Listen here: https://www.lcepc.org/blogger A PowerPoint for the pics I used
Scripture: Romans 10:11-17
Life Line skit “The Faithful Witness,”
Policeman: Okay, I understand you were a witness to the accident.
Witness: Well I’m not good at describing things, but I was standing here looking in the general direction when it happened, but that’s about all.
Policeman: Well, for the police record, you wanna tell me what happened?
Witness: I don’t really think I should.
Policeman: I’m sorry, why not.
Witness: It’s that there’s just a lot I don’t know.
Policeman: What do you mean?
Witness: Like their names. I don’t have any idea of the names of anyone driving. I don’t know where they came from or where they were going or what they were thinking, or what they were looking at? Don’t ask me, I don’t know?
Narrator: Often we forget that a witness only needs to say what he knows.
Policeman: Can you just tell me what you saw when the accident happened?
Witness: Okay, well the white car ran the red light and rammed into the blue car. That’s all I know. I wish I could tell you more, but that’s all I got!
Policeman: That will do fine.
Narrator: The bible tells Christians, “If anybody asks you why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him! If people ask, say what you know. That’s all that is required of a good witness.
We have been talking about evangelism for 3 weeks now and today is the fourth message in the series. Today we get to the presentation of the actual gospel message, summarized in 4 simple steps. But please don’t think that it should only take four weeks or less before you get to share the gospel with the person on your one, one, one card. It could happen that way. But it could very easily take quite a bit more time to build trust and friendship and demonstrate that you actually care about him or her as a person and that they are not just the subject of your religious project. It’s not like you just want to put another notch in your belt, even if it’s the belt of truth.
In fact, you may never get to share the actual gospel message. Be prepared for that. Paul said, “One plants, another waters,” to show that each person’s salvation is usually more of a process than a moment. It culminates in that special moment. But it usually takes a long time to get there. Studies have shown that it takes at least seventeen different meaningful contacts with a variety of sincere and loving Christians before an unbeliever becomes a seeker who is ready to commit.
This is true of everybody. If you were raised in church, you may not even be able to count the number of people who really played a role in leading you to profess your own personal faith in Jesus. If you were led by God from unchurched to confirmed believer, as I was, you might be able to count the number of people who helped you along the way. You might think you can count them on one hand. But that would only be the significant ones. You may very well be unaware of a number of people God used in smaller ways.
So Christian evangelists, you might be anywhere along that continuum with the person for whom you are praying. You might be the only Bible they ever read, as person number one through 16. But just in case you happen to be person number 17, or one of the persons God has ordained to actually share the gospel with a person who is ready to accept Jesus on faith, you do need to be prepared with the simplest possible way to explain the why and how, because sometimes, in order to say what you know, you can prepare for the moment by learning to know what to say.
Since this is the 500th anniversary of Reformation Day, we ought to observe that in many ways, we can thank Martin Luther for the fact that we do evangelism at all these days. Martin rediscovered the Christian teaching of personal faith, and a personal commitment to follow Jesus. He gave the Bible to the common people, so they could read it for themselves and lead others to “faith in Jesus” rather than faith in the pope, or the church, or the saints, or whatever the faulty visible church was telling people to believe. In many ways, the ordinary folks of Luther’s day did not know the gospel the way we share it today.
But genuine faith, as we read in the Romans text, comes by hearing the actual gospel message. So, in today’s message, I am going to lead you through a simple way to share the good news of salvation and forgiveness with anyone, that is, the gospel. I’ve given you all a simple tract called “Steps to Peace with God.”[i] If you can memorize it and the associated verses, that’s the best, so that your conversation will flow naturally. But if you can’t memorize it, at least you can keep one with you. In that case your pocket can act like a memory bank.
Most of you probably know where the word “gospel” comes from. But I’m new here so I’m not going to make any assumptions. It all starts with old English for “good story.” “Go” in gospel is a shortened form of our word “good.” And the “spel” part of the word might make you think of witch craft, as in cast a spell. That’s because it’s related to a word we still use, speech. The witch’s spell is called that because the words used to cast a spell are a memorized speech. Ever heard of a good spiel? Spiel means speech. So, the term progresses from the old English way of saying good story. It was good speech, to good spiel to gospel. It means good news because it’s a true story. It’s the gospel truth!
