THAT’S A TOUGH ONE

•    Samaritan woman’s conversational detours
•    religious & non-religious skeptics

TIP #1: HAVE A LOVING, CARING ATTITUDE

•    religious discussions call for tact
•    the goal of our instruction is love
•    professor’s rejection rooted in deep pain
•    Sometimes the more antagonism, means more pain, calling for more compassion.

TIP 2: SHARE THE TRUTH, NOT CLEVER ARGUMENTS

•    gospel is God’s power to save
•    God’s word a sharp sword, living, piercing to inner depths
•    This is a spiritual battle, not a battle of wits.

TIP 3: BE HUMBLE

•    King of Universe washed dirty feet, was wasted for us
•    You don’t have to have all the answers.
•    helps to be prepared for the most commonly-asked questions
•    brilliant scientists were also Christians (Pa / N)
•    empathy may be more needed than answers
•    But you should have some answers…a defence for the hope that is in you.

TIP 4: BE WINSOME

•    fields are ripe for harvest
•    some at stage where not receptive (yet)

TIP 5: INTERCEDE FOR THEM

•    pray for Holy Spirit to convict; truth to stick; friendship opportunities
•    CS Lewis: no “ordinary” people – we joke with immortals
•    God desires all people to be saved and know the truth

AMIABLE WHEN AMBUSHED: NO NEED TO DUCK

•    Willie & wife respond sincerely to snide remarks