This teaching gives practical helps in winsomely discussing the gospel with others and guiding the conversation purposefully.

Many thoughts from:

Koukl, Gregory. Tactics Study Guide, Updated and Expanded: A Guide to Effectively Discussing Your Christian Convictions. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2020.

A DIPLOMAT IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT

2 Corinthians 5:18–20 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

USE WHAT OPPORTUNITY GOD GIVES YOU

Colossians 4:3–6 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

• Invite him to God through the gospel.

• Present the gospel clearly.

• Pray the gospel clearly.

• Put material in his hands.

• Put a rock in his shoe.

COLUMBO TACTICS / BURDEN OF PROOF

Matthew 12:22–26 22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: 26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

• What do you mean by that?

• How did you come to that conclusion?

• How about making a statement with a question?

• Wait. What? Why?

• Wait, later.

CONFRONT WITH REALITY

Psalm 8:5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, And hast crowned him with glory and honour.

Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

• Really? How can that be? How can they both be?

• Okay. Like this?

• Hold on. One question at a time, okay? No? Okay, bye.

• Why does that matter to you?

MINI-TACTICS

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

• Jesus said…

• Can you define for me what you just called me?

• True. Even more…

• [Use clear, vivid synonyms.]

• So?