Welcome
back to my blog. Thank you for visiting today. We are exploring research
findings from Teleios! A list of our compelling findings is on our website (www.teleiosresearch.com).
Last
week we spoke about people's fear in sharing the Gospel so this week let's
discuss some basic principles about how to communicate the Gospel in an easy,
acceptable manner that you can adapt to your lifestyle.
Fortunately,
scripture does not tell us that we need to beat people with the Gospel in a
socially awkward and isolating way. So how do we relate the Good News to others
in today's world? Well there are many ways to share the plan of salvation, but
here is a process that my wife, Jeanette and I often use:
· Prayerfully consider
others
- Most of us are so busy that unless we stop and specifically consider those
around us we may easily miss wonderful opportunities to spread the Gospel.
Therefore, try thinking through the people you know and who might respond to the
Gospel.
Many Christians say ‘well nobody!’ So then, consider how
you can meet more people and know your acquaintances better (please see next
point). Start by praying for them!
· Create a solid base
for a relationship
- This is vital as people need to know that you genuinely like and respect
them. There are many books on the subject and perhaps the best starter is the
classic, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. You
can buy a cheap used copy (or download a copy) at Amazon. It
is frightfully easy to read and apply. Do it!
In short, good
relationships are built on, at least in part: listening, asking inquisitive
questions about people's passions, work, interests and family. This should be done
in a genuine, affable manner with a smile, gratitude, appropriate specific
compliments, and saying ‘I’m sorry’ as needed. A solid relationship may take
some time to build, months to years. Be patient.
· Build a spiritual rapport
-
This can be done by simply asking them about benign religious topics,
progressing through such questions as:
o
Were
you raised in the church and what denomination? Did you like the church? Was it
a good social environment?
o
What
do you think about religious-based political issues such as Christian
persecution? Does religion or the church help our culture, etc.?
o
Work
towards issues pertaining to Christ, who is the major goal of the conversation,
such as: what did their Church teach about Christ? What do they themselves believe
about Christ? What is Christ’s role in salvation?
Important
note: You don't have to respond to the above questions, it is better that you
mostly just listen initially and gather information, again showing you respect
for their opinions.
· Identify a need – As you listen you
should be able to perceive spiritual needs such as: are they are saved? Are
they concerned about not going to heaven? Do they express reasons for guilt or
unhappiness? Based on these issues you can develop a plan to assist them.
· Make an offer - Based on your
assessment of their spiritual needs, plan how to explain the gospel as a
specific solution to their need. Make sure the offer is clear and
unambiguous, that they must say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and they know what they are
accepting.
Although
you may be able to discuss the Gospel directly, I generally find it is helpful to
offer a Bible study for 4 weeks to study the claims of Christ in Ephesians1:1-14. During this study they
can discover the truth themselves, ask questions and you can share the Gospel
as issues of salvation are raised in the text (please review plan of salvation
at the bottom of the page so you know what to say). Salvation is neatly packaged
also in Romans 3:10-26 or Ephesians 2:1-10.
Even if this
individual says ‘no’ to your efforts, the strong relationship you've built in
the initial steps outlined above should overcome any social awkwardness.
Through prayer and patience perhaps the opportunity to share again will occur.
If they
say yes and believe, then praise be to God. What a privilege to see God save
and change a life!
Thank
you for reading my blog. Join me again next week as we continue to discuss Teleios’
findings and the wisdom of God's word.
WC
Stewart
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 language. I reserve
the right to remove your comments if they are profane, pornographic, libelous
or I do not consider them constructive or consistent with the policy
stated above. By posting you no longer own your comments and you are granting
me an unrestricted worldwide license to use your comments.
Copyright © 2016 Teleios, Inc. All rights
reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment