Challenges to Evangelism In A Post Modern World

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Challenges to Evangelism In A Post. Modern World www. Meekness. And. Truth. org

Challenges to Evangelism In A Post. Modern World www. Meekness. And. Truth. org

 The Challenges of Evangelism Today

The Challenges of Evangelism Today

Problems Doing Evangelism in the World We Live in “It is hard to proclaim

Problems Doing Evangelism in the World We Live in “It is hard to proclaim the forgiveness of sins to people who believe that, since morality is relative, they have no sins to forgive. ” Gene Veith, Postmodern Times, p. 16

Obstacles to Evangelism Today The World we Live In • Rejection of moral absolutes

Obstacles to Evangelism Today The World we Live In • Rejection of moral absolutes • The skepticism of our society • An indifference towards truth or rejection of truth Signs of Trouble Have Surfaced Even In The East

Signs of Trouble Have Surfaced Even In The East “Many students don't think that

Signs of Trouble Have Surfaced Even In The East “Many students don't think that there is a standard of right and wrong. Rather, they believe that this is up to the individual. This means they do hold a standard of right and wrong themselves, but they feel that each person's standard of right and wrong differs from the other. ” “Personally, I feel stuck as to how to proceed on with the conversation. It's like saying that this food is nice for me but may not be nice for you. They relegate the standard of right and wrong to personal preference. ”

Signs of Trouble Have Surfaced Even In The East “I find that I'm shaken.

Signs of Trouble Have Surfaced Even In The East “I find that I'm shaken. Not in terms of my faith but in terms of how to answer such questions. ” - Former Student, East Asia School of Theology

There is an intolerance towards those who say there is a bridge they must

There is an intolerance towards those who say there is a bridge they must cross!

Our Problems In Evangelism Are Just the Tip Of the Iceberg

Our Problems In Evangelism Are Just the Tip Of the Iceberg

Our Problems in Evangelism Are Symptoms…Of An Even Greater Problem! “As we approach the

Our Problems in Evangelism Are Symptoms…Of An Even Greater Problem! “As we approach the twenty-first century, It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize that our entire culture is in trouble. We are staring down the barrel of a loaded gun and we can no longer afford to act like it is loaded with blanks. ” J. P. Moreland, Love Your God with All Your Mind, p. 21

A. 1. Evidence of the World’s Impact On Christians Some Christians are losing their

A. 1. Evidence of the World’s Impact On Christians Some Christians are losing their moral compass and embracing moral relativism “ 53% of those who call themselves evangelical Christians believe that there are no absolutes. ” Yet 88% of evangelicals believe that “The Bible is the written word of God and it totally accurate in all it teaches. ” George Barna, The Barna Report: What Americans Believe (Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1991), pp. 83 -85

Evidence of the World’s Impact On Christians 1. Some Christians are losing their moral

Evidence of the World’s Impact On Christians 1. Some Christians are losing their moral compass and embracing moral relativism. 2. Some of our leaders struggle with establishing a biblical worldview framework in their teaching – Just half of all Protestant Senior Pastors (51%) meet the criteria for having a biblical worldview (2004). “The criteria are believing that God is the all-knowing and all- powerful creator of the universe who still rules it today; that Jesus Christ never sinned; that Satan is real; that salvation is received through faith in Christ, not by good deeds; that every follower of Christ has a responsibility to share their faith with non-believers; that the Bible is accurate in all that it teaches; that absolute moral truth exists; and that absolute moral truth is described in the Bible. ” http: //www. barna. org/Flex. Page. aspx? Page=Barna. Update. Narrow&Barna. Update. ID= 177

Evidence of the World’s Impact On Christians 1. 2. Christian lay people are losing

Evidence of the World’s Impact On Christians 1. 2. Christian lay people are losing their moral compass. Some Christian leaders themselves struggle with establishing a biblical Worldview. 3. For some the content of their Christian faith is losing its structure • 72% of born again Christians believe they “personally have a responsibility to tell other people their religious beliefs” Born Again Christians, 2000, George Barna, Barna Web-site Yet only 2 out of every 10 born again Christians (19 percent) knew the meaning of the Great Commission. Half correctly described the content of John 3: 16, and 6 out of 10 knew the meaning of the term “the gospel. ” George Barna, Evangelism that Works, 1995, p. 37

