Gospel Conversations

When people share how they came to believe in Jesus Christ, their stories often highlight a particular moment, a striking experience, a meaningful conversation, or a message that powerfully influenced their decision. Most of us who are trying to share the gospel focus on being the facilitator of that specific moment. The question is, was that moment the sole reason for their decision to believe in Jesus? Or did it serve as a final influence of a long, more gradual journey on which the Holy Spirit had been quietly working?

The truth is, before arriving at that specific moment of decision, people are exposed to both supportive and opposing information, experiences, and conversations about the Christian faith for years. These may be small and subtle, but they add to their inner conversations and gradually influence their worldviews and beliefs. Therefore, as you begin to foster witnessing relationships, it is crucial to understand these dynamics to make your role truly influential.

Gradual progression

It appears dramatic and sudden when Jesus calls Peter, James, and John, who left their fishing boat to follow Him, as recorded in Matthew 4:18-22. Then Jesus called Philip, which ultimately led to the calling of Nathaneal. John 1:43-51. If we observe, even before Jesus called them to follow, their hearts and minds were being prepared. The initial followers who went after Jesus were the disciples of John the Baptist, who had heard him speak about the Messiah. Philip and Nathaneal were already looking for the Messiah.

They did not become disciples the moment Jesus called them, but they embarked on a journey toward that. It is uncertain when these individuals made the internal decision to become disciples, but Jesus made the process seamless and gradual. Similarly, for a person to come to a place of decision to believe in Jesus Christ, we need to be intentional and make the process seamless and gradual.

Influence-not information

In this information age, we may believe that people have access to a wide range of information; therefore, it is easier to make decisions about faith, but that is not the case.  Because we all inherit our belief system from our parents and the traditions into which we were born. Some change their belief as they grow; even in such situations, they change primarily due to the people who have a significant influence on them, such as family, friends, teachers, mentors, or those they admire and respect.

The information contributes largely to shaping and reinforcing one's beliefs, rather than forming new ones. For instance, some individuals use scientific findings to defend their atheistic worldviews, while others leverage them to reinforce their belief in God. Therefore, it is not because of what they were taught, but who taught them, that matters.

Tuning into the Inner conversation

Inner conversations, also known as inner monologues, refer to the constant stream of thoughts and self-talk that occurs in the mind. Every experience, encounter, and information contributes to the inner conversations. These shape and refine our worldviews, assumptions, and inner convictions.  Thus, understanding this inner state is essential to positively influencing it. Therefore, the worldview is not primarily about sharing our own beliefs, but  understanding the beliefs, assumptions, and convictions of others. Once you are aware and sensitive to the inner guidance of the Holy Spirit, you will tune in and contribute positively to their inner conversation. Without this awareness, our well-intentioned and prepared efforts may result in alienating them. Even if they criticize our beliefs and debate to defend their stance, the way we respond can have a profound positive impact on their inner conversations, more than what we say.

Adding gospel to the inner Conversation

Most people who are unable to believe in Jesus Christ as Savior know what we believe. Therefore, gospel conversations are not primarily about us talking about Jesus Christ and salvation, but what they experience as they draw closer to us and the aspects that trigger positive gospel conversations. The joy of salvation, the assurance of His abiding presence as we navigate the ups and downs of life, the daily decisions and choices we make, the way we behave, and the hope we exhibit about our eternity with God. These add to their inner conversations and develop a hunger in them. Therefore, the values we exhibit through our lives can have a positive or negative impact on others' perception of the Christian faith.

The Decision- may be through you or because of you

When it comes to the final decision to believe in Jesus Christ, it could be through you or because of you. Paul wrote, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7. Therefore, let us not be anxious about the decision. It can happen at any time and at any place. For some, it may take a shorter time, while for others, it may take years. The decision of someone to follow Jesus Christ is the work of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, your responsibility is to remain a faithful witness and contribute positively to the inner conversation in the minds of those around us.