During the holiday season, many of us have more opportunities to be with non-believers than at other times of the year. Office parties, family get-togethers and neighborhood socials all provide times for us to see more unbelievers than we usually might.
And very often, we desire to turn those visits into gospel opportunities — chances to clearly explain the truth of God’s salvation. But that’s where we often also get stuck — how can we turn a conversation to gospel truth?
Don Whitney has published a number of articles about how to turn these ordinary kinds of occasions into gospel-giving opportunities.
Here are ten questions that he suggests to start a gospel conversation at Christmas:
- What’s the best thing that’s happened to you since last Christmas?
- What was your best Christmas ever? Why?
- What’s the most meaningful Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
- What was the most appreciated Christmas gift you’ve ever given?
- What was your favorite Christmas tradition as a child?
- What is your favorite Christmas tradition now?
- What do you do to try to keep Christ in Christmas?
- Why do you think people started celebrating the birth of Jesus?
- Do you think the birth of Jesus deserves such a nearly worldwide celebration?
- Why do you think Jesus came to earth?
As he has also noted, these questions are not only designed to start the conversation, they are also questions that naturally lead to deeper and more significant conversation about Christ.
As you prepare for these events, keep two more things in mind. First, remember to pray for “divine appointments.” And ask God not only to give you the chance to speak the gospel but that you would be bold in speaking (Eph. 6:19-20 — even Paul needed prayer for boldness to speak the gospel!) and that the hearers would be prepared to hear the truth of Christ.
And secondly, have a simple outline of the gospel in your mind. This is one that is widely used:
- Grace — Heaven and restoration to God is a free gift that is not earned or deserved (Rom. 6:23).
- Man — Man is a sinner who cannot save himself (Rom. 3:23; Eph. 2:8-9).
- God — God is merciful and is compassionate to us even when we sin, but He must punish our sin (Ex. 34:7).
- Christ — Jesus Christ is the infinite God-man who took the punishment from God for our sins and freely offers salvation to us (Jn. 1:1; Is. 53:6)
- Faith — Faith is believing in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness and freedom from sin (Acts 16:31a; Rom. 6:16-17).
Remembering even the five key words grace, man, God, Christ, and faith can help guide you to a clear gospel conversation. [Matthias Media (www.twowaystolive.com) has some excellent resources on presenting and simplifying the gospel.]
As you meet with people this holiday season, be proactive in giving others a reason for the hope that is within you.
Words of Grace 