Sharing Jesus
PRESENTING THE GOSPEL
Handouts for 12 Training Sessions
Contemporary Method of Sharing Jesus
Example of a conversation that will share the Gospel on a home visit (first used in 1987 at OCC)
Extended presentation of the Gospel
Introduction: "Hello, I'm Jack Barrett from the Owensboro Christian Church. You visited us last Sunday and we came by to return your visit." "Won't you come in?"
A. Personal life:
Thank you. This is David Simpson and Margie Davis. My what a lovely home you have here. Have you lived here long?You really are new, aren't you? Oh, it looks like someone in the family is a champion bowler, look at these trophies!No, we just moved here from Florida about a month ago.
"How many children do you have?""Our son bowls in a league during the wintertime."
"What a nice family. What do you do Mr. Jones?""We have three, our oldest is 19, our middle son is 17, and our youngest is Susan, she's 14."
"I work for Scott Paper Company, and my company transferred me here from Florida."
B. Church Background
"What church did you folks attend in Florida?'
"We attended a Community Church called Faith Center, but we really didn't attend that much."
"That's interesting, how did you happen to visit Owensboro Christian?"
"Our neighbors are members of your church, and they invited us."
"Oh, that's great, who are they?"
"The Smith, Alice and Jerry, I think are their names."
"Oh yes, we know them. We hope you liked the service last Sunday. Did you notice anything different about it?"
"Oh, yes, right away, we noticed your people seem so very excited and happy, and they were all very friendly. We also enjoyed the music."
C. Our Church
We love Owensboro Christian. My wife and I take part in a weekly bible study, and our children are actively involved. There's a really tremendous youth program, and since we've been going there our family has grown spiritually.
The above dialog is intended to develop a comfortable give-and-take conversation.
D. Two Questions
"We've really appreciated Owensboro Christian's teaching of the Bible and what we must do to have eternal life. Bill and Helen, may I ask you a couple of questions that really caused me to stop and think when I heard them?'
"Sure, Go ahead."
"Bill and Helen, Have you come to the place in your life, where you know for sure if you died tonight, you would go to heaven?"
(long pause) "I don't think I could say that for sure, but I think I would.
It's interesting to me that the Bible says "This is written "... That you may know that you have eternal life." I John 5:13
(Transition)
"May I share with you how I came to know I have eternal life and how you can know it too?"
"Yes, I'd be interested."
"First, one more question. Suppose you died tonight and stood before God and he said, 'Bill and Helen, Why should I let you into my heaven?' What would you say, Bill?"
"Well, I would say I've tried to live a good life and do the best I know how."
"So you would say living a good life and doing the best you know how is what will get you into heaven. How about you, Helen?"
"I guess following the 10 commandments and doing what God wants us to is what I would have to say."
"So, Helen, you would say keeping God's law is the way to heaven."
If you feel you have earned the right to present the gospel continue to the gospel. If not, move on to another conversation or close the visit and go home.
E. Personal Testimony (use only if you feel it would help them see you as a real person)
"I believed that before I accepted Christ. Before I came to Christ, my life was "O.K." on the surface. It seemed I needed nothing. But deep down I knew my life was not what I wanted it to be. I heard a preacher tell me how I could accept Christ into my life and I knew that was what I needed to do, so I went forward and accepted Christ. Since that, I have been able to live with hope and confidence that I didn't have before. Just knowing my sins are forgiven is a great assurance for me. My life has just seemed to totally change since I made that decision. I really feel I have a purpose and direction in my life now."
(Transition)
"You know, your answer to that second question is interesting, but I found out that ... "
II. The Gospel
A. HEAVEN
Heaven is a free gift and cannot be earned. Salvation is free. We can't earn it, deserve it merit it, or somehow work for it." "I can go to the store and buy anything -- a new car, new clothes, food, toys, or furniture. If I have enough money, I can even buy a new home. But if I have all the money in the world, it won't buy my way into heaven, because the Bible says, "The wages of sin is death, but the Free Gift of God is eternal life is Jesus Christ our lord". Romans 6:23
"The Bible also says, ... it is the Gift of God, not because of works, least any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8,9
"We have the idea that nothing is free, we have to work for everything. But that's not true about heaven. The tragedy is that even though it's free, many people don't accept it.
(Transition)
"This can be seen more clearly when we understand what the Bible says about Man."
B. MAN
Man is a sinner and cannot save himself. All we have to do is back away and look at the world. Man has made a mess of things. He has brought on war, poverty, crime, immorality, and lawlessness."
" The Bible says, ... we were by nature children of wrath." Ephesians 2:3
" the Bible also says, ... All have sinned ..."Romans 3:23
"Bill, what is sin?"
"Oh, I suppose it would be doing something wrong."
"We need to see how the Bible defines sin."
Target Illustration
"Sin means to miss the mark, to miss the target, to fail to live up to God's standard. If we were to have a dart game tonight, and if you missed the bull's eye by one inch and I missed it by 5 inches, which one of us missed it?"
"Why, both of us."
"That's right, close doesn't count -- except in horseshoes!"
The scripture says "Your sins have made a separation between you and your God. Isaiah 59:2
Because of this separation, man can't save himself. The scripture says, "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." Proverbs 14:12 There's just no way a man can save himself by his good works.
Doctor illustration
"A neurosurgeon cannot operate on his own brain. A heart specialist cannot perform surgery on his own heart. A doctor cannot remove his own cancer, and neither can man remove the cancer of sin by himself."
(Transition)
"Man's case seems hopeless, but let's see what the Bible says about God."
C. GOD
"God is just and must punish sin, but He is merciful and doesn't want to punish us."
The Bible says, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the Godlessness and wickedness of men." Romans 1:18
3 Sins a Day Illustration
"Imagine if we could get so good that we only sinned 3 times a day. That doesn't seem like very much, does it? But that would mean we would sin over 1000 times a year, times your age ... That would mean I have over 44,000 sins. Can you imagine what would happen if we went before a judge with over 44,000 traffic tickets? He would lock us up and throw the key away. In the same way, God cannot overlook all our sins. There has to be a payment for those sins." "While God is just and must punish sin to remain true to His nature, He is also merciful and loving and doesn't want to punish us."
The scripture says the "Lord is ... patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
It also says that "God ... desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." I Timothy 2:4
Now let's follow clearly here. If God is just and must punish sin, how can He love me and save me? It almost seems like contradictory statements about God.
(Transition)
"God solved mans problem by coming to the earth in the person of Jesus Christ."
D. JESUS
Jesus Christ is God's answer to our sins. I would be interested in your opinion about Christ. Who do you think He is?
"Oh, He is the Son of God and the greatest man who ever lived."
That's right, He is the Son of God. But the Bible teaches that He is more than just the Son of God, He is God. Jesus said, "He who has seen me has seen the Father." John 14:9b
The Bible goes on to say, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God .. and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us ..." John 1:1,14
Jesus spoke with all the authority of God. In fact, He is God in the flesh. It's important to know who Jesus is, it's also important to know what he did.
The Bible says, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord has laid on Him (Christ) the sin of us all." Isaiah 53:6
Book Illustration
Let's just suppose this book contains all the sins you ever committed. This book had been weighing you down and separating you from God. What Jesus did when He went to the cross was to take your book and place the full weight of your sins and all the sins of man on His shoulders.
"You remember when we said that sin cannot go unpunished? Because of God's love for us, He sent His Son who willfully died in our place."
The Bible says, ... "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." Hebrews 9:22
In fact, the Bible says, "He Himself bore our sins, in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness." I Peter 2:24
"On the cross, Jesus got what He didn't deserve so we could get what we don't deserve."
"This is the meaning of grace. It is a free gift. In fact, if you took the word grace and placed it in acrostic form, it would be:
Grace illustration
G- od's
R- iches
A- t
C- rist's
E- xpense
Who do you suppose receives this free gift Jesus died to give us?
"Oh, I suppose everybody does."
(Transition)
The bible says that only those who receive Christ by faith have this free gift.
E. FAITH
Faith is the Key to receiving this free gift
Key Ring Illustration
"I have a ring of keys here. Only one of the keys unlocks my front door. They all "appear" to be alike, but really only one will let you into my house. By the same token, there appear to be many ways to get into heaven, but there is really only one -- it's called the key of faith."
"The Bible says, For by grace you have been saved through faith ..." "Many people mistake two things for saving faith." Ephesians 2:8
a. Many people think saving faith is an intellectual agreement with historical knowledge. Most people believe there is a God, but not all who believe in the existence of God will go to heaven. The Bible says, You believe that God is one; You do well, Even the demons believe -- and shudder."
b. Others think faith is trusting God for daily physical needs like food, clothing, shelter, job, health, etc. It's good to trust God for those things, but many will trust God to get them from here to Evansville, but they won't trust Him to get them from here to heaven!
