MESSENGER

I. Highest Purpose of God’s Kingdom

What is the highest purpose of God’s Kingdom? 

II. Mistakes In Evangelism

Often, one who is untrained in outreach makes mistakes that work to the detriment of God’s Kingdom, rather than to its advance. 

We will discuss four common errors:

1. Error #1 – Being too . One’s friends and family are not usually won by
   telling them how wrong they are. One’s approach should be filled with wisdom. In other words: Use common sense! Proverbs 11:30 – He that winneth souls is wise.
2. Error #2 – and . Everyone needs and wants what you have experienced. Perhaps they do not yet know they need it. Our fear of sharing our faith is overcome by being involved in some area of that ministry. (2 Timothy 1:7). God hath not given us the spirit of fear.
3. Error #3 – Misconception of what a is. A witness tells what he or she knows. One may not know everything but can witness about his or her own experience.
4. Error #4 – Lack of or . There are times when one will be asked questions that should be answered in an effective and knowledgeable way.

1. This can only be done through personal application.
2. 1 Peter 3:15– Encourages one to be ready to answer questions.

III. Example of Evangelism

A Bible example of sharing one’s experience is seen in John 1:35 – 42.

1. Andrew followed Jesus.
2. Andrew found Peter, his brother.
3. Peter and Andrew fellowshipped with Jesus.

IV. Components of Effective Evangelism

Six things can help us be successful soulwinners.

1. Definite power – Pray for God’s leadership and help in spreading your testimony.  Prayer should be part of your constant effort of personal outreach. Holy Ghost power precedes witnessing power!
2. Definite time to go – Lifestyle evangelism is the most powerful type of outreach. However, most of us need a concentrated time to go out into evangelistic efforts. Each church should have a time set aside that calls the congregation to evangelistic efforts.
3. Definite love to show to a definite project. “God so loved the world . . .” has to be translated into “God so loved my next-door neighbor, Barry!”
4. Definite seed to sow
   1. What are you going to communicate?
   2. How do you plan to communicate it?
5. Definite plan to know
   1. Memorize your testimony.
   2. Memorize a pattern for showing people the Bible premise for your experience with God. Initially, this can be marked in your Bible as a chain of linked references.
6. Definite follow through to growth. This is where we often fail. Just because you witness to an individual one time, does not remove your responsibilities. If we effectively follow-up on those we contact, there will be much greater results.

V. Definite Plans to Know for Evangelism

A. Write out your personal testimony detailing how you came to God.

B. Be aware of every outreach effort of the church. A certain area of ministry may fit one’s personality perfectly, while in some other role one may be ineffective. Some such possibilities:

VI. Pattern For Evangelism

A pattern, like the one following, that can easily explain the gospel.

The Road to Salvation

Read:  Romans 3:23 “23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” 

Explain: We all think, say, and do evil because of our sinful nature. Sin is simply anything that separates us from a pure and holy God. I can think of some things I have done that I know are wrong . . . can’t you?

Read:      Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

Explain: As we receive wages on our job for what we do, so shall we receive wages for sin:    Death – separation from God in this life and the hereafter. (See Revelations 20:12-15 – where the second death is spoken of.)

Read:  Romans 5:8 “8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

Explain: Christ died for us . . . in our place. It is as if we were sentenced to death for a crime we committed and an innocent man offered to take our place. Our salvation is a possibility since Christ died in our stead.

Read:  Acts 2:36–38 “36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” 

Explain: When the people Peter was speaking to realized Jesus Christ was Lord and died for them, they felt sorry for their sins and asked Peter what to do. First, he said, “repent” – turn from sin to God.

A typical conversation: (Name of the person being witnessed to), do you believe that Jesus
is Lord and He died for you? I feel sorry for my sins when I think of Calvary . . . don’t you? Are you willing to give control of your life to God? Would you like to right now? (In your prayer, review each scripture. It is good to take the hand of the person you are praying with. Quite often they do not know how to pray. Your prayer will guide them.)

Read:  Matthew 16:19 “19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”” 

Explain: After asking for their important decision and praying with them, ask if they have repented. If they say, “yes,”explain, “This is only the first step in the plan of salvation. Now you should be baptized in Jesus Name and receive the Holy Ghost!” (Review Acts 2:38again.)

(Note: It is not uncommon for people to say “No” when given an opportunity to repent. This is no cause for a feeling of rejection on your part. Simply say, “I understand your feelings and respect your decision. If you ever decide to give your life to Jesus, you know He loves you and can be found through repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost.” This response releases the pressure and leaves the door open for future discussions.)

, , , and  this method (or any variation of it you feel comfortable with) will enable you to be used of God in leading souls to God.

Warning: Bringing people face to face with this truth is very powerful. Expect dramatic results!