SHARING THE GOSPEL

STEP 2 SHARING YOUR TESTIMONY

CHAPTER 9 - THE ABCs OF SHARING

SHARING THE GOSPEL?
In a research study done, the issue was asked: "What was responsible for you coming to Christ and getting established in a local Church?" 79% of the people said a good friend or relative presented the Gospel.

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation..." (Isaiah 52:7).

 

A. SPIRITUAL ABCs FOR SHARING

1. A CHANGED LIFE
If an individual is to be effective in soul-winning, they have to know Christ. A life that the power of God has changed can win souls. A few who vainly tried to win souls later found that they were lost. Personal knowledge of Jesus as your own Saviour is a must. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

2. A CLEAN LIFE
Sin in your life will deteriorate your soul-winning zeal in time. Our secret sins, especially in the area of our thought life, will need to be dealt with by the cross and the Holy Spirit working in our lives. God knows we are not perfect. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23).

God does want us to grow and develop in our relationship with Him and give our hearts to Him. He knows our real intentions, and that is what matters the most. God knows we aren't perfect; however, the Bible calls on us to imitate and follow Jesus. We all fall short of His glory every day – that's why we need His Grace each day.

3. A SURRENDERED LIFE (Romans 12:1).
It is one thing to be clean, and it is another thing to be surrendered to the Lord. The Apostle Paul said, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21). Be submissive to the call and will of God; it is a vital issue in the matter of soul-winning. The young lad brought his five loaves and two fishes to Jesus. Have you brought your "all" to Him?

4. A BURDENED LIFE (Romans 9:2).
It certainly helps to have a burden for lost souls. Paul had a heavy heart over his generation. However, you should not wait until your heart is broken before starting in soul-winning. God will bless the Gospel regardless of our unconcern. We are to go because it is our responsibility to go. As we go, God will burden us for the souls of others. "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing, and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end, I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me." (Colossians 1:28-29).

5. A PERSEVERING LIFE (1 Corinthians 2:2).
The Apostle Paul was determined to be a soul-winner. His mind was made up about the matter. R. A. Torrey said, "Anyone who wishes to win souls at the rate of one every fifteen minutes had better go into some other business." Soul-winners need patience. Sometimes it takes weeks or months or even years of sowing and watering and fertilizing before we see that soul accept Christ as Savior. A group of soul-winners who wanted to reach 100 lost souls over a certain period averaged 13 visits per lost soul.

6. A COMPASSIONATE AND A GRACIOUS LIFE
Genuine love is flowing from within. How do we get this love? From the Fruits of the Spirit and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (yesterday's study guide.) We need the fruit of the Spirit's love and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. "To the weak, I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22). When we look out and see those lost, it should take hold of our hearts and stir us to rescue the perishing and a desire to see the lost saved and brought to maturity.

7. A PRAYING LIFE
We covered prayer in chapter five study guide Prayer is the Catalyst in Soul-Winning from three days ago. God answers prayers. "Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3).

8. AN ENLIGHTENED LIFE
It is essential to know the Scriptures whereby you can direct a person on how to be saved. In Psalm 119:130, "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple."

Without God's Word, they cannot be saved. Romans 10:17 says, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." In Luke 8:11, "The seed is the Word of God." The Word of God was covered in chapter 6, The Holy Spirit and Our Responsibility, two days ago.

To study your Bible so that you have a thorough working knowledge and understanding of it is necessary for you as a soul-winner. We must know the right scriptures to use at the right time. It is an excellent idea to establish a specific time for your Bible study and not to be sidetracked. You will never "get" time to study, pray, or witness; you have to "make" time and opportunities. We usually manage to have time for whatever is truly important to us.

It is God's command for us. "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15).

Yes, we can win souls by knowing very little of the scriptures. But as a baby does not stay a child and over time becomes an adult. God expects us to grow in the same way learning God's Word and how to present the Gospel message. Recommend this booklet for around $1.00 plus shipping on How To Study The Bible (by Robert West) here.