1. Faith is trusting Christ alone
"Saving faith is trusting Christ alone for salvation. It means transferring your trust from whatever you've trusted in for salvation, to Jesus and Jesus alone." "It means believing that since Jesus had the power to overcome death for himself and come back to life, that he can do the same for me and take me to heaven with him."
Tightrope Illustration
"It's like the story about the great tightrope walker who stretched a cable across Niagara Falls. The crowd gathered to watch him attempt to cross the falls. He asked the crowd if they believed he could do it. They cheered and said, 'We believe'. He successfully crossed the falls and then said to the crowd, 'How many of you believe I can cross the falls again, this time with a chair strapped to my back?' The crowd cheered and said, 'We believe'. Again he successfully crossed the falls. This time he said to the crowds, 'How many of you believe I can cross the falls with a man in the chair strapped to my back?' The crowd cheered and said, 'We believe'. Then he asked the crowd, 'Who wants to be first into the chair?' "
"Saving faith is like that. It means getting in the chair, not standing on the shore saying, 'I believe'."
"If you took the word faith, and placed it in acrostic form, it would be:
Faith Illustration
F - orsaking
A - ll
I
T - ake
H - im
2. Faith is obedience -- Repentance, Confession, Baptism
"Saving faith is also obedience. What counts with God is whether or not we obey as a result of our faith."
The scripture says, "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life ..." John 3:36
God has asked us to be obedient in three ways to receive salvation. This obedience is not "good works" gaining our salvation. Our obedience is the natural result of our saving faith."
He commands us to repent of our sins. The Bible says, "The times of ignorance God overlooked, but not He commands all men everywhere to repent." Acts 17:30
He also asks us to confess Jesus before men. The Bible says, If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
Then He asks us to be Baptized into Christ. Peter said, "Repent, and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38
So, in a nutshell, the Bible tells us that we are all sinners and that Christ died for our sins and rose again. If we are willing to trust Him with faith and obedience, we can receive the gift of eternal life."
3. Commitment
A. Qualifying Question
"Does this make sense to you?"
"Yes."
B. Commitment Question
"Have you ever made this kind of commitment?"
"No, I haven't."
"Would you like to make this commitment tonight, and receive Jesus into your life?
"Yes, I would."
C. Clarification of Commitment
"That's wonderful, Bill and Helen. Let me remind you that to receive Jesus Savior and Lord! To receive Him as Lord we're willing to do whatever He asks." "You're willing to repent of your sins?"
"Yes."
"You're willing to confess Christ publicly""
"Yes."
"You're willing to be baptized (immersed) into Him?"
"Yes."
D. Prayer of Commitment
"If this is what you really want to do, we can go to God together in prayer right now and I can tell God what you have told me. I'll pray first and then you repeat a simple prayer after me and ask Christ to come into your life. Is that all right with you?"
"Yes."
Dear God, Thank you for the opportunity we have had to visit this evening and share about Christ. Thank you for what Christ has done in our lives and for Bill and Helen's desire to accept Christ and to live the way you want them to.
Bill and Helen, why don't you repeat this prayer after me: Dear God ... I know I'm a sinner ... I'm trusting in Christ alone ... for my salvation ... Lord Jesus come into my heart and save me from my sins ... in Jesus' name ... Amen.
You have just made the greatest decision you'll ever make.
Set a time for Baptism
Bill and Helen, In the Bible, once people accepted Christ, they were baptized immediately, often at the same hour of the night or day. Would you like to be baptized right now? We can meet you back at the church building if you like and take care of this act of obedience tonight. Or we can schedule a time for your baptism to take place. Would that be all right?
Sure
At or after the baptism
E. Assurance of Salvation
The Bible says, "I write this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."1 John 5:13
"Bill and Helen, Who are you trusting in right now for your salvation?"
"Jesus"
"If you were to die tonight, where would you wake up?"
"In Heaven!"
"Praise God, and welcome to His family forever!"
Illustrations
Heaven is a free gift and cannot be earned
Money I can go to the store and but anything -- a new car, new clothes, food toys, or furniture. If I have enough money, I can even buy a new home. But if I had all the money in the world, it won't buy my way into heaven.
Man is a sinner and cannot save himself
Target Sin means to miss the mark, to miss the target, to fail to live up to God's standard. If we were to have a dart game tonight, and if you missed the bull's eye by one inch and I missed it by five inches, which one of us missed it? Both of us. It doesn't make any difference how close we are, the point is we both missed the mark.
Omelet We wouldn't try to make an omelet with three good eggs and three rotten eggs and serve it; and expect it to be acceptable. In the same way we cannot serve our lives up to God with a mixture of good and bad and expect it to be acceptable to Him.
Canyon Suppose there is a 100 foot wide canyon between us and that table. On the other side is eternal life, life with Jesus Christ. Both of us try to jump as far as possible but neither of us would make it to the other side. We might jump 20 feet from the edge or maybe only a few feet, but the end result would be the same, death at the bottom of the canyon. It's the same way with our lives.. We may live a better life than our neighbor and try to do more good than him, but the end result will be the same for both of us because we have failed to meet God's standard.
Lemon Tree Suppose we had a lemon tree in yard. All it could produce is sour lemons. But let's assume we pulled off all the lemons from the tree and tied on sweet oranges in their place. Would the tree produce oranges after that? Of course not! and neither can we, with our sinful nature, produce the kind of life we know God wants us to live. The nature of that lemon tree is still sour lemons, and the nature of man is still sinful no matter how it is covered up.
Doctor A neuro-surgeon cannot operate on his own brain. A heart specialist cannot perform surgery on his own heart. A doctor cannot remove his own cancer, and neither can man remove the cancer of sin by himself.
God is Just and Must punish Sin
3 Sins A Day Imagine if we could get so good that we only sinned 3 times a day. That doesn't seem like very much does it? But that would mean I would sin over 1000 times a year, In the last 10 years of my life that would be 10,000 sins. Can you imagine what would happen if we went before a judge with over 10,000 traffic tickets? He would lock us up and throw the key away. In the same way God cannot overlook all our sins. There has to be a payment for those sins.
Jesus Christ in God's Answer to our Sin
Bird A farmer noticed some birds in the middle of the winter who were freezing to death and trying to find shelter. He knew his barn was warm and would provide protection for the birds. So he went out and opened his barn doors, But the birds were afraid of him and would not go in. He tried to find a way to tell them or show them what they needed to do, how they could be saved. He finally realized that the only way he could do that was to become a bird himself. God, in His infinite wisdom, realized that in order to save man, He Himself would have to become flesh, which He did in the person of Jesus Christ.
Book Let's just suppose this book contains all the sins you've ever committed. This book has been weighing you down and separating you from God. What Jesus did when He went to the cross was to take your book and place the full weight of your sins and all the sins of man on His shoulders. As a result you can now stand before God with those sins completely paid for.
Grace In fact, if you took the word Grace and placed it in acrostic form it would be:
G - od's
R - iches
A - t
C - hrist's
E - xpense
Tetelestai One of the last words Jesus spoke is the Greek word, "Tetelestai". This word was a commercial word which means, "It is paid; the debt is paid in full." Jesus wanted us to know that His death on the cross was sufficient to pay for all man's sins for all times.
Faith is the key to receiving this Free Gift
Tightrope Walker It's like the story about a great tightrope walker who stretch a cable across Niagara Falls. The crowd gathered to watch him attempt to cross the falls. He asked the crowd if they believed he could do it. They cheered and said, "We believe." He successfully crossed the falls and then said to the crowd. "How many of you believe I can cross the falls again, this time with a chair strapped to my back?" The crowd cheered and said, "We believe." Again he successfully crossed the falls. This time he said to the crowd, "How many of you believe I can cross the falls with a man in the chair strapped to my back?" The crowd cheered and said, "We believe," Then he asked the crowd, "Who wants to be first to get into the chair?" Saving faith is like that. It means getting into the chair, not standing on the shore and saying "I believe."
Key Ring I have a ring of keys here. Only one of the keys unlock my front door. They all "appear" to be alike, but really only one will let you into my house. By the same token they appear to be many ways to get into heaven, but there is really only one -- it's called the key of faith.
Chair You see that chair over there. It looks like a sturdy chair and I believe that it would hold me up. But I'm not really trusting that chair unless I am sitting on it. Only when I put my total weight upon it can I really say I am trusting it.
