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Learn How to Share the Gospel
Christ loves you and died for your sins
Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.”
– Jesus of Nazareth (the Christ), as being quoted by the Apostle John | John 5:24 (Berean Study Bible)
Over the years, both my wife and I have shared the gospel with many people—whether in the Denver airport between flights with a man searching for more; with a young chef at a hotel after our vehicle was just run off the road and was completely totaled; with two men in a hot tub at our hotel who both received Christ after they ran to escape danger from the night before; and those who I run into on a daily basis out and about in public—on the streets, commuting on trains or buses… Each and every single encounter is uniquely different, and so will be the ways in which we share the gospel. Even though the way in which we share can be different, the message is always the same—“Christ loves you and died for your sins.” Let’s take a look at what that means and how we can tell people about the incredible news of Jesus Christ.
Sharing the gospel doesn’t have to take long—God’s message can be shared with someone in less than two or three minutes. Take a look at how a fellow brother in the Lord (Daniel of DML Christian Lifestyle) shares the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ!
How to share the gospel to unbelievers
Keep it simple
The gospel is already simple. Christ died for our sins. He was buried. He rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We need to turn away from the things that are wrong in our lives, and accept what Jesus did on the cross for us and receive Him as Lord. Don’t complicate it. Sharing your faith with someone is a relational-based engagement, not just about giving information. So many times we throw in things like our denomination or other doctrines or we use religious terms that a lot of people don’t understand. We end up confusing them and creating barriers. Explain the Gospel in a way that people can understand.
Put simply, we needed saving from our sin, and because Jesus paid for our sin through His death and resurrection, He is the Savior (1 Corinthians 2:2).
Jesus exchanged His life for ours
When sharing the gospel
It’s good practice to start with the ‘good;’ …then the ‘bad news;’ …then ‘the good news,’ and that’s pretty much it!
- the ‘good’ is something to affirm them;
- then the ‘bad news’ of what ‘sin’ is (if they’re honest, they will be able to relate to this);
- and finally, ‘the good news’ which is what God did to purchase (redeem) them back to Himself (this is the area that will require explanations, which should be based upon the Word of God).
Basically, the gospel includes all of these facets: God’s wrath (or judgment) against sin and sinner; the effects of sin on our lives; God’s plan to resolve this ‘sin problem;’ and, what He did to resolve it once and for all which includes our response (such as belief and repentance) regarding His plan.
Ultimately, we have to explain that we’re all sinners and have violated God’s standards, and, because of that, there is a judgment. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). But don’t start with that. People know they’ve done a lot of wrong things, but they first need to hear that God is still open to forgiving them.
Jesus came and exchanged His life for ours. In love for us, God made an exchange. Instead of holding us under His judgment for all our wrongdoing, he placed His Son under judgment instead of us. Our punishment was paid for by Christ.
Sin is acting or behaving in a way that does not conform with God’s character or commands. It is about crossing lines that have been laid down for us by God. A sin is thus an act of rebellion and distrust. It is us saying to God: “You don’t get to make the rules! I am capable of deciding right and wrong for myself, my way!”
4 simple steps
To share the gospel, you can follow these 4 simple steps:
1. Tell them about God’s plan—peace and life. God loves you and wants you to experience the peace and life He offers. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He has a plan for you.
2. Share our problem—separation from God. Being at peace with God is not automatic. By nature, we are all separated from Him. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God is holy, but we are human and don’t measure up to His perfect standard. We are sinful, and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
3. Talk about God’s remedy—the cross. God’s love bridges the gap of separation between you and Him. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the penalty for your sins. The Bible says, “‘He Himself bore our sins’ in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by His wounds, you have been healed’” (1 Peter 2:24).
4. Our response—receive Christ. You cross the bridge into God’s family when you accept Christ’s free gift of salvation. The Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
To receive Christ, a person needs to do 4 things:
- Admit you’re a sinner;
- Ask forgiveness and be willing to turn away from your sins;
- Believe that Christ died for you on the cross;
- Receive Christ into your heart and life.
Romans 10:13 says, “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” Once the person has understood—tell the person, here’s a prayer you can pray to receive Christ:
“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In your name, amen.”
It’s not about the words they pray, it’s about whether or not they meant them. Just because someone prayed a prayer, doesn’t mean they’re saved. Only God knows the heart and often people get saved during the preaching of the gospel. It’s a complete work of the Holy Spirit and a supernatural exchange between their dead-to-God spirit and the Holy Spirit Who makes them alive spiritually in Jesus Christ!
A few practical tips from my own experience
Ask them their name
When sharing the gospel, you may want to start off by introducing yourself to the one(s) you are sharing with, and then ask what their name is. You can ask them different things such as: “what are your beliefs about heaven and hell,” or “what are your thoughts on the ‘afterlife?’” Be sincere and respectful whatever their answers may be. Sometimes when I share the gospel with a person who is homeless or lives on the streets—before I ask them their name, I will often give them money or something to eat or drink. After they tell me their name, I will usually tell them why I asked their name by saying something like: “why I asked you your name is because everyone has a name, because everyone has a life, and your life is important to God!” Don’t be shy in telling them that they are important to God, because that is true. People are designed by God to recognize truth whenever they hear it! Also, if the Holy Spirit should lead you to pray for healing for them (which I will often do with those who are homeless) then just trust the Lord and pray for them right then and there. I have witnessed the Lord heal several people as I have shared the gospel with them in this way. With that said, there have been many people of whom I have not seen any evidence of (physical) healing, and yet still have come to the Lord through the sharing of the gospel. Remember, the ultimate healing is a life saved by Jesus Christ as souls are eternal. We’re not looking for signs of healing, but rather an inward assurance of salvation. (Check out another one of my posts called “Being led by the Spirit” of two such testimonies of God at work when sharing the gospel.)
Look for people who are ready to receive the gospel
This is a big one because it takes discernment to know whether someone is seeking the Lord or not. Not all people are open. The gospel itself is offensive (against our sins) by nature, but this doesn’t mean that you should be offensive. For example, being caught off guard in a grocery store lineup with other customers watching onward may not be the best time and place to single someone out to share the gospel with—seriously (unless that is what the Lord leads you to do). Often the Lord will either direct you to those who are open by His Spirit, or they will come to you. I have seen this time and again. When you share the Lord and His message, it needs to be Spirit directed or you’ll be wasting your time and theirs, and you could be reinforcing their hatred for God and believers and their unbelief even further if you are not following the Spirit. Trust that the Lord will either open the doors or close them as He is God and you and I are not. People come because the Lord has prepared them in advance by His Holy Spirit. It’s not your message or ‘work,’ but His. The gospel is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,…
Romans 1:16a – New King James Version (NKJV)
The SALT method of evangelism
5 essential Bible verses for evangelism
Most people believe that they can not know if they will make it to heaven because they do not know if their “good deeds outweigh their bad ones”—unlike Christ’s love that has no strings attached what-so-ever for complete and total forgiveness of sin.
1. All have sinned
23 For all have sinned and fall short of [or lack] the glory of God;
Romans 3:23 – Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
The Sin Effect
Separation from God
Sin leads to death in terms of the decline of human society. When you reject the good commands of God you enter into the realm of violence, greed, theft, hatred, strife, murder, and war which result in great suffering and loss for human beings. Sin diminishes you; deceives you; robs you of your original design and worth, and leads you to spiritual death which separates you from experiencing God and His love.
2. The price for sin is death
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 (CSB)
God’s Solution
What Jesus did on your behalf
The life and death of Jesus has provided a way for you to have a ‘just peace’ with God. It has the power to remove forever the offense of human sin. Because of who Jesus was—the perfect, sinless Son of God; Jesus could do something that no one else was able to do. He could die for the sins of the world. Because He never sinned, His sacrifice was freely applied to all who take hold of it in faith, paying for your sin debt.
3. Believe in the Lord
31They said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’
Acts 16:1b (CSB)
4. Acknowledge (confess) Him as Lord
9If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.
Romans 10:9-10 (CSB)
5. Call out to Him to be saved
3 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Romans 10:13 (CSB)
If you can’t remember any of the Scriptures listed above, then just remember John 3:16
Sharing the gospel doesn’t necessarily mean quoting actual Bible verses or Scripture to those you are speaking with. Use plain everyday language, and find ways to have an actual conversation with them—rather than talking at them. In addition to the few practical tips that I had shared earlier from my own experience, listen to what they have to say. Be interested in them as someone who Christ has died and risen for. If you need to practice how to start out, begin with the statement below as you find your own way of speaking the truth of the gospel. Also, be sure to watch the videos that follow to hear other examples of how you might share the gospel.
“Jesus died for you by taking your sins with Him to the grave—He buried your sins there forever, never to be counted against you ever again. Jesus rose from the dead—proving that God has forgiven your sins totally, completely, and forever. Pray (talking) to Him and ask Him to forgive your sins today.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
16 For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (CSB)
A few closing words to consider
Be confident in the Holy Spirit’s power
Remember, it is the Holy Spirit Who does the saving work among unbelievers—not you! Jesus promised that He would send the Holy Spirit to “convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). The Holy Spirit testifies of Christ (John 15:26), pointing people to the Lord. Don’t sweat it—just open your heart and mouth, and let Him use you as you share the gospel with others. Your job is to be willing to share—His job is to do and to act according to the Father’s will in saving those whom you will be sharing the gospel with. The Lord will use your life, your voice, your unique witness. Be brave as you fully trust Him and His saving power, just as He did for you too!
26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.
John 15:26 (ESV)
Do not worry about rejection—Christ overcame!
Being rejected in any form for whatever reason isn’t fun. Christ warned us that we would be rejected because of Him. Just try to remember this:
If people become angry or violent towards you for sharing the gospel, just know that you are only an excuse for their reaction and not the reason behind it.
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also…”
John 15:18-23 (NKJV)
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NKJV)
Coffee Scribe’s Resouces
How to share the gospel, and what that looks like|Living Waters
QUESTION: “Will you go to Heaven when you die? Here’s a quick test: Have you ever lied, stolen, or used God’s name in vain? Jesus said, ‘Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’ If you have done these things, God sees you as a lying, thieving, blasphemous, adulterer at heart, and the Bible warns that one day God will punish you in a terrible place called Hell. But God is not willing that any should perish. Sinners broke God’s Law and Jesus paid their fine. This means that God can legally dismiss their case: ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.’ Then Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death. Today, repent and trust Jesus, and God will give you eternal life as a free gift. Then read the Bible daily and obey it. God will never fail you…” – Ray Comfort
What is the gospel?|Eric Ludy
8 ways to share the gospel with complete stangers
Check these out for further learning!
Want to go further?
Here are some online resources to teach you answers to questions you or others might come across as you learn how to share the gospel
As I grow in my relationship with the Lord and share His love and message with others… I always come across areas that I either don’t know or questions that people have asked me about that I wish I had a better answer for. Here are three more online resources that you can check out and learn more about what, why, and how to answer those with who you share the gospel.
Got Questions?
Answers to questions about faith and the Bible website
Do you have a question about God, Jesus, the Bible, or theology? Do you need help understanding a Bible verse or passage?
Are there any spiritual issues in your life for which you need advice or counsel? Over 643 thousand Bible questions Answered!
Website:
gotquestions.org
Cross Examined
Bible-based, Christian apologetics YouTube channel and website
“Does truth exist? Christianity cannot be true, nor can any other worldview (including atheism), if truth is relative or just true for you but not for me.” – Frank Turek
YouTube:
Cross Examined – YouTube
Website:
crossexamined.org
Living Waters
Open-air preaching YouTube channel
Ray Comfort of Living Waters is a top YouTube apologist who shares the gospel through open-air preaching using God’s Law to lead his listeners to Christ.
YouTube:
Living Waters – YouTube
Personal application
Ask yourself what God may be saying, or asking you to do, and then what are you going to do about it? Often we are prompted by the Holy Spirit to act according to the Word. As you read the Scriptures and pray, what might it be that the Lord would have you do? Is God asking you to share with someone you know? Is the Lord encouraging you to lead a home group or Bible study? Whatever the Lord might be leading you towards, don’t be afraid of the work or trials that may result of obedience to His Spirit—it’s all worth it because He alone is worthy!
6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
1 Peter 1:6-7 – New Living Translation (NLT)11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Matthew 5:11 – New International Version (NIV)
What is the gospel?
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