I remember those horrible church street-dramas. The college ministry I was involved with still did them. They always had these ridiculous, on-the-nose metaphors. Someone standing in a box with 'sin' written on the front, literally saying "Help! I'm STUCK in SIN!" There was never a shortage of opportunities to prove your allegiance to Jesus by completely embarrassing yourself-the Fellowship of Charismatic Athletes carried a cross around the campus 7 times, and stopped at each corner to blow a trumpet. Never figured out if they were on their way to a crucifixion or if they expected the library to fall down. Regardless of the activity, the sign that you've arrived as a christian was that you're no longer embarrassed by any of these things. Withdrawn as I was, I never participated, though I always felt guilty. Over time I realized that some things feel embarrassing because they ARE embarrassing. Now I'm glad I was so withdrawn😅 Years later and miles away (physically and mentally), I was living in Los Angeles. I attended a church with some of the most dynamic christians I'd ever met-they put to shame all the groups who prided themselves on their evangelism. But this church wasn't weird. It was full of writers, actors, doctors, teachers, attorneys, artists-all sorts of successful professionals. I'd completely forgotten all the college nonsense. One night I went with a couple friends to watch a movie at the Chinese Theater on Hollywood. That was something I hardly ever did, so it stands out. Afterwards it was late, and there weren't many people out as we walked back to the car. About half a block from the theater, we passed a group of college students... doing a street drama... standing in a box labelled 'sin'... yelling "help I'm stuck in sin"... As I write this, I can't describe the combination of emotions in one word... In a city with perhaps the most actors per capita, these college students were on a mission trip, doing horrible street drama ON HOLLYWOOD BLVD IN FRONT OF GRAUMAN'S CHINESE! It was one of those full-circle moments. I've never said anything about that till now. Sorry for rambling.
Sean you should be very careful calling a person an idiot for expressing their love for Christ in any fashion. Many of those so called idiots are inspired by Christ, they do the work, and they are out there saving souls! That boldness in their preaching is better than saying nothing! Furthermore, it is a part of their growth in Christ! Yes, you should be careful calling your brethren idiots!
I so needed to hear this today. On some level I “knew” all of this however this conversation specifically between the two of you on this specific day, three days after being posted, is EXACTLY the right timing. I am struggling to reconnect with my son who is claiming LGBTQ. He said 28 months ago that he didn’t want to lose his family over this yet he is the one who has rejected all but the influencers of that life. The ones who convinced him that is who he is. Your conversation has help guide me to a path of possible reconnect to his me (family) and then back to God via the Holy Spirit. Today I have tears of hope and not devastation.
Prayers work!! I lived in a sinful life of homosexuality for nearly 10 years. My dad and friends (unbeknownst to me at the time) NEVER STOPPED PRAYING. I came back. Of course, I still struggle with sin, but I can tell you, I am NOT a lesbian. I am NOT bisexual. I found my way back to God and realized that that lifestyle is just a weapon to keep us away from our God. I am praying for you and your son❤
Spreading the word, evangelising, "having a faith-filled conversation with family...", it's all the same thing for you lot. Prey on the weak, the gullible and distressed to exploit them. J. Kenyatta: "When the Missionaries arrived, the Africans had the land and the Missionaries had the Bible. They taught how to pray with our eyes closed. When we opened them, they had the land and we had the Bible."
lol, no he isn't, he's a really good fake is all. i notice he stopped talking to counter apologists who ask questions he feels uncomfortable with, get him to go on pinecreek's show, or tjump, or anyone for that matter, all he does it talk to people who confirm his position. there's no god, sorry but it's myth and you've been scammed.
You can't. There ain't but two ways to do this. One is to make an emotional appeal which works best for vulnerable people-those suffering from a break up, some form of substance abuse, a job loss, a death, divorce, etc. The other is to make an intellectual appeal which works best on people who don't understand what the gospels are or are not practiced critical thinkers. In either scenario the Christian is acting in a predatory capacity which is completely unethical. You know this is true because when the Christian encounters an emotionally healthy person or a good critical thinker, they get their evangelical claptrap shoved right back in their face. And THAT is something to legitimately be fearful of. Keep your religious beliefs to yourself, or be prepared to live with the consequences.
Thank you for this discussion. Lately, I have felt the urge to engage with more questions myself. It’s very helpful to know what someone already believes and the history behind their choices. Also, the Holy Spirit is the one who draws the sinner. Our job is to simply follow His leading.
34:03 my assistant pastor modelled questions and going away to find an answer. It left me feeling that he meant it when he said "that's a great question " I knew he was hearing me and taking the question seriously... and he came back with an answer.
52:05 "... only makes sense if God exists. this is well trodden ground .... things like justice and human rights you know if we are just atoms and particles human rights is a fairly nonsensical idea ..." - the only thing Bannister gets right here is that this *is* well trodden ground. What he does not own, though, is that his assertion about "human rights" is only his _presupposition_ , and one that can be easily rejected. Indeed, many people do reject it. So here again is a case where an apologist is not going to fool the well read (or well interrogated) skeptic, but the apologist is just trying to convince the pew-sitter that they (the apologist) have the answer.
Great GREAT post!!!! I really, REALLY enjoyed the questions, and helpful tips. Asking, being genuinely curious, "take an intrest", also NOT Being Combative and drawing "CANCEL" lines to be crossed. So much in this that is USEFUL! Thanks AGAIN Doc! I also enjoyed Andy's humor! Brilliant!
