Spreading the Good News Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
Daniel 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Psalms 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
What do these verses have in common with each other? Every one of these verses we have just read. They all speak about winning folks to Jesus.
It is our job as Christians to tell the Love story of Jesus. It would do us good to obey the Word of God.
Every believer has the privilege & responsibility of sharing the gospel.
For many of us, the process is overwhelming, discouraging, & even frightening at times. In this study, you’ll learn how to become a more effective witness for Christ.
Before we begin, evaluate your attitudes.
What motivates you to share your faith?
1.What hinders you?
Now, let’s look at five principles of evangelism.
A. Choose to fear God rather than man.
Many people don’t share their faith due to concern about what others will think. The best way to conquer this fear is to replace it with a reverential awe for God.
What did the disciples do when they were told not to preach any longer in the name of Jesus Acts 5:17 -42 Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:41-42 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
What does Peter suggest believers do instead of being afraid In 1 Peter 3:13-16 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Why does he say to “always be prepared”?
What attitude does Peter say Christians should have when sharing the gospel?
2.Remember Whom you serve.
Meditate on the fact that Jesus possesses all authority in heaven & on earth Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. How does that change your perspective.
Especially with regard to sharing the gospel?
According to the passage above. What does “making disciples” include?
A.Commit the process of evangelism to prayer.
Ask God to give you a genuine love for unbelievers. The opportunities to share, & give you fruit from your efforts.
According to 1 Peter 1:12, who empowers people to preach the gospel?
Why shouldn’t believers worry about knowing exactly what to say 1 Peter 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-6 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Make a list of friends & family who need Christ. Then pray through it at least once a week. The best is to pray daily for them.
B.Study scriptural prayers & learn from them.
How did the disciples begin their prayer in Acts 4:24-31?
What did they request of God?
What were the results?
Examine their prayer. What principles in it could you use?
C.Prepare yourself to share the gospel.
You don’t have to present the good news perfectly. Nor do you have to know the answer to every difficult question. But you should know how to share the basic gospel message. You can even share your own experience. However make this short & sweet. For it is the Word of God that pricks the heart. Not man’s words.
Acts 2:36-37 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Memorize important verses about salvation. When the opportunity arises to share about Christ. You won’t always have a Bible available.
One key passage is Romans 10:8-10. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
List the essential truths of the gospel given in this passage.
Prepare a short testimony that describes how Christ changed your life.
Include how someone can accept God’s gift of forgiveness. In addition to a two- to three-minute version. You may wish to have a brief thirty-second presentation.
Change your approach to reach different audiences.
The apostle Paul used various methods to share the story of the Messiah.
Depending on his listeners.
How did he open his speech in a city full of idols in Acts 17:19 -32
What do you think Paul meant when he said, “I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some” 1 Cor. 9:22
How have you changed your style of witnessing to reach different audiences?
Take an evangelism course, study your Bible, and attend discipleship classes.
Considering all the above suggestions. What should be your next step?
D.Demonstrate unconditional love to your unbelieving friends.
If all your friends are believers. Think of creative ways to meet new people. Then, enjoy developing relationships with them. Yet seek to be a spiritual influence in their lives. One note of caution: Don’t let them displace godly friends who can encourage you spiritually.
How did Paul describe his feelings for the Thessalonians in 1
Thessalonians 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
E. Don’t expect instant results.
The Bible never promises that sharing the message about Christ will be easy. In fact, it warns us to expect persecution.
What does 2 Timothy 1:7-8 encourage in light of those who oppose us?
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
In Athens , how did the people respond to Paul ’s clever presentation in Acts 17:32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
Evangelism often takes time.
What analogy did the apostle use to describe conversion & spiritual growth in Corinthians 3:5-7 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
From the passage in 1 Corinthians 3. We can see that all who participate in the process of evangelism are equally important in God’s eyes.
Conclusion: Jesus commanded every believer to help spread the good news around the world. Allow His Spirit to work through you to impact others for eternity. Mark
16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be a better witness for You. Guide me as I reach out to people that don’t yet know You. Empower me to speak Your word with great boldness. Please use me to help fulfill the Great Commission. In Jesus ’ name I pray. Amen. If you meant that prayer. Do something about it. Let’s go soul winning.
