Archive for: clear
I have two things in common with most Christians. First, evangelism sometimes frightens me. I don’t know of anything more exciting than God using me to change another person’s eternal destiny. But often when I consider the possibility of talking to someone about the Savior, I become frightened—that sweaty hands, nervous knees experience. It’s usually fear of the unknown: I simply don’t know how the person is going to respond. I don’t know whether I’m going to gain a friend or lose one.
Second, it is easiest for me to understand something new when it is simple, clear, and to the point. “Stop making it so difficult,” I often want to plead. Put it in language I can understand, and give it to me one point at a time. Don’t throw “the whole ball of wax” at me at once. Give me one point, let me understand it, and then move on to the next point.
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BE CLEAR. Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again.
BE CLEAR. Eternal life is received by trusting Christ alone to save you.
BE CLEAR. Use terminology that non-Christians can understand.
BE CLEAR. Use the Bible but don’t try to teach the entire Bible.
BE CLEAR. Avoid mentioning church denominations.
BE CLEAR. Use a strong opening and closing line.
BE CLEAR. Keep it short.
A Response by David Souther to the following statement by Andy Stanley regarding the gospel:
“If we were able to rewrite the script for the reputation of Christianity, I think we would put the emphasis on developing relationships with nonbelievers, serving them, loving them, and making them feel accepted. Only then would we earn the right to share the gospel.”
While I agree with Pastor Stanley’s emphasis on developing relationships with non-believers, I don’t believe it is necessarily a prerequisite to sharing the gospel. As believers, we are called to be “salt and light” in our dark world. This involves both loving people and sharing the gospel. The two go hand in hand and balance is key. As we love and build relationships with people, God may give us the opportunity to share Christ at any time. It could be in the first five minutes or it might take months to get to that point.
In addition, the gospel itself is the “power of God unto salvation.” Anytime we share the gospel, it alone is enough to lead someone to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. I have seen people come to Christ by hearing an evangelistic message, reading a tract, or watching an evangelistic film. In all of these situations, the question was not whether or not someone earned the right to share. The message alone was enough. “Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17), and anytime we communicate the gospel, it has the potential of changing someone’s life and eternal destiny forever.
I recently responded to the following statement by Andy Stanley regarding the gospel over at Church DNA:
“If we were able to rewrite the script for the reputation of Christianity, I think we would put the emphasis on developing relationships with nonbelievers, serving them, loving them, and making them feel accepted. Only then would we earn the right to share the gospel.”
While I agree with Pastor Stanley’s emphasis on developing relationships with non-believers, I don’t believe it is necessarily a prerequisite to sharing the gospel. As believers, we are called to be “salt and light” in our dark world. This involves both loving people and sharing the gospel.
The two go hand in hand and balance is key. As we love and build relationships with people, God may give us the opportunity to share Christ at any time. It could be in the first five minutes or it might take months to get to that point.
In addition, the gospel itself is the “power of God unto salvation.” Anytime we share the gospel, it alone is enough to lead someone to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. I have seen people come to Christ by hearing an evangelistic message, reading a tract, or watching an evangelistic film. In all of these situations, the question was not whether or not someone earned the right to share. The message alone was enough. “Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17), and anytime we communicate the gospel, it has the potential of changing someone’s life and eternal destiny forever.
Each generation of people has a two-fold responsibility. One is to reach its own generation. The second is to prepare the next generation to reach their peers. In so doing, not only does each person leave a legacy behind them, but their lives count for something eternal.
What happens if we don’t? Studies show that as few as 4% of children born after 1984 are trusting Christ as their Savior. We risk an entire generation missing out on the goodness of God’s grace.
That is one reason we are committed to reaching children. If we reach them for Christ, they in turn will reach their children. But in reaching and training the next generation, a clear gospel must be at the center of that training.
Let’s equip the next generation. Years after we enter His presence, the impact of our lives will continue on earth. That impact will surround one thing – the clear message of the gospel of grace.
R. Larry Moyer
How many adults grow up doubting their salvation because of an unclear gospel presentation as a child? Only the Lord knows for sure, but if you spend any time walking closely alongside other Christians you will run into many who say “I know I had some kind of spiritual experience when I was a child, but I’m not quite sure what happened.”
Doubt about salvation can stunt spiritual growth and often prevents a person from getting involved in evangelism. After all, how can you lead a person to Christ when you are unsure of your own eternity?
That’s why it is critical that we make the gospel clear when leading children to Christ. We do not need to demand or coerce, – but should simply explain the gospel in a way that a child knows exactly what he must do to have eternal life with God.
When sharing the gospel with children remember to:
Pray: The Holy Spirit will guide you in a one-on-one conversation with the child.
Make the gospel clear: Explain that Christ took the punishment for our sins by dying on the cross and on the third day He rose from the dead. Then explain that we can only be saved by trusting in Christ alone.
Ask the child questions to discern his understanding: “Why did Jesus die on the cross?” “Why do we need a savior?”
Assure a new believer of his eternal security using Scripture: John 5:24 says that whoever hears and believes has eternal life!
Let’s leave a legacy. Let’s make an impact on future generations by sharing the gospel with children clearly and simply.
I have two things in common with most Christians. First, evangelism sometimes frightens me. I don’t know of anything more exciting than God using me to change another person’s eternal destiny. But often when I consider the possibility of talking to someone about the Savior, I become frightened—that sweaty hands, nervous knees experience. It’s usually fear of the unknown: I simply don’t know how the person is going to respond. I don’t know whether I’m going to gain a friend or lose one.