I heard Andy speaking at a church in Tasmania last week. His topic was the title of his latest book. He's an excellent communicator and what he said was informative and challenging. All Christians need to know how to explain their faith when the opportunity arises - "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."- 1Pet 3.15
The issue is that there is SO much on the internet and out there that its pretty doubtful that ANYBODY really wants to hear your opinion. I've LISTENED to hindus, muslms, mormons, christians, first nations. More LISTENING less talking is my advice. What I've found universal is the spiritual path, which is all th at really matters. I've even listened to 'capitalists', the people who really have no religion but treat economic systems pretty much as religion and they also have an overwhelming desire to 'make things better' with 'their system'. Its pretty much ONLY the western based religions that are emphatic on "but THIS is true". One certain religion out of america I won't name I was talking to a guy and he ended wiht "I know it sounds crazy...but its TRUE". At that point he was kind of sheepish and ended it because I think saying it out loud made him think 'uh oh'. But this was a guy volunteering at a food bank, so whats to debate? What does more harm to evangelicism is the adherence to dogma. Evangelicals seem to have missed the studies that show people DON"T join religions because of the ideas, they join because of the experience with the P EOPLE. When I talked to that guy at the food bank, if I had felt 'lost' or 'looking for answers', I would have joined him at his church because he was at the food bank and a nice guy, not because of the 'crazy but true' sounding story he had told me. The church I almost joined here but which folded was basically due to an ad they had which had said 'group looking to get together to build affordable housing'. They were from all kinds of religions.
Evangelism has been a burning part of my heart lately and I really feel like God is wanting to send me. Thank you Andy and Sean so much for this interview. I book the book, both paper and audio and am looking forward to the more in depth view of the material. God bless you guys and keep up the good work of Jesus' Kingdom. :)
I think most Christians need to really understand why *they* believe ... then we'll always be ready to give a reason for our faith. It's *our* reason for *our* faith. After that, we can be open to dealing with their objections.
if you took away hell then i think religion would be gone within two months, the reason we have church just one day a week (and not all day either) is that's the minimum people think it takes to stay out of hell.
@@HarryNicNicholasHmmm... It seems to me that hell is the foot in the door that opens our hearts up to the gospel. But as I've grown in my faith what I have found is that I care *more* about being in relationship with God than about avoiding hell, or, put in different terms, the mercy and kindness that God has shown me with regards to my sin that separated me from Him has enraptured my heart to the point that eternity with Him is more alluring than simply avoiding just punishment for my sins. Are you yourself a Christian? Why or why not? Is Christianity reduced to just being someone that goes to church?
Can we start to push back in the "I'm not a thinker" argument?? That may be a false perception, but not actually the way God created us. We are all thinking-feeing-acting human beings ❤️🙏✨
I bought this book after having a chat with Andy, and it’s a great book! My teen daughter loves it too and it’s fantastic and so easily readable! I did also buy two of Andy’s other books. My interest is really in Islam as I have Muslim friends, and I am keen to share the gospel and find it is important I understand their beliefs to explain why Jesus is Christ. This book is a fab intro to very great advice and basics in apologetic / evangelism for all Christians x
I guess another option is to become a Calvinist. Then it doesn't matter what you say...the Reprobate person has been predetermined to never accept what you say, and the Elect person has been predetermined to accept it, no matter how you say it! Whatever you say is what God decided you would say.
I never was more effective for God as when I was a new Christian. I preached to people fervently with my whole heart, unashamedly and boldly. “It is clear you don’t like my way of doing evangelism. You raise some good points. Frankly, I sometimes do not like my way of doing evangelism. But I like my way of doing it better than your way of not doing it.” - D.L. Moody 1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV - For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:21 KJV - For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Corinthians 1:23 KJV - But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 1 Corinthians 1:25 KJV - Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV - But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 3:19 KJV - For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
A good informative video on how to approach people on the subject of Faith, especially towards the end of the video. What I like to do is ask people ' what comes to your mind when I say the word Faith ' This helps me establish weither or not they have a belief in God. If they don't I will try to reason on the existence of God. If a person does have a Faith they nearly always tell me what religion the belong to, but to me Faith is something more personal, to me it is it is a spiritual journey and what sacrifices you have to make to continue that journey (Hebrews 11) but also what is the bases of making that journey so I like to ask the question, 'what is your Faith based on' generally I don't get an answer so I am happy to state what my faith is based on, and that is (1) (Genesis 1v1) God created the Universe ,(2) (2 Timothy 3v16) the Bible (and only the bible) is inspired by God , (3) 1 Timothy 2v3-6 which I will print because it is so important '3)This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5) For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6) who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.' (NASB) In verse 4 salvation is mentioned, then in verse 5 it speaks about one God and one mediator (Jesus) , Then in verse 6 it speaks about Jesus giving himself as a ransom. So my faith and salvation is also based on the Ransom. Many will say that their Faith is based on the Resurrection of Jesus, but if you put the Ransom in a film sonareo the Resurrection would be an important scene ten minutes before the end of the film. So understanding the Ransom is so important , but for some reason the Ransom is not discussed on Sean's or other similar channels.
When I was a non-Christian teenager in the 80s, I tried to participate with some Christian youth groups because I was curious about the faith. But they acted so silly it was a big turnoff. When I was a teen if someone had presented a rational approach to Christianity that included apologetics, philosophy, and the scientific basis for intelligent design, I would have dived right in. My life would have been different and it wouldn't have taken 40 more years for me to make the switch.
@@SeanMcDowell ha ha ha. did god fix it for you? or did you have to do it manually? if my car breaks down, do i take it to church cos it's possessed by demons?
I have to wonder if the entire premise here is off. Starting from scripture we read 1 Cor 1:18) For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. My point is no matter what most any and everything we might say the people in the world will consider us as fools... I wonder if so much evangelism fails more often because we are pushing something that isn't Biblical as we want it to make sense so the person we witness to won't think we are foolish... So more often people forsake and reject the gospel in the way Christians present it... Specifically, come to Jesus and He will give you purpose and meaning to you and for you life... In contrast we read Paul saying a little further in 1 Cor 1:22) For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; 23) but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 24) but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
atheists really couldn;t give a monkey's butt what the bible says or what god wants. god is just another tin pot dictator to me, needs prison to cool him off.
