Appendix 3
       36 RESPONSE SCRIPTS TO OBJECTIONS

You:   

• I'm so sorry that happened. Would you accept my apology, for those who did that to you?
• (If appropriate:) Have you ever tried to love somebody and made a mess out of it? You had good intentions, but everything went wrong. Do you think there was a possibility in your friend's desire for you to know Jesus that she just went about it the wrong way?
• Jesus would not approve of rude behavior either. By the way, what is your understanding of who Jesus is?

You:   

• If what you believe is not true, would you want to know?
• Who is Jesus Christ? Isn't it interesting he said he was God? (Read the following Scriptures aloud.)

Read:   

 “‘I and the Father are one’” (John 10:30).

You:   

 The literal translation of this means Jesus and the Father are of the same essence.

Read:   

• “‘If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him’” (John 14:7).
• “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty’” (Rev. 1:8).

You:   

 We know this was Jesus speaking in Revelation 1:8 for the book closes with:

Read:   

 “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).

Read:   

• “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him” (Col. 1:15–16).
• “‘Before Abraham was born, I am!’” (John 8:58).
• “God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am.’ This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you’” (Exod 3:14).

You:   

 The Jewish people wanted to stone Jesus because they knew he was referring to himself as God when he called himself, “I AM!” He was using the divine name of God found in Exodus 3:14.

Read:   

• “For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God” (John 5:18).
• “Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!' Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’” (John 20:28–29).
• “And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, ‘Let all God's angels worship him’” (Heb. 1:6).

You:   

 Did Jesus ever sin?

Read:   

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin (Heb. 4:15).

You:   

Who can forgive sins but God alone? If Jesus were not God, how could he forgive sins and not sin himself?

Read:   

“Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven…. But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins….’ Then he said to the paralytic, ‘Get up, take your mat and go home.’ And the man got up and went home” (Matt. 9:2–6).

You:   

Why did Jesus allow others to worship him if he is not God?

Read:   

“Then the man said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped him” (John 9:38).

You:   

May I show you a few Scriptures that changed my life? (show the “Share Jesus Scriptures”) or May I tell you how Christ changed my life?

You:   

I am a son and a brother (or whatever pronouns best describe you). Although I have the different roles of being both a son and a brother, I am the same person. God is both God the Son and God the Father. He has different roles, but he is the same person. Would you like to know him?

Read:   

 “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom. 10:13).

You:   

• What does this say to you?
• Can God forgive a repentant murderer?
• Can he forgive a bank robber?
• Can God forgive you?
• (If your friend answers yes) Let's pray.

You:   

Why would God allow his Son Jesus to die on the cross for us if his death had no meaning?

Read:   

• “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all” (Rom. 8:32).
• “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).

You:   

Jesus died for us so we would not have to go to hell.

Read:   

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!” (Rom. 5:8–9).

You:   

• If you reject Christ and his gift, what does Scripture say will happen to you?
• Jesus Christ never committed a sin in thought, word, or deed. Yet, on the cross, Jesus became our sin bearer. God turned his back on him and heaped all of his waves of wrath upon his own Son. This is a picture of God's perfect justice. Even one sin separates us from God, no exception. This is why Jesus died in our place. If this were not the case, don't you think that God would have spared his own Son? He died in your place. Would you like to be forgiven through his sacrifice?

You:   

• How many people would it take flipping a quarter before one person hits heads thirty times in a row? (a billion)
• One reason I believe the Bible is true is because of the thirty recorded prophecies of the birth, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus that have come true. That's a lot like landing heads thirty times in a row.
• How many people would it take flipping a quarter before one person hit heads 245 times in a row? I picked that number because it is a conservative estimate of the number of biblical prophecies that have come true.

Read:   

“For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21).

You:   

May I share some Scriptures that changed my life?

You:   

• If you have enough faith to ask Christ to come into your heart, you have enough faith to receive him into your heart.
• Imagine Moses. As he led his people out of Egypt, he met a pretty big roadblock—the Red Sea. As Pharaoh's army closed in on Moses and the tribes of Israel, God directed Moses to cross the sea. Moses stood on the shore, wondering if he had enough faith. It wasn't until he put his foot in the water that the sea parted. God will honor your first step. If you really want to know Jesus as Lord, take the first step and ask him into your heart. Are you ready?

You:   

I am glad you understand some change is required. But unlike the past, you are not going to have to change alone.

Read:   

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13).

You:   

God wants your “want to,” not your ability. He wants your desire. Are you desiring now to follow Jesus Christ as your Lord?

