Two Questions of Every Evangelist

“…Jesus asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’” (Matt. 16:13)
“He said the them, ‘But who do you say that I am?” (Matt. 16:15)
Dear brothers and sister, in this weekly letter, we will reflect on the effectiveness of our conversations, especially on the ability to carry a discussion during personal evangelism.
It’s no secret that many people worry, fear, and perhaps even avoid evangelism for one simple reason—they don’t know how to start or carry on a conversation. Of course, we’d like to consider all the elements of good conversation, but let’s focus on two main questions that will greatly help you in personal evangelism. Put simply, the ability to ask questions is defining trait of an engaging communicator and a captivating storyteller.
The first question, which is fitting for any conversation, dialogue, or debate, is this: “What do you mean by it?”
A very simple yet powerful questions. I causes the person to think more carefully about their words, ideas, or position. Strangely enough, in conversation, people often focus on what the other person is saying, but rarely reflect on their own statements. But this question prompts someone to reformulate their viewpoint—perhaps rephrase it—and that leads to rethinking it altogether. This is extremely important in evangelism! The person you are talking to many have a false understanding of God, but because they have lived with that idea for many years and see others around them think similarly, they have never really analyzed their own position.
The second question is even simpler: “Where did you get that from? What’s the source of that information?” This question helps a person dig into their knowledge “portfolio” and discover where their ideas came from. Surprisingly, many ideas and opinions exist in people’s minds either because of their own imagination or from the so-called “yellow press.” In other words, their information lacks objective date or evidence. It’s often just, “That’s what I think,” or “I heard it somewhere…” And yet, people draw fundamental conclusions based on such shaky grounds—like: “There is no God,” or “Christianity is false,” or “The Bible is full of errors.” Where did they get this from? Answer: “That’s just what I believe.” By asking, “Where did you get that from?” you help a person reflect and return to the root of their faulty logic. That’s what makes this question so valuable.
Friends, we are all learning to communicate. It is both a science (with certain laws and principles) and an art (the ability to express the condition of one’s heart). Let us grow in our ability to have discussions—not only with the people of this world, but also with one another in fellowship, and especially at home, with our children.

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Romans 6:1-14

• Sunday services:
  • Worship Service in Russian at 9:00 AM
  • Worship Service in English at 11:15 AM
  • Evening Service at 6:00 PM (semiannual membership meeting)