As of today, when sharing the Gospel, I forsake the way of the intellectual debate. It took quite a long time (29 ½ years to be exact) but I finally see what I could not see before. There are plenty of mind-boggling realities in the Bible; actual proof that the message contained within came from a Holy “extraterrestrial being” revealed to us as God… and I love these amazing mental journeys. But for as much as I enjoy them, when I look back I realize that I personally discovered my need for Jesus, NOT by clever thoughts or words, but by my broken heart. My own grieving conscience condemning me. My deep need to be forgiven.

    Ps 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

con•trite adjective
1 : grieving and penitent for sin or shortcoming

You who know me might say, “Sure you needed forgiveness… If I did the things that you did I’d need it too.” Well, I know that you’re right, but I take comfort in knowing that Jesus said… Lk 7:47b …to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. My point is, that from now on instead of making an appeal for the Gospel to someone’s mind, I will speak to their conscience. The Bible says… Ro 2:15 They show that what the law (God’s Law – 10 Commandments) requires is written in their hearts, a fact to which their own consciences testify… The conscience is in the heart, and that’s where we will find a person’s need for God’s forgiveness. The mind loves to conceal and cover sin but unless a mans conscience is seared it will not let him excuse himself.

1 Ti 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.

Now I know what Paul meant when he wrote… 1 Co 2:1-5 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.