Street Smarts: How to Engage Non-Believers: Greg Koukl Interview - The Becket Cook Show Ep. 135
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
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In today’s episode, Becket chats with Greg Koukl about his new book, “Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges.” Street Smarts helps Christians better engage in productive conversations with those who challenge their convictions on a variety of issues. A follow-up to Koukl's best-selling Tactics, this book focuses on revealing the fundamental flaws in common, current challenges to Christian beliefs and values. It then provides individual strategies to exploit those shortcomings by offering model questions and sample dialogues to help guide believers in genial, yet persuasive, conversations.
Koukl begins by explaining the important difference in evangelism between a harvest approach (reaping) and a gardening approach (sowing). He then provides an overview of the tactical game plan he uses to have fruitful "gardening" conversations with those who are not yet Christians. Subsequent chapters tackle specific areas of challenge that Christians frequently face in discussions "on the street," as it were--in those conversations with friends, family, or critics that believers often avoid because they feel out of their element, vulnerable, or exposed.
Street Smarts equips Christians to handle tough challenges in a straightforward and user-friendly way. It provides the practical tools they need to keep them in the driver's seat of otherwise difficult and discomfiting conversations. It enables them to stand up for Christ in a safe, genial, yet effective way.
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The Becket Cook Show Ep. 135
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ABOUT BECKET:
Becket Cook was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He attended Jesuit College Preparatory
School of Dallas. After graduating from college, Becket moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of writing and acting, finding success in both. He eventually went on to become a production designer working with the top photographers and directors in the world on fashion shoots for magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and for ad campaigns such as Gap, L'Oréal Paris, and Nike.
Finding a new sense of freedom in L.A., Becket also fully engaged in his new life as a gay man. He had a series of many relationships with men throughout the next fifteen years.
In September of 2009, Becket met a stranger at a coffee shop in Silver Lake who invited him to his church in Hollywood called Reality L.A. Becket reluctantly agreed to attend the service. After hearing the sermon that Sunday, Becket was utterly transformed by the gospel and gave his life to Christ. He also knew on that day when God revealed Himself to him that homosexuality was a sin and that he could no longer live that life. Becket was more than happy to count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord.
Becket spends much of his time in ministry speaking at churches, universities, and conferences helping believers (and non-believers) understand this issue biblically, theologically, culturally, and personally. Balancing grace and truth when teaching on this subject is of primary importance. His goal is to challenge the current cultural narrative about sexuality in general and homosexuality in particular by demonstrating through his personal testimony and biblical truths that, yes, homosexuality is still a sin, and that following Christ is infinitely more satisfying and joyous.
He has lived all over the world in major cities such as Rome, Vienna, and Tokyo.
Becket graduated from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University in 2017 with a Master of Arts in Theology.
Becket’s book, A Change of Affection: A Gay Man’s Incredible Story of Redemption, with a
foreword by Francis Chan, published by Thomas Nelson, released July 30, 2019.
TBCS theme song by Seth Kaye
#thebecketcookshow #streetsmarts #athiesm
Last week I gave a Bible to my unbelieving brother, who was totally unchurched, but believes in God as a concept. I had witnessed to him of course but was at the limit he would tolerate. He was receptive, and thanked me for the Book, that’s what he calls it 😊 so far. The thought of him holding it and reading the verses I marked warms my heart.
Planting seeds!
Im praying for my no christien friend to become a christien arun singh
Becket, please keep doing this wonderful work! You are helping very many people. Thank you.
Thank you! God Bless
Greg is pushing his new book "Street Smarts" (which I pre-ordered, btw), but to everyone watching this video I highly (highly highly) recommend that you obtain and read an earlier book of Greg's entitled "The Story of REALITY: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important That Happens In Between."
This is one of the most compelling and moving apologetics books I have yet read. I urge you to read it, to give it out to friends and family, Christian and non-believers both. And don't fail to read the Epilogue and the Notes at the back of the book either, as there is much to edify you there as well. 👍
48:14 thank you!
WOW!!👍🏼
I pre-ordered it too ! ❤
Putting on my Armor🙏🏼
Thank you! I ordered the book after reading TACTICS. So eyeopening and encouraging to spread Gospel to non-believers - by “putting a small stone in their shoes” 👍👏🤗
“Where are you getting your standard by which you are judging God?” 👍🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻✝️🙌🏻
God is a murdering liar. He can't even keep His own Commandments.