Faith If you took the word Faith and placed it in acrostic form, it would be:
F - orsaking
A - ll
I
T - ake
H - im
Highway Repent means to be sorry for our sin, but it's more than that. We must be sorry enough to make a change in the direction of our lives. It's like we're going west on I-64 to Saint Louis. We come to a detour that takes us straight north for awhile. But we miss the turn and keep going north. Finally your wife informs you you've missed a turn. So you turn around - 180 degrees- and head back in the right direction, until you are on I-64 again. That's the way it is in life. We get on a detour headed away from God. When we repent we make a 180 degree turn to get back on His way.
SCRIPTURE USED IN THE PRESENTATION
Heaven
Ephesians 2:8,9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this not from yourself, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast."
Man
Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."
God
Romans 1:18 "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of man who suppress the truth by their wickedness,
I Timothy 2:3,4 "This is good and pleases God our savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
Christ
John 14:9b "Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father."
Isaiah 53:6 "We all, like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
Faith
John 3:36 "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."
James 2:19 "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that -- and shudder."
Repentance of sin
Acts 17:30-31 "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead."
Confessing the Name of Christ
Romans 10:9,10 "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
Baptism into Christ
Acts 2:38 "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Assurance of Salvation
I John 5:13 "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life."
John 6:47 "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life."
Lesson No. 1
Orientation and Introduction
Suggested Guidelines for visitation or presenting the Gospel.
A. Dress and Grooming -- We prefer that Gals wear no short skirts; dress slacks are acceptable; Guys wear ties or neat looking sport shirts and dress slacks. In addition, make sure hair is combed, shoe shined, and tie straight. No jeans, please. (Some exception allowed)
B. Expectations of you while on a call.
1. Please get familiar with the prospect, as best you can. Familiarize yourself with such things as the age of the people, their background, calls that already have been made and when, and the last time the person has visited the church.
2. No smoking or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the home.
C. Some Do's and Don'ts
1. Do _______________ -- before you leave the church grounds.
2. Do _______________ -- Not only at the door, but throughout the presentation.
3. Do _______________ -- Remember, the key to being heard is listening.
4. Do ask your prospect's _______________ -- throughout the presentation.
5. Do anticipate objections and excuses -- Handle them quickly and lovingly.
6. Do be overly modest -- in talking about our church. Don't convey the idea that yours is the only church that preaches the Gospel. Also, Remember our major task in each visit is to present the gospel to those who do not know the Lord. We are not looking for church members, we are looking for the lost.
7. Do quote just the relevant portion of _______________.
8. Do watch your breath! (A mint is in order walking up the walk.
9. Do _______________ critical comments about other ministries and congregations. We want to welcome all people into our church, but we do not want to convey the idea that we are trying to steel other church's members. Be very sensitive to this and feel free to encourage them to continue with the church they are with if you feel lead to do so. Membership is not our main purpose for visiting.
10. Do exit in a _______________ manner -- even if the Gospel is rejected.
11. Don't carry a Large Bible -- on your visit! A pocket testament in your vest pocket or purse will suffice. A large Bible can have the same effect as a .45 revolver. Your prospect will wonder, " What's he going to do with that?"
12. Don't give the _______________ -- before or after you quote a scripture.
13. Don't pressure or agitate the prospect. -- Don't feel you have to secure a profession of faith before you leave.
14. Don't _____________. -- Let the prospect win the argument; you win the prospect.
15. Don't pray in the car -- in front of the prospect's home.
16. Don't take _______________ -- on what prospect is saying.
17. Don't sit way across the room -- from your prospect.
18. Don't discuss theology or _______________. - Your there to present the Gospel.
19. Don't continue a presentation if _______________ comes and stays.
20. Don't be _______________ -- This is the Lord's work, not ours. Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 55:10,11; Jeremiah 1:6-9
Introduction
Perhaps you are presenting the Gospel to a friend or someone who is expecting the Gospel. If so the fell extent of this introduction may not be needed. You may be able to move quickly into the two questions. If however, if you are talking with someone you do not know, you may need to set the stage for a conversation using the following information.
I. The Purpose of the _______________
A. To make a smooth transition from their ___________ _______ and interests to their _________ _________.
B. To earn he right to ask the two questions.
1. We must do everything possible to create the right attitude so the Gospel may be presented.
2. We make sure the "messenger" doesn't get in the way of the "message".
C. To _______ what usually is a "tense" time for the prospects.
1. The introduction is the ice-breaker which gets you started in the home.
2. You are on their "territory" and in their "castle". Take time to let them know you appreciate being in their home.
3. Take time to get yourself and your prospects relaxed and at ease.
4. You are going to have lots to say later, so let the prospects talk now. They will feel more comfortable as they have an opportunity to express themselves.
5. Be a good listener.
D. To learn to ______ them and see them as God does.
1. Take whatever time you need until you really feel you are sensitive to them and their needs.
2. Take time to convey to them that you really care about them, not just their "scalp".
E. To answer any _____________ the prospects may want to ask about the church.
II. The laws of Entrance into a Home
A. Ring or knock with the authority of Jesus!
B. Smile from ear to ear before they open the door!
C. State your name and purpose, and request to enter their home, if not invited.
III. Their Personal Life
A. Four Basic Areas you want to cover:
1. _______________ "Are you native of this area?" "How long have you lived here?"
2. _______________ "And you're with what company?"
3. _______________ "How many children do you have?" (if evident there are children) "What are their names?"
4. _______________ "I notice you like to ______________ " (Hobby, vocation, House, garden, etc.)
a. Be alert to the obvious while approaching the house and upon entering.
b. Feel free to pursue whatever area of interest they have.
c. Let them talk 5 to 10 minutes if needed.
d. It is not a question of, "Am I interested in the prospects' interests?" Rather, it is a question, "Am I willing to be interested in their interests?"
IV. Their Church _______________
A. Where did you attend church (back in Florida) or (as a child)?
1. Always ask assuming they attended or have attended church, even if they haven't.
2. Never criticize or get into a negative discussion of their church or pastor.
V. Our Church
A. How did you happen to visit Owensboro Christian Church?
B. Did you notice anything different about the service Sunday?
1. If you get a negative response about our church, don't spend time trying to justify what we did or didn't do. Instead, find our what their concern was, so we can deal with it, if need be.
C. Church _______________
1. "Our church is a nondenominational church."
2. "The thing we have really enjoyed at Owensboro Christian is . . ."
3. "By the way . . . (Tell of a ministry at Owensboro Christian that you believe will meet their needs)."
a. In this brief testimony, convey to them how Owensboro Christian is committed to meeting their needs and at the same time fulfilling all the purposes and functions of the church.
Two questions and Personal Testimony
I. How to know if you have ______________________________ to ask the questions?
A. Listen carefully to the prospects' answer to any questions about church or spiritual matters.
1. If their answers are short and/or cold, you probably have not earned the right .
2. If their answers are long and/or warm, you probably have earned the right.
B. If the Holy Spirit opens it up through the prospects with questions or statements such as:
1. "What does it mean to be a Christian?"
2. "How do you become a member at Owensboro Christian?"
3. "I almost came forward on Sunday, By something held me back."
C. If the Holy Spirit opens it up through you. There will be times when you simply know you should ask the questions.
D. If in doubt, smile and go ahead and ask the questions. Just because you ask the questions, it doesn't mean you are locked into going through the whole Gospel presentation.
II. How to know _______________ to ask the questions
A. If they ask a question that leads directly into the questions, begin at that point.
B. 5 Minute Rule : When you think it is time to ask the questions, wait no more then 5 minutes to ask the first questions.
C. Regardless of the prospects' background, and even if you believe they are Christians, go ahead and ask the questions. A Christian will never be insulted by the two questions.
III. Question No. 1
A. Lead into the question by ______________________________.
May I ask you a couple of questions?
B. If you feel you need to, you can build interest in the questions by statements such as:
1. This is a question you probably have never been asked before.
2. This is a personal question.
3. This is a thought-provoking question.
4. This is a question that really makes you think.
5. This is a question that really makes you do some soul searching.
6. This is a question I was asked a few years ago.
7. You may want to think for a minute before you answer this question.
C. If you are presenting the Gospel to two or more people at the same time, Always address the questions first to the person you believe is the least likely to have the answer. This prevents one person answering and the others agreeing with their answer.
D. ____________________________________________________________, where you know for sure, if you died tonight, You would go to heaven?
1. To find out if the prospects know or believe they have eternal life.
E. Possible answers and responses:
1. Prospect's Answer _ "Yes."
Our Response -
a. "That's great. Isn't it exciting that the Bible tells us we can know for sure."
