witnessing to teenagers

[Godslittlegirl]

I am in high school right now,and I was wondering,do you guys have any tips on how to witness to teenage unbelievers? I try telling other students about Jesus,but they just call me crazy. Once,I even had a wiccan girl try to put a curse on me because I love GOD

[4evrHis]

I know exactly how you feel ! I try to witness to my unsaved friends but they don't want to hear anything that deals with "religion". In their opinions, if they just believe that there is a God, than they'll go to heaven, case closed

[ANewCreature]

I've read a lot in "Answers In Genesis"'s stuff about how the foundation is so crucial; people think there is no reason to exist, that they are just an accident, at times. They not only need to see a loving Creator, they need to see that He created them for a purpose. That we aren't just a 'bunch of pond scum."

People try to mock the Creation story, but they really don't understand that the Bible really isn't contradictory (AiG, I believe, has a good explanation of how Gen. 2 is an explanation of how Gen. 1 occurred, with mroe detail, for isntance), and that the things others try to spout just aren't true. (The Bible says where Cain got his wife right in Gen. 5:4, that there were other siblings. We don't know how many were born before Cain slew Abel.) Many baby animals could have fit on Noah's Ark. And, so on.

Also, many times, the bad things of this world are emphasized. This, too, can be explained easily by going back to Creation. The world was made perfect. it is only imperfect because sin was brought into it. God didn't want us to be mindless robots who are forced to worship HIm. God wants us to choose to worship Him.

Also, and I'm sure you know this from talking to others, that worldview often has very poor home lives in it. So, you have to start from scratch with some; "Perfection is the way the world is supposed to be; God is very sad that people have chosen to do evil/walk out on you/whatever, but God, in His mercy, doens't destroy people right away. He keeps lovingly calling them to repent and turn to Him."

So, in sum, make sure you understand the foundation, and the worldview others are coming from.

Edit to agree with 4EvrHis, that's the real problem, it's so hard for some to see it's not a religion, it's a relationship, that they need Him to forgive *them,* It's easy for someone to think, "Yeah, those people who do really bad stuff need forgiveness." But, we all need forgiveness, because any amount of sin causes us to fall short of His perfect glory. We need changed on the inside.

And, I better stop now, or, this will develop into a sermon. :-)

[Guy4God]

just stick with God's Law and the death sentence placed on all men and women...walk them through the good person test and after they hear the bad news...then give them the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Teens are smart, but no smarter than anyone else...the Gospel works just fine for them...just be true to God's Word and let Him do the rest.

[carrieb]

Another alternative is to talk about 2012 and then lead into the things you know regarding the end times that controvert the new age theories of that date. What is more reliable, the bible with proven accuracy in its prophecies or the people on youtube?

I've been fascinated by end time events since I was in highschool.

[harvey]

young life,the best tool

[Christina]

just stick with God's Law and the death sentence placed on all men and women...walk them through the good person test and after they hear the bad news...then give them the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Teens are smart, but no smarter than anyone else...the Gospel works just fine for them...just be true to God's Word and let Him do the rest.

Great advice Guy4God

[Zerozx]

I am in high school right now,and I was wondering,do you guys have any tips on how to witness to teenage unbelievers? I try telling other students about Jesus,but they just call me crazy. Once,I even had a wiccan girl try to put a curse on me because I love GOD

Well, based on what I've observed at my school, the majority of them just don't want to hear it. They claim to be open-minded, the nonbelievers you're trying to speak to, but there's a catch...they don't want to hear about our God: Yahweh. They'll call us crazy. They'll mock us. etc...

There are those out there that are truly interested, but I've only came across one person like that. seems to be a rare occasion. the rest were only interested in some endless, pointless debate. (most nonbelievers usually have the same questions to ask, or "points" to be made.. examples: why would a loving God allow all of these bad things in the world to happen? — if God is loving, why is there a Hell? why would He send people to Hell? — etc...)

If you know someone will only mock you and reject The Gospel, don't cast your pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). If someone is truly interested, try to discuss the issue with them and attempt to answer any questions they may have. If you don't have an answer, try to find the answer once you're at your home by searching the internet (I would ask the question on this board, very helpful members) and tell them the next day or whenever it is you find an answer to their question. After having many conversations with that truly interested person, if they just aren't interested in hearing any more of what you have to share with them, shake the dust off of your feet and move on (Matthew 10:14).

I hope I helped you in some way.

[Evangelist16]

godslittlegirl:

Hey there is a great website on evangelism, it teaches you how to witness, the same way Jesus did it. It works for every single person, so it's not just for certain age groups. The website is called, www.wayofthemaster.com. When I got saved, and was about to go on a mission trip to Mardi Gras, over in New Orleans. My Pastor (who is my uncle as well), told me to go to this site. And I just ate it up! I learned it, and used it as the Holy Spirit led me. Just go to this site, and find a sermon called Hell's Best Kept Secret. Its a little long, but trust me, you will like it.

[Jesusboy]

what Guy4God said is a good witnessing tool aswell as end time events and prophecies, since somthing like the North American Union will happen next year the young teenagers will listen up when they hear in the news or newspapers that it is coming and then after that happens then they might ask you how did you know that? tell them about a one world religion , cashless society(aswell as microchip implants) and the new world order, another way is telling them historical evidence if you are interested in that tell them that Jesus claimed to be God in history aswell as did miracles and died on the cross.