A Misunderstanding Of What is Involved in Biblical Faith “About one out of four

A Misunderstanding Of What is Involved in Biblical Faith “About one out of four (26%) born again Christians believe that it doesn’t matter what faith you follow because they all teach the same lessons. ” Born Again Christians, 2000, George Barna, Barna Web-site

Student, University of Texas at Austin What is her misunderstanding concerning Biblical Faith?

Student, University of Texas at Austin What is her misunderstanding concerning Biblical Faith?

Christianity is Based on a Historical Event “And if Christ has not been raised,

Christianity is Based on a Historical Event “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. ” I Corinthians 15: 14 (NIV) * Biblical faith must have an object to be valid.

Evidence of the World’s Impact On Christians 1. 2. 3. 4. Christian lay people

Evidence of the World’s Impact On Christians 1. 2. 3. 4. Christian lay people are losing their moral compass. Some Christian leaders themselves struggle with establishing a biblical Worldview. For some the content of their Christian faith is losing its structure Some Christians are becoming less certain of their beliefs and more reluctant to share the good news. B. Negative repercussions on church growth

B. Negative repercussions on church growth “How is it possible for a person to

B. Negative repercussions on church growth “How is it possible for a person to be an active member of an evangelical church for twenty or thirty years and still know next to nothing about the history and theology of the Christian religion, the methods and tools required for serious Bible study, and the skills and information necessary to preach and defend Christianity in a post. Christian, neopagan culture? ” J. P. Moreland, Love Your God With All Your Mind, p. 188

Implications For The Church "When a majority of Christian adults…as well as three out

Implications For The Church "When a majority of Christian adults…as well as three out of four born again teens proudly cast their vote for moral relativism, the Church is in trouble. Continuing to preach more sermons, teach more Sunday school classes and enroll more people in Bible study groups won't solve the problem since most of these people don't accept the basis of the principles being taught in those venues. The failure to address this issue at its root, and to do so quickly and persuasively, will undermine the strength of the church for at least another generation, and probably longer. " George Barna, The Barna Update: "Americans Are Most Likely to Base Truth on Feelings" from Feb 12, 2002

II. Understanding Post-Modern Influences and Why Our Christian Foundations Are Being Eroded Away How

II. Understanding Post-Modern Influences and Why Our Christian Foundations Are Being Eroded Away How Did the Church Fall Into This Crisis?

 “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do. ” Psalm

“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do. ” Psalm 11: 3

A World View Shift “…a major cause of our current crisis consists of a

A World View Shift “…a major cause of our current crisis consists of a world view shift from a Judeo-Christian understanding of reality to a post-Christian one. ” - J. P. Moreland, Love Your God with All Your Mind, p. 21

The Tsunami of Post-Modernism

The Tsunami of Post-Modernism

II. Understanding Post-Modern Influences…and Why Our Christian Foundations Are Being Eroded Away. A. Understanding

II. Understanding Post-Modern Influences…and Why Our Christian Foundations Are Being Eroded Away. A. Understanding the three main periods of the history of western thought (Pre-Modern, and Post-Modern)

Historical Development of Western World Views Changing Beliefs Concerning God 1 st Century 17

Historical Development of Western World Views Changing Beliefs Concerning God 1 st Century 17 th Century Pre-modern 19 th Century 19 th-20 th Century Modern Late 21 st Century Postmodern Thomas Oden first suggested that the modern age lasted 200 years < 1789 - 1989 > To understand the modern period we need to understand the pre-modern period. To understand the postmodern period we need to understand the modern period.