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Romans 10:14 NIV I agree that to the world we will look foolish. But evangelism is participating in Gods love for the world. Sometimes we are planting the seed, sometimes watering it, and we are grateful when the Lord allows us to participate in his harvest. But it is always their relationship with God that is the point. Ultimately our goal is for people to allow us to introduce them to God. Not merely overcome a mental hang up and get better thinking. When thinking and a wounded heart gets in the way we need wisdom to share the gospel.
@@BrianLassek Actually after doing evangelism for 40+ years it is interesting to see how many make it all man focused. Both in so many words how "I did this and that, and presented to.... I shared Christ..." That is one side, the other is we must present the gospel and plead with them to make a choice.... Sorry, Biblically would assert both points are off. Um... "Pray to The Lord of the harvest to send out workers..." I Cor 4:7, Mark 4:9->15 or so. Then we have the issue with "No one seeks after God, no... Not one" or 'The natural man can't/won't accept things of the spirit. Unless the Lord is i it, the laborers labor in vein...? My points is so much that is passed off these days and circulating is all man centered and focused. I'll be the first to agree i could be wrong, but look at how America has fallen away from God and pagan the U.S. is. Did it get their from surrendering to God or rebelling from God. Would assert that seems why we are apparently in the Laodicean Church now... Who needs God when we can focus on man and make everything about him... Gotcha..
We can communicate to unbelievers the truth which is Jesus Christ because “everyone that heareth the truth hear his voice” John 18:37. We need to study Jesus conversations in the word of God. He asked critical questions and listened meticulously. In John chapter 18, Jesus talks to Pilate while on trial. In verse 36, he asks “if my kingdom were of this world, why would I restrain my servants from defending me?”. This was extremely critical to pilate. The reports he heard about Jesus were originally from the sanhedrin temple guards who captured him, and that information eventually to roman soldiers and officials and then to Pilate. He knew that Jesus voluntarily gave himself up. And in that moment the question MUST HAVE hit him like a bus. Point being, engage peoples logic and reason instead of their emotion. Super important in the conversation about truth
Great point about evangelism being a team sport. Taking it further, it's a team sport, and the coach AND the star player is the Holy Spirit. Don't underestimate the fact that you're only role with some people, even some people you are close to, may just be making a pass here or there. You can do damage, to the other person and yourself, if you think IT'S UP TO ME THEY'RE GOING TO HELL IF I DON'T CONVINCE THEM.
I think that when we are friends with the world, we rob fellowship with other christians that make us grow.. Making friends to evangelize is not the mission of the church. Loving them to speak the gospel gently ok, but after trying 1-2 times, can we move on. They maybe nice, but they hide their sins, just ready to lash out. People will swear, lie, covet etc and we say nothing to keep the friendship and hope ti convert them...is this not worldly. Friendship with unforgiving non believers is no friendship at all. If we are at this point in Christianity, the fullness of he gentilles is very near. God bless. Example i am a poor sick man and i gave the gospel to these supposedly friends, well they slam the door in face. One even said were now on different social levels. When you have money, they will be your friend even you give them the gospel because they get something from you:their attention towards us is mostly narcistic. James 4.4 You adulterous people people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
"They maybe nice, but they hide their sins, just ready to lash out." - you have no idea how arrogant your statements sound, do you? For that matter, *your very UA-cam handle* , "christiansvscatholics", is an exercise in arrogance.
God doesn't want to save the other 90% of the world? I'm not sure why it matters whether someone reads the Bible or not. If anything, the ones who don't are the ones who especially need to hear the truth.
Intelligent, clever, and magnificently witty. I like this Mr. Bannister. Book bought. Done. I definitely am a "babbler." Especially in writing; some of my posted comments activate hilarity in the "TLDR" crowd. So BRIEFLY ... My beef (even now, as a believer) is with evangelists who are the fire-and-brimstone spouters. The ones who have placards threatening onlookers with damnation and shouting into a loudspeaker the same message. Total absolute turn off. It's pretty self-defeating to spout "God is love" and "Jesus loves you" with one breath then preach wailing and gnashing of teeth with the next. Those people made me give Christians a wide berth for much of my life. Sure, we need to (we are obligated to) let people know the truth, but that particular truth is a bad lure for conversation. Let them consider that later after they get drawn in and start learning. Honey works better than vinegar. Too many evangelizers come across as "I'm invited to the party, but you are scheduled to burn." Not very inviting! As for the "giving up" on non-believers, I find that uncaring to the point of arrogance. Never give up, our timetable is not God's timetable. As long as they still live there is hope they will be found. The Holy Spirit can be very very sneaky (He definitely WAS with me). Moral of this interview, "Don't just sit there like a lemon!" Amazingly, I'll shut up now. 😆
I understand your perspective, and this is not my preferred method of preaching the Gospel, but some will not respond to anything else. Look up, Jonathan Edwards, a great preacher during the period of enlightenment in the early 1800's. He preached a sermon called Sinners in the Hand of an angry God. He spoke about how we are like spiders hanging over hell. It reached many people for Christ at that time, and I would be confident it has reached a few people for Christ since then. I don't think this is the way to reach everyone, so as Paul said, "I am all things to all men". I think you have to cater your message at least somewhat to your hearer. Anyway, I do think it has a place.
@@timoates9592 I agree that it CAN work, so yes. But many are not flexible on style and (IMO) habitually drive away many more than they entice. God bless!
good for you, i bet you feel really good about that. thing is, do you listen? cos religists are great at not saying anything, but all they are doing is waiting till the other person stops so they can tell you how great they are cos god loves them personally, you know? just full of BS about themselves without actually thinking they might be wrong and they ought to learn from the person they are talking to. anyway, personally i hate listening to religists, so i;m just as bad, but at least i don';r claim to have the master of the friggin universe as a personal friend and that gives me the right to hate on folks i never met, eh.
from an atheist perspective i see no difference between christian, muslims, hindu's, JW's or even shinto, and shinto is the least objectionable religion. you all make me sick.
@@HarryNicNicholas How's it working out!:It looks like going to where the people are approach said people speak to them about sin and their need of the only saviour?
