HOW TO PREACH THE GOSPEL: PRAY, CARE & SHARE The Good News, Part 3

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We are here for a purpose, for a mission. It is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who commissioned us:

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” John 20:21

1. PRAY: Start with prayer.

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Prayer changes things (Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Daniel, Jesus, Paul)

Here are a few specific things you might pray for as you set out to share your faith with your friends:

• Their salvation (Romans 10:1)
• Their spiritual maturity (Colossians 4:12, Epaphras’ prayer)
• Their physical/emotional healing (James 5:16)
• The empowering of the Spirit (Ephesians 3:16, Paul)
• Boldness to share the Gospel (Ephesians 6:19-20)
• Wisdom (James 1:5-6)
• Strength (Ephesians 6:10)

Sharing the gospel doesn’t start when we talk to people about God, but when we talk to God about people. Keep praying!

2. CARE: Be relational and relentless.

Jesus engagement with Nicodemus, Zacchaeus, the Samaritan woman, sinners and tax collectors proves his personal and relational approach in sharing the gospe

We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:8

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. Colossians 4:5-6

Not everyone is ready to trust in Jesus the first time they hear the Gospel, so we should never give up easily…

3. SHARE: Share with your style.

Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, leading, various kinds of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:27-28

There are at least four most obvious styles the early Christians communicated the Gospel to others:

A. Talkers – creative, funny, and easy to talk to.They control the conversation not by force but by sheer wit. When they share Jesus with others, they share the Gospel persuasively. The downside is because they are so people-centered and want to be liked, they sometimes hold back in fear of offending the other person.

Example: Phillip (Acts 8:31-32, 34-35 )

B. Shockers – people who are not afraid to speak their mind, ask tough question.They win in sports, studies, and life because they’re focused, bold, confident, and determined. In sharing the Gospel, they tend to be direct, blunt, and strong, and because of these, they can turn people off.

Example: Peter ( Acts 2:14, 38 )

C. Buddies – are intensely and immensely relational. They love to listen as opposite to Talkers. When it comes to sharing the Gospel, they let the conversation unfold and gently guide it to Jesus. They ask a lot of questions and share a lot fewer answers. They share the message of Christ by tiny degrees in the midst of a conversation instead of bold declarations.

Example: Barnabas ( Acts 9:26-27 )

D.Brains – tend to be smart, organized, and intellectually stimulating. They’re usually good at discussing and debating the claims of Christianity.

Example: (Luke 1:1-4 )

Although the Bible doesn’t flatly state that there are different styles of sharing the Gospel, these styles are clearly seen throughout the New Testament. No one style is better than another. And ultimately, the sharing style you have is not the most important issue. The most important thing is that you’re lovingly communicating the Gospel message in the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God.

CHALLENGE:

This summer and in every season of our lives, the Lord always provides us opportunities to go, preach the Gospel, and make disciples, either to a family member, a relative, a friend, a colleague, or even a stranger.

What is your response? Would you be like:

Moses: Who me?
Jonah: Not me!
Habakkuk: Why me?
Isaiah: Send me!