Suggestions for Christian Jousters

Replies for Christians

The following are some suggestions about how to deal with and reply to various situations (some confrontational and others just plain enjoyable) when talking to lost souls about Scripture or about their need of salvation. You have probably already been faced with these very same words. I am always ready, prepared, and eager to draw my sword any time and any place, and I am always almost saddened by drawing first blood. All those who I have dueled or jousted with have not been very skillful in defending their flawed thoughts, clichés, beliefs, or philosophies about the Bible or about God. If you have ever been taken off guard and have found yourself without a scriptural reply, retreat (what hurts, teaches); study (search Scripture) and prepare for your next bout: for it will come! Dueling (or jousting) requires 3 things: full body armor, a sharp sword, and a fast horse!

When anyone attempts to stop you from speaking, or tries to control your narrative by saying, ‘Judge not’ —  then simply reply, ‘By what scriptural principle are you then judging me?’

I always carry a sword (it can be a small dagger) in my pocketbook for that one occasion when an unwitting person says, ‘Don’t you know that the Bible is full of myths and contradictions?’ It is at this point that I bring out my sword and say, ‘Show me just one’ — (first blood drawn – duh – touché)!

Another favorite of mine is the proud boast of, ‘Oh, I know God.’ This is usually said when trying to stop you from talking about God. My reply has always been, ‘Oh, wonderful, then tell me about Him, and give me the authority you use to base your understanding and knowledge about Him.’ You will either witness dead silence, or a  long, ‘A . . .A . . . H! If your target is still in your  presence, then you can  reply in two ways (this, of course, depends on the hostility level, and the size and speed of his/her horse). One method is to face your victim straight on and call him/her a liar, ‘You don’t know God at all, why do you lie to yourself.’ Then proceed on to the second reply method: ‘Let me tell you about Him.’ And here is your opening to present the wonders and majesty of God in His gospel to the world. 

When any one tries to avoid any conversation about the Bible, or about God by saying, Everyone has their own interpretation of the Bible — simply reply, Then interpret this: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;- interpret this: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one; interpret this: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. And of course, while you are on a roll do not forget — interpret this: For God  — interpret this: so loved the world, — interpret this:  that he gave  — interpret this: his only begotten Son, — interpret this:  that whosoever  — interpret this: believeth in him — interpret this:  should not perish,  — interpret this: but have everlasting life. (All of these verses are very easy to memorize Romans 3:23; 3:10; and John 3:16, 14:6) I just love the clueless comment that ‘everyone has their own interpretation of the Bible’, what a great lead in for the gospel message.

© Copyright 2017, Mary Haigh

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All Scripture references are from the Authorized King James Bible. (KJV)