Over time, the word “gospel” became further restricted in use to indicate just the good news about Jesus. That’s the gospel. The heart of this good news is that God in Christ came to solve our biggest problem for us. He, died to forgive sin and rose again to give new life to sinful people who would believe in him.
Our gospel is a simple, four-step story. Let’s look at the tract, “Steps to Peace with God,” (slide one, steps to peace). Now as I mentioned earlier, this is best presented if you memorize it. Therefore, it is also not something that you necessarily just hand to someone so they can read it themselves. If they ask you for it later, then you might give it to them so they can review it on their own. But really, this is just a tool for you to learn the gospel message so that you can more easily share with others. It’s a great summary.
So, let’s look at this. (next slide). I have the whole thing in PowerPoint to make it easier for all of us to follow along. I also found some fun pictures to amplify what we have here. Most people have an idea of what they believe it will take to be accepted by God. After all, who likes the idea of leaving this life without being on good terms with him? Put that way, the answer would be nobody.
But it ought to be acknowledged that there are plenty of people around today who don’t even believe there is a god we can be on good terms with. To them, he’s either not there or he doesn’t care, and we can’t know for sure either way. So, they won’t be ready to listen to this gospel until after that more foundational work is done. That’s one of the reasons why it is so important for us to listen, so that we know whether or not the people we want to share with will accept this or be ready for it.
This tract is really for those who do believe in God and are concerned about their eternal destiny. To them we say, “Thankfully, it’s possible to be certain that you’ve made peace with God, but the way must be chosen during this life. Here are steps drawn from God’s book, the Bible: (Next slide, step one)
In Romans 5:1, the Bible says, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” In our tract that’s shortened down to, “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (next slide)
An important key truth here is, “Peace is not found in a place, program, or project. Peace is found in a Person.” (next slide)
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
And John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
Why don’t most people have this peace and the fulfilling (abundant) life that God intended for us to have? (next slide, looking over the cliff) There they are, looking for peace. There’s a gulf in their way. Peace seems a long way off. (Next slide, step 2)
We have to acknowledge a problem, and that’s step two. We have to agree that God did not create us like robots to automatically love or mechanically obey him. God gave us a will and the freedom to choose. The first man and woman chose to disobey God and go their own willful way. And we still make that choice today. This results in separation from God. (next slide, the gulf between) That’s the gulf between us. (Next slide, rom 3:23)
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 And “The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23.
People who are seeking the Lord, or who believe in heaven, realize the gap is there. People have tried many ways to bridge this gap. All the world is religious, and all the different religions are man’s ways of reaching out for God. (Next slide, our attempts)
This effort is represented by the ladders in the picture. Make sure you notice the ones down at the bottom of the chasm. All our efforts, represented by the ladders, are too short. But we keep trying. (Next slide, The Bible says)
The Bibles says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12. And “Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God.” Isaiah 59:2.
No bridge reaches God…except one. None of our efforts can reach all the way across. We need God’s help. In fact, we need God to do it all for us. We can’t even help him. (Next slide, step 3)
We need step 3. We need to discover God’s bridge—the cross. Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave. Though he was God’s sinless Son, he became a human, took our place, and paid the penalty for our sin, bridging the gap between God and us. (next slide, picture of bridge)
This is why all those other religions cannot be honored as if believing those other things is worth anything. They are all ladders too short. There are not many ways to heaven. God provided the one and only way, in Christ, when God reached out to us. Only his arms, spread wide on the cross, are long enough to bridge the gap between God and us. (next slide: The Bible says)
In 1 Timothy 2:5, the Bible says, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ.”
And in 1 Peter 3:18, “Christ…suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.
And in Romans 5:8 plus 6:23, God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…. The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (next slide, another verse)
And in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “Christ died for our sins…he was buried…he was raised on the third day. God has provided the only way to forgiveness of sin and eternal life. But each person must make a choice. God doesn’t force it on you. (Next slide, bridge)
There’s the bridge. It stands ready for you to cross. But do you believe that bridge can get you safely over? Do you trust that structure? Do you trust in God’s provision for your need? Weigh the matter carefully. There’s plenty of evidence to study if you need extra help to believe that Jesus really did die and rise again for you. But eventually you have to take that step of faith, in order to cross that bridge. (next slide, step 4)
So, step 4, embrace the truth. Accept Christ. We must trust Jesus Christ as our savior and receive him by personal choice. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” And in John 14:6 he said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Next slide, the bible says)
And in John 1:12, the Bible says, “To all who receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
And John 3:36, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” (Next slide, decision)
Then, if the person you’re praying for lets you get that far, you get to ask a question, and listen for the answer. “Will you receive Jesus Christ right now and trust in him alone for forgiveness and eternal life? The Bible says that’s the only way to find peace with God. (Next slide, summary)
This section is a brief review of the four steps: 1, Admit your need, 2, be willing to turn away from trusting anything else other than Christ, 3, believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross, came back to life from the grave, and is your only way to heaven, and 4, receive Jesus’ offer to forgive your sins and come into your life as your Savior. (next slide, where are you?)
