Tools to Lead Others to Christ
#1 "Get the story straight !"
Before you can share it, you must know it. Serious Bible study of the Gospel message, what it is and what it is not, takes time. Be willing to invest many hours in God's Word, the Bible.
We offer "Simply tools for serious study" on another web site : www.AzBible.yolasite.com . Bible institutes, colleges & seminaries are good, but they are no replacement for personal study, discovery & deep conviction from God's Word itself.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."
#2 "The plan of salvation is not the Gospel."
Explaining to someone that there is broad way that leads to destruction, but a narrow way that leads to life through Jesus is not the Gospel.
The Gospel is the Good News that Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day. It is nothing more (a so called "full gospel")and nothing less (salvation without facing the sin question). But, the Gospel does not tell someone how to be saved. It is the Good News that we can be saved !
"Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."
1 Corinthians 15v1-4 NASB
It is essential to share both the Gospel and how to be saved. The plan of salvation in the Bible is to trust Jesus enough to ask Him to forgive and deliver us from our sin. It is not just believing all the facts about Him (the demons do and tremble, Ja2v19). It is a personal confidence enough to call on Him for salvation.
"WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."
Romans 10v13 NASB
#3 "If it's not written, it's not serious !"
Write down the message you want to convey in your own language so you will be sure to say what you need to communicate. It is a good idea to keep reworking it until it is brief & to the point.
Write down your personal biblical goals in your own words : soul winning, discipleship, meeting for worship. Use it as a check list to see if you are meeting God's goals for your life. Be honest!
#4 "Use the right bait for the kind of fish in your pond !"
Every person is unique, but there are "schools of fish" or "people groups" that stick together. They have common beliefs, values, ways of thinking, practices and language. What might be good bait for one is not for another. While the "hook" is the same (the Gospel never changes) the "bait" must be adapted (services for older folks, sports for youth, books for readers, web sites for busy people, etc). By observing the "pond" people are in, we can adapt the way we earn the right to be heard.
For example, the cashier has no time to hear you present the Gospel and God's plan of salvation, but he or she will gladly accept a little business card with your message on a web site. It would be good if every born again believer had a personal web site. This is not a blog of what all you are doing, but a clear presentation of the Gospel and what to do about it with an illustration from your life... how you got saved. We can help you do it for free. Just contact us and say that you want to know how to do it.
Another example, your neighbors don't like religious people knocking on their door, but they will be glad to accept your knock for an invitation to food and friendship. Choice verses framed on your walls will be your testimony of faith in God. Ask them about their family, education and work because everyone likes to talk about themselves. Pay close attention, because they will sense you care and will end up asking you about your life.
We could list many examples of how to fish for people in your "pond"... bumper stickers are read all the time, so be creative and make sure you drive carefully ; e-cards show you care and get get the Gospel out when hearts are tender, so con't forget special dates ; quote a good verse at the end of your answering machine message, but make sure you call the person back !