Historical Development of Western World Views Changing Beliefs - Theism 1 st Century 17

Historical Development of Western World Views Changing Beliefs - Theism 1 st Century 17 th Century Pre-modern THEISM GOD COSMOS 19 th Century 19 th-20 th Century Modern 20 th Century Late 21 st Century Postmodern

Historical Development of Western World Views Changing Beliefs - Deism 1 st Century 17

Historical Development of Western World Views Changing Beliefs - Deism 1 st Century 17 th Century Pre-modern GOD 19 th-20 th Century Modern THEISM 19 th Century Deism GOD COSMOS 20 th Century Late 21 st Century Postmodern

Historical Development of Western World Views Changing Beliefs - Atheism 1 st Century 17

Historical Development of Western World Views Changing Beliefs - Atheism 1 st Century 17 th Century 19 th Century Pre-modern Modern THEISM GOD 19 th-20 th Century NATURALISM GOD COSMOS . SOCIETY Late 21 st Century Postmodern ATHEISM Deism 20 th Century

Changing Beliefs - Atheism 1 st Century 17 th Century 19 th Century Pre-modern

Changing Beliefs - Atheism 1 st Century 17 th Century 19 th Century Pre-modern Modern THEISM GOD 19 th-20 th Century NATURALISM Nihilism GOD COSMOS SOCIETY Late 21 st Century Postmodern ATHEISM Deism 20 th Century

Historical Development of Western World Views Changing Beliefs - Atheism 1 st Century 17

Historical Development of Western World Views Changing Beliefs - Atheism 1 st Century 17 th Century 19 th Century Pre-modern GOD 20 th Century Modern THEISM 19 th-20 th Century Postmodern ATHEISM Deism NATURALISM Nihilism GOD COSMOS EXISTENTIALISM GOD COSMOS SOCIETY Late 21 st Century

1). Philosophical ideas from Europe (Hume and Kant) • If what we can know

1). Philosophical ideas from Europe (Hume and Kant) • If what we can know comes only from our sense, and God is outside our senses, we cannot know God. • The Bible became merely a guide for ethical and spiritual growth

Historical Development of Western World Views Changing Beliefs - Pluralism 1 st Century 17

Historical Development of Western World Views Changing Beliefs - Pluralism 1 st Century 17 th Century 19 th Century Pre-modern THEISM Theism GOD Deism GOD Naturalism 19 th-20 th Century Late 21 st Century Modern Postmodern ATHEISM PLURALISM Nihilism GOD Existentialism Fill in the blank Postmodernism Weak Theism New Age: Pantheism, Monism Bottom line: “What works for you. ” COSMOS SOCIETY

II. Understanding Post-Modern Influences… A. Understanding the three main periods of the history of

II. Understanding Post-Modern Influences… A. Understanding the three main periods of the history of western thought (Pre-Modern, and Post-Modern) B. Understanding the Post-Modern Period C. * 1. Two Main Characteristics Pluralism 2. Post-Modernism

Religious Pluralism Is the belief that all religions are true. (They all have a

Religious Pluralism Is the belief that all religions are true. (They all have a part of the truth)

II. Understanding Post-Modern Influences… A. Understanding the three main periods of the history of

II. Understanding Post-Modern Influences… A. Understanding the three main periods of the history of western thought (Pre-Modern, and Post-Modern) B. Understanding the Post-Modern Period C. Understanding Post-Modernism and its impact

C. Understanding Post-Modernism and its impact * A. What is Postmodernism? Main Characteristics 1.

C. Understanding Post-Modernism and its impact * A. What is Postmodernism? Main Characteristics 1. In general it is a rejection of anything modern

Historical Development of Western World Views Changing Beliefs - Pluralism 1 st Century 17

Historical Development of Western World Views Changing Beliefs - Pluralism 1 st Century 17 th Century 19 th Century Pre-modern THEISM GOD Deism GOD NATURALISM 19 th-20 th Century Late 21 st Century Modern Postmodern ATHEISM PLURALISM Nihilism A key belief in a modernistic framework is that science and reason could solve all of man’s problems EXISTENTIALISM Fill in the blank • Postmodernism GOD (influenced by the philosophy of Nietzsche) • Weak Theism (of COSMOS various stripes) • New Age: Pantheism, Monism (Ps. 19: 1) The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 53: 1) The fool says in his heart, “There is no God. ” (Judges 17: 6) In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.

