An Evangelistic Approach: Addressing the Sinner’s Hope

In a previous blog post, we evaluated a few common approaches Christians use when communicating the gospel. There were two main concerns that I expressed about some of these approaches. First, the gospel can unintentionally be presented as a means to a self-centered end. Secondly, these approaches assume that the listener has a Biblical framework to process gospel truth. We can’t presume, however, that people understand what we mean when we talk about God, sin, Jesus, repentance, or faith.

In today’s post, I want to discuss an evangelistic approach that is both God-exalting and culturally engaging. Before diving in, however, there’s two considerations worth noting:

Two Preliminary Considerations

A Renewed Mindset

We won’t effectively reach people until we first embrace a missionary mindset. Let’s face it. We are not the “moral majority” in society right now. We’re outsiders. Minorities. Marginalized. Like missionaries in a foreign land, we must learn a new culture so that we can engage people with the truths of Christ. We must learn to patiently listen, dialogue, and build meaningful relationships with unbelievers. Without compromising our convictions, we must become “all things to all people, that by all means [we] might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

A Renewed Life

In addition to a renewed mindset, we must display the beauties of a renewed life. The two most compelling, attractive features of Christianity are love and joy (John 13:35; 15:11). A life of love and joy demonstrates that the hope of the gospel is far greater than any “hope” the world can offer.

It’s one thing to talk about these qualities with fellow believers; it’s another thing to live them out in the trenches of life. For years, I’ve worked in a number of highly secular environments. I know how easy it is to get caught up in workplace gossip, pointless political conversations, or petty complaints. When we succumb to these temptations, we diminish the glory of the gospel. Opportunities to confront worldly hope with gospel hope will be forfeited. It is paramount that we daily remind ourselves that we are Christ’s ambassadors. We represent Him as we carry out His mission in our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

Our lives are like a microphone. They either amplify the message or they send off a terrible screechy sound that causes those around us to bristle. A life of love and joy magnifies the beauty, hope, and credibility of the gospel.

An Approach: Addressing the Sinner’s Hope

One of the most God-exalting, culturally engaging approaches to communicating the gospel is to lovingly address the sinner’s hope and point them to the true hope found in Christ. Let me explain what I mean…

Everyone is Looking for “Salvation”

Everyone has something that they are looking to for meaning, fulfillment, or satisfaction. Because their hope isn’t God, they inevitably find themselves frustrated. Something or someone keeps preventing them from seeing their hope materialized. This frustration sets them on a quest to “save” themselves so that their hope can be realized. In this elusive quest for “salvation,” people become either 1) frustrated because they can’t attain their hope or 2) empty because their hope becomes fulfilled and yet, they still aren’t truly satisfied.

The more we build meaningful relationships with people, the more we will learn about their hopes, dreams, frustrations, and emptiness. As we build trust, we will have opportunities to humbly address peoples’ “salvation story” and point them to Christ. Let me give you an example of how this might work…

For many, their dreams of hope will become reality when they discover their “true self.” The gospel shows us our God-given identity as people made in God’s image for God’s glory. True meaning and identity is found in knowing, loving, and glorifying God. By pointing people to God’s purposes for their lives, we can call people to abandon self-pursuit by turning to God through faith in Jesus.

Addressing the Sinner’s Hope: Getting Practical

So we confront people’s hope with the hope of the gospel. Great! But how? Let me share an example of how this worked in a conversation I recently had with a friend named “Bob” (alias name).

Showing Interest and Asking Questions

“What’s up?” Bob was clearly depressed about something. “I’m just down, man. My girlfriend broke up with me. Nothing seems right in my life.” At that moment, the most important thing I could do was to show care, ask questions, and listen. The more he talked, the more obvious it became that Bob idolized this relationship. “If we could just get back together, everything would be ok.” I asked him if we could meet up sometime to talk about things in more detail.

When we met up later that week, I asked him if I could share some things that might help him process the situation. He agreed. After catching up a bit, I asked him, “Bob, I don’t know what you believe, but where does God fit into all of this?” After a long pause, Bob responded: “Wow, that’s a great question. Honestly, I don’t know. I remember as a kid going to church a few times with my grandma, but I haven’t really thought much about God since then.”

The opportunity was now present to address the idols of his heart with the truths of Christ. “Bob, everyone’s searching for hope. The problem is, you’re looking for hope in the wrong place. No person, no human relationship, can satisfy the longings of the human heart. Only God can. You were made by God for God. Only in right relationship with God will you experience life as God intended. Let me explain…” For the next 45 minutes, I was address his life story and heart idols with the hope of the gospel.

Communicating the Gospel: Recommendations

There are a number of helpful resources out there to help you communicate the gospel. I’ve written an article that highlights the truths we need to emphasize when we talk with unbelievers about Christ. I’ve also written an evangelistic Bible study handbook called “Discovering Hope: Exploring the Good News of Jesus Christ.” This resource covers the redemptive arch of God’s Word through eight inductive Bible study lessons. I’d be happy to email you a PDF copy of the book for free. Just email me at colberts@odbm.org and ask for a copy of “Discovering Hope.”