From the parts of the video I heard, not bad advice. Keeping silent vs guilting people. I am not so sure that silence is an example of being stupid. There is 1 Peter 2:12 - "having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation." So if you are naturally a shy person, that is a way of "evangelising". If a shy people are going to be continually guilted because they don't go out and evangelise then what you are likely doing is causing unnecessary anxiety. Far too many verses in the bible inform believers that they can do all things if they put their trust in God. However, reality is much more complex than some of the simplistic promises in the bible. //7:13 "... unhelpful ways we are trained to do evangelism ..."// I think the bible and your attitudes to it are a big part of the problem. Many bible verses tell you to be humble, and to be good, and to see others as equal before God. However, many other verses tell you that you are wise, joyous, the tellers of truth, healed, righteous, Godly, apart from the world, that you have pearls, and so on, while the world is foolish, miserable, the tellers of lies, sick, wicked, Satanic, swine and in bad need of saving. ^^ Such verses are great ideas for leading believers into arrogance, self-flattery and over confidence. I think many believers would help themselves if they held better and more realistic attitudes towards the bible, and themselves.
quite, i actually totally agree i really hope that sean and you guys all stay christian cos really who wants people who think like you on their team? you make me puke most of the time.
15:40 "...happened to Jesus" - there's a bit sleight of hand here, by Dr. McDowell. While I think the canonical gospels are not chronicles, even if we grant that they embed some events that actually happened, the gospels show the people with whom he interacted welcomed Jesus. The rejection of Jesus in the gospels is the (highly antisemitic) part where the crowds shout, when given a choice by the Roman leadership, to crucify him. So Dr. McDowell is misrepresenting the actual gospels and making a comparison that does not hold up to scrutiny, so contra Dr. McDowell: 1) the Jesus of the gospels is not doing "apologetics" (the thing that Sean claims to be doing); 2) the Jesus of the gospels was not rejected by the individuals with whom he interacted. Some may have gone away unhappy (like the rich man), but that is quite different than what Sean and Andy are discussing here. One final add: the reason so many of us find apologists teeth-grinding is that you are making claims that we know have been dismissed elsewhere. The Gish-gallop is in full effect in most apologists I have come across.
If the Christian God is a real thing - how do we know that he's not just joking - and is going to eat us, as soon as we die! He could easily be a baddie. The bible already has him doing some horrible things. Are we worshipping a monster?
i've always been atheism, and so far life has been pretty good, i really can't complain too much, so, is that satan looking after a sinner (so what do i care? hell is going to be a theme park, not the hole people say it will, why would satan torment me>?) or does god not really mind me being atheist? either way i don'r see any point in leading my life any differently, god or no god, i either end up in heaven (which sounds really fkn unpleasant to be honest) or i end up in hell (why would hell be torture, satan loves sinners, satan would torment christians).
@@HarryNicNicholaswe are all entitled to have an opinion, but a foolish opinion is an uneducated opinion. If you were to have an operation, like heart surgery, signing the consent document without finding as much as you can before signing it, is placing your life into someone else’s hands. You are not even sure the surgeon has your best interests at heart. The surgeon might only be focusing on the pay package. Your ideas and thoughts about Satan and hell are that foolish. God rules hell and heaven, he is also all love and all justice. I have no idea where your opinions originate from, but your is based on myth and not truth.
@@HarryNicNicholasif heaven sounds unpleasant, I'm not sure I can trust any of your opinions. Imo whether God exists or not, the world is better if you act like there is. Acting like there's no such thing as 'done in secret' 'didn't hurt anyone'. Having genuine integrity (through fear of god) will lead to a better world after you're dead. In small and large ways. To me that's the real point of it all. Whether it's true or not. ❤
The bible holds up under scrutiny. In history, in the present day, and what we can see coming in the future. Do you know the saying "if it looks like a duck, if it sounds like a duck, and if it walks like a duck, it's a duck." The world had a beginning. Archaeology supports the bible. Jesus came in bodily form. His disciples were willing to die in horrific ways for Him. You can see biblical predictions coming true. He'll wasn't made for humans, but unfortunately many chose it. You chose it when you reject Gods gift. Don't be fooled.
Just Got the Book! I'm working around my house and listening!!!!!
I remember those horrible church street-dramas. The college ministry I was involved with still did them. They always had these ridiculous, on-the-nose metaphors. Someone standing in a box with 'sin' written on the front, literally saying "Help! I'm STUCK in SIN!"
There was never a shortage of opportunities to prove your allegiance to Jesus by completely embarrassing yourself-the Fellowship of Charismatic Athletes carried a cross around the campus 7 times, and stopped at each corner to blow a trumpet. Never figured out if they were on their way to a crucifixion or if they expected the library to fall down. Regardless of the activity, the sign that you've arrived as a christian was that you're no longer embarrassed by any of these things.
Withdrawn as I was, I never participated, though I always felt guilty. Over time I realized that some things feel embarrassing because they ARE embarrassing. Now I'm glad I was so withdrawn😅
Years later and miles away (physically and mentally), I was living in Los Angeles. I attended a church with some of the most dynamic christians I'd ever met-they put to shame all the groups who prided themselves on their evangelism. But this church wasn't weird. It was full of writers, actors, doctors, teachers, attorneys, artists-all sorts of successful professionals. I'd completely forgotten all the college nonsense.
One night I went with a couple friends to watch a movie at the Chinese Theater on Hollywood. That was something I hardly ever did, so it stands out. Afterwards it was late, and there weren't many people out as we walked back to the car. About half a block from the theater, we passed a group of college students... doing a street drama... standing in a box labelled 'sin'... yelling "help I'm stuck in sin"...
As I write this, I can't describe the combination of emotions in one word...
In a city with perhaps the most actors per capita, these college students were on a mission trip, doing horrible street drama ON HOLLYWOOD BLVD IN FRONT OF GRAUMAN'S CHINESE!