A. Main Characteristics 2. It is a belief in the Incredulity of meta-narratives

A. Main Characteristics 2. It is a belief in the Incredulity of meta-narratives

Postmodernism “I define postmodern as incredulity toward meta-narratives, ” Jean-François Lyotard, The Postmodern Condition:

Postmodernism “I define postmodern as incredulity toward meta-narratives, ” Jean-François Lyotard, The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge, 1984, xxiv

What is Postmodernism? A. Main Characteristics 3. It’s a total rejection of the idea

What is Postmodernism? A. Main Characteristics 3. It’s a total rejection of the idea of absolute truth…in favor of mere cultural relativism * What are the characteristics of relativism from a postmodern perspective?

* Characteristics of Post-Postmodern Relativism – – – No universal moral rules or standards

* Characteristics of Post-Postmodern Relativism – – – No universal moral rules or standards exist No single standard or set of standards has been (or is) universally accepted as binding on everyone. Moral norms vary from culture to culture and are determined by social setting or environment.

What is Postmodernism? 1. In general it is a rejection of anything modern 2.

What is Postmodernism? 1. In general it is a rejection of anything modern 2. 3. It is a belief in the Incredulity of meta-narratives It’s a total rejection of the idea of absolute truth…in favor or cultural relativism 4. In its most extreme form, it is a belief that our thoughts, attitudes, as well as our very existence is just a social construct and not real.

Beliefs are merely social constructs! “But postmodernist go beyond observing the influence of culture

Beliefs are merely social constructs! “But postmodernist go beyond observing the influence of culture to declaring that all beliefs and knowledge claims are ‘arbitrary social constructs, ’ fabrications of culture. ” Dennis Mc. Callum, ed. , The Death of Truth. (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1996). p. 13. ”

C. Understanding Post-Modernism and its impact * What is Postmodernism? “Postmodernism is thus an

C. Understanding Post-Modernism and its impact * What is Postmodernism? “Postmodernism is thus an eclectic construct, shrouded in deconstructionalistic and post-structuralistic verbiage, based on the hermeneutics of suspicion and an epistemology of uncertainty that leads to the three defining features of postmodernity as a cultural mood--ie. The incredulity of meta-narratives, the propagation of reality as a social construct and the emergence of hyper-reality as a postmodern phenomenon. ” As such, postmodernism is a sad commentary of man’s desperate search for meaning; a vain championing of an ideological abstraction which promotes an ideological arbitrariness – a reasoning without reason in the face of human arrogance and absurdity, which ultimately ushers one towards fideism at best and nihilism at worst. ” (Rev. Edmund Chan )

C. Understanding Post-Modernism and its impact * What is Postmodernism? A. Main Characteristics B.

C. Understanding Post-Modernism and its impact * What is Postmodernism? A. Main Characteristics B. A Biblical response to its more extreme form

* Remember that Biblical truth is not a your own perspective! matter of “Above

* Remember that Biblical truth is not a your own perspective! matter of “Above all you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. ” 2 Peter 1: 20 -21 NIV

* Remember that Biblical truth can not contradictory be The Apostle Paul said, “But

* Remember that Biblical truth can not contradictory be The Apostle Paul said, “But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not yes and no. ” (2 Cor. 1: 18 NIV)

III. The Implications of Post-Modern Thought On Our Witness to Others A. How it

III. The Implications of Post-Modern Thought On Our Witness to Others A. How it impacts others: Ø They feel free to create or construct “knowledge's” and “realities. ”

This Explains Why Many Are Questioning The Biblical Story of Jesus The Da Vinci

This Explains Why Many Are Questioning The Biblical Story of Jesus The Da Vinci Code The Lost Gospel of Judas The Lost Tomb of Christ

The Implications of Post-Modern Thought On Our Witness to Others * How it impacts

The Implications of Post-Modern Thought On Our Witness to Others * How it impacts others: Ø They believe that our belief that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life is just one of the narratives among other narratives in the world that are equally as valid. Ø Their pluralistic mindset gives them no internal motivation to hear about Jesus.