That's really good!
Stealing from God's law or from the Christian worldview
I don't know if I first became a Christian, when I was 17 years old, or if it happened, when I had such a surreal experience, with Christ. But, I know that Christ is in my life now! I was very much, like Becket Cook in the fact that I was living a life of homosexuality! I have always known God but never really commit myself to God!
thank u both for actually providing skills & tools for the Kingdom 🤗🤗
I'm German, and I had to laugh at the point with the "autobahn". Here's an anecdote: A Czech millionaire came to Germany a few months ago. He drove his super fast car on the "autobahn" at 400 km/h (about 250 miles per hour). And he ended up in court. The accusation was that he had driven too fast.🤣 The judge had to ponder whether the absence of a speed limit implies that you can drive at ANY speed.
Nevertheless, the court was consistent and granted him a not-guilty verdict. 😇
Yes, thats exactly what I felt when I heard "Autobahn"❤
😅 German here as well😁
Always thought they call it interstate or something...
I'm going to put this here in case anyone would like to hear that, or hear it again. 28:14
I was brought to the Lord by a pastor explaining the Gospel to us in a church youth group setting. He did ask us if we wanted to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. That was over 50 years ago! I have noticed that so many Christian movies and even many churches that I have attended don't preach the gospel - that our sin separates us from God and the penalty is death; Jesus paid that penalty as only He could being the only perfect sacrifice and if we believe, we would be given eternal life. Instead what I have heard over and over is do you have problems? Try Jesus and He will fix all your problems. More like God is a product that we are selling instead of a restored relationship with the God of the universe!
Thank you, Becket, for all you do! This was so rich with wisdom and good instruction. Will listen again as well as order the book(s).
Becket, you would probably feel right at home this grammy's kitchen, because you are always here with me via UA-cam when I'm cooking.❤ My husband walks through and says, "Ah, your boy Becket."😂🥰
I am so thankful for you and what God has done in your life! I have directed countless friends and family to your amazing testimony!
God bless you...praying for you...and some day I want to give you a big hug!!❤😊
That was so sweet a comment. “ Your boy Beckett “. So cute , I love him too . God bless you and your husband
I just shared with a homeless man named Kendall that we are dirty vessels but Jesus wants to cleanse us so that He can live in us and change us into His Image! He started laughing and turning away, but I just repeated it. And then he became very serious. No one ever explained to me that Jesus wants to live inside of me!
I met a guy in 1998 whose uncle worked on translating the Dead Sea Scrolls who became a believer because he saw that the texts had not been corrupted.
This is way over my head but I respect it! I just tell people that when I was 9, I played with a Ouija Board and it worked! The demons manifested, I called on Jesus and they left! This really gets people's’ attentions and it opens up a lot of conversation! Cool! Thanks for the perspective!
Well, is the “eye of a needle” a metaphor or a literal passageway?
Becket, your Mother was sowing into your life and you didn't know it until many years later! Thank you for all your work here - I'm gonna start sharing your messages with some very dear gay friends! ❤️
Becket, You have no idea how 2 of your podcasts have changed my life. First the one with Mike Heiser, and this one with Greg Koukl. I read The Unseen Realm and understand more about my God than I learned in 50 years of salvation. Then This one with Greg....as I seemed to be one of those people who thought you had to close the deal!! I am so looking forward to reading it!! Thank you!!
Thank you! God Bless
Great interview! I agree. We need to be sensitive and adjust our approach to sharing the Gospel based on who we are speaking to. I have Greg Koukl's book Tactics. I use the "Colombo questions" all the time.
Amen, Tactics is a great book!
Such a helpful interview, thanks so much .
Wonderful point about evil and questioning atheists who believe evil exists apart from there being no God in the world 👊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻✝️✝️✝️🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Enjoyed this very much. Thank you Becket for exposing me to new brothers/sisters in Christ. Missed you, really glad you’re back!!!!
wonderful interview! An answer to prayer for talking to our deconstructed kids, asking questions but not arguing or lecturing
Excellent interview and good to have you back Becket. I found Mr Koukl’s questions to Atheists on the question of evil fascinating. How do they explain evil? They can’t. The church needs this kind of weaponry to aim at the devil and see people freed.