2. Prospect's Answer - "No."
Our Response -
a. "That's interesting. You know, I found out that the Bible says we can know for certain whether we will have eternal life or not. It says, I write this to you who believe . . . that you may know that you have eternal life."
3. Prospect's Answer - "Not sure," or "I don't think anyone can know for sure."
a. "That's interesting. You know, I found out that the bible says we can know for certain whether we have eternal life or not. It says, I write this to you how believe ... that you may now that you have eternal life."
**IV. Transition
A. After responding to the prospects' answer to the first question, continue with,
____________________________________________________________ I have eternal life and how you can know it too?
1. "First one more question."
V. Question No. 2
A. ____________________________________________________________ and stood before God and He said, "Why should I let you into my Heaven?" What would you say?
B. Possible answers and responses-
1. Prospect's answer - "Don't know" _ you need to get an answer to the question, If necessary, use the steps below to elicit an answer.
Our Response -
a. "What do you think you would say?'
b. "Let me rephrase the question, What do you think God's requirements and for a person to get into heaven?"
c. "Well, do you think we have to do something to get into heaven? What is it? How did you come to that in you own life?'
2. Prospect's Answer - "Christ' death on the cross and my trust and belief in Him."
Our Response -
a. You now suspect the prospect is a Christian and if they answered the first question correctly you can enjoy some good Christian fellowship. Also explain the procedures if they desire to become a member of our church.
b. If they did not answer the first question correctly, continue with a mini-Gospel presentation, stressing the assurance of salvation.
3. Prospect's Answer - "Because of Christ," or "Because I love Him", or any other answer which is not really clear.
Our Response -
a. Get them to clarify their response. "Just exactly what do you mean by that?" or " What does that exactly mean to you?"
b. Based on their further response decide whether or not to go through the Gospel Presentation.
4. Prospect's Answer - Any other response.
Our Response -
a. Restate in your own words what they have said
In other words, you believe that ___________ will get you into heaven, is that correct?"
b. Make sure you get an agreement from the prospect as to what they believe. This will prevent them from saying, after the whole Gospel is shared, "Oh, we always believe that too."
C. Purpose of the question
1. to find out what they are trusting in to get them to heaven.
**VI. Transition Unless their responses to the questions are so negative that you feel their would be no value in presenting the Gospel, continue with either a personal testimony or go directly into the transition.
“We have prepared a handout that will help explain biblical responses to these important questions. May we work through it together?”
VII. Personal _______________
A. When to use it
1. When the prospects' past is similar to yours.
2. When you sense they think Christians aren't "real" people.
3. When you feel it will help the prospect better understand the Gospel as well as build a better bridge between you and them.
B. What is it?
1. It is a clear-cut, warm, persuasive account of how you came to know Christ as Savior. It is sharing your experience of the new birth.
C. Why give it?
1. It provides an opportunity for a non-Christian to see, hear, and feel what it means to be a Christian
2. It makes you real in the eyes of the non-Christian.
3. It provides an opportunity for you to share the miracle you best know and understand, YOU!!
4. "Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you . . . " I Peter 3:15
D. Three main parts of a personal testimony
1. Before I accepted Christ -------------- _____% of total time
2. How I accepted Christ ------------------ _____% of total time
3. Since I accepted Christ ----------------- _____% of total time
a. Remember to specify the one thing that has been most meaningful as a Christian (pardon, peace, joy, victory over sin, direction of the Holy Spirit, etc.).
Note: See Paul's testimonies (Acts 22 and 26) for examples.
E. Rules to remember when giving your personal testimony
1. Never give your testimony before the two questions
2. Don't Go into detail about your former weaknesses
3. Be specific, don't use vague generalities.
4. Be humble, give God the Glory.
5. Be brief, don't get involved with many details.
6. Avoid clichés, like "saved", "blessing", "blood", etc.
7. Don't be over dramatic.
Lesson No. 2
Heaven
I. _____________________________________________ and cannot be earned
Why do we start here? Because this relates directly to the two questions we have just asked. Most people are trusting in works for their salvation. Rather than condemn them, we provide a positive alternative -- the Biblical answer.
Remember two things as you begin the Gospel presentation:
1. ______________________________ -- Don't convey the idea, "Would you like Me (wise guy) to show YOU (stupid) the real answer?"
2. __________________ -- How we speak of the Gospel indicates how highly we think of it.
**Heaven is a free gift
A. What do we mean by free? Can't ... _______________, Deserve, Merit, Purchase
B. Illustration --- _______________ Illustration (We use this to reinforce the significance of heaven being free)
C. Reference -- _______________ (Emphasize free gift)
D. Reference -- _______________
1. Use only "it is the gift of God, not because of works, least any one should boast."
2. This leads naturally to the fact that heaven can't be earned.
II. ____________________________________________________________.
A. Every religion in the world emphasizes we must earn God's favor by doing something -- we must make ourselves worthy. In contrast, Christianity proclaims God's favor as a gift that can't be earned, only accepted. It is a matter of being forgiven, rather than being perfect.
B. Note: Just prior to the transition statement, it is important that we emphasize the fact that even though heaven is free, many do not accept it.
III. Transition: ________________________ when we understand what the bible says about man.
Note: Why this transition? We must tell them why men don't accept salvation, which brings us face to face with our sin. We must see ourselves as we really are.
Man
** ____________________________________________________________.
Our transition statement indicates we need to see what the Bible says about man -- He is a sinner. Individuals and the world are in a mess -- and we must see the reason why. That reason is sin.
I. Man is a sinner
A. Reference ______________________________
1. Use only part of the verse which says "We were by nature children of wrath"
2. Be careful -- don't get into a argument of man's nature -- sinful or not. Some believe we were born with a sinful nature. To others we are sinful because we have sinned and live in a sin-filled world. That's not relevant here. The real issue is that all have sinned, that we need to realize our predicament, and do something to get out of our mess.
B. Reference ______________________________
C. _____________________________________________?
1. Ask this question of your prospect. See what his idea is, to know where he's coming from and what he understands. It is important to know the following, though you may not need to explain it in every situation.
a. Sin is missing the mark
b. Sin is Stepping over the line
c. Sin is not doing what we should
d. Sin is Doing what we should not
e. Sin is Wrong thoughts as well as wrong acts.
2. Illustration: _______________ Illustration
(This especially applies to sin as missing the mark)
NOTE: Most people realize they have sinned, but they are often not aware of its seriousness and its consequences. Men must see that sin permanently harms us and makes it impossible to save ourselves.
II. Because of sin man cannot save himself
A. Why not? Because of Isaiah 59:2
B. Reference _______________
1. Use only, "Your sins have made a separation between you and your God".
2. Sin always separates men from God. Separation from God -- the giver of eternal life -- means DEATH. That's why the next reference is so appropriate.
3. A blemished person cannot on his own create an unblemished nature
C. Reference _______________
D. Illustration _______________ Illustration
E. NOTE: What are we trying to accomplish in this section? Each reference, illustration, statement indicates man's case is desperate, hopeless (if without God), and that he is on a downward spiral (see next page and diagram). Thus, the wording of our transition statement is important, as we move from man's desperate condition toward a solution, there is light in the darkness. But we must see God's character, and how He views all this.
III. Transition: Man's case seems hopeless, but let's see what the bible says about God.
Lesson No. 3
God
**______________________________________________________________, but he is merciful and doesn't want to punish us
Most people have no biblical concept of God. To most, He is a doting old grandfather figure, who winks at sin and loves us in spite of everything. This image encourages men to continue in sin and to see no need for Christ's saving grace. Others, however, picture God as a God of wrath and punishment, without mercy, This causes some to say: "It's no use. I've never been good enough and never could be." We must strike a proper balance and see both sides of God's character.
I. God is ________ and must punish sin
A. Reference - _______________
Use only the part, "the wrath of God is being revealed from Heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men..."
B. Illustration _______________
C. NOTE: We must rid people of the false notion: "God would never do that .. He would never punish us ... not such a loving God." Some people's gods wouldn't punish sin, but that's not the God of the Bible.
D. While we see God as just, we must also show men there is hope. He punishes sin, but...
II. God is _______________ and doesn't want to punish us
A. This is also part of God's nature. While He hates sin, He loves the sinner.
Reference- __________________
B. Reference- __________________
C. This is an apparent contradiction -- How can God be both just and merciful? It seems contradictory, but we must remember some things: (don't tell your prospect all of this yet, but you must know it)
1. A loving father disciplines and punishes for our good.
2. God's punishment and/or mercy depends on our repentance. No repentance brings judgment. Repentance brings mercy.
3. God's provision for our sin is in Christ. That's why God sent Christ to earth. He paid the penalty for our sin, so we shouldn't have to.
