I. WHEN.
Your reply will be different according to WHEN the objection comes up:
1. Before you get to the gospel: try to return to your salvation message.
2. After you have shared the gospel: discuss in a way that keeps the door open (explained below)
3. After many times of sharing: if excuses come up, be encouraging.

II. APPROACH
1. Find a way to agree with some aspect or show that you understand
2. Talk about yourself – it is non-threatening
3. Don’t attack the person: rather, explore the idea together.
4. Relate the discussion back to the cross and forgiveness.

III. GOAL … your goal is salvation, not just to win an argument.
1. Don’t assume that answering objections will make the person into a Christian.
2. Only the Holy Spirit creates faith, and it is through the gospel.
3. Even if you don’t WIN the argument, you have accomplished something by letting the person know that there IS another way to look at the issue.
4.  This allows the conversation to proceed, and as you continue, make it a point to include Jesus in your sharing, keep the relationship going through attentive listening and not demeaning the other person.
4. Only YOU know that it is essential to keep Christ central -- the other person won't do it for you.

IV.  ATTITUDE
The person you're talking to is not an opponent.
Don't set an impossible standard for yourself: even after hearing Jesus, many did not believe.
Be satisfied with giving the "reason" you believe.  Only God can make the person accept your reason.
Be satisfied with giving the "reason" why the particular objection has not caused you to reject God.

Link to "kinds of objections."      Link to "answering specific objections"

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