Introduction
The GOSPEL is good news. It is Christ-message, not the books which were written to spread that message. It is the Good News of what Jesus did for mankind on the cross. He bore the punishment for the sins of humanity and reconciled man back to God. References: Rom 3:23; Isa 53:6, 2 Cor 5:19a, Rev 5;9-10.
How do we communicate the gospel? The primary means of communicating the Gospel is through the spoken word. ..And how shall they hear without a preacher? Rom 10:14-15, Psa 19:1-3. Other means of communicating the gospel include but not limited to music, tracts, drama/films, life styles, divine visitations etc.
Methods of communicating the Gospel
Two by two Lk 10:1-2; Acts 16;19, 17:10
Divine Promptings (Join this chariot) Acts 8;26-40, 13:1-5, 10:9-47
One to one Matt 28:18-20, Mk 16:15-17, 2 Cor 5:9. This is what is popularly called the great commission. It was a commission, firstly to individuals and then to the group. He that winneth a soul is wise and shall shine like stars forever and ever Dan 12:2.
Mass Evangelism. Rural and Urban crusades are organized these days for targeted populations. Crusades/Outreaches organized by foreign and local ministers have yielded fruits unto the kingdom. Crusades organized by T.L.Osborne in the early 70s and others have brought tremendous blessings to the church in Nigeria.
Social outreaches to the rural areas. These have taken the form of free medical services, adult education, rehabilitation centers, old peoples home etc with underlying purpose of ministering the gospel to beneficiaries of such services
Electronic and news media. Advantage of reaching wide audience at the same time.
Name other means of communicating the gospel
Tips for breaking into conversation
Direct introduction of the gospel
Using object of common interest, eg football, political developments, current affairs like Tsunami disaster…
Need of person as point of entry, eg healing, depression, fear..
Name other tips for starting a conversation especially when the recipient is cold
Contents of the Gospel
The sin question
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Rom 3:23, Isa 53:6
Hear the response from an unbeliever! I was not there when Adam sinned and how could I be held accountable for his sins? To this the Bible provides the following response:
The entire race was in Adam when he was condemned and lost life through him. Gen 3:17-19, Eph 2:5 “For as in Adam all die…..“ 1Cor 15:22, Rom 5: 12-21
The psalmist said “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me” Psa 51:5
The whole world is guilty before God. Rom 1:18 – 3:30.
“ As it is written there is none righteous, no not one “ Rom 3:10
Penalty for sin
“For the wages of sin is death….” Rom 6:23, Gen 1:17, Eph 2:1. “The soul that sinneth shall die” Ezek 18:4
Death means spiritual separation from God. It implies all the miseries, pain, sorrow, diseases, wars, destruction etc that mankind has known since the severance from the life and purposes of God at the garden of Eden.
God’s remedy
“As by the offence of one, judgement came upon all men to condemnation, even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience, many were made sinners, so by the obedience one shall many be made righteous” Rom 5:18-19.
As many as have shared death on account of Adam’s sin will have life privileges offered to them by our Lord Jesus, who died for them and sacrificially became Adam’s substitute before the broken law and thus gave himself a ransom for all.
” He died, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God” 1 Pet 3:18.
Other references: God’s love Jn3:16; Free gift Rom 6:23b; Provision of a ransom 1 Tim 2:5-6, Rev 5:9a, Rom 5:8
Justification from sin
God invites humanity to take of his provision for sin instead of working out their own salvation. For in the days of ignorance, God overlooked, but commanded men every where to repent Acts 17:30. The act of God justifying and bringing you into right standing with him finds expression in several ways. These include but not limited to:
You are a child of God Jn 1;12
You are a new creature 2 Cor 5:17-19
Washes you white as snow Isa 1;18
New heart Ezek 36: 26 – 38
New destiny Col 2: 15-18
Give any other evidence from the scriptures of your justification from sin.
Retaining your salvation
Continuing in him Jn 15:1-10
Desiring the sincere milk of the word I Pet 2:1-2; Psa 11:9, 9-11
Desire fellowship of your brethren Heb 10:25
Life of Prayers Lk 18:1; Jude 20-21
Engaging in evangelism Mk 16:15-20
Baptism of the Holy spirit Act 19:1-8; Jude 20-21
Mis-conception about soul winning
We are called for the deeper truths.
Man will be given opportunity for salvation during the millennium.
Lack of doctrinal balance.
My money will replace my availability.
Give any other reason why we don’t have this balance in our fellowships
Tools for Witnessing
Santified lives
The word abiding in you
Dependence on the holy spirit
Prayers
Tracts
Patience
Reward for soul winning
Fruitfulness and growth
Obedience and blessing
Shine as STARS in the kingdom of God
PRAYERS:
The field is already ripe for harvest!!
Pray for labourers Matt 9:36-38;
Open eyes Jn 4:35-38
Passion for soul 2 Cor 5:11, Rom 1:16