen to God before you speak 3. …it potentially opens an ongoing conversation 4. …it returns the onus of proof to them, if they have criticised 5. …it is non-threatening – you can even disagree without ever disagreeing 6. …it can cause them to reevaluate their beliefs

Example 1 : All religions lead to God One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 1 : All religions lead to God Sour note / Truth to consider: 1. The religions are fundamentally different in what they say about Salvation One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 1 : All religions lead to God For example, how is salvation found? In Islam it comes by belief in Allah, Muhammad his prophet, and good works. In Hinduism it comes by overcoming karma and incarnations by good works. In Buddhism it comes by getting rid of all desires through the eight-fold path. In Christianity it comes by faith alone in Christ alone. (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 1 : All religions lead to God Possible questions: 1. What do you mean by that? (Hearing) One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 1 : All religions lead to God Possible questions: 1. What do you mean by that? (Hearing) 2. What led you to that conclusion? (Hearing) One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 1 : All religions lead to God Possible questions: 1. What do you mean by that? (Hearing) 2. What led you to that conclusion? (Hearing) 3. Have you considered that… (Illuminating) …that isnt really logical – I mean all roads dont lead to Rome, right? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 1 : All religions lead to God Possible questions: 1. What do you mean by that? (Hearing) 2. What led you to that conclusion? (Hearing) 3. Have you considered that… (Illuminating) …that isnt really logical – I mean all roads dont lead to Rome, right? If they are all right it actually makes them all wrong, doesnt it? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 1 : All religions lead to God Possible questions: 1. What do you mean by that? (Hearing) 2. What led you to that conclusion? (Hearing) 3. Have you considered that… (Illuminating) …the religions are actually really different – I mean, in Islam we are saved by belief and good works, in Hinduism by good works, in Buddhism by getting rid of desire, but in Christianity by faith in Jesus? What do you make of that? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 1 : All religions lead to God Possible questions: 1. What do you mean by that? (Hearing) 2. What led you to that conclusion? (Hearing) 3. Have you considered that… (Illuminating) …that something might actually be true? I mean, do you think a God actually exists? How can you know that? Why do you believe that? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 1 : All religions lead to God Possible questions: 1. What do you mean by that? (Hearing) 2. What led you to that conclusion? (Hearing) 3. Have you considered that… (Illuminating) 4. Could I share with you what Christians actually believe? (Bridging) One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 2: It doesnt matter what you believe, so long as it makes you a better person One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 2: It doesnt matter what you believe, so long as it makes you a better person Sour note / Truth to consider: 1. If God turned out to actually exist it would matter what you believe One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 2: It doesnt matter what you believe, so long as it makes you a better person Possible questions: 1. What do you mean by better person? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 2: It doesnt matter what you believe, so long as it makes you a better person Possible questions: 1. What do you mean by better person? 2. What led you to believe beliefs dont matter? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 2: It doesnt matter what you believe, so long as it makes you a better person Possible questions: 1. What do you mean by better person? 2. What led you to believe beliefs dont matter? 3. Have you ever considered… …one of the religions could be true? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 2: It doesnt matter what you believe, so long as it makes you a better person Possible questions: 1. What do you mean by better person? 2. What led you to believe beliefs dont matter? 3. Have you ever considered… …one of the religions could be true? …what the religions actually say? (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 2: It doesnt matter what you believe, so long as it makes you a better person Possible questions: 1. What do you mean by better person? 2. What led you to believe beliefs dont matter? 3. Have you ever considered… …one of the religions could be true? …what the religions actually say? For example… (implications of beliefs) …so, what we believe does matter, doesnt it? (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 2: It doesnt matter what you believe, so long as it makes you a better person Or these questions… 1. So, do you think that all religions make you a better person? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 2: It doesnt matter what you believe, so long as it makes you a better person Or these questions… 1. So, do you think that all religions make you a better person? 2. Why do you think that? What led you to that conclusion? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 2: It doesnt matter what you believe, so long as it makes you a better person Or these questions: … 1. Do, do you think that all religions make you a better person? 2. Why do you think that? What led you to that conclusion? 3. Have you considered that… …the religions dont define good the same way? For example, WWII Germany, or Communism… One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 2: It doesnt matter what you believe, so long as it makes you a better person Or these questions… 4. So you think a standard or right and wrong exists? - How high is that standard? - Who sets it? - How do you measure up according to that standard? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 2: It doesnt matter what you believe, so long as it makes you a better person Or these questions… 5. Can you see that we actually have a moral problem that could have far reaching implications in eternity…? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 2: It doesnt matter what you believe, so long as it makes you a better person Or these questions… 6. Im a Christian. Could I share with you what Christians believe? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 3: All the religious leaders say essentially the same thing One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 3: All the religious leaders say essentially the same thing Sour note / Truth to consider: 1. The religions are fundamentally different in the most important areas One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 3: All the religious leaders say essentially the same thing As one person put it, all the religions are essentially the same, except for the area of God and salvation and the problem of man and the afterlife and that kind of stuff. It turns out that on the big issues they are very, very different. They cant all be true. Gergory Koukl (Founder and President, Stand to Reason) One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 3: All the religious leaders say essentially the same thing For example: Buddha claimed to be one who pointed the way. Mohummad claimed to merely be a prophet. But Jesus claimed to be God come in flesh, to live a sinless life, to die for the sin of the world, and to be the only way to forgiveness and eternal life. One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 3: All the religious leaders say essentially the same thing Possible questions: 1. What do you mean when you say they are the same? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 3: All the religious leaders say essentially the same thing Possible questions: 1. What do you mean when you say they are the same? 2. What led you to that conclusion? Why do you believe that? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Example 3: All the religious leaders say essentially the same thing Possible questions: 3. Have you considered… … how the religious leaders differ majorly in what they said and claim? For example, are you aware of what Jesus claimed about Himself? One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

Our mission: Every day and in every way to help people take one step closer to Jesus One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (C) APPLICATION: Illuminating Conversations

(D) CONCLUDING PERSPECTIVES 1. What we believe really does matter One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people!

1. What we believe really does matter Did you know that while 85% of Americans self- identify themselves as Christians… …Only 6% of them said moral truth was absolute. The Barna Update 2002 One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (D) CONCLUDING PERSPECTIVES

1. What we believe really does matter …57% of evangelical Church attendees believed many religions could lead to eternal life. Pew Forum (America) on Religion and Public Life One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (D) CONCLUDING PERSPECTIVES

1. What we believe really does matter It will be impossible for us to share our faith with others with conviction, and to persevere in such, if we do not actually believe what the Bible says. One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (D) CONCLUDING PERSPECTIVES

1. What we believe really does matter [Evidences] - The need for a God to create first life - Amazing fine-tuning of the universe… - Outstanding complexities discovered in the cell… - The variety and creativity of the created order… - Jesus died– and rose… -…the reliability of the Scriptures… - Prophecies… - Miracles… One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (D) CONCLUDING PERSPECTIVES

1. What we believe really does matter For since the creation of the world Gods invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Roman 1:20 One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (D) CONCLUDING PERSPECTIVES

2. It doesnt take much to share How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Romans 10:14 One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (D) CONCLUDING PERSPECTIVES

2. It doesnt take much to share All we need is to have established basic respect and trust – and sometimes that only takes a minute or two. One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! One spirit to listen with The Method of our Mission Series He talked with people! (D) CONCLUDING PERSPECTIVES

Your response ? Dont miss your small group discussion this week!