It's a good approach but it's not fool proof. An atheist who knows what he's talking about would then ask you: "Did God create laws against certain actions because they are evil, or are they evil because God created laws against them?"
Evil is a human perspective (subjective) view. Before we were there to see it there was nothing which was evil. Greg asked if the ancient Hebrews were different. They were because they were the only ancient group who had a god in their mythology who had chosen them exclusively.
Funny - I just watched Living Waters’ pro-life documentary called, “What Is It?” this morning! The video had popped up in my UA-cam and caught my attention. Be prepared for tears of joy at the end!
Great conversation, Greg and Becket.
I appreciate the examples given using tactics like moral argument against atheists.
I TOTALLY AGRRE!! Because I was “pushed “ prior to my private “ cry out” … 1973… wasn’t popular to cry “ if you are real God prove yourself to me “ VERY different from the 4 spiritual laws… my HEART WAS READY!!❤💝🌺
I understand Greg. At 72 the last 20 yrs I've come to see the need for questions. People appear to enjoy that they're on show.
Ordered! We have a hungry world for the Word of God. Thank you Becket and Greg!
A great episode and a very pleasant animated guest. Thanks Becket. Many blessings.
Thank you Becket
God Bless you
Greg is such a dear man 😊 Love seeing you two interact! Hope your August was great, Becket!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful resource. I've had similar conversations with non believers mostly asking them questions to clarify their point. It makes them think and not argue. I believe that's what the Holy Spirit wants. We just stir the pot. Let the Holy Spirit do the rest😊
I thank God for Becket Cook and his friends! ❤❤❤
So good! Love listening to you Becket. ❤
Becket thank you for alllll your very hard work!!!! It will accomplish what God wants and it’s not going on deaf ears. Love and appreciate you!!❤❤❤👏👏🙏🙏🙏✝️👍
This is really very helpful. We do need to ask questions like these to get non Christians to clarify what they mean and believe. Thank you and God bless from Sydney, Aus.
Thank you! God Bless
Why do non Christians need to clarify to you what they believe?
😂😂😂😂😂😂
I get that this podcast an audience is CHRISTIAN. So, the POV is Christian.
BUT.... CHRISTIANS are not all the same. How many denominations are there? With their own specific dogma, liturgy, constitutions, conventions, authorities, etc.
Why not CHRISTIANS.... clarify A UNIFORM belief?
It's never happened in over 2000 years. 😂
Great interview. I actually have his book “tactics”. It’s been on my bookshelf. Shamefully I’ve neglected it but now I’m pulling it back out. Thank you Beckett and Gregory.
Love what you do Becket!❤
Thank you Becket and Greg. Such a respectful yet unyielding conversation! 👏
One definition of encouragement is "to stimulate the development of something or someone". This conversation certainly does that!
God bless both of you 🤗
Becket, you’re a special human being! Thank-you for hosting a guest with another pertinent and interesting topic. It’s thought provoking and very helpful.❤️
😊 thanks so much Becket n Greg!!! SO thankful to hear all the wisdom 🙏🙏 "Tell me more about that........"
Beckett, will you be addressing Andy Stanley's upcoming "family conference" and the controversial speakers he is having? Brian Nietzel for example. Would appreciate your take on this.
Thank you
Super discussion. Ordered the book
Plead the Blood of Jesus over the life of Franz Jr. From Peterborough Ontario Canada 🇨🇦. God Bless You ❤️ !
I, too, was born again 50 yrs ago Sept 1973 and I honestly believe we are in the days now of such hardened hearts that they cannot be compared to the open-heartedness of the 70s. We gotta get back to the simple solid Truth of The Gospel of Redemption. I guess I’ve just gotten to a place of “IT’S ABOUT TO GET REAL, PEOPLE!! REPENT” (I think this may be why I’m not an evangelist😬) But I totally believe in cultivating the field which takes time.
Maybe the adults but the church is falling down on our responsibility to win children. They will believe if we get out the church doors and find them
Btw! Missed you! Glad your back Becket!
Why I am just hearing this now? It’s so true. Thank you so much Becket!
This is VERY helpful. I participate in street ministry with some members of the church that I attend and it was hard getting anyone to stop and listen to us. They knew what we were doing so they'd walk in the opposite direction when they saw us approaching and bombarded us with "Not interesteds" ☹️Greg's "Columbo approach is absolutely Masterful !!! and helps me to rethink strategies. This interview is well worth the watch. I watched an older video of Greg's debate Deepak Chopra and Greg left the man speechless. It was so satisfying!!!..😊. Beckett!! You the man....keep 'em coming.