D. With this in mind, our transition statement is very important:
III. Transition: _____________________________________________ by coming to the earth in the person of Jesus Christ.
A. Here we see a solution to this apparent dilemma. Christ is the key. His death shows how awful sin is (judgment), and how much He loves us (mercy).
Christ
**______________________________ is God's answer to our sin
He is the answer to our sin, and to God's apparent dilemma.
** Begin by asking "Who do you think Jesus Christ really is?"
Clear up immediately the fact that He is more than just a good teacher, preacher, miracle worker, etc.
I. He is God in the flesh - incarnation
A. Reference- _______________
Use only, Jesus said, "He who has seen Me, has seen the Father."
B. Reference - _______________
Use only, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
C. NOTE: How can He be God and man at the same time? He was flesh and blood, with temptations, feelings, emotions, etc. Like us. He also had all knowledge, authority, wisdom, power, like God. We need to understand why He became like us, While yet God(though it is not usually necessary to go into this with the prospect).
1. He became like us to __________________ us (Hebrews 2:17-18: 4:14-16)
2. He became like us to show He __________________ us.
3. He became like us that we might become like __________________.
4. He became like us to die for us and purchase a place for us in __________________ ... (which takes us to the next emphasis we need to make).
II. He died for us and purchased a place in Heaven for us
A. Reference- _______________
B. Illustration _______________ Illustration
C. Important to emphasize two things:
1. That Christ died in our place - So that we don't have to. [Imputed righteousness.]
2. That Christ's death was God's only solution to sin. [That's why we refer to Hebrews 9:22].]
D. Reference- _______________
Use only, "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin."
E. Reference _____________
III. _______________
A. On the cross Jesus got what He didn't deserve so we could get what we don't deserve.
B. All that Christ did on the cross was because of grace.
C. It means: Free Gift, Undeserved Favor, Unmerited gift
D. Illustration- Best defined with an acrostic
Grace G - od's R - iches A - t C - hrist's E - xpense
1. God's riches are eternal life, forgiveness, heaven, salvation, love, mercy, and not judgment.
2. Christ's expense is the fact that His death on the cross purchased a place in heaven for us.
IV. Transition: The Bible says that only those who receive Christ by faith have this free gift
NOTE: This is an important statement, We've talked about man's sin and Christ's death that overcomes our sin. Now we must receive it. Now it's time to act, and our faith is the key.
Lesson No. 4
Faith
I. Faith is the _______________
A. We must clearly convey the importance of faith -- it is the key to receiving Christ. This is how we receive Christ and Eternal life. Man can make-up all kind of things about what we should do to get into heaven, but what really counts is what does God's word say about the process.
B. Illustration _______________ Illustration
C. Reference :_______________ Use only "For by Grace you have been saved through faith. "Emphasize faith here, sense we just finished emphasizing grace.
D. It is important to clarify what saving faith is NOT:
1. Not mental acceptance of intellectual agreement of facts-
Reference: ______________ Emphasize the difference between believing in God (supreme being, creator, etc.) and accepting Jesus as Lord.
2. Not trusting just for physical needs. Example: It is easy to trust God or others for food, clothing, transportation, etc., but we must likewise trust Christ for salvation. "If He had the power to come back to life for himself and others. He has the power to bring me back to life in Heaven.
II. Saving faith is trusting Christ _______________
A. We believe only Christ can save us from sin. (We've already seen man can't save himself, so we must quit trusting self to work out a solution to sin).
B. This faith includes Knowledge, assent, trust, obedience. It is transforming our trust from all other persons and things, to God.
C. Illustration- __________________ Illustration
D. Illustration- __________________ illustration
E. Illustration- Faith Acrostic F - orsaking
A - ll
I
T -rust or take
H - im
F. NOTE: We must point out that faith includes acting on what we say we trust. Consequently, faith is doing something, it is an action ...
III. Faith is __________________ .
NOTE: We cannot separate faith and obedience. Throughout the Bible they are joined hand in hand. Faith that does not act in obedience does not count with God. (See Matthew 7:24-27 -- "He who hears these words of Mine and DOES them .. ") Unless saving faith results in obedience it isn't saving faith.
Reference: _______________
God has asked us to be obedient in our faith in at least three ways to receive His free gift of heaven.
A. _______________
1. Ask them, "What does it mean to you?"
2. Clarify its meaning -- Confess, Be sorry for, Ask forgiveness, Ask direction, Turn around
3. Illustration- Highway Illustration (Whether you use this illustration or not -- know it. It helps clarify meaning of repentance. It often helps to draw it on paper.)
4. Reference: ________________
B. _______________
1. Reference: ________________
2. NOTE: Many will ask, "What do you mean "confess?" Be ready to explain. It means to openly declare our faith in Christ, that we're not ashamed of Christ.
3. How do we confess Christ? By our actions and attitudes -- but most of all by our words (Romans 10:9 -- "If you confess WITH YOUR MOUTH... ") -- that is , before Christians and before the world.
C. _______________
1. NOTE: This is the most controversial area of obedience to many. You may receive more questions here than any other time in the presentation. However, if the Gospel is understood and time is given to study God's word, baptism will be seen in proper perspective as just another part of obedience. Don't overplay its significance so that it appears as the ONLY THING necessary for salvation. Be prepared for questions, but don't be guarded or defensive about them.
2. Reference: ________________
NOTE: Repentance is repeated and connected with baptism. Two reasons for our baptism is given here: a. Forgiveness of sins b. Receive the Holy Spirit
In the basic presentation, this is all we say about baptism. Below are some important things to remember and to be prepared to point out. Don't unload all of this on your prospect.
a. Jesus was baptized, and note why in Matthew 3:15 (fulfill all righteous)
b. Jesus told His disciples specifically to baptize, Matthew 28:19-20
c. Every time one became a Christian, as recorded in the book of Acts, they were baptized.
d. Meaning of baptism -- immersion.
e. Be ready to give several NT references to baptism. (Read and understand yellow leaflet on baptism.)
Commitment, Excuses and Objections
I. The Purpose of the Commitment Section
A. To boldly and persuasively present the prospects with the opportunity to accept Christ into their lives as Lord and Savior.
B. To insure that the prospects fully understand what they are committing themselves to.
C. To Answer any excuses or objections which may be keeping the prospects from making a decision.
II. The Qualifying Question
A. _____________________________________________?
1. Possible answers and responses
Prospect's Answer - "Yes."
Our Response - Go directly to the Commitment Questions.
2. Prospect's Answer - "No."
Our Response - What Exactly did you Not understand? -- clarify the area of concern, then say, Now does that make sense to you?
3. Prospect's Answer - "Yes, but ... " Excuses may begin here.
III. The Commitment Questions
A. If fear is going to enter into the presentation it will at this point. Remember the prospects have an absolute right to have the opportunity to accept or reject Christ. Also we have the responsibility to present the claims of Christ and help the prospects face this eternal significant decision. We must remember that the prospects are accepting or rejection Christ, not us.
B. ___________________________________________ of total commitment of your life?
Possible answers and responses
1. Prospect's answer - "Yes."
Our Response --
a. "When did you make that commitment?" "How did you find out about Christ and make your decision?"
b. Since you assumed they were not Christians and they are now saying they are, you must be very tactful at this point. You will want to emphasize how important it is for them to be members of a local body of believers so they can grew and serve. Also explain to them the procedures if they desire to become a member of Owensboro Christian Church.
2. Prospect's Answer - "No."
Our Response - Go directly to the second commitment question.
C. ________________________________ this commitment tonight, and receive Jesus into your life?
1. Prospect's Answer - "Yes."
Our Response - Go directly to Clarification and Commitment.
2. Prospect's Answer - "No."
Our Response -
a. Very tactfully inquire, "May I ask you why you don't want to make that commitment?"
If their answer is a definite NO, with little or no reason, wind your call up with as positive an attitude as you can muster. Thank them for allowing you to share with them, leave literature, and head for the church.
3. Prospect's Answer - Some form of excuse or objection.
Our Response - Answer as clearly as you can (see section on Excuses and Objections) and then restate the second commitment question, "Would you like to make this commitment tonight?"
VI. Excuses and Objections
A. Eight basic principles to help you handle excuses and objections
1. Anticipate them, they will come.
2. Be ready for them at any point is the outline.
3. Be calm and relaxed, and smile.
4. Handle them as quickly as possible.
5. Remember in most cases they are smoke-screens put into the prospect's hearts by Satan. We are in a spiritual battle and the Holy Spirit will aid us.
