Video Transcript: Lesson 5 Section 2

Before we can share our faith with someone, it's a good idea to know where they're coming  from. What have they already heard about Jesus? What is difficult for them to accept about  the gospel? In what areas do they struggle where the Bible could help provide answers? Let's  take a closer look at the beliefs, values and attitudes of unbelievers. First, those who reject  Faith in God often have the skepticism of the supernatural. These people are called  naturalists. They dismiss the possibility of divine involvement in humanity's origin or history.  Atheists fall into this category, and believe firmly that God does not exist. agnostics believe it  is impossible to know whether God exists or not. They don't know for sure, so they don't  believe in him. Others have the opposite mindset. They freely accept the supernatural and  believe in the existence of many gods. They might even say they believe in Jesus too. But this is impossible. The God of Christianity cannot be one among many. God clearly says in the  Bible, to have no other gods beside him. Anything else is the worship of idols. Another type of  person might say that all religions point to the same God, Jesus might be one way to get to  heaven. But maybe there are other ways too. People who reject Christianity may have many  different reasons and explanations. But the Bible tells us what will happen to those who  believe and those who do not. For the wages of sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life  in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Those who reject God's existence, and his offer of forgiveness  through Christ, are spiritually dead. Unbelievers will experience a lack of peace and purpose  in this life and eternal death and the next. One worldview that is widely believed is post  modernism. Let's look at this as an example, and find the contradictions between it and  Christianity. Jesus taught that we should love God and love our neighbor. post modernism  claims that there is no universal meaning to life. So the only thing we can do is love  ourselves. Christians believe that God determines what is right and wrong, and we should live by what he says. post modernism says, it's up to the individual to decide what is right and  wrong based on how you think and feel. The Bible teaches that violating God's standard is sin. But those who don't have faith in God, and choose their own standards of morality, have no  basis to believe that sin exists. The ultimate result is that Christians understand their need for a Savior to forgive their sin, and help them live according to God's standard. Someone who is  postmodern, however, sees no need for a Savior. They reject God and live according to their  own rules. You can see how important it is to understand these basic assumptions before  trying to share your faith. In this case, your evangelistic effort cannot center around a simple  explanation of Jesus death and resurrection. Since someone who is post modern sees no need for a Savior, you will quickly find yourself frustrated. People who do not share your faith need  to see the fruit in your life, not just hear you trying to convince them to believe through your  words. Sometimes, the best approach to evangelism is developing friendships with non  believers and inviting them to watch how you live. They need to see examples of Jesus and  His teachings lived out in real life. This is exactly what the Bible says to do. But in your hearts  set apart Christ as Lord, always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to  give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. The Way  We Live is an invitation for people to observe the hope of God and ask questions about our  faith. We're the only ones who can provide them real answers, but it is often our actions that  are our most powerful witness, not our words. Here are five ways to reframe your approach to youth evangelism. First, is the relational factor. Focus on counting conversations, not  conversations in your youth ministry. It is through developing trustworthy relationships that  you will be able to naturally share your faith and the other person will want to listen. Second  is the narrative factor. Building a real friendship will require you to listen and care about the  other person's story. Listen to what they have to say before sharing your personal story and  God's bigger story. The communal factor is key, especially for teenagers who thrive within a  peer group. Expect faith development to occur normally in the context of authentic Christian  community. This is where questions will be asked and answered, and lives examined for how  they match up to the truth of the Bible. The community is where the gospel is proved true. As  you build relationships, recognize that it will be a journey, friendships and communities take  time to grow. Faith development, too must be seen as a process. It starts well before the  person is ready to make a faith decision and continues long after their conversion. Lastly,  never overlook the work of the Holy Spirit in people's lives. God's Spirit partners with God's 

people to accomplish his will. The results of our ministry do not depend on our skill. God is at  work and He will fulfill His purposes. Take a moment right now to consider the teenagers you  know who have not yet taken the step of faith to accept Jesus. There is a reason God has  placed them in your life. Write down their names, and spend a few minutes praying for them  specifically, pray over their spiritual needs and the struggles they're facing in life because  they are separated from God. Pray that you will have opportunities to deepen your friendship  with them, and that your life will reflect the love and truth of Christ. Ask God to prompt them  to ask questions so you can share the hope you have for eternity.