Wow I learned a lot! Thank you! I’ve been trying to be a light for my coworkers at my job. This very helpful! 😊
This was such a wonderful interview. I had to download it so, I would be able to rematch it over again. I am trying to learn, the best way to help others commit their lives to Jesus.
I got the book a few day ago on audio. Now going to watch your show Becket… love you and your work!
Greg's books "Tactics" is a classic which literally every Christian should read. I've used the Colombo questions many times and they are super useful. All of our public debates would be better if everyone used them! We'd all be smarter too! Looking forward to reading this new book.
Great conversation! Learned so much on defending my faith ❤
Really good interview Becket!👍
I’m in the middle of your book, it’s a wonderful Testimony. Love your videos. 😊
It's been my experience that asking these questions just prompts people to immediately exit the conversation. I'm glad to hear it's working for someone. 😢😂😂😂
That's okay when they walk away. You have still planted seed. You can pray for someone else to water that seed and fertilize it. I believe every attempt with every person you try to reach counts! 😊🤗
This interview was great and I love the Columbo tactic. It causes engagement, which reverses the burden of truth. Questions help make progress. I enjoyed Greg Koukl. Thanks Becket. ♥ 🔥
Thanks so much again Greg and Becket. This is such a valid apprpoach because it's non-aggressive, non-offensive. Takes all the fear away from the Believer and lets you keep the conversation going. That's what you want. Keep it going. Put that stone in their shoe. I like that.
Loved this interview Becket, had to listen three times. I will get the book. The question of why God allows evil was on my mind, not because it was my question but because it’s a commonly asked question. And I saw the answer in Jesus words when He said in Matthew 7:11 NASBS
[11] ‘If YOU then, BEING EVIL, know how to give good gifts to your children ……..’ the penny dropped. If God were to eradicate evil then we wouldn’t be here. He would’ve done it at the fall of Adam and Eve. But He chose to allow evil ‘ie us’ to exist in order to provide us salvation. Simples 🤷♀️😀
Thank you both very much ❤
Just completing the book tactics! Thanks for this interview. Love Greg Koukl and his ministry.
This was so good. I’m ordering the book. I would never have known about it if it weren’t for this video.
I learned so much just from listening to this so far. I can’t imagine how amazing the information in the book will be.
Thank you for doing this interview!!!
Hi Beckett! This is the second time I've heard Greg and his new book mentioned today! ❤
Thank you Becket! 🙏🏻
Just stumbled upon your interview with cross politic, which led me to this video, which led me to your podcast. Subscribed and excited! God is great!
Thank you! God Bless
I appreciated Greg's insightful strategies for interacting with non-believers; especially the idea of guiding a conversation to allow a person to make their own conclusions instead of just making statements they can object to. Also, the idea that someone saying they are "offended" by the truth should make a difference. Thanks.
Excellent discussion! Very helpful💕🙏🏼✝️
Thank you so much for this conversation and I bought the book or should I say pre-ordered it!
Just last night I prayed so hard for God to give me the ability and the knowledge to calmly talk to those who need to be guided towards Christ and to do it in such a way that they won’t cancel me turn and walk away . Were they would engage with me in a good conversation using discernment. Thank you again because this is just more proof that God heard my prayer .❤
Love Greg K. Thanks for hosting him!
Becket, you have no idea how dsperately you are needed at this time. Please continue doing God's work.
Such a great episode!
praying to lead some one to the Lord this year
Really enjoyed this & quite a bit of jollity 😂.
I always learn something from listening to Greg
I got saved April 6th at around 2AM in 1980 I think I remember maybe because Easter was the next day
Great interview Becket. I just pre-ordered two copies of this book. Can't wait to read it.
Great advice‼️I’d be interested in hearing how to discuss the issue that some people believe the false belief that gender can be changed.
You may not mean this method to be a "gotcha" moment, but I think most people, especially those who are antagonistic to the message, will take it that way. If they feel like you enjoy humiliating them they'll never speak to you again.
1 Cor 2:3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Love this guy! Thank you for having him on your program! I would love for him to deal with my Jehovah's Witnesses siblings, can you come to visit! Lol:)
This is boss level apologist tapdancing bs... no words...
