I would like to know how to start a meaningful conversation with a stranger about their salvation please.
I am very encouraged that you want to know how to speak to people about their need for salvation. It is a true indication that you love the Lord and want to honor Him in the world…and you want to see other people come to the Lord.
The Lord wants all His people to be involved in sharing the Gospel with others. We read in 2 Timothy 4:5 that we are to, “…do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” Not all of us have the gift of evangelism (read Ephesians 4:10-11), but we can all do the work of an evangelist. An evangelist is one who tells others of the salvation that is available to all who will put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
In my experience, I have learned there are good ways to open the conversation about one’s salvation. I don’t usually come out and asked someone if they are saved…their idea of what it takes to be saved could be completely different than mine. I like to ask questions that might make the person think a little. I like to ask questions like: Do you believe the Bible is true? Do you believe that Heaven exists? What do you think we have to do to go to Heaven? What does it mean to be saved? These questions, and many more, help to open up a dialog to talk more in detail. Each answer they give can allow us to carry the conversations even further. For an example, if the person says they do believe in Heaven, you can ask what they think Heaven looks like; do they have any loved ones in Heaven; what does it take for someone to get to Heaven. Each answer will help you continue to talk to them.
It’s important for you to be familiar with your Bible, especially verses that are Gospel oriented. I have a Bible app on my phone that allows me to point out Bible verses, even if I do not have my Bible with me. Do not discount the power of the Holy Spirit to take the Word of God and use it to convict someone of their sins and lead them to put their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. Do not think that you have to talk someone into being saved. That is not your job. Your job, as a believer on the Lord Jesus, is to tell others of their need to be saved because they are sinners (Romans 3:23). Because they have sinned, they will die, but God would rather save them by giving them the free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23).
Then, by using God’s Word, you should give them a clear and simple Gospel message. Point out that we cannot save ourselves (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5). Let them know that God sent His Son to die for our sins so that we might be saved (John 3:16, Titus 2:13-14, 1 Peter 2:24). Tell them we can be saved by putting our faith in the Lord Jesus, who loved us and gave Himself for us (Acts 16:31, Galatians 2:20, John 3:36). I use these verses as examples. There are many more the Lord might lead you to use. It is the Spirit of God that will use the Word of God to bring lost sinners to a loving God.
I am reminded of the words of the Lord in Psalm 81:10 where He says, “I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: OPEN THY MOUTH WIDE, AND I WILL FILL IT.” Precious promise. If we have spent time in God’s Word and in prayer, we are ready to be used to lead precious souls to the Lord. So many times in my own experience, the Lord has brought the proper verses to mind when I needed them to share with others. Remember, if we are involved in evangelistic work, the Lord is there with us, and He will equip us with the right words to say. Be prepared…but do not fret so much about what to say. Ask the Lord to lead you in your evangelistic efforts and He will. After all, the Lord wants sinners to be saved. We read in 1 Timothy 2:3-4, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; WHO WILL HAVE ALL MEN TO BE SAVED, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (CC) (580.6)