Challenges to Evangelism In a Post-Modern World I. Our Changing World and Its Impact

Challenges to Evangelism In a Post-Modern World I. Our Changing World and Its Impact on Christians II. Understanding Post-Modern Influences and Why Our Christian Foundations Are Being Eroded Away. III. The Implications of Post-Modern Thought On Our Witness to Others IV. Things To Keep In Mind In Our Witness To Post-Moderns?

IV. Things To Keep In Mind In Our Witness To Post-Moderns Some Important Keys?

IV. Things To Keep In Mind In Our Witness To Post-Moderns Some Important Keys? We need to better understand the times or culture in which we live. (1 Chron 12: 32).

IV. Things To Keep In Mind In Our Witness To Post-Moderns Some Important Key?

IV. Things To Keep In Mind In Our Witness To Post-Moderns Some Important Key? Remember that… A. Our convictions about Christ can come across as arrogant to some. * Speak to them like one beggar to another…

Remember that… B. Our belief in truth and absolutes goes against the post-modern grain.

Remember that… B. Our belief in truth and absolutes goes against the post-modern grain. * Work out issues with people on their own time table. * Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know the answer to question your friends raise.

Remember that… C. In order to speak to this postmodern generation we need to

Remember that… C. In order to speak to this postmodern generation we need to intentionally communicate by the appropriate use of questions, illustrations, and stories.

The Importance of Questions and Stories “Two major characteristics of postmodernism are of particular

The Importance of Questions and Stories “Two major characteristics of postmodernism are of particular importance to us in evangelism: (1) the emphasis on questioning and (2) the displacement of propositional truth in favor of stories. If we are to be effective within this postmodern culture, then, our evangelism must involve the appropriate use of questions and stories. ” Nick Pollard’s book, Evangelism Made Slightly Less Difficult, p. 70

Remember that… D. Helping people to think through their beliefs critically has limitations in

Remember that… D. Helping people to think through their beliefs critically has limitations in the culture in which we live. * We must be careful not give an overdose of argumentation in explaining the Christian faith.

We Are To Love God With All Of Our Mind “Love The Lord Your

We Are To Love God With All Of Our Mind “Love The Lord Your God With All Your Heart and With All Your Soul and With All Your Mind. ” Matt. 22: 37

A Caution In Using Reason And Evidence “…there is just enough of the modern

A Caution In Using Reason And Evidence “…there is just enough of the modern worldview left so that reason still has a point of entry. But we have to use this knowledge wisely. We cannot give an overdose of argumentation. ” Ravi Zacharias, “An Ancient Message, Through Modern Means To the Postmodern Mind” in Telling the Truth: Evangelizing Postmoderns, p. 27

Remember that… D. Helping people to think through their beliefs critically has limitations in

Remember that… D. Helping people to think through their beliefs critically has limitations in the culture in which we live. * Therefore we need to be careful how we build head bridges with others.

Head Bridge Questions That Are Apologetic Lite! If you were coming to the end

Head Bridge Questions That Are Apologetic Lite! If you were coming to the end of your life, and you met Jesus and other great religious leaders, and each suggested a different path, who’s advice should you take. Wouldn’t you take the advice of someone who’s been to the other side and come back to tell us about it?

Head Bridge Questions That Are Apologetic Lite! Has anyone ever explained to you the

Head Bridge Questions That Are Apologetic Lite! Has anyone ever explained to you the difference between Christianity and all other religions? I can explain the difference using two words, Do versus Done! All the religions in the world say you have to do something (Do) Christianity says, there is nothing you can do to earn your salvation, it has already been done. All you have to do is accept the gift that God has proved and invite Christ to some into your life, forgive you of your sins, and change you from the inside out (Phil. 2: 13)

Remember that… E. Because of post-modern influences, people today tend to pick and mix

Remember that… E. Because of post-modern influences, people today tend to pick and mix worldviews. * We must be careful to listen to what they really believe rather than a particular religious label they give themselves.