It's exciting to plant seeds. Sometimes we have to say something but mostly just leave it with Jesus.
Love the conversation. Very helpful. I will get the book!
Side note Beckett, if you liked Colombo you like the Monk series . my favorite😊
Great interview!
Thank you!
John 6:44 🙏
I suspect the Christian women friends offended by the show about abortion being wrong have had abortions. Maybe have a show sometime about forgiveness and healing after an abortion decision. Thank you for your programs👏🙏💕
Alas, many who do force themselves upon others either don’t think of it as wrong, or else they might blame it on how “temptingly” their victim was “behaving.” Lots of entitlement and narcissism going on these days :( Would love to see a companion book targeted towards prison ministries or “Difficult Cases,” great job with this one and Tactics! Thanks to both of you! 🙏✝️
I already ordered it while I watched this video.
Really good!
Excellent show!! ✝️🙏🏻
Yes!! Thank you!!
This should be interesting ❤
More Power!💪👍👏👏👏
I just noticed your facebook page seems to be set to private now...hope all is ok. Thank you for your courage and honesty.
I LOVED driving the autobahn!
THANKSfor the notice from God Hiscreative creation
Welcome back Becket ❤ whats apologetics again? Yes! There weren't any altar calls in the bible! Interesting. Hi Greg.
I am commenting for chance to be picked to be sent a signed book!!❤praise God!!
🚨ALERT!🚨 Please do not fall for scams. If someone replies to your comment pretending to be me and offers “prizes,” “gifts,” or “money,” please report them using the 3 little dots next to the reply. They usually mention contacting them through the apps “Telegram” or “WhatsApp.” Also, if a reply looks odd, please report it. We're all in this together.
I went to the link to pre-orders the book and somethings wrong - there's no place to enter information or payment. This is puzzling.????
BTW, this was a fascinating interview. Love Gregs approach; it makes so much sense.
Thanks Becket for bringing on the best guests ♥️
www.youtube.com/@PastorBryanWolfmueller
Dear Becket,
Whatever good you have, you currently don't realize, is because you were born into the Roman Catholic Church. God placed your soul into the Church He founded on Earth. Though it is currently heavily infiltrated by its enemies which God has permitted for a time, for your salvation you should not keep yourself cut off from it. The Catholic Church is the sole ark of salvation. Christ during the Church's current period of suffering and trial, raised up the Society of Saint Pius X a Fraternity within the Church which maintains the purity of His teachings and practices of 2,000 years. Whatever you hear from Protestants or others against Christ's Church are lies. Protestants are one of the greatest enemies of Christ's Church and you are currently living in their midst. Protestantism is emotionalism - remaining attached to the flesh while expecting to reach Heaven. Christ did not teach emotionalism. The Catholic Church is the mystical Body of Christ and His Bride who will suffer persecutions and insults alongside her Bridegroom. Christ founded a visible Church, not an invisible one. When you study history, you see it was the Catholic Church who built Western civilization which are the blessings of God on humanity. Though the enemies in recent times are corrupting this civilization with atheism, sin and the flesh. Don't use God for vain self glory. The Protestant mantra of believe and be saved is a dangerous heresy.
Becket, i love your show. I do have a question, though. Can you clarify what you meant by saying "Noah's Ark" when you were talking to your guest about taking the bible literally.
Thank you.
Greg and my husband were roommates when Steve and I met…Faye Lane, Redondo Beach. We named our son after Greg. Hi Greg!!!!!
Beckett's back inda house 👋👋👋
Listening now..
Becket, could you please try to get Tim Stratton on your show? That would be an awesome interview.
Other than strangers I’m not around any atheists, it’s just ones who don’t want to be bothered with Jesus because it’s a commitment while at the same time saying they believe 🤔
Talk to strangers.
People Souls are in Danger and for Some they don't even Know why
John 3:20-21
It appears from the Scriptural record that Jesus never addressed individuals the same way twice. He didn't appear to have a method, other than doing the will of the Father. He was the master question-asker, but it wasn't a method to Him, it was a way to connect with the heart of the individual. We should all be more like Jesus.
HIS WAY (method) was to connect with the heart of the individual.
I would love to see a Matt Dillahunty vs Greg Koukl .
i never think i have adequate knowledge in ready recall to challenge others views