| Evangelism is NOT about "winning souls" (that's God's job.) Evangelism is about OBEDIENCE... You GO (to the lost) and TELL (them the gospel)...That's your job. God will convict the sinner and reap the harvest. One excellent way (CLICK HERE FOR ANOTHER) to initiate a conversation about the gospel is to ask the question: "In your personal opinion, what do you understand it takes for a person to go to heaven?" If their answer is anything but "Faith in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross" then present the gospel using the acronym F-A-I-T-H. F is for forgiveness. We cannot have eternal life without forgiveness. "In Him (meaning Jesus) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." (Eph 1:7a) A is for available. Forgiveness is available for all. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) BUT forgiveness is not automatic. Jesus said: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the Kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 7:21a) I is for impossible. It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven, and all people are sinful. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) T is for turn. Turn means to "repent." You must repent from your sin. "But unless you repent you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3b) As you turn from sin, turn to Christ for salvation. H is for heaven. Heaven is eternal life. When you turn from sin and trust Christ, you receive eternal life....Staring HERE: Jesus said: "I came that you might have life, and that more abundantly." (John 10:10) But also HEREAFTER: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:3) The person must trust Christ by FAITH, to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Ask the person: "Considering what I've just shared with you, is there any reason you would not want to accept God's free gift of forgiveness right now?" If they express a desire to believe, tell them to pray a simple prayer telling God they would like to turn from sin and be forgiven. Salvation Prayer "Dear GodI believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and that He arose from the grave. I now ask You to forgive me of my sins and to save my soul so I can have eternal life through the work Jesus did for me.. Amen." (This is just an example...they should pray from their heart.) This of course is simply the FIRST STEP in the discipleship process. Now the new believer must be ESTABLISHED. Your job as a Disciple Maker is just beginning... |
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