It was one of those full-circle moments. I've never said anything about that till now. Sorry for rambling.
Another great interview and awesome guest!
I don't think I've ever met an atheist that is shy or awkward about articulating their belief. Hmmmmm
I don't think you've ever met an atheist.
Sean you should be very careful calling a person an idiot for expressing their love for Christ in any fashion. Many of those so called idiots are inspired by Christ, they do the work, and they are out there saving souls! That boldness in their preaching is better than saying nothing! Furthermore, it is a part of their growth in Christ! Yes, you should be careful calling your brethren idiots!
It’s in the title to his book. Check it out and it will give helpful context.
I don’t like the title. The Christian persecution from the world is bad enough. Why title his book in such a way? Unwise.
Just look at Sean’s hair? He calls anyone else an idiot?
@@dandathomas6852His heart and his work is loved by Christ so his hair is really irrelevant. Love one another. No one is perfect except Christ.
How did this nonsense end up in my feed?
You probably had a wet dream about Jesus.
I so needed to hear this today. On some level I “knew” all of this however this conversation specifically between the two of you on this specific day, three days after being posted, is EXACTLY the right timing. I am struggling to reconnect with my son who is claiming LGBTQ. He said 28 months ago that he didn’t want to lose his family over this yet he is the one who has rejected all but the influencers of that life. The ones who convinced him that is who he is. Your conversation has help guide me to a path of possible reconnect to his me (family) and then back to God via the Holy Spirit. Today I have tears of hope and not devastation.
I’m so glad to hear!
Prayers work!! I lived in a sinful life of homosexuality for nearly 10 years. My dad and friends (unbeknownst to me at the time) NEVER STOPPED PRAYING. I came back. Of course, I still struggle with sin, but I can tell you, I am NOT a lesbian. I am NOT bisexual. I found my way back to God and realized that that lifestyle is just a weapon to keep us away from our God. I am praying for you and your son❤
@@d.l831 thank you for this message of hope. I treasure your words and am so glad you found your way back to God. Many blessings to you ❣️
Spreading the word, evangelising, "having a faith-filled conversation with family...", it's all the same thing for you lot. Prey on the weak, the gullible and distressed to exploit them.
J. Kenyatta: "When the Missionaries arrived, the Africans had the land and the Missionaries had the Bible. They taught how to pray with our eyes closed. When we opened them, they had the land and we had the Bible."
Sean is best interviewer on the planet. He listens, doesn’t interrupt, summarizes - a pleasure to watch b
lol, no he isn't, he's a really good fake is all. i notice he stopped talking to counter apologists who ask questions he feels uncomfortable with, get him to go on pinecreek's show, or tjump, or anyone for that matter, all he does it talk to people who confirm his position. there's no god, sorry but it's myth and you've been scammed.
You can't. There ain't but two ways to do this. One is to make an emotional appeal which works best for vulnerable people-those suffering from a break up, some form of substance abuse, a job loss, a death, divorce, etc. The other is to make an intellectual appeal which works best on people who don't understand what the gospels are or are not practiced critical thinkers. In either scenario the Christian is acting in a predatory capacity which is completely unethical. You know this is true because when the Christian encounters an emotionally healthy person or a good critical thinker, they get their evangelical claptrap shoved right back in their face. And THAT is something to legitimately be fearful of. Keep your religious beliefs to yourself, or be prepared to live with the consequences.
Thank you for this discussion. Lately, I have felt the urge to engage with more questions myself. It’s very helpful to know what someone already believes and the history behind their choices. Also, the Holy Spirit is the one who draws the sinner. Our job is to simply follow His leading.
34:03 my assistant pastor modelled questions and going away to find an answer. It left me feeling that he meant it when he said "that's a great question " I knew he was hearing me and taking the question seriously... and he came back with an answer.
52:05 "... only makes sense if God exists. this is well trodden ground .... things like justice and human rights you know if we are just atoms and particles human rights is a fairly nonsensical idea ..." - the only thing Bannister gets right here is that this *is* well trodden ground. What he does not own, though, is that his assertion about "human rights" is only his _presupposition_ , and one that can be easily rejected. Indeed, many people do reject it. So here again is a case where an apologist is not going to fool the well read (or well interrogated) skeptic, but the apologist is just trying to convince the pew-sitter that they (the apologist) have the answer.
Great GREAT post!!!! I really, REALLY enjoyed the questions, and helpful tips. Asking, being genuinely curious, "take an intrest", also NOT Being Combative and drawing "CANCEL" lines to be crossed.
So much in this that is USEFUL! Thanks AGAIN Doc! I also enjoyed Andy's humor! Brilliant!
I heard Andy speaking at a church in Tasmania last week. His topic was the title of his latest book. He's an excellent communicator and what he said was informative and challenging. All Christians need to know how to explain their faith when the opportunity arises - "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."- 1Pet 3.15
Ray comfort really helped me ❤😊
insert or extract the banana?
Yeah Ray has helped me quite a bit too. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ!
Ray taught me how to study a well made banana.
You helped Ray much much more than he helped you, you helped him become a millionaire.
@@ezbody you seem unreasonable and angry. The Lord says, “Come now and let us reason together”.
The issue is that there is SO much on the internet and out there that its pretty doubtful that ANYBODY really wants to hear your opinion. I've LISTENED to hindus, muslms, mormons, christians, first nations. More LISTENING less talking is my advice. What I've found universal is the spiritual path, which is all th at really matters. I've even listened to 'capitalists', the people who really have no religion but treat economic systems pretty much as religion and they also have an overwhelming desire to 'make things better' with 'their system'.
Its pretty much ONLY the western based religions that are emphatic on "but THIS is true". One certain religion out of america I won't name I was talking to a guy and he ended wiht "I know it sounds crazy...but its TRUE". At that point he was kind of sheepish and ended it because I think saying it out loud made him think 'uh oh'. But this was a guy volunteering at a food bank, so whats to debate?
