The "dying" Question

Have you ever tried to witness to someone and asked them what I like to call "The Dying Question"? It normally goes something like this..."If you were to die tonight are you sure you would go to heaven?" All of us who witness have asked someone this question at some point and time. And it is not a bad question. I will probably still use it from time to time. But, I wonder how many people think about dying?

I recently read an article by Ed Stetzer who provided some interesting statistics. He is the director of the Center for Missional Research of the North American Misison Board. His basic premise is that people dont think about dying, heaven, hell, etc. very much. What he says is that people mostly think about how to find more meaning and purpose in their life and that this is a better starting point when witnessing to someone.

I agree with his approach. Although a person must come to the realization of their sin if they are to be saved and understand that if they do not repent that they are going to spend eternity in a place called hell... maybe this is not a good starting point when we first begin to witness to someone. Maybe it would be better to begin with the person - where they are, what they are thinking, what they are struggling with in life, etc - and then move them to where they need to be.

If people are constantly thinking about their life and how they can find more meaning and purpose, rather than beginning with "all have sinned" perhaps we could begin with John 10:10 where Jesus said "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." This is much more positive and puts the emphasis upon Christ right from the beginning and not on human nature!

Ed Stetzer has written a lot of books that have influenced the thinking of many Southern Baptists. One of these books is entitled "Breaking the Misisonal Code: Your church can become a missionary in your community." I have not read it but it is on my reading list.

Take time this week to tell someone about Jesus. Try starting with John 10:10. If someone who is not a believer at your work place asks you how you are doing say "I am doing wonderful...Jesus said he came to give people abundant life and lately he has been very real to me in so many ways." Then see where the conversation goes!

Have a wonderful day!