INTRODUCTION
Previously, we have examined whether...
We are ashamed of the gospel
We are preparing for the gospel
Many Christians do reach out to the lost; yet I often wonder...
Are we actually preaching the gospel as commissioned by Jesus? - Mk 16:15
Might our efforts, though well-intentioned, actually be misdirected?
[Despite our zeal to fulfill the Great Commission, might we not actually present the gospel as the Lord intended? To explain what I mean, let’s first review some common...]
EVANGELISTIC METHODS
SURVEY OF THE BIBLE...
Presents an overall survey of the Bible story
Revealing how the gospel fulfills God’s plan of redemption
Generally a multi-lesson approach, though sometimes presented in one lesson
NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH...
Focuses on identifying the true church today, or non-denominational Christianity
Reviews the establishment, organization, work and worship of the church in the Bible
Contrasts the New Testament church with denominations today
WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED...
Describes the proper response to the gospel of Christ
Presumes understanding the need for the gospel and other related facts
Usually with an emphasis on the role of baptism in the plan of salvation
[Such methods have been used with varying degrees of success. Yet I often wonder whether we’ve made evangelism more complicated than it need be. Allow me to raise a few...]
EVANGELISTIC QUERIES
FIRST OR SECOND PRINCIPLES...?
There are first or elementary principles of the gospel - cf. He 5:12; 6:1-2
Much of what we often share may belong to the category of second principles
E.g., the identity of the church, its work, worship, etc.
Such is important, but shouldn't we stress the first principles first?
Most of what we learn about the church was written to Christians, not preached to alien sinners (cf. the sermons in Acts with the epistles)
If one is unwilling to obey the Lord regarding first principles (e.g., baptism), are we not wasting our time trying to get them to accept the secondary principles of the Word?
THE GOSPEL IN PART OR WHOLE...?
The gospel is more than simply telling people what they must do to be saved
There are commands to obey, yes, but also facts to believe and promises to receive
Such facts and promises provide motivation to obey - cf. Ro 2:4; 2Co 5:11,14
Do we deprive ourselves of the power of the gospel to convict the sinner by assuming they understand why they need to be saved and how God saves them through His promises?
THE GOSPEL ABORTED...?
Multi-lesson approaches often do not reveal the gospel until the end of the series
Circumstances or controversies often terminate a study before getting to the actual gospel
Do we miss opportunities to share the gospel by allowing such to happen?
[This is not a blanket condemnation of evangelistic approaches described earlier. I have used such often with some success. Yet I wonder if I have always made the best use of my time and opportunities. With these thoughts in mind, permit me to share the following...]
EVANGELISTIC PRINCIPLES
SHARE THE FULL GOSPEL...
Make sure that we are sharing the gospel of Christ in its fullness
Not just commands to obey, but facts to believe and promises to receive
So we do not deprive ourselves of the full power of the gospel - Ro 1:16
Fruit is born when one understands the grace of God in truth! - Col 1:5-6
FOCUS ON FIRST PRINCIPLES...
In the words of Paul: "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" - cf. 1Co 2:2
You might want to prepare a simple presentation of the gospel in tract form
Stressing the facts, commands, and promises of the gospel
Saving the second principles for those willing to obey the first principles
SOW THE SEED LIBERALLY...
As you sow, so shall you reap - cf. 2Co 9:6
Be prepared to share the gospel at anytime
Consider various ways to share the gospel in person and en masse
Utilize tracts, DVDs, mailings, whatever works for you
MOVE ON IF NOT RECEPTIVE...
As taught by Christ - Lk 10:10-11
As practiced by Paul - Ac 13:44-46; 18:6
Once the gospel has been shared, if not received or there is no further interest, we should look elsewhere
Though we can keep the door open should interest return
DON’T FORGET TO PRAY...
For opportunities - Col 4:2-6
For wisdom - Jm 1:5
For boldness - Ep 6:18-20
Remembering that God gives the increase - 1Co 3:5-7
CONCLUSION
I do not mean to be overly critical of other ways to reach the lost...
If a multi-lesson approach works well for you, wonderful!
If you feel it best to cover second principles, don’t let me stop you
The important thing is to sow the seed of the gospel! That precious message...
Of God’s love, Christ’s sacrifice, and our response
Shared with as many people as possible
Which can be taught rather simply if we focus on the first principles of the Word
Are we preaching the gospel of Christ? That is the task given to us...
And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." - Mk 16:15-16