You:   

• (If this objection is stated at the beginning of the presentation, ask, Why?)
• May I show you some Scriptures that changed my life? (Show the “Share Jesus Scriptures.”)
• (If this objection is stated at the end of the presentation, ask, Why?)
• If you became convinced that God existed, would you be willing to give your life to him? Would you be willing to ask a nonexistent God to help you in your unbelief?

Pray:   

God, if you are real, help me to believe.

You:   

Let's talk again in a few days/weeks.

You:   

I'm glad this is your only stumbling block because one thing God did for us is provide overwhelming evidence of the Resurrection. In fact, a mock trial was held at Harvard University, and the conclusion was clear: the evidence overwhelmingly proved the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Read:   

“‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart’” (Jer. 29:13).

You:   

If you want to test your heart right now, why don't you bow your head now?

Pray:   

Lord Jesus, if the Resurrection took place, help me in my unbelief.

Note: If your friend is ready, you may have him pray.

Pray:   

I am a sinner, I want forgiveness of all my sins. I want to believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sin.

You:   

Did you mean this prayer? For God will help you believe.

Read:   

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).

You:   

• According to this, when you die, where are you going?
• Drive carefully. (or) Have a nice day.
• (If your friend answers, “Hell,” with fear and trembling) Are you ready to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior?

You:   

• By whose standards?
• Have you ever committed murder?

 Note: After your friend's response to the above question, do not allow time for him to respond to the following questions.

You:   

• Let's check it out by God's definition. Have you ever been angry, hated, called someone a fool, or waved them off on the freeway? Because if you have, by God's standards you are a murderer.
• Have you ever looked at the opposite sex and lusted?
• By the way, if you say no, I know you are guilty of lying. But if you have lusted, by God's standards you are guilty of adultery.
• Have you put a relationship, a job, or some activity that you would rather do or have over a relationship with God? Because if you have, those items have become your idols.
• Because of the holiness of God, it is impossible to measure up to his standards of perfection. Since God is the judge and the jury, it is his approval we have to meet.

Read:   

 “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it” (James 2:10).

You:   

 I want you to know that I, like you, have been guilty as well. The difference is I found forgiveness through Jesus. Do you want this kind of forgiveness?

You:   

• Has anyone ever told you about Christianity?
• Who taught you your first lie?
• Almost everyone has lied. No one had to teach me to lie. My parents or friends did not give me lying lessons. It came out of myself. It comes from our sinful nature.
• Let me tell you the story about Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Before they disobeyed God, the garden was perfect. There was no evil because there was no sin. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the fruit God forbade them to eat, sin entered the world and into us. That is why no one has to be taught to lie, cheat, steal, or lust, or to be envious of other people. It is part of the nature that is in us.
• Let me show you some Scriptures that help explain this idea. (Show the “Share Jesus Scriptures.”)

You:   

 I could use a new car; could you create one for me? Surely, an all-powerful God such as you could do that.

Read:   

 “‘You shall have no other gods before me’” (Exod 20:3).

You:   

 What does this say to you?

Read:   

 “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen” (Rom. 1:25).

You:   

 What does this say to you?

Read:   

 “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Col. 1:13–17).

You:   

• What does this say to you?
• According to this Scripture, God is God alone. He is not “all things,” but he is the Creator who holds all things together.
• I am not God, but he is in me. Would you like God to be in you?

You:   

• Why?
• (Echo back what your friend answers. Example:) In other words, you are into the party scene—sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
• According to this, when you die, where are you going?
• Drive carefully. (or) Have a nice day.
• (If he answers, “hell,” with fear and trembling) Are you ready to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior?

You:   

• Do you go to synagogue anywhere?
• Did you know that Judaism is the root of my faith in Christianity?
• I believe Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah. Did you know he claimed to be God?

Read:   

 “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30).

You:   

• I know he is not a liar, because he never sinned. He's obviously not a lunatic, because his life and teachings show he was brilliant, stable, and loving toward others. Therefore, I can only believe he is Lord.
• Also, the Jews of the day clearly knew who Jesus claimed to be because they tried to kill him when he said:

Read:   

 “Before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58).

You:   

 The Jewish people knew he was referring to himself with the divine name of God found in Exodus 3:14.

Read:   

 “God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I AM has sent me to you”’” (Exod 3:14).

You:   

 If either point, the point that Jesus is the Messiah or that he rose from the dead, were true, would you consider having a personal relationship with him to complete your Jewishness?

You:   

(If I am talking to a practicing Jew, I continue.) “Have you ever wondered about the fact that Jesus claimed to be God?”

Read:   

Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been
revealed?

He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.

He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire
him.

He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.

Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,

yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;

and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;

he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.

By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
And who can speak of his descendants?

For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was stricken.