What does more harm to evangelicism is the adherence to dogma. Evangelicals seem to have missed the studies that show people DON"T join religions because of the ideas, they join because of the experience with the P EOPLE. When I talked to that guy at the food bank, if I had felt 'lost' or 'looking for answers', I would have joined him at his church because he was at the food bank and a nice guy, not because of the 'crazy but true' sounding story he had told me.
The church I almost joined here but which folded was basically due to an ad they had which had said 'group looking to get together to build affordable housing'. They were from all kinds of religions.
You mentioned that you had a friend who documented the questions asked by jesus/paul... do they have it published somewhere?
I would really be interested in your friends list of questions in the Bible.
Evangelism has been a burning part of my heart lately and I really feel like God is wanting to send me. Thank you Andy and Sean so much for this interview. I book the book, both paper and audio and am looking forward to the more in depth view of the material. God bless you guys and keep up the good work of Jesus' Kingdom. :)
There are many books(Including Andy's)GREAT online apologists.
LETS GO!!!
what nonsense are you talking matey?
Excellent discussion. I wish I had time to read all these books!
Half of Think Biblically and Pod of the Gaps in one video is amazing!
Only thing I was missing was a little more banter. 😉
I think most Christians need to really understand why *they* believe ... then we'll always be ready to give a reason for our faith.
It's *our* reason for *our* faith. After that, we can be open to dealing with their objections.
if you took away hell then i think religion would be gone within two months, the reason we have church just one day a week (and not all day either) is that's the minimum people think it takes to stay out of hell.
@@HarryNicNicholasHmmm... It seems to me that hell is the foot in the door that opens our hearts up to the gospel. But as I've grown in my faith what I have found is that I care *more* about being in relationship with God than about avoiding hell, or, put in different terms, the mercy and kindness that God has shown me with regards to my sin that separated me from Him has enraptured my heart to the point that eternity with Him is more alluring than simply avoiding just punishment for my sins.
Are you yourself a Christian? Why or why not? Is Christianity reduced to just being someone that goes to church?
Can we start to push back in the "I'm not a thinker" argument?? That may be a false perception, but not actually the way God created us. We are all thinking-feeing-acting human beings ❤️🙏✨
I bought this book after having a chat with Andy, and it’s a great book! My teen daughter loves it too and it’s fantastic and so easily readable! I did also buy two of Andy’s other books. My interest is really in Islam as I have Muslim friends, and I am keen to share the gospel and find it is important I understand their beliefs to explain why Jesus is Christ. This book is a fab intro to very great advice and basics in apologetic / evangelism for all Christians x
I guess another option is to become a Calvinist. Then it doesn't matter what you say...the Reprobate person has been predetermined to never accept what you say, and the Elect person has been predetermined to accept it, no matter how you say it! Whatever you say is what God decided you would say.
Luther, Augustine, ... they all concluded from the bible that man was predestined.
Don't be ignorant in stating this popular meme about Calvin.
I never was more effective for God as when I was a new Christian. I preached to people fervently with my whole heart, unashamedly and boldly.
“It is clear you don’t like my way of doing evangelism. You raise some good points. Frankly, I sometimes do not like my way of doing evangelism. But I like my way of doing it better than your way of not doing it.”
- D.L. Moody
1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV - For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:21 KJV - For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
1 Corinthians 1:23 KJV - But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1 Corinthians 1:25 KJV - Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV - But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 3:19 KJV - For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
A good informative video on how to approach people on the subject of Faith, especially towards the end of the video. What I like to do is ask people ' what comes to your mind when I say the word Faith ' This helps me establish weither or not they have a belief in God. If they don't I will try to reason on the existence of God. If a person does have a Faith they nearly always tell me what religion the belong to, but to me Faith is something more personal, to me it is it is a spiritual journey and what sacrifices you have to make to continue that journey (Hebrews 11) but also what is the bases of making that journey so I like to ask the question, 'what is your Faith based on' generally I don't get an answer so I am happy to state what my faith is based on, and that is (1) (Genesis 1v1) God created the Universe ,(2) (2 Timothy 3v16) the Bible (and only the bible) is inspired by God , (3) 1 Timothy 2v3-6 which I will print because it is so important '3)This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5) For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6) who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.' (NASB) In verse 4 salvation is mentioned, then in verse 5 it speaks about one God and one mediator (Jesus) , Then in verse 6 it speaks about Jesus giving himself as a ransom. So my faith and salvation is also based on the Ransom. Many will say that their Faith is based on the Resurrection of Jesus, but if you put the Ransom in a film sonareo the Resurrection would be an important scene ten minutes before the end of the film. So understanding the Ransom is so important , but for some reason the Ransom is not discussed on Sean's or other similar channels.
When I was a non-Christian teenager in the 80s, I tried to participate with some Christian youth groups because I was curious about the faith. But they acted so silly it was a big turnoff. When I was a teen if someone had presented a rational approach to Christianity that included apologetics, philosophy, and the scientific basis for intelligent design, I would have dived right in. My life would have been different and it wouldn't have taken 40 more years for me to make the switch.
"Withouout" being an idiot? Step one: spell check.
Haha, now that’s funny. Fixed!
@@SeanMcDowell ha ha ha. did god fix it for you? or did you have to do it manually? if my car breaks down, do i take it to church cos it's possessed by demons?
@@SeanMcDowellstop lying dude.
@@HarryNicNicholasGod bless you. ❤
Thank you guys! God uses you in a powerful way!
Ggg
Awesome conversation!
You have a great laugh, Andy!! 😂
I have to wonder if the entire premise here is off. Starting from scripture we read 1 Cor 1:18) For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
My point is no matter what most any and everything we might say the people in the world will consider us as fools... I wonder if so much evangelism fails more often because we are pushing something that isn't Biblical as we want it to make sense so the person we witness to won't think we are foolish... So more often people forsake and reject the gospel in the way Christians present it... Specifically, come to Jesus and He will give you purpose and meaning to you and for you life... In contrast we read Paul saying a little further in 1 Cor 1:22) For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; 23) but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 24) but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
atheists really couldn;t give a monkey's butt what the bible says or what god wants. god is just another tin pot dictator to me, needs prison to cool him off.
