How to share the
good news
Study this lesson thoroughly and repeatedly for the next few weeks until you can teach it from memory and the gospel message is firmly in your mind. This will give you the confidence and encouragement what to say in a conversation with a friend or loved one. If you pray for opportunities to share it and to save a soul, the gospel will be in your heart as well; your care for others will break the ground so that you can sow the seed.
The gospel is simple and there are two main scriptures to know: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and Romans 6:3-4. Start with understanding the deep connection between these two passages. Then you can expand your study to be able to elaborate on repentance, baptism and the new life in Christ. With experience and practice you will gain confidence to naturally bring up the subject and transition to the core message, the gospel.
Don’t be discouraged if people change the subject as soon as you bring up God or scripture. It’s important to be flexible and patient. If they are stressed at your conversation, say only a little and stop. Pray for the next opportunity to mention a little more. Don’t take the bait to argue over race, religion or politics. Stay with the simple message. Meanwhile let your actions and daily speech reflect the light of Christ. It may take a long time for some people to let you teach them but they are likely to be converted if they don’t feel pushed or manipulated by you. Be a loving friend who wants what is best for them. Let the Spirit do His work through His sword, the Word of God.
Now, let’s get started saving souls:
HERE IS WHAT TO SAY AFTER LISTENING TO A DISCUSSION OF BAD NEWS (CRIME, VIRUS, ACCIDENTS, HATRED, DISASTERS, ETC.)
“You know, Jake, there will always be bad news… [PAUSE—IF THEY ARE LISTENING, CONTINUE…]
“Do you know the worst news of all? ….
[PAUSE—IF THEY ARE LISTENING, CONTINUE…]
“All have sinned, and the wages of sin is death, the Bible says” [Romans 3:23 and 6:23]
“All of the other bad news is just a symptom, and a distraction from the real problem—sin.
[IF THEY ARE LISTENING, CONTINUE…]
“There is good news…we can be saved through the “gospel” 1 Cor. 15:1-4
It’s the story of the DBR of Jesus
THE BIBLE IS HIS STORY
“The Bible says we must obey the gospel”
Matthew 7:21 [Jesus wants us to walk the walk, not just talk the talk]
2 Thess 1:7-9 “Now, when Jesus comes again, what will He do?”
(Answer) take vengeance on those who don’t obey--”Why?” Consider what Jesus gave up and what he endured
Heaven Phil 2:5-9
Worship
Despised and rejected, a man of sorrows (Isaiah 53)
Scourged and crucified, all alone Mk 15
In the grave until He rose again Mark 16
“How do I obey the Gospel?
Looking at what Jesus did--His DBR
Look at the application Romans 6:1-4
Death Repentance Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3
Burial -Baptism Col. 2:12; Acts 2:38
Resurrection New Life - Col. 3:1 raised, seek things above
“What happens when I obey the gospel? A New Life means a new creation 2 Cor. 5:17 Old has passed, all new; old sins washed away Acts 22:16
In Christ - Gal. 3:27 (belong to Him, put on Christ)
In the Light - 1 John 1:5-9
In the body - Eph 1:22 Acts 2:47 the Lord adds to the church
“How do I follow up after obeying the gospel?
Continuing in the Perfect Law of Liberty James 1:25
Be faithful unto death Rev. 2:10b
Endure temptation James 1:12
Worship in Spirit and in Truth with the church Hebrews 10:25
Confess our sins, he is faithful and just 1 John 1:9
Hate the world (evil worldview) 1 John 2:15-17
Love God, love neighbor - fulfills the law Rom 13
Love one another John 13:35 Bear one another's' burdens, following the law of Christ Gal. 6:2
Conclusion--”He that does the will of God abides forever!
That’s Heaven--a place that Jesus is preparing, and is coming again to receive you to Himself that where He is, we may be also. John 14:1-6
“Come, Lord Jesus!”