6. Never argue.
7. Preface your answer by ... "Well, that's interesting," or "I'm glad you said that," or "That's a good point you've raised."
8. Remember, it's our job to present the Gospel in a persuasive manner, it's the Holy Spirit's job to convict.
B. The most commonly used excuses and objections
1. Excuse -- I want to think it ____________
answer - a. How long have you thought about this decision?
b. Do you have any questions we can help you with tonight?
c. We do not have the assurance another opportunity will come. (James 4:14)
2. Excuse -- I'm not ____________ enough to be a Christian, they wouldn't have me
answer - a. Perhaps you are right. No person living is good enough.
b. That's why Christ died for us, we weren't good enough to save ourselves.
c. We go to the hospital to get well, we don't get well then go the hospital.
d. Jesus said, "The well have no need of a physician, but only the sick."
3. Excuse -- I can be as good outside the ____________ as I can in it.
answer - a. Moral goodness isn't the goal. The goal is a right relationship with God.
b. Can one be as good a soldier outside the Army as in?
c. Can a pupil be as good a pupil outside the school as in it?
4. Excuse -- I'm afraid I might ____________. I want to mean it when I decide.
answer - a. In and of yourself, you would backslide, but Jesus not only saves, but keeps.
b. Paul once said, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
c. How often have we said that about other important things?
5. Excuse -- I don't ____________ enough about the Church, the Bible, etc.
answer - a. You may not, but in order to become a Christian all you need to know is that Christ loves you and died for you.
b. Even our pastor doesn't know enough. That's why he studies every day. Our Bible School teachers don't know enough, that's why they read and study their Bible.
c. Why do we enroll children in school, because they know enough? NO.
d. "I don't understand electricity, but use it, accept it, and benefit from it." If we waited until we knew enough, no one would become a Christian.
6. Excuse -- I'm waiting for that special ____________ to come
answer - a. What do you mean "special feeling?" What will it be like?
b. Nowhere does the Bible speak of receiving a "special feeling".
c. God has already spoken to you through His Word and His witness.
d. II Corinthians 6:2, "Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold now is the day of salvation."
7. Excuse -- Too many ________________________ in the Church
answer - a. "Perhaps spiritually ill people, but can you think of a better place for sick people to be?"
b. "There are hypocrites in the grocery store, barber shop, and service stations also, yet don't stop eating, having our hair cut, or leave our cars at home,"
c. "Each of us shall give an account for himself," Romans 14:12.
d. Well, that's true, but I would rather spend a few hours in church with a few hypocrites that eternity in hell with millions of them.
8. Excuse -- There are some things I can't ________________- fear of breaking the past
answer - a. is there anything in your life so important as to separate you from fellowship with God for now and eternity?
b. Be a Christian first, then those things will take care of themselves.
c. "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?" Mark 8:36
d. God will not ask you to give up anything that's worth keeping.
9. Excuse -- I am waiting for ___________ else (either husband, wife, children, parents)
answer - a. How long have you waited already?
b. Will more waiting do any good?
c. Have you ever stopped to think they may be waiting for you? Your making the decision might lead them to do the same.
d. Each of us gives an account of his own life to God, not his wife's child's or family's. Salvation is an individual matter between you and God.
10. Excuse - I Don't believe the ____________ is True
answer - a. The main message of the Bible is how we might have eternal life. Now I realize you don't believe in the Bible, but what in your opinion, does the Bible say about getting eternal life?
b. We can accept or reject something on the basis of what we know. May I share with you what I have come to know about the Bible and what it says and how we receive eternal life?
11. Excuse - I'm just not ____________ yet
answer - a. What are you waiting for?
b. Who will you know when you are ready?
12. Excuse - What about the ____________ in Africa, What will happen to them if they never hear the Gospel?
answer - a. Tonight, my concern is about you, not those natives.
b. The issue is acting on what we do know, not on what they don't know.
Lesson No. 5
Commitment
I. The Clarification of ___________________________
A. Once the prospects have decided they want to accept Christ, we want to make sure they understand what they are committing themselves to, so we restate each key point of what it means to accept Him.
"To receive the Gift of eternal life means to receive Jesus as savior and lord."
"To receive Him as Lord means we're willing to do whatever he asks"
a. You're willing to trust in Christ and Christ alone for your salvation?
b. You're willing to repent of your sins?
c. You're willing to confess Christ Publicly?
d. You're willing to be baptized (immersed)?
B. Possible Answer and Responses
1. Prospect's Answer - If there is any hesitation or negative response, then we spend time clarifying that point.
Our Response -
a. First, define again what you mean. (Whether it's trust, repentance, confession, or baptism.)
b. Second, share some key scriptures which help put the act of obedience into proper biblical perspective.
c. Third, emphasize that the only real question is Lordship (or obedience).
d. Fourth, if necessary, share some personal illustrations or testimony which will help the prospect understand the importance of obedience.
2. Prospect's Answer - "Yes" on each item.
Our response -
a. Go directly to the Prayer of Commitment.
II. _______________ of Commitment
A. There are two options you can take for the prayer of commitment.
1. You pray for them, then you lead them in a prayer of commitment
a. "If this is what you really want to do, we can go to God together in prayer right now and I can tell God what you have told me. I'll pray first and then you can repeat a simple prayer after me and ask Christ into your life. Is that all right with you?" If "Yes".
b. "Dear God, Thank you for the opportunity we have had to visit this evening and share about Christ. Thank you for what Christ has done in our lives and for ________'s desire to accept Christ and to live the way you want them to."
c. "_________, why don't you repeat this prayer after me, Dear God ... I know I'm a sinner ... I'm trusting in Christ alone ... for my salvation ... Lord Jesus ... come into my heart and save me from my sins ... in Jesus' name ... Amen."
d. "You have just made the greatest decision you'll ever make!"
2. You pray for them, then they pray their own prayer of Commitment
a. "If this is what you really want to do, we can go to God together in prayer right now and I can tell God what you have told me. I'll pray first and then I would like you to pray and tell God your desire to accept Christ. I know you aren't an expert in prayer, but remember prayer is simply talking to God. You need to let Him know that you recognize that you're a sinner, that you want to trust in Christ alone for your salvation, and you want Him to come into your heart. Okay?"
Note: If they are still hesitant, you can spent some more time preparing them for their prayer or else offer to lead them in prayer.
B. Set a time for _______________
1. It is essential that a time for baptism be set before you leave the home. Even if it is not going to be immediately, a definite time should be set, no later than one week away.
a. "__________, in the Bible, once people accepted Christ, they were baptized immediately, often the same hour of the night or day. Would you like to be baptized right now? We can meet you back at the church building if you like and take care of this act of obedience tonight. Would that be all right?"
III. Assurance of ______________________________ (After Baptism)
After the baptism we want to share with the prospects some of the wonderful promises of assurance God has given us in His word. We also want to make sure they know they have eternal life.
1. "The Bible says, "I write this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."
2. "_________, who are you trusting in right now for salvation?"
3. "If you were to die tonight, where would you wake up?"
4. "Praise God, and welcome to His family forever!"
5. Scriptures-- I John 5:13, John 6:47, II Corinthians 5:17
How to deal with people who have been sprinkled as an infant
Some people you present the Gospel to have never been immersed. It is important to understand peoples background have given their thinking a bias toward this subject. It may take time for them study and decide for themselves what is right about this important issue of baptism. We should never attempt to talk them into something they are not believing.
*Some "resent" being told they need to be immersed into Christ. Remember, don't argue, just quietly explain the biblical position of baptism.
*Some may say: "You're entitled to your opinion and I'm entitled to mine." The point is that one opinion is as good as another. But in dealing with eternal salvation, there is no room for opinion. What counts is not my opinion, your opinion, or anyone else's opinion. What matters is: What does God's word have to say about it?
There are four prerequisites to baptism in the New Testament.
1. Everyone Baptized heard the Gospel! Acts 18:18 -- We have no record of anyone ever being Baptized that didn't first hear the Gospel. Since a baby can't hear (perceive) the Gospel, a baby is not biblically a proper candidate.
2. Everyone Baptized believed the Gospel! Mark 16:16 -- The term "believer's baptism" means that in the New Testament, only people old enough to have faith were fit subjects for baptism. Since a baby cannot believe, he is ineligible to be baptized.
3. Everyone Baptized repented of their sins! Acts 2:38 -- Repentance means a change of heart and direction. Since a baby cannot repent of sins, a baby does not qualify as a proper candidate for baptism.
4. Everyone Baptized confessed Christ! Acts 8:37 -- An open confession with the mouth that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, always preceded baptism. A baby cannot confess.