Remember That People Today Tend to Pickand-mix-Worldviews “…this pragmatism necessarily leads to a pick-and-mix

Remember That People Today Tend to Pickand-mix-Worldviews “…this pragmatism necessarily leads to a pick-and-mix adoption of worldviews. As people face different situations, they wish to behave in different ways. Consequently, they have to believe different things. So, instead of adopting one complete worldview, they pick bits of different ones and mix them together. ” Nick Pollard, Evangelism Made Slightly Less Difficult, p. 39

Some Important Key? Remember that… E. Because of post-modern influences, people today tend to

Some Important Key? Remember that… E. Because of post-modern influences, people today tend to pick and mix worldviews. * We can use this tendency to help people to more carefully think through their beliefs.

Some Important Key? Remember that… F. To more effectively reach those influenced by postmodern

Some Important Key? Remember that… F. To more effectively reach those influenced by postmodern thinking we need to speak to their heart concerns most of all.

Remember that… “People are more heart creatures than head creatures. ” Dave Montoya, Dealing

Remember that… “People are more heart creatures than head creatures. ” Dave Montoya, Dealing With Both Minds and Hearts: Answering the Questions Behind the Questions, located on Meekness web-site

Remember that… “People care how little you know until they know how much you

Remember that… “People care how little you know until they know how much you care. ” * Example: - Heart Bridges Former Hindu now staff worker for Campus Crusade.

Remember that… Remember that: G. To have a greater impact on others don’t underestimate

Remember that… Remember that: G. To have a greater impact on others don’t underestimate the witness of the Christian community and the emphasis on the spiritual.

Remember that… Remember that: H. Don’t forget to witness to others in the power

Remember that… Remember that: H. Don’t forget to witness to others in the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1: 8; Jn. 6: 65).

Remember we are just the instrument! “God chose the weak things of the world

Remember we are just the instrument! “God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ” 1 Corinthians 1: 27 b (NIV)

IV. Specific Tips In Speaking The Truth of Christ To Our Post-Modern Generation A.

IV. Specific Tips In Speaking The Truth of Christ To Our Post-Modern Generation A. Use thought provoking questions to create interest in others in hearing about Jesus

Why Can’t We Always Just Proclaim the Truth? “We live in a world where

Why Can’t We Always Just Proclaim the Truth? “We live in a world where people are reluctant to be told what is true, but may be willing in some cases to see for themselves (as in a mirror) the inconsistencies in what they believe by asking them probing questions. ” Dave Geisler

The joy of self-discovery * Conversation with our former nanny “How do you fit

The joy of self-discovery * Conversation with our former nanny “How do you fit Jesus into your Buddhist beliefs? ”

Why Asking Questions Is So Helpful? “A person can close his ears to facts

Why Asking Questions Is So Helpful? “A person can close his ears to facts he does not want to hear, but if a pointed question causes him to form the answer in his own mind, he cannot escape the conclusion—because it’s a conclusion that he reached himself. ” David Reed Baker, Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse, (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1986) p. 113

B. Learn the art of asking questions with the three D’s in mind

B. Learn the art of asking questions with the three D’s in mind

How do I know if I am asking the right kind of questions in

How do I know if I am asking the right kind of questions in the right way? Ask…Am I Asking Questions In A Way That… surfaces their Doubt (uncertainty) about their own perspective, while at the same time minimizes their Defensiveness, and yet creates a Desire (curiosity) to want to hear more!

C. Determine if there is any possible question and or issues behind the questions

C. Determine if there is any possible question and or issues behind the questions that are raised (Mark 12: 18 -27).

Go Below The Surface “Proverbs 20: 5 says, ‘The purpose in a man's mind

Go Below The Surface “Proverbs 20: 5 says, ‘The purpose in a man's mind is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. ’ Good apologetics requires people of understanding who have the patience and insight to not only deal with people’s stated questions but to go below the surface and speak to their true objections…” Rev. Dave Montoya, Dealing With Both Minds and Hearts: Answering the Questions Behind the Questions, Unpublished materials

Jesus was a Mastered In Getting Below The Surface In Mark 12: 18 -27

Jesus was a Mastered In Getting Below The Surface In Mark 12: 18 -27 when the Sadducees asks Jesus a hypothetical question about who will be the wife’s husband at the resurrection, (since all seven brothers were at one time married to her but all died but didn’t leave any children), : Jesus knew that their real question or concerned had to deal with the issue of the resurrection of the dead.