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
Romans 10:14 NIV
I agree that to the world we will look foolish. But evangelism is participating in Gods love for the world. Sometimes we are planting the seed, sometimes watering it, and we are grateful when the Lord allows us to participate in his harvest. But it is always their relationship with God that is the point.
Ultimately our goal is for people to allow us to introduce them to God. Not merely overcome a mental hang up and get better thinking. When thinking and a wounded heart gets in the way we need wisdom to share the gospel.
@@BrianLassek Actually after doing evangelism for 40+ years it is interesting to see how many make it all man focused. Both in so many words how "I did this and that, and presented to.... I shared Christ..." That is one side, the other is we must present the gospel and plead with them to make a choice.... Sorry, Biblically would assert both points are off. Um... "Pray to The Lord of the harvest to send out workers..." I Cor 4:7, Mark 4:9->15 or so. Then we have the issue with "No one seeks after God, no... Not one" or 'The natural man can't/won't accept things of the spirit. Unless the Lord is i it, the laborers labor in vein...? My points is so much that is passed off these days and circulating is all man centered and focused. I'll be the first to agree i could be wrong, but look at how America has fallen away from God and pagan the U.S. is. Did it get their from surrendering to God or rebelling from God. Would assert that seems why we are apparently in the Laodicean Church now... Who needs God when we can focus on man and make everything about him... Gotcha..
The Babylon Bee has a great interview with David Wood
We can communicate to unbelievers the truth which is Jesus Christ because “everyone that heareth the truth hear his voice” John 18:37. We need to study Jesus conversations in the word of God. He asked critical questions and listened meticulously. In John chapter 18, Jesus talks to Pilate while on trial. In verse 36, he asks “if my kingdom were of this world, why would I restrain my servants from defending me?”. This was extremely critical to pilate. The reports he heard about Jesus were originally from the sanhedrin temple guards who captured him, and that information eventually to roman soldiers and officials and then to Pilate. He knew that Jesus voluntarily gave himself up. And in that moment the question MUST HAVE hit him like a bus. Point being, engage peoples logic and reason instead of their emotion. Super important in the conversation about truth
Great point about evangelism being a team sport. Taking it further, it's a team sport, and the coach AND the star player is the Holy Spirit. Don't underestimate the fact that you're only role with some people, even some people you are close to, may just be making a pass here or there. You can do damage, to the other person and yourself, if you think IT'S UP TO ME THEY'RE GOING TO HELL IF I DON'T CONVINCE THEM.
Galatians5: 22-23. You either have it, or you don't.
"Evidence that Demands a Verdict" - Yaaay!!! Great book!! 👍 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
trouble is there is zero evidence of gods. otherwise we'd all be chrispians.
@@HarryNicNicholas
Do you always do what you know is going for you? I dare say No.
hope that answers your comment
So basically act like you would in any other social situation?
I think that when we are friends with the world, we rob fellowship with other christians that make us grow.. Making friends to evangelize is not the mission of the church. Loving them to speak the gospel gently ok, but after trying 1-2 times, can we move on. They maybe nice, but they hide their sins, just ready to lash out.
People will swear, lie, covet etc and we say nothing to keep the friendship and hope ti convert them...is this not worldly.
Friendship with unforgiving non believers is no friendship at all. If we are at this point in Christianity, the fullness of he gentilles is very near. God bless.
Example i am a poor sick man and i gave the gospel to these supposedly friends, well they slam the door in face. One even said were now on different social levels. When you have money, they will be your friend even you give them the gospel because they get something from you:their attention towards us is mostly narcistic.
James 4.4
You adulterous people people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
"They maybe nice, but they hide their sins, just ready to lash out." - you have no idea how arrogant your statements sound, do you? For that matter, *your very UA-cam handle* , "christiansvscatholics", is an exercise in arrogance.
Meet people at their level. Paul was all things to all men.
Let's take it to them all.Therrs no excuse now
Soul winning ≠ disciple making
This is how: talk about Jesus- doesn’t matter if you look like an idiot or not. Just saved you an hour.
Don't (or do, if you want to speed up the demise of Christianity)
only 10% read the bible. I will not give what is holy to dogs and pearls to pigs.
God doesn't want to save the other 90% of the world? I'm not sure why it matters whether someone reads the Bible or not. If anything, the ones who don't are the ones who especially need to hear the truth.
Intelligent, clever, and magnificently witty. I like this Mr. Bannister. Book bought. Done.
I definitely am a "babbler." Especially in writing; some of my posted comments activate hilarity in the "TLDR" crowd. So BRIEFLY ...
My beef (even now, as a believer) is with evangelists who are the fire-and-brimstone spouters. The ones who have placards threatening onlookers with damnation and shouting into a loudspeaker the same message. Total absolute turn off. It's pretty self-defeating to spout "God is love" and "Jesus loves you" with one breath then preach wailing and gnashing of teeth with the next. Those people made me give Christians a wide berth for much of my life. Sure, we need to (we are obligated to) let people know the truth, but that particular truth is a bad lure for conversation. Let them consider that later after they get drawn in and start learning. Honey works better than vinegar. Too many evangelizers come across as "I'm invited to the party, but you are scheduled to burn." Not very inviting!
As for the "giving up" on non-believers, I find that uncaring to the point of arrogance. Never give up, our timetable is not God's timetable. As long as they still live there is hope they will be found. The Holy Spirit can be very very sneaky (He definitely WAS with me).
Moral of this interview, "Don't just sit there like a lemon!"