B. PERSONALITY ABCs OF SHARING

We want to display a pleasant personality in reaching and influencing people for Christ. A grumpy disposition can close the door to winning them.

1. BE FRIENDLY AND CHEERFUL
Demonstrate what you want to give them by being warm and friendly. Friendliness will prevent the drudgery in visiting. A friendly attitude will warm a cold heart.

2. SMILE
A smile will open a closed door and demand attention and respect from strangers. It will help.

3. BE ALIVE
Be lively, stimulating, and enthusiastic. No one appreciates an unexpressive person visiting them nor a weak handshake. Perk up and come alive.

4. BE POLITE
We must be courteous and kind in our dealings with the unsaved. We should watch our manners. Be gentle and considerate.

5. BE TACTFUL (DIPLOMACY)
Tact is the wisdom or skill in saying or doing the right thing at the right time. Being tactful is defined as "spiritual awareness." The opposite of tactfulness is crudeness, defined as lacking grace or not being refined. If you want to gather honey, don't kick over the beehive. Pray for tact.

6. BE COURAGEOUS
In Joshua 1:7, we are told, "Be strong and very courageous." the Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 8:31, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Proverbs 29:25 tells us, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."

7. BE SYMPATHETIC (SUPPORTIVE, SYMPATHIZING)
It is more felt than heard. It is weeping with the sad and rejoicing with the glad. It is entering into the feelings of others, and being sympathetic means showing interest, understanding, and being kindhearted. It does not mean to sit for hours listening to someone's life history. However, if there is a problem they wish to share, we do well to listen and help. In so doing, we win their confidence and draw them to Christ.

 

C. PHYSICAL ABCs FOR SHARING

HOW TO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
It takes seven seconds to make a first impression. Because first impressions are so important, it is essential to be mindful of how we come across in meeting someone for the first time.

People judge your physical appearance, looks, clothes, emotional state, and outward behavior more than your words. To ensure folks have a favorable opinion of us, we should be aware of our irritating traits and strengths. Everything from our hygiene, clothing style, posture, and discussing topics will lead to a better first impression.

1. BE CLEAN
a. Avoid having bad breath. Carry mints with you.
b. Avoid having body odor. Soap and deodorant are cheap.

2. BE NEAT
a. Hair combed.
b. Clothes pressed and clean.
c. Shoes clean or shined.
d. Well-groomed and nails clean.

 

3. Body Language ABCs
Positive body expression is an easy way to engage and connect more fully in any relationship in your life.
a. Maintain a welcoming posture.
b. Make eye contact.
c. Engage whenever possible.
d. Keep hands free. Subconscious way of not fully engaging when using a cell phone, clipboard, etc.
e. Operate on the person's level.
f. Show interest and respect to the person.
g. Ask simple questions. (Much more on questions to ask in starting and closing a Spiritual conversation in a later chapter.)

D. MATERIALS USED IN THE ABCs OF SHARING

1. HAVE A NEW TESTAMENT OR A BIBLE TO USE
The Bible is the most powerful Book in the world. It can motivate and inspire the Soul-Winner to share their faith in Christ and save the sinner. Every Christian should have the Bible verses readily available and marked in their personal Bible to lead someone to Christ.

Note:
Some folks depend a lot on their electronic devices to read the Bible, devotionals, and Bible helps. While it is easier and cheaper, we miss out on having a Bible to read, mark, underline, and put precious thoughts that the Holy Spirit brings to us. Every Christian should have a devotional or study Bible to write notes in and look back at over time to see how they progress. We recommend one of these 15 Bibles or order online at Christian Book.Com.

A rule of thumb is if you are reading your Bible daily at a specific time each day, your Bible should be worn out, marked up, falling apart, and needs to be replaced at least every ten to fifteen years. Charles H. Spurgeon, a famous preacher, said, "A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't." Please remember not to read the Bible to check a box, "I am a good Christian." Instead, come as you are falling apart and desperately in need of God's Grace, searching for Spiritual heart change and motivation and not as much head knowledge.

