Home Voices The Exchange Sharing the Gospel With a Post-Christian World: Insights From Thessalonica

Sharing the Gospel With a Post-Christian World: Insights From Thessalonica

On one hand, they attempt to suppress the truth through normalization. If culture can normalize what people (once) considered immoral and unnatural (what the Bible would refer to as sin), then they at least free their conscience of having any semblance of right or wrong — or at least what previous generations deemed right and wrong.

On the other hand, culture suppresses the truth by declaring truth as a cultural constructa cultural construct people accuse those in power of creating to oppress those with no power. In other words, in connection to the first way, people deny there is an absolute and universal truth. 

Although contemporary culture acts to suppress the truth, we must remember that God has written his law on their hearts. Because the fabric of humanity has been fashioned into the image of God, there remains in every human heart — regardless of how dark and suppressive it may be — the kernel of truth that there is right and there is wrong. And what Christians must do in their engagement with such a culture is pray for wisdom, discernment, and winsomeness to unearth the kernel that lies at the bottom of every human heart. 

2. We can become a seeker in a sense, asking them questions about their faith.

For as long as I can remember, Christians have been on the defensive when it comes to questions regarding the Christian faith. We have an entire realm of defense called Apologetics. While I’m pro-apologetics — contending for and defending the faith once for all delivered to the saints — I think it may be time we ask the culture to defend their faith. 

The next time you talk to an unbeliever, ask them a series of questions:

What really matters to you? 

How did you determine why that matters to you?

What do you think is wrong with the world? 

How would you go about fixing the world? Or what is the solution for the problems of the world? 

Do you believe there is good in the world? 

How do you define good? 

Keep in mind, you’re not asking questions to be condescending or in a “gotcha” kind of manner. You’re simply helping them to explore their faith in a way that makes them think deeply about what they believe. 

3. Find out where their heart is torn and explain to them how the gospel can mend their broken heart.

The Bible teaches we live in a sinful, fallen, and thus broken world. Thus, it should come to no surprise to Christians that people are deeply hurting in this world. Sure, many walk around covering up their deep pain and hurt. Part of our ministry and mission towards lost people could be to find out where they are hurting. 

In his excellent book How to Talk About Jesus (Without Being That Guy), Sam Chan observed that today people sharing Christ need to take the perspective of a counselor. Counselors ask good questions, steer conversations, and help people come to better conclusions.