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Southport Baptist Church
13266 Wilmot Rd.
(County C) |
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Southport Baptist Church
13266 Wilmot Rd.
(County C) |
"Let your light so
shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father
which is in heaven." Mt 5:16
Shining the light of the gospel into Southeastern
Wisconsin, Northeastern Illinois, and around the world.
Presenting the Gospel
Presenting the Gospel, the
good news of Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection is at once the most
precious
privilege and the most daunting responsibility that faces every believer.
I grant you that there are some believers,
usually with the gift of evangelism, that have no problem sharing God's greatest
gift with others. However, for
most believers, the very thought of even gently confronting a possible
unbeliever with his or her need of Christ
brings fear and trembling and so, unfortunately, many believers avoid presenting
the Gospel at all.
Incidentally, if
you're not sure about your standing with the Holy God of the universe, click
on "Gift for You"
above and read it carefully before you go any further on this page.
However, if you are a true believer and
really want to be obedient in
this crucial area, the tips on this page may be just what you need and for which
you may have even been praying.
Tip # 1 - Presenting the
Gospel doesn't mean you have to lead a person to faith in Christ. Actually,
that is the
Holy Spirit's job. He may give
you the incomparable joy of leading someone to faith in Christ, but all
you are responsible for is sharing the "how" or even just offering to share the
"how."
Tip # 2 - Never use the
phrase, "Good News" unless you have just recently met the one with whom you are
trying to share it, or are willing to apologize for your negligence with older
friends.
Tip # 3 - Many believers
would be willing and able to share the plan of salvation. However, they
don't have a
clue
when it comes to leading a conversation to the place where the plan of salvation
is a natural result.
Below are seven conversational, non-threatening questions that you can use for
this purpose. Start
with the first one and proceed to the last not responding to their answers.
Show genuine interest in
the responses but don't argue with the answers.
This is what Jesus
meant in Matthew 4:19
when He said, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of
men."
Someone has wisely remarked, "If you aren't fishing you aren't following."
1. "What sort of spiritual background do you have?"
2. "What are your spiritual beliefs now?"
3. "What is your concept of heaven and hell?"
4. "Who is Jesus to you?"
5. "If you were to die, right now, where would you go?"
6. "Has anyone ever taken a Bible and shown you how you could know for
sure that you would
go to heaven?"
7. "Would you be willing to let me to do that for you?"
At this point, if he or she says, "No," don't push them but offer to share with
him or her at anytime.
If he or she accepts your offer, you are ready to share the plan of salvation.
If you have some
verses with which you are comfortable, prayerfully use them now. If
you don't have a plan,
prayerfully use this one:
1. Everyone is a sinner by nature and by act or choice. (Romans
3:23)
2. Your sin has separated you from God. (Isaiah 59:2; 64:6)
3. Your penalty for your sin is death. (Romans 6:23a)
(death = separation from God, both physically and spiritually)
4. God has provided a remedy for your sin. (Romans 6:23b)
5. To be saved from the penalty of sin, you must believe that Jesus, God
Himself, has paid
your penalty in full on the cross where He died for you sin. (Acts 16:31)
If anywhere along the way, your friend has genuine questions and wants to spend
some quality time
with you, click on "Gift for You" above and read it prayerfully and carefully
together. Don't hesitate
to contact Pastor Jones at any time.
"He that winneth souls is
wise." (Proverbs 11:30)
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless
come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." (Psalm 126:6)