Amazingly, I'll shut up now. 😆
I understand your perspective, and this is not my preferred method of preaching the Gospel, but some will not respond to anything else. Look up, Jonathan Edwards, a great preacher during the period of enlightenment in the early 1800's. He preached a sermon called Sinners in the Hand of an angry God. He spoke about how we are like spiders hanging over hell. It reached many people for Christ at that time, and I would be confident it has reached a few people for Christ since then. I don't think this is the way to reach everyone, so as Paul said, "I am all things to all men". I think you have to cater your message at least somewhat to your hearer. Anyway, I do think it has a place.
@@timoates9592 I agree that it CAN work, so yes. But many are not flexible on style and (IMO) habitually drive away many more than they entice. God bless!
Did I mention Muslim(They love to speak)
no you didn;t but i forgive you, you're a religist and they never get told how to use their brain.
I go speak with Mormons(Learned about their beliefs)
good for you, i bet you feel really good about that. thing is, do you listen? cos religists are great at not saying anything, but all they are doing is waiting till the other person stops so they can tell you how great they are cos god loves them personally, you know? just full of BS about themselves without actually thinking they might be wrong and they ought to learn from the person they are talking to. anyway, personally i hate listening to religists, so i;m just as bad, but at least i don';r claim to have the master of the friggin universe as a personal friend and that gives me the right to hate on folks i never met, eh.
Keep reaching out to the lost Brother! All people need the light of the glorious Gospel. God bless you!
NUL
❤
JWs also
from an atheist perspective i see no difference between christian, muslims, hindu's, JW's or even shinto, and shinto is the least objectionable religion. you all make me sick.
I plan when to evangelise 😊
really? how's that working out?
@@HarryNicNicholas How's it working out!:It looks like going to where the people are approach said people speak to them about sin and their need of the only saviour?
From the parts of the video I heard, not bad advice.
Keeping silent vs guilting people.
I am not so sure that silence is an example of being stupid. There is 1 Peter 2:12 - "having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation."
So if you are naturally a shy person, that is a way of "evangelising". If a shy people are going to be continually guilted because they don't go out and evangelise then what you are likely doing is causing unnecessary anxiety. Far too many verses in the bible inform believers that they can do all things if they put their trust in God. However, reality is much more complex than some of the simplistic promises in the bible.
//7:13 "... unhelpful ways we are trained to do evangelism ..."//
I think the bible and your attitudes to it are a big part of the problem. Many bible verses tell you to be humble, and to be good, and to see others as equal before God. However, many other verses tell you that you are wise, joyous, the tellers of truth, healed, righteous, Godly, apart from the world, that you have pearls, and so on, while the world is foolish, miserable, the tellers of lies, sick, wicked, Satanic, swine and in bad need of saving.
^^ Such verses are great ideas for leading believers into arrogance, self-flattery and over confidence. I think many believers would help themselves if they held better and more realistic attitudes towards the bible, and themselves.
who cares what the bible says, none of it is original.
how about just don't throw pearls to the swine?
quite, i actually totally agree i really hope that sean and you guys all stay christian cos really who wants people who think like you on their team? you make me puke most of the time.
Why would anyone throw pearls to you?
@@ezbody i don't understand?
15:40 "...happened to Jesus" - there's a bit sleight of hand here, by Dr. McDowell. While I think the canonical gospels are not chronicles, even if we grant that they embed some events that actually happened, the gospels show the people with whom he interacted welcomed Jesus. The rejection of Jesus in the gospels is the (highly antisemitic) part where the crowds shout, when given a choice by the Roman leadership, to crucify him.
So Dr. McDowell is misrepresenting the actual gospels and making a comparison that does not hold up to scrutiny, so contra Dr. McDowell:
1) the Jesus of the gospels is not doing "apologetics" (the thing that Sean claims to be doing);
2) the Jesus of the gospels was not rejected by the individuals with whom he interacted. Some may have gone away unhappy (like the rich man), but that is quite different than what Sean and Andy are discussing here.
One final add: the reason so many of us find apologists teeth-grinding is that you are making claims that we know have been dismissed elsewhere. The Gish-gallop is in full effect in most apologists I have come across.
If the Christian God is a real thing - how do we know that he's not just joking - and is going to eat us, as soon as we die! He could easily be a baddie. The bible already has him doing some horrible things. Are we worshipping a monster?
i've always been atheism, and so far life has been pretty good, i really can't complain too much, so, is that satan looking after a sinner (so what do i care? hell is going to be a theme park, not the hole people say it will, why would satan torment me>?) or does god not really mind me being atheist? either way i don'r see any point in leading my life any differently, god or no god, i either end up in heaven (which sounds really fkn unpleasant to be honest) or i end up in hell (why would hell be torture, satan loves sinners, satan would torment christians).
@@HarryNicNicholaswe are all entitled to have an opinion, but a foolish opinion is an uneducated opinion. If you were to have an operation, like heart surgery, signing the consent document without finding as much as you can before signing it, is placing your life into someone else’s hands. You are not even sure the surgeon has your best interests at heart. The surgeon might only be focusing on the pay package. Your ideas and thoughts about Satan and hell are that foolish. God rules hell and heaven, he is also all love and all justice. I have no idea where your opinions originate from, but your is based on myth and not truth.
@@HarryNicNicholasif heaven sounds unpleasant, I'm not sure I can trust any of your opinions.
Imo whether God exists or not, the world is better if you act like there is. Acting like there's no such thing as 'done in secret' 'didn't hurt anyone'. Having genuine integrity (through fear of god) will lead to a better world after you're dead. In small and large ways.
To me that's the real point of it all. Whether it's true or not. ❤
The bible holds up under scrutiny. In history, in the present day, and what we can see coming in the future. Do you know the saying "if it looks like a duck, if it sounds like a duck, and if it walks like a duck, it's a duck." The world had a beginning. Archaeology supports the bible. Jesus came in bodily form. His disciples were willing to die in horrific ways for Him. You can see biblical predictions coming true. He'll wasn't made for humans, but unfortunately many chose it. You chose it when you reject Gods gift. Don't be fooled.
There are many ways to share faith...walk with the Lord, listen to holy spirit.