So, where are you? If your friend has let you lead him or her through all of these points, then (Next slide, prayer) they may be ready to pray a prayer like the one at the end of the tract. (Next slide) If they do pray for salvation, then you can tell them, “If you sincerely prayed this prayer and asked Jesus to come into your life, you have His assurance of salvation: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” John 5:24.
And you get to encourage them to enter into the life long process of discipleship. (Next slide, beginning) This is the beginning of a wonderful new life in Christ. To grow in this relationship, you should:
1) Read your Bible every day to get to know God better.
2) Talk to God in prayer daily.
3) Tell others about Jesus. (next slide)
4) Worship, fellowship, and serve with other Christians in a church where Christ is preached.
5) As Jesus’ representative in a needy world, demonstrate your new life by your love and concern for others.[ii] (end of slide show)
Now, if you’re well acquainted with this message already and you feel adequately equipped to share this message with anyone, praise God! Now go and listen for your opportunities to do so, and God be with you. And if you can take this material and learn it better, please do. The task of ministry in the church, my ministry, is to equip the saints, that’s you, for ministry outside of the church. Go make new friends. Be a good friend. Lead a friend to Christ.
Also, I want to encourage you to try to take some time to write down your own story with Jesus. How has faith in Jesus changed you or transformed your thinking and character? What good spiritual impact has living by faith had on you? Write up your story, so it’s easily summarized whenever you have opportunity to share it. No one can argue against your personal experience. And you know your own personal experience best. Just say what you know. You are a witness of what God is doing in the world.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? God is sending you! Amen.
Scripture: Romans 10:11-17
Life Line skit “The Faithful Witness,”
Policeman: Okay, I understand you were a witness to the accident.
Witness: Well I’m not good at describing things, but I was standing here looking in the general direction when it happened, but that’s about all.
Policeman: Well, for the police record, you wanna tell me what happened?
Witness: I don’t really think I should.
Policeman: I’m sorry, why not.
Witness: It’s that there’s just a lot I don’t know.
Policeman: What do you mean?
Witness: Like their names. I don’t have any idea of the names of anyone driving. I don’t know where they came from or where they were going or what they were thinking, or what they were looking at? Don’t ask me, I don’t know?
Narrator: Often we forget that a witness only needs to say what he knows.
Policeman: Can you just tell me what you saw when the accident happened?
Witness: Okay, well the white car ran the red light and rammed into the blue car. That’s all I know. I wish I could tell you more, but that’s all I got!
Policeman: That will do fine.
Narrator: The bible tells Christians, “If anybody asks you why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him! If people ask, say what you know. That’s all that is required of a good witness.
We have been talking about evangelism for 3 weeks now and today is the fourth message in the series. Today we get to the presentation of the actual gospel message, summarized in 4 simple steps. But please don’t think that it should only take four weeks or less before you get to share the gospel with the person on your one, one, one card. It could happen that way. But it could very easily take quite a bit more time to build trust and friendship and demonstrate that you actually care about him or her as a person and that they are not just the subject of your religious project. It’s not like you just want to put another notch in your belt, even if it’s the belt of truth.
In fact, you may never get to share the actual gospel message. Be prepared for that. Paul said, “One plants, another waters,” to show that each person’s salvation is usually more of a process than a moment. It culminates in that special moment. But it usually takes a long time to get there. Studies have shown that it takes at least seventeen different meaningful contacts with a variety of sincere and loving Christians before an unbeliever becomes a seeker who is ready to commit.
This is true of everybody. If you were raised in church, you may not even be able to count the number of people who really played a role in leading you to profess your own personal faith in Jesus. If you were led by God from unchurched to confirmed believer, as I was, you might be able to count the number of people who helped you along the way. You might think you can count them on one hand. But that would only be the significant ones. You may very well be unaware of a number of people God used in smaller ways.
