As part
of our Christian walk we have the privilege to participate in God's plan for
other people's lives, which, depending on the situation, includes sharing the
gospel.
Teleios
recently evaluated attitudes in sharing the gospel in young Christians by
surveying visitors on Instagram accounts SpiritualWord (n=100) and
GodsHolyScriptures (n=357). The complete results are at http://stage.teleiosresearch.com/index.php/spreading-the-gospel-survey/.
The
results showed that these young Christians recognized the need to share their
faith. However, many feared sharing the gospel generally, mostly because of social
awkwardness, not knowing what to say, how to answer questions, and the contents
of the Gospel itself.
In fact,
verbally expressing the gospel to others was their fifth favorite way to share
the plan of salvation (7%) whereas lifestyle, encouragement, praying and loving
others were the preferred choices.
How then
do we share the gospel without necessarily being a social outcast? This may not
be easy to avoid always because Christ says that “they will hate us as they
hated Him” (John 15:18-25). However, here are some tips that might help.
Mental
preparation
Great
message
- Remember the Bible is true and good for anyone who hears it (please see our
website for scientific proof http://teleiosresearch.com/). What the world has
to offer as a replacement god, for example humanism, statism, and atheism is
hateful, bigoted, anti-freedom and very dark.
Don't
be legalistic –
Do not tell people the plan of salvation through guilt producing legalistic
schemes. We have a great message which we can tell others with joy.
Don’t
feel guilty -
The epistles tell us to be obedient (just do it!) and does not mention guilt.
We have the joy to tell others about salvation. It is the hearer’s
responsibility to accept God’s message. Further, it is God Himself, not us by
our efforts, who brings people to faith (John 6:44; John 16:8-11)
Learn
the gospel
- It is short and easy (Please see bottom of page).
Preparation
to share
Plan - Most of us are too
busy to remember this share the gospel. Therefore, think ahead of time about who
might be responsive and plan an approach to tell them about salvation. I
usually allow about 6-12 months to accomplish this goal.
Prepare
the conversation
- If you haven't already, take time to get to know the person with whom you
wish to share the gospel. People generally like to speak about themselves. They
want to know that you like and respect them. This means first listening to them
about their life. Then ask questions about things that are important to them.
Listen!
Bring
God into the discussion - Over time, hen begin to ask how they were raised
religiously, about church background, and what they think about God. Ultimately,
you can ask them what they perceive their church teaches about Christ and what
they believe about Christ. Our Savior is the key issue!
At this
point, you know what they think and their needs. You can then tailor-make your
message to meet their needs. It can be as simple as after they tell you their
beliefs about Christ, you can say ‘this is what scripture says is His message’,
then simply tell them the plan of salvation.
Tell
them the gospel -
Be direct and do not be confusing. The gospel message is simple so be succinct.
It ultimately requires a ‘yes/no’ response or ‘I'm thinking about it.’ Often, I
will use the offer of a 4-week Bible study to discuss the claims of Christ and
let them see it for themselves.
Follow-up
- If
the person with whom you are sharing accepts Christ as Savior, then follow up
with them in a Bible study (such as in the book of Ephesians) or refer them to
your church or somebody who can teach them. Make sure they have fellowship.
Remember, it is God who causes a new believer to stand and it is not our work
(Romans 14:4). So be responsible but don't be personally responsible.
If they
say no or if they're thinking about it, then follow up with them over weeks or
months and ask them what they're thinking.
It’s a
privilege to share the gospel and be a part of God's plan in people's lives,
and to see its power to change lives!
Thank
you for visiting my blog; today please come back again next week.
WC Stewart
Do you know salvation is a gift from
God?’
How to become a Christian:
· Each person has done misdeeds
(sin) that deserve punishment from a perfect and just God.
· However, God being loving, sent
his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins on the cross to take the punishment
we deserve.
· Consequently, when we simply
accept, through faith alone, the forgiveness that Christ provided by his death
and resurrection, we receive a permanent relationship with God and eternal
life!
(Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9-10,
and Romans 3:21-26).
Response policy - The purpose of the comment section is to promote
discussion that is encouraging, propels the further search of Scripture and
raises interesting and thought provoking Biblically related questions. You may
feel free to disagree with me in a constructive manner using appropriate
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