He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,

though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.

Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering,

he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light and be satisfied;

by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,

because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.

For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession
for the transgressors (Isa. 53:1–12).

You:   

• Who do you think this describes?
• Why do you think many synagogues refuse to read this chapter of Isaiah?
• Do you know why the sacrifices have stopped in the temple?
• (Wait until they answer then ask:) Could it be because Jesus is God's sacrificial lamb?

Read:   

 “‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”’” (Matt. 22:37).

You:   

• Have you ever loved God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? No? That's what sin is.
• Let's turn to the next Scripture.

You:   

• Why?
• That's one thing we have in common. We are not good enough. This is a problem. There are only two ways to get to heaven: either we have to be perfect, never once committing a sin in word, deed, or thought, or we have to become born again. I can become born again by accepting in my heart the finished work and person of Jesus Christ who paid the penalty for my sins. He has the power to forgive me because of his birth, death, and resurrection. When I believe on him, and accept his forgiveness, only then can he erase the sins I have committed in the past. Personally, I opt to choose his forgiveness, because I can never be good enough to obtain perfection.

Read:   

• “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:8–9).
• “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved” (Rom. 10:9–10).
• “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom. 10:13).

You:   

 Does this include you? Are you ready for God to forgive your sins?

You:   

• Why? (Allow your friend to answer.)
• Are you really going to let (his answer) stand between you and God?
• (If the answer is no,) Are you ready to invite Christ into your life?

You:   

• That's a very nice watch. If you lost it, you'd miss it when you wanted to see the time. But if you've never owned a watch, you wouldn't worry about looking at it, nor would you worry about losing it.
• Don't you find it interesting that you are worried you are not saved? You can't worry about losing something you don't have. I bet before you asked Christ into your life, you didn't go around worrying that Christ was not in your heart.
• It is a wonderful confirmation to me that you might be saved because you are concerned.

Read:   

 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38–39).

You:   

 What does this say to you?

Read:   

 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory (Eph. 1:13–14).

You:   

• I just want you to know, my friend, the moment you invited Christ into your life, you were saved. God guarantees that one day, you will be with him in heaven.
• Most Christians have experienced the fears you have. But you must move past these fears so you can grow in your faith. You may find it helps to strengthen your faith by reading your Bible, praying, and spending time with other believers.
• Let me help you get started. May I pick you up for church next Sunday?

Read:   

 “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder” (James 2:19).

You:   

• I'm glad you believe in God. That's wonderful. But so does the devil. In fact he's even seen God. How are you any different?
• Would you like to receive Jesus as your Savior?

You:   

• Tried what?
• (If your friend says something like, “I tried that prayer once, and nothing happened”) Apparently that's true. Did you mean the prayer when you said it?
• (Usually he's not 100 percent sure.) Tell me about that moment you gave your life to Christ.
• (Does his testimony make sense; does it sound true?) Let's take a minute and review the Scriptures. Read them aloud, then tell me what they mean.
• (If his testimony does not sound true) If you never found a desire to read your Bible or fellowship with other believers, there is a possibility you were never born again.
• Would you like to make sure?
• (If he says yes) Let's review the Scriptures to help you have a better understanding of the gospel. (Show him the seven “Share Jesus Scriptures” and lead him in prayer.)

You:   

• Why?
• If what you believe is not true, would you want to know? May I share some Scriptures with you?

You:   

• Why?
• If they are really your friends, won't they be happy and thrilled that the God of the universe lives inside of you and that all of your sins are forgiven? After all, when they see you change, they may want what you have.

Read:   

 “There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).

You:   

 Are you ready?

You:   

• Why are you angry?
• Why does the presentation of the gospel make you hostile?
• If for some reason you found out everything I've said about the gospel and about Jesus is true, what would you do about it?
• (If he says he will not believe) Why? (otherwise) That's wonderful, because I was the same way. (You may want to give him a short testimony of how Jesus changed your life.)
• (Try to get him to open up with one or more of the following questions:) I was pretty open with you about my life. What was the most traumatic thing that has ever happened to you? Do you have a fear? Are you afraid of death? Did your parents ever hurt you? Would accepting God's love scare you to death? Has anyone ever loved you? Do you ever feel alone?
• Would you like to accept Jesus as your Savior?

You:   

• Has the church ever asked you for money? It's true that most churches take an offering. But it is usually the members who are expected to give, not the visitors.
• God doesn't want your money. But when you become a believer, something happens to your heart. You give because you want to. If you don't give in joy, you shouldn't give at all.
• The church doesn't want your money; the church wants you to surrender your life to Jesus. Are you willing to do that?