If an infant or baby can't hear, believe, repent, or confess Christ, biblically, a baby is not qualified to be baptized. Besides, the Greek work for baptize is baptizo and that word means to dip, plunge, or immerse under. We have no record in the New Testament of anyone being "sprinkled" or "poured". They were all immersed. Also, there is not one example of a baby being "baptized" in the New Testament. John 3:23 (No need to baptize in that particular place if sprinkling were authorized.)
Skeleton Outline
1. Introduction
A. Their personal Life
B. Their church background
C. Our church
D. Two Questions
1. Have you came to the place in your life, where you know for sure, if you died tonight, you would go to Heaven?
2. Suppose you died tonight and stood before God and He said, ‘why should I let you into my heaven?’ What would you say?
E. Personal testimony
2. The Gospel
a. Heaven is a free gift and cannot be earned
B. Man is a sinner and cannot save himself
C. God is just and must punish sin, but is merciful and doesn't to punish us
D. Jesus Christ is God's answer to our sin
E. Faith is the key to receiving this free gift
1. Faith is trusting in Christ alone
2. Faith is obedience -- Repentance, Confession, Baptism
3. The Commitment
A. The qualifying question
B. The commitment question
C. The clarification of the commitment
D. The prayer of commitment
E. The assurance of salvation
Expanded Outline With Transitional Sentences
1. Introduction
A. Their personal Life
B. Their church background
C. Our church
D. Two Questions
1. Have you came to the place in your life, where you know for sure, if you died tonight, you would go to Heaven?
May I share with you how I came to Know I have eternal life and how you can know it too?
2. Suppose you died tonight and stood before God and He said, " ________, why should I let you into my heaven?" What would you say?
“We have prepared a handout that will help explain biblical responses to these important questions. May we work through it together.”
E. Personal testimony
2. The Gospel
a. Heaven is a free gift and cannot be earned
This can be seen more clearly when we understand what the bible says about Man.
B. Man is a sinner and cannot save himself
Man's case seems hopeless, but let's see what the bible says about God
C. God is just and must punish sin, but is merciful and doesn't to punish us
God solved mans problem by coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ.
D. Jesus Christ is God's answer to our sin
The bible says that those who receive Christ by faith have this free gift.
E. Faith is the key to receiving this free gift
1. Faith is trusting in Christ alone
2. Faith is obedience -- Repentance, Confession, Baptism
3. The Commitment
A. The qualifying question
B. The commitment question
C. The clarification of the commitment
D. The prayer of commitment
E. The assurance of salvation
Complete outline of the Gospel Presentation
1. Introduction
A. Their personal Life
B. Their church background
C. Our church
D. Two Questions
1. Have you came to the place in your life, where you know for sure, if you died tonight, you would go to Heaven?
2. Suppose you died tonight and stood before God and He said, " ________, why should I let you into my heaven?" What would you say?
E. Personal testimony
2. The Gospel
A. Heaven is a free gift and cannot be earned
1. Money Illustration
2. Ephesians 2:8-9
B. Man is a sinner and cannot save himself
1. Man is a sinner
a. Romans 3:23
b. Target Illustration
2. He can't save himself
C. God is just and must punish sin, but is merciful and doesn't to punish us
1. God is just
a. Romans 1:18
b. 3 Sins A Day Illustration
2. God is merciful
a. I Timothy 2:3-4
D. Jesus Christ is God's answer to our sin
1. Who Jesus is:
a. John 14:9b
2. What Jesus did
a. Isaiah 53:6
b. Book Illustration
E. Faith is the key to receiving this free gift
1. Faith is the key
a. Key Ring Illustration
b. James 2:19
2. Faith is trusting in Christ alone,
a. Tightrope Illustration
3. Faith is obedience -- John 3:36
a. Repentance
i. Acts 17:30-31
ii. Highway Illustration
b. Confession
i. Romans 10:9
c. Baptism
i. Acts 2:38
3. The Commitment
A. The qualifying question: Does this make sense to you?
B. The commitment question: Have you ever made this kind of total commitment? Would you like to make this commitment tonight, and receive Jesus into your life?
C. The clarification of the commitment
D. The prayer of commitment
E. The assurance of salvation
1. 1 John 5:13
2. John 6:47
Scripture References
Heaven
Romans 6:23
Ephesians 2:8,9
Titus 3:4,5
Man
Ephesians 2:3
Romans 3:23
Proverbs 14:12
Isaiah 59:2
James 2:10
Matthew 5:48
Romans 3:10
God
Romans 1:18
I Timothy 2:3,4
Exodus 34:7
II Peter 3:9
Exodus 18:20
Jeremiah 31:3
Psalm 98:9
1 John 4:8
Christ
John 14:9b
John 1:1, 14
Isaiah 53:6
Hebrews 9:22
I Peter 2:24
John 3:16
Romans 5:8
Isaiah 9:6
Col. 1:19, 2:9
Faith
John 3:36
James 2:19
Hebrews 11:6
I John 5:5
John 6:47
John 1:11-13
Acts 16:31
Repentance of sin
Acts 17:30-31
Luke 13:3
Acts 2:38
Acts 3:19
Confessing the Name of Christ
Romans 10:9,10
Matthew 10:32,33
I John 4:15
Baptism into Christ
Acts 2:38
Matthew 2:15
Mark 16:16
John 3:5
John 3:23
Acts 18:8
Acts 22:16
Romans 6:3-6
Galatians 3:27
I Peter 3:21
The Importance of making
a Decision Now
II Corinthians 6:2
James 4:13-17
Hebrews 2:3
Revelation 3:20
Judgment
II Corinthians 5:10
Romans 2:5, 6, 16
Hebrews 9:27
I Timothy 4:1
Revelation 20:11
Reality of Hell as a Place of
Punishment
Revelation 20:14,15
Revelation 21:8
Matthew 25:46
II Thessalonians 1:8,9
Assurance of Salvation
I John 5:13
John 6:47
Note: Bold type is used with presentation.
ILLUSTRATIONS:
Note to presenter: Each of the following illustrations can be used to reinforce the understanding of a biblical truth. Feel free to use the ones that best make a needed point for someone you are talking with
Heaven is a free gift and cannot be earned
Money: I can go to the store and but anything -- a new car, new clothes, food toys, or furniture. If I have enough money, I can even buy a new home. But if I had all the money in the world, it won't buy my way into heaven.
Man is a sinner and cannot save himself
Target: Sin means to miss the mark, to miss the target, to fail to live up to God's standard. If we were to have a dart game tonight, and if you missed the bull's eye by one inch and I missed it by five inches, which one of us missed it? Both of us. It doesn't make any difference how close we are, the point is we both missed the mark.
Omelet: We wouldn't try to make an omelet with three good eggs and three rotten eggs and serve it; and expect it to be acceptable. In the same way we cannot serve our lives up to God with a mixture of good and bad and expect it to be acceptable to Him.
Canyon: Suppose there is a 100 foot wide canyon between us and that table. On the other side is eternal life, life with Jesus Christ. Both of us try to jump as far as possible but neither of us would make it to the other side. We might jump 20 feet from the edge or maybe only a few feet, but the end result would be the same, death at the bottom of the canyon. It's the same way with our lives.. We may live a better life than our neighbor and try to do more good than him, but the end result will be the same for both of us because we have failed to meet God's standard.
Lemon Tree: Suppose we had a lemon tree in the yard. All it could produce is sour lemons. But let's assume we pulled off all the lemons from the tree and tied on sweet oranges in their place. Would the tree produce oranges after that? Of course not! And neither can we, with our sinful nature, produce the kind of life we know God wants us to live. The nature of that lemon tree is still sour lemons, and the nature of man is still sinful no matter how it is covered up.
Doctor: A neuro-surgeon cannot operate on his own brain. A heart specialist cannot perform surgery on his own heart. A doctor cannot remove his own cancer, and neither can man remove the cancer of sin by himself.
God is Just and Must punish Sin
3 Sins A Day: Imagine if we could get so good that we only sinned 3 times a day. That doesn't seem like very much does it? But that would mean I would sin over 1000 times a year, In the last 10 years of my life that would be 10,000 sins. Can you imagine what would happen if we went before a judge with over 10,000 traffic tickets? He would lock us up and throw the key away. In the same way God cannot overlook all our sins. There has to be a payment for those sins.
Jesus Christ in God's Answer to our Sin
Bird: A farmer noticed some birds in the middle of the winter who were freezing to death and trying to find shelter. He knew his barn was warm and would provide protection for the birds. So he went out and opened his barn doors, but the birds were afraid of him and would not go in. He tried to find a way to tell them or show them what they needed to do, how they could be saved. He finally realized that the only way he could do that was to become a bird himself. God, in His infinite wisdom, realized that in order to save man, He Himself would have to become flesh, which He did in the person of Jesus Christ.
