“Pick-up lines” has a negative connotation. Normally it means a man trying to start a relationship with a woman without previously knowing her. It has a low-life connotation, as though the motive is less than ideal. However, that is not the meaning of “pick-up” here.
Shifting a conversation to spiritual things . . . introducing faith as a way of life . . . picking up on salvation through faith in Jesus Christ – that is what this article is about.
Numerous times I have been with Christians who do a fine presenting the Gospel once that was the agreed upon topic. But such people found that they were not comfortable starting the kingdom conversation. That had been a stopper.
People who are bursting with love and truth find it difficult to bring salvation to center stage. Hence the value of some pick-up lines. Here are a few that David DeCook suggested or the class members offered in David’s Adult Bible Fellowship class August 1, 2021 at Immanuel Church, Holland, Michigan:
Ask permission Joe, may I share with you the greatest thing that ever happened to me (add, “in 60 seconds” if you feel that would prompt the person to give you a hearing)? Whip out your watch and get ready to time yourself to show the person you will live within the time limit you have set for yourself. Rarely has a person every refused. If they agree to listen, then you have an open door. If they refuse, then honor that and move on.
Use whatever you have “Bill, we do not know each other;” “ I will probably never see you again, so I have no reason to mislead you.” “John, we have known each other a long time, so I hope you will trust me.” “Paul, your son looks good out there (Little League baseball). Our boys have played together which I why I want suggest something to you. Being a Bible-believing Christian has helped me be a patient parent.” “Andrew, we have worked at ________ for years, so may I share with you something that has been important to me?”
What would you say? Luis, if you died and stood before God and He asked you, “Why should I let you into my Heaven,” what would you say? Luis’ answer will let you know immediately whether he is redeemed. A grace-oriented answer (“I have given myself to Jesus Christ by faith. I am trust in Him as my Lord and Savior.”) will tell you Luis is a Christian. A works-oriented answer (I have always been a good person, I go to church, and I live responsibility.”) will tell you he is not. Titus 3:5.
What do you think will happen after you die? Listen while your friend shares with you. Then say, “Scripture is very clear on what happens after a person dies. May I share that with you? Hebrews 9:27 tells us.
Can I draw for you the most beautiful picture I have ever seen? Walk your friend through the Bridge Illustration, noticing that the whole text of Romans 6:23 is in the drawing.
Are you certain you will go to Heaven when you die? For some, for a person to claim certainty about salvation is to commit the sin of presumption. But I John 5:12 nails that one. I John mentions know, known or knowing 37 times. God wants us to be secure in our relationship so he tells us what will happen in the mind, will and heart of one who is genuinely redeemed. See the author’s Evidences of Genuine Salvation.
Main Point There are many religions – Muslim, Buddhist, Shintoism, Hinduism, Christian. May I share with you the main point (the essence) of Christianity.
Jesus Suffered. Sometimes non-Christians will bring up the injustice of the world as a reason to resist giving their lives to God. They will claim God is not fair and/or not loving. You can respond, “Jesus was perfect, but He suffered. He absorbed the wrath that God feels at my sin and yours. There was nothing fair about that, yet I do not mind that injustice.”
I was saved on the Roman road. Great ideas to start a conversation. I’ll bet it gets easier each time we try it. Thanks so much. Say “Hi” to Marilyn for me, we miss her.