Jesus was a Mastered In Getting Below The Surface Jesus’ response: “Now about the

Jesus was a Mastered In Getting Below The Surface Jesus’ response: “Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. ’ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken. ” Mark 12: 26 -27 (N. I. V. ) Jesus points to a passage in the Pentateuch (which they did accept) Ex. 3: 6 which supports the position that there is a resurrection.

Example: “How can you claim that there is only one way to God?

Example: “How can you claim that there is only one way to God?

“How can you claim that there is only one way to God? What might

“How can you claim that there is only one way to God? What might be the belief behind the question? They may believe that Christians are arrogant to think that they have the truth and are therefore better than others. They may believe that Christians are not very “open” to other faiths by being so exclusive.

D. Learn how to more effectively communicate the truth of the Christian message by

D. Learn how to more effectively communicate the truth of the Christian message by the appropriate use of illustrations and or stories.

l Example 1 (Student with Hindu background) “Why aren’t my good works good enough

l Example 1 (Student with Hindu background) “Why aren’t my good works good enough to get into heaven? ” * What is the truth we want him to grasp concerning the question or issue raised? Theological Truth: We tend to overestimate our own righteousness and underestimate God’s holiness.

A Story to illustrate this truth… Suppose you were drinking some water out of

A Story to illustrate this truth… Suppose you were drinking some water out of a paper cup. Would it be acceptable for me to put a little sewage* in your water? If not do you see how something can seem so small but in reality still have a huge impact? So is it possible our “sins” could cause a bigger barrier between us and God than we think? * Concept adapted from Glenn Mc. Gorty (Mirror Model)

Common Barrier (2 of 3) Wedding Dress Analogy Picture a young women getting out

Common Barrier (2 of 3) Wedding Dress Analogy Picture a young women getting out of the car in her beautiful white wedding dress. * Then imagine another car pulling up right next to her and a man with grease all over him getting out. As he gets out and passes by her, he smears grease all over her beautiful white wedding dress. Now, do you think that wedding dress is going to acceptable to her? Of course not, because the dress has to be spotless! * Concept adapted from Glenn Mc. Gorty (Mirror Model)

E. Find common agreement even in your disagreement with those you are trying to

E. Find common agreement even in your disagreement with those you are trying to reach (Acts 17: 22).

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- his eternal power and

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so they are without excuse. For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts…” Romans 1: 20; 2: 14 -15

Find Common Agreement… “And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said,

Find Common Agreement… “And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, ‘Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. ” (Acts 17: 22)

Learn the Art of Positive Deconstruction! “The process of positive deconstructionism recognizes and affirms

Learn the Art of Positive Deconstruction! “The process of positive deconstructionism recognizes and affirms the elements of truth to which individuals already hold, but it also helps them discover for themselves the inadequacies of the underlying worldviews they have absorbed. The aim is to awaken a heart response that says, “I am not so sure that what I believe is right after all. I want to find out more about Jesus. ” Nick Pollard, Evangelism Made Slightly Less Difficult, p. 44

E. Find common agreement even in your disagreement with those you are trying to

E. Find common agreement even in your disagreement with those you are trying to reach (Acts 17: 22). I believe that all religions are true!

F. Build your bridge with others using planks of common understanding, even those they

F. Build your bridge with others using planks of common understanding, even those they may not be totally aware of.

Build Your Bridge Using Planks Of Common Understanding

Build Your Bridge Using Planks Of Common Understanding

F. Build your bridge with others on planks of common understanding, even those they

F. Build your bridge with others on planks of common understanding, even those they may not be totally aware of. * The problem with pluralism

Dr. Norman Geisler

Dr. Norman Geisler

F. Build your bridge with others on planks of common understanding, even those they

F. Build your bridge with others on planks of common understanding, even those they may not be totally aware of. * Even radical postmodernist cannot deny a belief in some truth

Helping Others to Understand The Truth About Postmodernism? * Postmodernism is self-defeating The statement

Helping Others to Understand The Truth About Postmodernism? * Postmodernism is self-defeating The statement that all beliefs and knowledge claims are merely social constructs and therefore not real, is a statement about reality and therefore it is self-defeating.

G. Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom in our witness with others (James 1:

G. Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom in our witness with others (James 1: 5).

The challenge that lies ahead for us… “…the challenge lies before us to reach

The challenge that lies ahead for us… “…the challenge lies before us to reach a generation that hears with its eyes and thinks with its feelings. ” Paul Copan, True for You But Not For Me, p. 155

Challenges to Evangelism In a Post-Modern World (An Overview) Intro: Witnessing today is more

Challenges to Evangelism In a Post-Modern World (An Overview) Intro: Witnessing today is more difficult… I. Our Changing World and Its Impact on Christians II. Understanding Post-Modern Influences and Why Our Christian Foundations Are Being Eroded Away. III. The Implications of Post-Modern Thought On Our Witness to Post-Moderns IV. Things to keep in mind in our witness to post-moderns V. Specific Tips In Speaking The Truth of Christ To Our Post-Modern Generation

Challenges to Evangelism In A Post. Modern World www. Meekness. And. Truth. org

Challenges to Evangelism In A Post. Modern World www. Meekness. And. Truth. org

Implications of Postmodern Thought in their own words • Jacques Derrida • Jean-Francois Lyotard

Implications of Postmodern Thought in their own words • Jacques Derrida • Jean-Francois Lyotard • Michel Foucault • Richard Rorty 18/09/2020 www. meeknessandtruth. org 105

Postmodernism- a world in which truth is socially constructed. In the postmodern view, there

Postmodernism- a world in which truth is socially constructed. In the postmodern view, there is no longer a single story, a metanarrative (i. e. , worldview) that holds Western culture together. With postmodernism, no metanarrative can have more credibility than any other. All stories are equally valid. “I define postmodern as incredulity toward meta-narratives, ” Jean-François Lyotard, The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge, 1984, xxiv 18/09/2020 www. meeknessandtruth. org 106

 • History is fiction. History is written from the bias of the writer’s

• History is fiction. History is written from the bias of the writer’s culture, race or gender. What is called “historic” is wholly subjective. (Michel Foucault) 18/09/2020 Art Lindsley, C. S. Lewis’s Case forwww. meeknessandtruth. org Christ (Illinois; Inter. Varsity Press, 2005) 107

 • Knowledge is power. We must be suspicious of anyone who claims to

• Knowledge is power. We must be suspicious of anyone who claims to give us truth. They are only out to further their own (and their group’s) vested interests. (Michel Foucault) 18/09/2020 Art Lindsley, C. S. Lewis’s Case forwww. meeknessandtruth. org Christ (Illinois; Inter. Varsity Press, 2005) 108

Ethical claims are mere sentiments. We cannot call anything right or wrong. For example,

Ethical claims are mere sentiments. We cannot call anything right or wrong. For example, there are no neutral grounds on which to condemn the Holocaust. • (Richard Rorty) 18/09/2020 www. meeknessandtruth. org Art Lindsley, C. S. Lewis’s Case for Christ (Illinois; Inter. Varsity Press, 2005) 109

 • Deconstruction is justice. We must ferret out the contradictions in every piece

• Deconstruction is justice. We must ferret out the contradictions in every piece of literature so that we can uphold justice and avoid injustice. (Jacques Derrida) 18/09/2020 Art Lindsley, C. S. Lewis’s Case forwww. meeknessandtruth. org Christ (Illinois; Inter. Varsity Press, 2005) 110

 • Postmodernism is really better referred to as a “mood” as opposed to

• Postmodernism is really better referred to as a “mood” as opposed to a worldview as worldview is the one thing that Postmodernism denies 18/09/2020 www. meeknessandtruth. org 111