So Christian evangelists, you might be anywhere along that continuum with the person for whom you are praying. You might be the only Bible they ever read, as person number one through 16. But just in case you happen to be person number 17, or one of the persons God has ordained to actually share the gospel with a person who is ready to accept Jesus on faith, you do need to be prepared with the simplest possible way to explain the why and how, because sometimes, in order to say what you know, you can prepare for the moment by learning to know what to say.
Since this is the 500th anniversary of Reformation Day, we ought to observe that in many ways, we can thank Martin Luther for the fact that we do evangelism at all these days. Martin rediscovered the Christian teaching of personal faith, and a personal commitment to follow Jesus. He gave the Bible to the common people, so they could read it for themselves and lead others to “faith in Jesus” rather than faith in the pope, or the church, or the saints, or whatever the faulty visible church was telling people to believe. In many ways, the ordinary folks of Luther’s day did not know the gospel the way we share it today.
But genuine faith, as we read in the Romans text, comes by hearing the actual gospel message. So, in today’s message, I am going to lead you through a simple way to share the good news of salvation and forgiveness with anyone, that is, the gospel. I’ve given you all a simple tract called “Steps to Peace with God.”[i] If you can memorize it and the associated verses, that’s the best, so that your conversation will flow naturally. But if you can’t memorize it, at least you can keep one with you. In that case your pocket can act like a memory bank.
Most of you probably know where the word “gospel” comes from. But I’m new here so I’m not going to make any assumptions. It all starts with old English for “good story.” “Go” in gospel is a shortened form of our word “good.” And the “spel” part of the word might make you think of witch craft, as in cast a spell. That’s because it’s related to a word we still use, speech. The witch’s spell is called that because the words used to cast a spell are a memorized speech. Ever heard of a good spiel? Spiel means speech. So, the term progresses from the old English way of saying good story. It was good speech, to good spiel to gospel. It means good news because it’s a true story. It’s the gospel truth!
Over time, the word “gospel” became further restricted in use to indicate just the good news about Jesus. That’s the gospel. The heart of this good news is that God in Christ came to solve our biggest problem for us. He, died to forgive sin and rose again to give new life to sinful people who would believe in him.
Our gospel is a simple, four-step story. Let’s look at the tract, “Steps to Peace with God,” (slide one, steps to peace). Now as I mentioned earlier, this is best presented if you memorize it. Therefore, it is also not something that you necessarily just hand to someone so they can read it themselves. If they ask you for it later, then you might give it to them so they can review it on their own. But really, this is just a tool for you to learn the gospel message so that you can more easily share with others. It’s a great summary.
So, let’s look at this. (next slide). I have the whole thing in PowerPoint to make it easier for all of us to follow along. I also found some fun pictures to amplify what we have here. Most people have an idea of what they believe it will take to be accepted by God. After all, who likes the idea of leaving this life without being on good terms with him? Put that way, the answer would be nobody.
But it ought to be acknowledged that there are plenty of people around today who don’t even believe there is a god we can be on good terms with. To them, he’s either not there or he doesn’t care, and we can’t know for sure either way. So, they won’t be ready to listen to this gospel until after that more foundational work is done. That’s one of the reasons why it is so important for us to listen, so that we know whether or not the people we want to share with will accept this or be ready for it.
This tract is really for those who do believe in God and are concerned about their eternal destiny. To them we say, “Thankfully, it’s possible to be certain that you’ve made peace with God, but the way must be chosen during this life. Here are steps drawn from God’s book, the Bible: (Next slide, step one)
In Romans 5:1, the Bible says, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” In our tract that’s shortened down to, “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (next slide)
An important key truth here is, “Peace is not found in a place, program, or project. Peace is found in a Person.” (next slide)
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
And John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
Why don’t most people have this peace and the fulfilling (abundant) life that God intended for us to have? (next slide, looking over the cliff) There they are, looking for peace. There’s a gulf in their way. Peace seems a long way off. (Next slide, step 2)
We have to acknowledge a problem, and that’s step two. We have to agree that God did not create us like robots to automatically love or mechanically obey him. God gave us a will and the freedom to choose. The first man and woman chose to disobey God and go their own willful way. And we still make that choice today. This results in separation from God. (next slide, the gulf between) That’s the gulf between us. (Next slide, rom 3:23)
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 And “The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23.
