Monday, February 16, 2009

Declaring His Message

Rom. 10:9-15

We are to carry Christ's presence into the presence of other people. It is important that we LIVE the Christian life. BUT , it is also important that we DECLARE the message of Christ.
Living the Christian life in front of others does not lead them to salvation. It may lead them to live a better life, more moral, more loving, etc. BUT, they must HEAR the message in order to understand who Christ is and how to be saved.
John 3:18 John 8:24 John 14:6

Point #1. Gospel specifics must be shared.
On one hand, don't expect to convey the Gospel message without good works.
BUT, don't expect to convey the Gospel message WITHOUT the Gospel message. It can't be done merely with good works.

There are several methods for sharing the Gospel: the Bridge Illustration, the Wordless Book, the ABC method (admit, believe, confess), the Roman Road, Bible Study, etc.

Point #2. God uses people to share the specifics. (He uses other ways as well, but primarily people.)
Matt. 28:19-20 Acts 1;8 2 Tim. 2:2 2 Cor. 5:20

He uses: A. Common people. example: the disciples Acts 8:1 & 4 1 Cor. 1:26-29
B. People who are unworthy, unable, and hesitant. Examples: Isaiah, Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, Peter, Paul 1 Cor. 2:1-3
C. People who don't have all the answers. Example: Paul - 1 Tim. 3:16
On one hand, you DON'T know it all.
But, you DO know what you KNOW!!

So --- Some lead up questions (to be used at the appropriate time)

#1. Do you have any spiritual beliefs?
Everybody does .... so LISTEN toe them!! Don't correct, don't instruct, just Listen!!

#2. What do you believe about Jesus? (who He is/was) again, listen. Don't try to share what you believe. (if they shut the door, leave it be.)

#3. Do you think there is a heaven? hell?

#4. If you died tonight, where would you go? WHY?

#5. If what you believe was untrue, would you want to know?

#6. Can I show you some things from the Bible?
if the answer is yes ... Rom. 3:23 Rom. 6:23 John 3:3 John 14:6 Rom. 10:9-10 Rev. 3:20

Don't be intimidated.
All people live by faith. The universalist, scientist, atheist - all live by faith in what they believe. We have far better grounds for our faith than they do.

There is power in the message to change lives. Rom. 1:16 & 17

Your job is NOT to persuade but present. John 6:44, 65

God is with you. "go.... and I'll go with you"

QUESTION: are you unworthy, unable and hesitant to go and tell?
You are in good company.

QUESTION: Where do you stand in relation to these 6 questions?

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