You:   

You are correct, all roads lead to God. But here's the problem, what are you going to say when you get there? For God is either going to meet you as your Savior or as your judge.

Read:   

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10–11).

You:   

Are you ready to invite Christ into your heart?

You:   

• I've discovered all of the religions in the world can be divided into two groups. Imagine, every religion other than Christianity is in my left hand—Mormonism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, whatever “ism,”—and Christianity is in my right hand. Everyone in my left hand makes two distinctive claims: (a) Jesus is not God, or he is not the only God. He may be a great prophet, teacher, or good man, but not the Messiah; and (b) If you do enough good works through your own efforts, such as terrorists acts, diet, or good deeds, you can receive some form of salvation.
• Two opposite claims cannot possibly be true. I would be willing to admit that if the “ism” pile is true, my faith would be in vain. Would you be willing to admit, if the Christianity in my right hand is true, that your faith is in vain? Let's examine the evidence so we can find out which one of us is possibly in error.
• Christianity claims that Jesus is God and that God has come to us in Jesus who lived, died on the cross, and rose from the grave that we might have eternal life. Christianity claims:

Read:   

 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:8–9).

You:   

• Can both of these teachings be true?
• May I show you some Scriptures that changed my life?

You:   

• You are correct. Did you know they all say the same thing?
• Let's turns to Romans 3:23.

You:   

(Don't go off on a rabbit trail. Instead, with all the love you can muster, hand your friend your Bible.) Would you show me one?

Friend:   

Well, I can't.

You:   

I can't either. Let's turn to Romans 3:23.

You:   

• You are absolutely correct. There are hypocrites in every church. I'm so glad you are concerned about that, because, sir, when you join the perfect church, it won't be perfect any longer.
• Jesus said not to follow hypocrites, but to follow him.
• I'm glad you know the difference between a hypocrite and a genuine person.
• (Smile.) If you accept Christ as your Savior and I see you begin to act like a hypocrite, I will remind you of this conversation.
• Are you ready to pray?

 Note: Some of your friends may want to discuss dishonest TV evangelists or others who misrepresent Christ. In this event,

You:   

 If I falsely represented myself to you as a realtor in order to scam your money, does that mean all realtors are dishonest? Of course not. Just because a person says he represents Christ does not mean he is a representative of Christ. Only Christ knows his heart. Would you let a dishonest person stand in your way of knowing God's love for you? Are you ready to pray?

You:   

 What about your family?

Read:   

 “‘Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me’” (Matt. 10:37–38).

You:   

 What does this say to you?

Read:   

 “‘Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law’” (Luke 12:51–53).

You:   

• What does this say to you?
• Are you ready to pray?

You:   

• That's not you, is it?
• What does the Bible say will happen to those who have heard and have not responded?
• You've heard the gospel. Will you respond?

You:   

• What about you? Who taught you to tell your first lie?
• Let me tell you the story about Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Before they disobeyed God, the garden was perfect. There was no evil because there was no sin. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the fruit God forbade them to eat, sin entered the world and into us. That is why no one has to be taught to lie, cheat, steal, or lust or to be envious of other people. It is part of the nature that is in us.
• Jesus has made a difference in my life. He has forgiven me and taught me to base my choices on his goodness. Would you like to know his forgiveness too?

 Note: If your friend is dealing with a tragedy that has happened to him, continue:

You:   

 You may wonder why God allowed that to happen to you. But here are your choices. You can walk through the rest of your life alone in your pain, or you can choose to hold onto a nail-scarred hand. What do you want to do?

You:   

 Why?

 Note: In this object lesson, which you act out with your friend, keep the mood friendly. As nicely as possible,

You:   

• May I borrow your watch? (You may use other jewelry or a credit card.) Put the watch in your pocket. When he asks for it back, smile.
• No, my truth is taking watches from people who don't believe in truth. (When he protests, ask,)
• Why is it wrong to steal?
• As you listen, smile and give the watch back. (He will probably say, “It just is.”) How do you know? You just told me that there are no rights or wrongs. How can it be wrong if I steal your watch?
• I'll tell you how I know it's wrong. Because God says so. See, you cannot hide behind the statement that there is no truth. May I show you some verses of Scripture that have had a major impact on my life?

You:   

• I am not better then you; I am simply better off.
• Like you, I have broken God's commandments and laws and was condemned to hell. But by his grace and unfailing love, God sent someone into my life to tell me about Jesus. That made me realize how dirty I was in the presence of a holy God.
• I asked God to forgive me, and he did. It doesn't make me better than you; it makes me forgiven.
• Now I am giving you the same opportunity someone gave me.
• Would you like to be forgiven and know what it is like to be born again and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?