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tboehnlein Inner circle ohio 1787 Posts |
I am trying to develope a 40 presentation concerning "Why I believe what I believe" for senior high & college age adults. I have unfortunately been disappointed by the number of people at this age group that can not verbalize or support their Christian faith.I am looking for 4-5 talking points that I can illustrate, any input would be greatly appreciated.
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Terry Owens Inner circle Ft. Wayne, Indiana 1707 Posts |
We first need to know why you believe what you believe before we can give you illustrations...So why do you believe what you believe? Then we can help...maybe.
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tboehnlein Inner circle ohio 1787 Posts |
Terry, sorry I really wasn't clear on what I was asking. This is my thought I consitently run into individuals who will openly claim their Christian faith but when questioned what they have to support their beliefs can not always answer. I would like to provide them with a presentation that would substantiate the foundations of Christianity. For me personally I can provide what I feel od has done for me, I can provide God's plan of salvation & I can discuss the life, death & ressurection of Jesus Christ. However I am not a divinity professor nor a bible student so I am requesting insight from those hopefully far more knowledgable then myself, yourself being a perfect example.
Thanks, Tom |
Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-02-12 16:18, tboehnlein wrote: There are two possibilities here: (1) You have people who claim a relationship with Jesus but really do not know Him. (2) You have people who do know Jesus but simply have never learned to articulate why they believe. For both of these groups, I say stick with your personal testimony of what He has done for you. Neither group needs a divinity professor or Bible student to explain anything to them in depth - the first group won't "get it" because "the natural mind does not comprehend the things of God", and the second group may not be ready for it (still "on the milk"). The most powerful message you can ever deliver is what your Jesus has done for you. Use effects as illustrations to suppliment your "talking points". It may be that a "magic show" will open the door for you, but what you want to bring through that door is not a textbook explanation of Christianity, but how Jesus is coming alive in your life. Take your "talking points" from there: What brought you to face your need? What was your decision point? What has changed? What has dropped away? What are you looking forward to? Use scripture to present what God will do for them, but make a connection between your heart and theirs and pass the scripture across that connection. They are hungry; show them you are full, and point them to the One Who satisfies. Ed |
Steve_Mollett Inner circle Eh, so I've made 3006 Posts |
>"the second group may not be ready for it (still "on the milk")"
Or they may be long-term Christians, with years of deep thought under their belts, who have progressed beyond simplistic explanations. Again, Ed is correct that you must give YOUR reasoning and perspective as to why you believe; honesty and speaking from the heart has power. This is part of the foundation of 'witnessing.' You become the witness, in effect, giving your testimony. Also remember that your testimony may not effectively touch everyone. Some may need the testimony of another believer, with a different perspective, in order to comprehend.
Author of: GARROTE ESCAPES
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth. - Albert Camus |
Payne Inner circle Seattle 4571 Posts |
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On 2008-02-12 16:18, tboehnlein wrote: I'd be careful there. Getting people to actually think about and honestly question why they believe what they believe may may strengthen faith in many but in others it might garner quite the opposite result than what you are looking for. Sometimes it is best to let sleeping dogs lie.
"America's Foremost Satirical Magician" -- Jeff McBride.
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Joe Marotta Special user Can You Believe I Have 944 Posts |
Tom, I say, never assume someone is a born again Christian just because they respond, 'yes, I'm a Christian'. People have different definitions of what that means.
I'm sending you a PM with some info. Joe |
Terry Owens Inner circle Ft. Wayne, Indiana 1707 Posts |
It never was a requirement to be a theology student in order to share...it takes more than us providing a case...What Joe is sending you is probably going to be the best stuff to use, if I'm guessing correctly.
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Joe Marotta Special user Can You Believe I Have 944 Posts |
Answering the Why I Believe question is easy. But convincing arguments do not convert anyone....
Thanks for your vote of confidence Terry! |
tboehnlein Inner circle ohio 1787 Posts |
Thanks for the feed back & insight all.
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Terry Owens Inner circle Ft. Wayne, Indiana 1707 Posts |
Joe for president...at least he will know who to escape from difficult situations.
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Joe Marotta Special user Can You Believe I Have 944 Posts |
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On 2008-02-13 14:32, Terry Owens wrote: Oh dear, that's a job I could NEVER take! But now I know I have at least 1 vote. Thanks Terry! Want to be my VP? |
Terry Owens Inner circle Ft. Wayne, Indiana 1707 Posts |
It wouldn't be right...I would be carrying (lol) more weight than the president in the country....You could get an Axtel Puppet to use thought for VP.
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FriarShaun New user New Mexico 81 Posts |
I think you dilemma is your answer. Why not do a presentation that simply asks, "What do you believe and why do you believe it?" Illusion is great for getting people to question what they see. It is also great for getting them to quit letting people spoon feed them. At the end of your presentation the simple answer is read your bible and ask these three simple questions.
1. What does it say? 2. What does it mean? 3. What do I do now that I know? |
Dan Bernier Inner circle Canada 2298 Posts |
Sounds like you want to them to justify their faith. Just tell them there's no right or wrong answer, and not to think about it too hard. Asking, "Why I believe what I believe" is a pretty heavy question to be asking youth in Christ, no less some adults. Getting them to understand why they are saved and why they needed to be saved can be much more useful.
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
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FriarShaun New user New Mexico 81 Posts |
I know that this is not what you meant Dan, but to clarify I think we do need to exhort our youth to think hard about what they believe. Heavy questions is what today's Christianity seams to be lacking. However, I agree that soteriology is one of the questions we should be championing.
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Terry Holley Inner circle 1805 Posts |
If you haven't done so aleady, it might be beneficial to take a look at two books written by Paul Little.
1. Know Why You Believe 2. Know What You Believe Reading these might help you with talking points. Terry
Co-author with illusionist Andre' Kole of "Astrology and Psychic Phenomena."
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Dan Bernier Inner circle Canada 2298 Posts |
Your right FriarShaun, thanks for clarifying that for me. I wasn't saying that we shouldn't ask tough questions. We should all be able to give account to why we believe what we believe, and be able to justify our faith in Christ. I guess I was trying to suggest starting with the ABC's first and gradually work up from there.
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
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tboehnlein Inner circle ohio 1787 Posts |
Thanks all your input bas been great, plenty to ponder and research
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tboehnlein Inner circle ohio 1787 Posts |
Thanks all your input bas been great, plenty to ponder and research
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