Understanding the Power of Asking Questions when Sharing the Gospel
At Hope Summit, we are witnessing a beautiful movement of faith as more individuals are stepping forward to embrace Jesus as their Savior. This week, we continue our "Gospeler" series, focusing on the importance of sharing the gospel. Today, we delve into the art of asking questions and how it can pave the way for meaningful conversations about faith.
Why Asking Questions Matters
Asking questions is a powerful tool in sharing the gospel. It shows genuine interest in the other person's beliefs and experiences, creating a foundation of trust and openness. When we ask questions, we communicate that we value their perspective and are not just interested in pushing an agenda.
In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation, blessing all peoples on earth through him. This passage highlights God's desire to bless humanity and reestablish His connection with us. As gospelers, we are called to be a blessing to others, sharing the good news of Jesus.
The BLESS Acronym
To help us share our faith effectively, we use the BLESS acronym:
B - Be in prayer
L - Listen to their story.
E - Eat together, building a relationship.
S - Serve them or allow them to serve you.
S - Share your story and Jesus' story.
Listening and asking questions are integral parts of this process, helping us understand where the person is spiritually and how best to share the gospel with them.
Jesus' Example
Jesus was a master at asking questions. Throughout the gospels, He asked 183 questions and answered directly only a few times. This approach allowed Him to engage deeply with people, understanding their hearts and guiding them towards truth.
Quick to Listen
In our world today there is an abundance of opinions and information. What if Christians became known for being quick listeners instead of quick with our opinions or even how we believe we have the answer? James 1:19 tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. When Gospelers ask good questions, they show they are more interested in the person than being heard. The Gospeler’s first job is to love those they want to reach with the Gospel.
Challenge for the Week
This week, I challenge you to identify one person in your life who doesn't know Jesus. Commit to praying for them and look for opportunities to ask meaningful questions about their beliefs and experiences. Focus on listening well and building a genuine relationship.
Reflective Questions
1. Who is one person in your life that you can pray for and engage in meaningful conversation?
2. How can you improve your listening skills to better understand others' perspectives?
3. What questions can you ask to open up a dialogue about faith without making the other person feel pressured?
By following Jesus' example and asking good questions, we can create opportunities for the gospel to take root in people's hearts. Let's be intentional in our interactions, seeking to bless others and share the transformative message of Jesus.