Open concert, open lecture, open competition, open experience . . . There are many “open” events that emphasize the opportunity to participate without any restrictions. If it says it’s open, it gets a little easier to get closer because you won’t have to open the door yourself or hold back yourself from entering in front of the closed door.
It is the same for preaching the gospel; the door must be opened. In front of someone whose mind is closed or hardened, everything what you say will be disagreed. Even if you bring out all kinds of rhetorics and use all means and methods, you can never get into their minds.
The one who has the key is God. Only God can let them open their minds and hear.
One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.Acts 16:14
What we should first seek to open is the heaven’s gates. If God is pleased with our thoughts and deeds and is moved to open the door of blessings for us, people’s minds will open automatically.