People who are seeking the Lord, or who believe in heaven, realize the gap is there. People have tried many ways to bridge this gap. All the world is religious, and all the different religions are man’s ways of reaching out for God. (Next slide, our attempts)
This effort is represented by the ladders in the picture. Make sure you notice the ones down at the bottom of the chasm. All our efforts, represented by the ladders, are too short. But we keep trying. (Next slide, The Bible says)
The Bibles says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12. And “Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God.” Isaiah 59:2.
No bridge reaches God…except one. None of our efforts can reach all the way across. We need God’s help. In fact, we need God to do it all for us. We can’t even help him. (Next slide, step 3)
We need step 3. We need to discover God’s bridge—the cross. Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave. Though he was God’s sinless Son, he became a human, took our place, and paid the penalty for our sin, bridging the gap between God and us. (next slide, picture of bridge)
This is why all those other religions cannot be honored as if believing those other things is worth anything. They are all ladders too short. There are not many ways to heaven. God provided the one and only way, in Christ, when God reached out to us. Only his arms, spread wide on the cross, are long enough to bridge the gap between God and us. (next slide: The Bible says)
In 1 Timothy 2:5, the Bible says, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ.”
And in 1 Peter 3:18, “Christ…suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.
And in Romans 5:8 plus 6:23, God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…. The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (next slide, another verse)
And in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “Christ died for our sins…he was buried…he was raised on the third day. God has provided the only way to forgiveness of sin and eternal life. But each person must make a choice. God doesn’t force it on you. (Next slide, bridge)
There’s the bridge. It stands ready for you to cross. But do you believe that bridge can get you safely over? Do you trust that structure? Do you trust in God’s provision for your need? Weigh the matter carefully. There’s plenty of evidence to study if you need extra help to believe that Jesus really did die and rise again for you. But eventually you have to take that step of faith, in order to cross that bridge. (next slide, step 4)
So, step 4, embrace the truth. Accept Christ. We must trust Jesus Christ as our savior and receive him by personal choice. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” And in John 14:6 he said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Next slide, the bible says)
And in John 1:12, the Bible says, “To all who receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
And John 3:36, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” (Next slide, decision)
Then, if the person you’re praying for lets you get that far, you get to ask a question, and listen for the answer. “Will you receive Jesus Christ right now and trust in him alone for forgiveness and eternal life? The Bible says that’s the only way to find peace with God. (Next slide, summary)
This section is a brief review of the four steps: 1, Admit your need, 2, be willing to turn away from trusting anything else other than Christ, 3, believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross, came back to life from the grave, and is your only way to heaven, and 4, receive Jesus’ offer to forgive your sins and come into your life as your Savior. (next slide, where are you?)
So, where are you? If your friend has let you lead him or her through all of these points, then (Next slide, prayer) they may be ready to pray a prayer like the one at the end of the tract. (Next slide) If they do pray for salvation, then you can tell them, “If you sincerely prayed this prayer and asked Jesus to come into your life, you have His assurance of salvation: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” John 5:24.
And you get to encourage them to enter into the life long process of discipleship. (Next slide, beginning) This is the beginning of a wonderful new life in Christ. To grow in this relationship, you should:
1) Read your Bible every day to get to know God better.
2) Talk to God in prayer daily.
3) Tell others about Jesus. (next slide)
4) Worship, fellowship, and serve with other Christians in a church where Christ is preached.
5) As Jesus’ representative in a needy world, demonstrate your new life by your love and concern for others.[ii] (end of slide show)
Now, if you’re well acquainted with this message already and you feel adequately equipped to share this message with anyone, praise God! Now go and listen for your opportunities to do so, and God be with you. And if you can take this material and learn it better, please do. The task of ministry in the church, my ministry, is to equip the saints, that’s you, for ministry outside of the church. Go make new friends. Be a good friend. Lead a friend to Christ.
Also, I want to encourage you to try to take some time to write down your own story with Jesus. How has faith in Jesus changed you or transformed your thinking and character? What good spiritual impact has living by faith had on you? Write up your story, so it’s easily summarized whenever you have opportunity to share it. No one can argue against your personal experience. And you know your own personal experience best. Just say what you know. You are a witness of what God is doing in the world.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? God is sending you! Amen.
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