IS THEIR DUST ON YOUR BIBLE?
Sadly, there are likely more Bibles collecting dust in people's homes these days. I acknowledge that when I get too busy, one of the first things I overlook is my morning or evening Bible reading. Many people do the exact thing, opting to do something else with their time. When that freedom and privilege becomes just another duty, when cares of life replace the love of the Bible God's word, when we think we'll be just fine while knowing we won't, the Bible remains on the shelf and gathers dust.

Like the home, so the church, and so our nation. Our country has stopped believing in the Bible. Why?
It stopped being believed, stopped being preached in churches. Why?
It stopped being read at home. Why?

We determined other things take importance over simply spending time with God through reading His Word. However, we all know how better our lives evolve when we blow off the dust, open our Bibles, and read. Imagine, then, how much better our nation would be if each of us would take the time to read the Scriptures at home.

There might be a little dust on your Bible, but what's inside is a treasure beyond price. Dust it off, open it up, unlock its treasures and begin. Take and read God's Word today.

2. HAVE A POCKET BIBLE, NEW TESTAMENT, OR A GOOD BIBLE TO GIVE AWAY
A Bible or a New Testament Bible gives you an easy practical, non-threatening, and simple way to put the Gospel into people's hands. My testimony was many years ago, a native man that I had just met invited me out for coffee. That a stranger shared the Gospel and gave me a Bible over 50 years ago meant a lot. He has no idea of the 1000's of souls through this ministry that he has touched by taking the time and giving out a free Bible.

Recommend a New International Devotional Bible for new believers here. There are many types of devotional Bibles for women, men, teens, kids, singles, couples, moms, college, family, addiction, recovery, grief, daily reading plans, one-year plans here.

To buy an NIV Pocket New Testament with Psalms & Proverbs for under $3.00 plus shipping here.

You can check out this page if you want to buy a Bible at a reasonable price to give out. Or buy online at Christian Book. Com here.

3. HAVE PLENTY OF GOSPEL TRACTS AND CHURCH BULLETINS
Church Bulletins:
Generally, church bulletins keep everyone informed of what's going on in the church and consist of lists of current and upcoming events, contact information, and some notes about the sermon. Bulletins might also provide information for visitors, the church's name and website, what to expect, times, classes. Great for handing out to individuals that are looking for a church. Some churches have apps to download the above information also.

Gospel Tracts
Tracts can be a beneficial tool to share the Gospel and learn the Word of God in a pocket-size booklet that you can give out.
1. Tracts are willing to be sent anywhere and can work 24 hours a day,
2. They are not expensive and can be read many times over.
3. Tracts can be used without fear.

100 Reasons to use Gospel Tracts.
You can buy Gospel Tracts at Moments With The Book or Christian Book. Com.
NIV Pocket New Testament with Psalms & Proverbs.

Recommend theses tracts:
Four Spiritual Laws
God So Loved The World
Salvation Tract

A Note:
Some of the above links are from third-party Christian sites. We do not make any profit from you buying their products. On our site, www.questionsgod.com, everything is absolutely free.

SHARE CHRIST WITH WAYS THAT ARE INDIRECT TEACHING METHODS
You are not directly teaching yet (just utilizing "indirect" teaching methods, techniques, and approaches), but you are starting to face people. An excellent example of how this can be done:
Give a tract to a friend or acquaintance and say, "This is a brief explanation of the Gospel of Christ. We've known each other for a time now, and I would like for you to read this and inform me what you think." Also, in talking to someone interested or who has seen a change in your life, you can follow along with them reading a salvation Gospel tract.

A later chapter will look at using Salvation tracts in more detail.

Congratulations for having a new focus on sharing the Gospel in taking these study guides. Start each day by asking the Lord in prayer to guide and lead you in new and exciting opportunities for Him.

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8).

Download ABCs Of Sharing PDF

 

Home < Sharing The Gospel Next Chapter 10 - Presenting Your Testimony >  

Copyright © 2016 Questions God. Com, All rights reserved. Reproductions strictly prohibited  - Personal Use Only.