Book: Let's just suppose this book contains all the sins you've ever committed. This book has been weighing you down and separating you from God. What Jesus did when He went to the cross was to take your book and place the full weight of your sins and all the sins of man on His shoulders. As a result you can now stand before God with those sins completely paid for.
Grace: In fact, if you took the word Grace and placed it in acrostic form it would be:
G - od's
R - iches
A - t
C - hrist's
E - xpense
Tetelestai: One of the last words Jesus spoke is the Greek word, "Tetelestai". This word was a commercial word which means, "It is paid; the debt is paid in full." Jesus wanted us to know that His death on the cross was sufficient to pay for all man's sins for all times.
Faith is the key to receiving this Free Gift
Tightrope Walker: It's like the story about a great tightrope walker who stretched a cable across Niagara Falls. The crowd gathered to watch him attempt to cross the falls. He asked the crowd if they believed he could do it. They cheered and said, "We believe." He successfully crossed the falls and then said to the crowd. "How many of you believe I can cross the falls again, this time with a chair strapped to my back?" The crowd cheered and said, "We believe." Again he successfully crossed the falls. This time he said to the crowd, "How many of you believe I can cross the falls with a man in the chair strapped to my back?" The crowd cheered and said, "We believe," Then he asked the crowd, "Who wants to be first to get into the chair?" Saving faith is like that. It means getting into the chair, not standing on the shore and saying "I believe."
Key Ring: I have a ring of keys here. Only one of the keys unlock my front door. They all "appear" to be alike, but really only one will let you into my house. By the same token they appear to be many ways to get into heaven, but there is really only one -- it's called the key of faith.
Chair: You see that chair over there. It looks like a sturdy chair and I believe that it would hold me up. But I'm not really trusting that chair unless I am sitting on it. Only when I put my total weight upon it can I really say I am trusting it.
Faith: If you took the word Faith and placed it in acrostic form, it would be:
F - orsaking
A - ll
I
T - ake
H - im
Highway: Repent means to be sorry for our sin, but it's more than that. We must be sorry enough to make a change in the direction of our lives. It's like we're going west on I-64 to Saint Louis. We come to a detour that takes us straight north for awhile. But we miss the turn and keep going north. Finally your wife informs you you've missed a turn. So you turn around - 180 degrees- and head back in the right direction, until you are on I-64 again. That's the way it is in life. We get on a detour headed away from God. When we repent we make a 180 degree turn to get back on His way.
Evangelism Training Quiz 1
1. Write out I John 5:13 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Write out the sub-points to the following main points of the Gospel plan.
a. Introduction:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
b. The Gospel - 5 Main Parts:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
c. The Commitment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
3. Write out Ephesians 2:8,9 __________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
4. True False
______ Convey to your prospect that your church is the only one that preaches the Gospel.
______ When the Gospel presentation begins never let your prospect talk.
______ If offered alcoholic beverages be polite and drink them.
______ Be sure and give the reference every time you quote a scripture.
______ If company arrives during your presentation, be sure and include them by asking them the two questions
______ If you are the trainee, never take your eyes off the prospect.
5. Write out Romans 3:23 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Evangelism Training Quiz 2
1. Write out Proverbs. 14:12 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Write out the transitional sentence you use between the two questions. ________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Write out the transitional sentence you use after the second question. _________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. The purpose of the introduction is to ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
5. True or False:
______ We should assume every prospect has attended church sometime.
______ Never ask how the prospect came to attend Owensboro Christian Church.
______ It is good to talk with the prospect about the bad experiences he/she had in a former church.
______ We should hurry through the introduction and get to the meat of the gospel.
______ We are interested in the age, marital status, children and family situation of the prospect.
6. Write out Question # 1.______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
7. Write out Question # 2. ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
8. In visiting with a prospect there are four areas of their personal life you should be interested in. List them.
a
b
c
d
Evangelism Training Quiz 3
1. If you are presenting the Gospel to more than one person at the same time, you should __
________________________________________________________________________
2. The purpose of Question #1 is ________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. The purpose of Question #2 is ________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Name the three parts of a personal testimony.
a.
b.
c.
5. If the prospect answers the second Question but you are not sure what he/she means by the answer, you should _____________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
6. Write out Romans 1:18 ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
7. Write out the transitional sentences you are to use moving from Heaven to Man in the Gospel plan. ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
8. Write out I Timothy 2:3,4 ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
9. Write out in your own words the Target illustration. ________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
10. What illustration refers to the fact of heaven being a "free gift"? ___________________
11. Write out the five main points of the Gospel Plan, list the scriptures that goes with each.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Evangelism Training Quiz 4
1. True or False
______ Be careful not to get into an argument of man's nature.
______ Sin is wrong acts not wrong thoughts.
______ Proverbs 14:12 discusses direction of life.
______ Most people believe that God would never punish us.
______ God's provisions for our sin is in Christ.
2. Write out John 14:9b _______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Write out in your own words the 3-Sins a day illustration. _________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Write out 1 John 5:13 ______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
5. Where in the Gospel Plan would you use these illustrations?
a. Target illustration ___________________________________________________
b. Money illustration ___________________________________________________
c. 3-sins-a-day illustration ________________________________________________
d. Doctor Illustration __________________________________________________
6. Match these Scriptures:
a. Proverbs 14:12 ____ "God our Savior, who desires all men..... "
b. Ephesians 2:8,9 ____ "The wrath of God is revealed from heaven .... "
c. I John 5:13 ____ "There is a way that seems right to a man .... "
d. Romans 1:18 ____ "If you have seen me you have seen ..."
e. John 14:9b ____ "All have sinned and fallen short .... "
f. I Timothy 3:3-4 ____ "All we like sheep have gone astray ... "
g. Isaiah 53:6 ____ "These things are written to those who believe ..."
h. Romans 3:23 ____ "For by grace you have been saved ..."
Evangelism Training Quiz 5
1. Write out James 2:19 _______________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Write out the Key ring illustration. ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Which would you use to show that man is a sinner?
Ephesians 2:8,9 Romans 3:23 1 Timothy 2:3,4
4. Which scripture would you use to show that God is merciful?
Romans 1:18 I Timothy 2:3,4 Isaiah 53:6
5. Which scripture would you use to show who Jesus is?
John 14:9b Proverbs 14:12 Romans 3:23
6. Which scripture would you use to show that man cannot save himself?
John 3:36 Romans 1:18 Proverbs 14:12
7. Re-list these scriptures in their proper order, as they appear in the Gospel Plan.
Isaiah 53:6 ________________
Romans 3:23 ________________
I Timothy 2:3,4 ________________
John 14:9b ________________
Ephesians 2:8,9________________
1 John 5:13 ________________
Romans 1:18 ________________
Proverbs 14:12 ________________
8. Two promises are given in Acts 2:38 as a result of baptism. List them.
a. ________________________________________________
b. ________________________________________________
Evangelism Training Quiz 6
1. Write out the question used in the commitment section.
a. Qualifying question is: ________________________________________________
b. Commitment questions are:
1. ________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________
c. Clarification questions are:
1. ________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________
2. Fill in the Blanks.
a. Heaven is a free gift and cannot be earned.
1. illustration ________________________________
2. Reference ________________________________
b. Man is a sinner and cannot save himself
1. Man is a sinner.
a. Reference ________________________________
b. Illustration ________________________________
2. Cannot save himself
a. Reference ________________________________
b. Illustration ________________________________
c. God is just and must punish sin, but He is merciful and does not want to punish us.
1. God is just.
a. Reference ________________________________
b. Illustration ________________________________
2. God is merciful.
a. Reference ________________________________
d. Jesus Christ is God's Answer to our sin.
1. Who Jesus is
a. Reference ________________________________
2. What Jesus did
a. Reference ________________________________
b. Illustration ________________________________
e. Faith is the key to receiving this free gift.
1. Faith is the key.
a. Illustration ________________________________
b. Reference ________________________________
2. Faith is trusting Christ alone.
a. Illustration ________________________________
3. Faith is obedience - reference ________________
a. ________________________________
aa. Reference ________________________________
bb. Illustration ________________________________
b. ________________________________
aa. Reference ________________________________
c. ________________________________
aa. Reference ________________________________
"C:\Users\jackb\OneDrive\SS\ET handouts.pdf"
Adapted from Evangelism Explosion, By James Kennedy, Tyndal House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, 1970.
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