Practical Evangelism

The Command: The Great Commission

"And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.""
- Matthew 28:19-20

"And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.""
- Mark 16:15

"Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.""
- John 20:21

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
- Acts 1:8

Evangelism is NOT:
just a method

Evangelism is NOT:
a numbers game

Evangelism is NOT: mute Christian living

Evangelism is NOT: only for "professionals"

Evangelism is NOT: inviting people to church

Evangelism is: “Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in word and life by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that unbelievers become followers of Jesus Christ in His church and in the culture.” - Dr Alvin Reid

“Communicate good news”
(euangelizomai)

“Declare a message” (kerusso)

Untitled Slide

"Because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake."
- Thessalonians 1:5

Discussion Questions

• How effective would you say that you are at sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with unbelievers?
• What are some roadblocks that you face in being evangelistic?
• How do worship and witness go together?
• Have you ever thought of evangelism as being linked to the OT or just the NT?

Discussion Questions

• Can you explain the difference between a God-centered view of evangelism and a man-centered view?
• Do you live life in a missional way, seeing life as a missionary would? What does/would that look like?
• Would you pray this threefold prayer with me every day during this study? (Opportunity, Wisdom, Boldness)

There are many different methods that one can use to share the good news of Jesus Christ. One method that EVERY Christian should be ready to use is their personal salvation testimony.

"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
- 1 Peter 3:15

"So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
- Acts 4:18-20

Advantages

• Non-Threatening
• Respectful
• Relevant

Examples in the Bible

• John 4
• John 9
• Acts 7
• Acts 22
• Acts 26

How to Share

• Use Scripture
• Focus on Christ
• Be Clear
• Be Honest
• Be Prepared
• Be Concise
• Use Questions

Discussion Questions

• Why did Paul and so many other believers in the Bible share their personal salvation testimony so often?
• What are some examples of good/bad personal salvation testimonies that you have heard before?
• Was someone else’s personal salvation testimony instrumental in your conversion?

Discussion Questions

• Have you ever shared your personal salvation testimony?
• Would you like to practice sharing now?
• Would you consider practicing your personal salvation testimony over the course of this study?
• Would you pray this threefold prayer with me every day during this study? (Opportunity, Wisdom, Boldness)

Sources/Recommended Reading

• Evangelism Handbook - Dr. Alvin Reid
• Tell the Truth: The Whole Gospel - Will Metzger
• Share Jesus Without Fear - William Fay

Discussion Questions