[biker4Christ]

What has worked well for me is ask " If you died today, WHERE would you go? And WHY?
Then fasten your seatbelt for all kinds of unbiblical responses. I answer with the truth, the scriptures as spoken in God's word, the Holy Bible. HIS word will NOT come back void!
Most will say "because I'm a good person" if they believe in an afterlife at all and the good person test is a great way to disprove that goodness. It also helps to say " you, me, him, we've ALL lied, stolen, etc. That way YOU don't sound judgemental to their young minds. As GUY4GOD said, they're smart. But the TRUTH will shut the mouth of a fool, Amen? And most importantly, let the Holy Spirit lead you in your efforts and don't worry about rejection or jeers. Witnessing is ALWAYS a win-win situation brother. You are there to scatter seeds among those who don't believe. Keep up the good work.

[Guy4God]

My buddies and I are very active in street witnessing and we go out to the Main St area in Ventura Ca to set up the Jesus Booth and "Contend for the Faith" on Friday nights. We typically encounter partiers and drunks, new agers and pluralists and, sadly, many self-proclaimed Christians who have a big problem with preaching the Gospel in public and they are not afraid to let us know. I actually have fun contending with them and asking what The Great Commission is, or asking what Romans 10:14-15 actually means...

14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:


“ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

We often get blank stares or angry retorts about us interpreting Scripture the way we want it. Wow! From people who say they are Christians...

Anyway, more on topic to the OP, one thing I read recently on street evangelsim got my attention. The unknown author lovingly encourged those who evangelize to remember that it is a sowing ministry, but wisely pointed out that it is really a plowing ministry on the front lines. In this day and age people are skeptical, hardened and just plain in love with their sin. Before good seed can be sown, sometimes God needs us to put the hand to the plow and break up the hard, crusty soil. With some people good soil is just below the surface, while others require some deep plowing and adding of essential minerals in the form of generous doses of God's Word of Truth. Tearing up the ground can be rough sometimes, but a good farmer knows it has to be done or the ground will be worthless. Speaking the Truth in love can hurt at times, but God can bring great fruit from well tended soil.

I would encourage you to be apart of any street ministry if you can. It is a great time of fellowship with other like-minded believers if anything, but God will show Himself faithful and strengthen you to be bold in proclaiming the Everlasting Gospel. If you are engaged in dialogue with family and friends, and that is your ministry, then take this encouragement to press on and remember that sometimes it takes some plowing to get it done. Sometimes you just have to put a stone in their shoe so they can deal with it later when they stop to think between themselves and the Holy Spirit.

"Let us not grow weary while doing well, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Galatians 6:9

[Pendragon]

When I witness to teens and kids I ask them if they want to be like everyone else at school and most say no so then I reply your a rebel? well not always and I then tell them ya want to stand out be differnt and be a rebel the best way is to be a christian then you will find out who your true friends really are... and then I let them know Christ loves everyone He even loved Hitler and if Hitler had repented and accepted christ even after killing all the jews he would be taken to heaven

[24thchance]

Giving your testimony about what a difference God has done for you in your life is always ok.Remember you may be the one to plant the seed,and years later someone else may harvest so just look to do God,s will for that person,don,t think that you must win that soul today or you,re a failure.Just do your part.

[Gary Rich]

the Youth for Christ organization has lots of really good tips for witnessing to other teens, check out their web-site for some good ideas

[Secow]

That is my new Phone back ground

That Atheism picture.

[endtime777]

I have been witnessing to other teenagers on social networking websites by providing links to where you get salvation. The Holy Spirit told me to do that. It is not working and plus people are now mocking me. What do I do???? Is it really the Holy Spirit talking to me?

[Jacinth]

I have been witnessing to other teenagers on social networking websites by providing links to where you get salvation. The Holy Spirit told me to do that. It is not working and plus people are now mocking me. What do I do???? Is it really the Holy Spirit talking to me?

If you are telling people the Gospel, expect to be mocked.

The darkness hates the Light.

As long as you are giving the right info about salvation then of course the Holy Spirit is guiding you.

[D4V3]

That is awesome that you are letting your light shine at school. Keep at it, and don't be discouraged. You will be mocked, count on it. But guess what!?! You will also be rewarded eternally! Well worth it if you ask me.

Some may mock and later have a change of heart. I used to be a mocker. I HATED Christians. I thought you were all fruit cakes! But now I am a servant of the King of Kings and looking for his soon return!

[saved by Grace]

I know exactly how you feel ! I try to witness to my unsaved friends but they don't want to hear anything that deals with "religion". In their opinions, if they just believe that there is a God, than they'll go to heaven, case closed

might take the way of the master road with them.ask questions like,have you ever stole anything,ever look at someone lustfully,ever disobey your parents ect ect ect.base your questions on the 10 commandments.they will admit at least one violation and if they deny it they are likely lying.1 sin is enough to condemn you to Hell and eternal torment forever,just 1.even getting mad at someone and wanting to do bodily harm to them is as bad as murder.might watch a few way of the master videos and look at their technique.
as Jesus has said.
Matthew 18:8-9
[B]8 So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. Jesus talked more about Hell than He did about Heaven,for good reason! He being God who came in a body like ours does not want any man or woman or child to go to Hell and he provided a way for us to be forgiven of our sins and depending and trusting on Him is the only way to Heaven.
http://www.wayofthemaster.com/