Is That Your Final Answer Series

Tonight I would like to continue the “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire” theme. I don’t know if you have noticed when you watch the show, but on the first five questions Regis rarely asks the contestant if that is their final answer. Typically, this is because these first five questions are meant to be easy enough for anyone to answer so they will walk away with at least $1,000. I have noticed that the only time Regis asks his now famous question is when the contestant gives a wrong answer. The moral of the story is, if you ever get on the show and Regis asks you if it is your final answer during the first 5 questions, rethink your answer its probably wrong.

I would like us to focus on a passage of Scripture from Acts 26:24-32. In this passage, King Agrippa deserves to be asked, “Is that your final answer?” I want us to look at how we, just as the apostle Paul, should take advantage of every opportunity to share the message of the Gospel, how sometimes our evangelistic efforts go unheeded, and finally some common excuses people give and some Scriptural responses.

Preliminary notes.

Take note that Paul is not on trial. This is not a court trial. Paul is not laying out a defense. He is preaching the gospel. Because Paul had, as a Roman citizen, appealed to Caesar, not even King Agrippa could condemn him. Even the Governor Festus had no authority over him. Look at verse 32. They no longer had the authority to condemn him. Neither could they set him free. His sole purpose for appearing before Agrippa is to try to win these men to Christ.

I. Take advantage of every opportunity to share the gospel.

Paul’s presentation starts with a courteous introduction, telling Agrippa how much he rejoices in this opportunity. He then proceeds to give King Agrippa a brief sketch of his youth and background. Then he tells of his conversion. Finally, he makes his attempt to reach the man for Christ. (Verses 2-23)

Paul’s approach gives us a great example of how we should share our testimony. First, be courteous to the person we a talking to. Don’t brow beat them and don’t talk down to them. This puts up unnecessary barriers. Paul shows us the three essential parts of a good Christian testimony (our life before Christ, our conversion, and our life after Christ). A good testimony need not be any longer than 3 minutes. Everyone should have their testimony memorized so that they can give it at any time.

Any evangelistic presentation should begin by helping the person see his need for Christ. This can be done by asking two simple questions.

QUESTION #1: If you were to die today, do you know for certain that you would go to heaven? Most people will say, "Yes" or "I think so" or "I hope so." Only a few will say "No" or "I doubt it." Emphasize the words "for certain."

QUESTION #2: If you were to die tonight and were standing before God and He asked you, "Why should I let you into My heaven," what would you say? Many people will say, "Because I believe in God" or "Because I try to be a good person." Show them that they can’t be that good.

Some other evangelistic ideas.

1. Use tracts. There are some wonderful tracts available to help in your witnessing. “Steps to Peace with God” from the BGEA, “The Four Spiritual Laws” from Campus Crusade for Christ, even a tract from NAMB that you can use when you go out to eat that you can leave your tip in.

2. The Roman Road. These six verses will work together like links in a chain so after each verse write the next one in your Bible’s margins.

Rom.3:10 says, "There is none righteous, no, not one." This verse directly relates to Rom.3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." These verses teach us the first truth of the gospel that everyone is a sinner.

Rom.6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This teaches us that we cannot earn salvation, that our sin earns us eternal death and that Jesus gives us eternal life.

Rom.10:9 says "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Here are two necessary ingredients for salvation: confession and trust.

Rom.10:13 says, "For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." This verse gives us the assurance that the gospel is available to all.

3. See You at the Pole. Back-to-school time is a great time to think about getting involved in a youth related evangelistic event like See You at the Pole. While you can’t take an active role at the actual event, you can be a mentor to help support and encourage students to stand up for their faith.