ImportantNote:Youshouldfirstread“4SpiritualTruthsThatDetermineWhereYourSoulWill Spend Eternity” before reading this lesson.IntroductionApersonwillfeeldifferentontheinsidewhentheymakeadecisiontoacceptJesusChristastheirSavior.Asthey realize they are forgiven:•The weight and burden of sin seems to lift from their shoulders.•They experience an indescribable peace and joy deep within the heart.•Sometimes emotions are expressed in the form of tears (especially if they have been resisting God’s calling).•God’s grace and love begins to replace hatred and anger.•Pride and self-centeredness declines as humility and empathy increases.•Theybegintoseetheworlddifferently,becausethedarknesstheywereoncelivingin(andcontrolledby)has been illuminated by the light of Jesus Christ.Thistransformationexemplifiesanewspiritualbirth—beingbornagainfromspiritualdeathtospirituallifebythe Spirit—which Jesus declared is required to see the Kingdom of God. Jesus said:•“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 •“Mostassuredly,Isaytoyou,unlessoneisbornofwaterandtheSpirit,hecannotenterthekingdomofGod.Thatwhichisbornofthefleshisflesh,andthatwhichisbornoftheSpiritisspirit.DonotmarvelthatIsaidto you, ‘You must be born again.’” John 3:5-7“AndyouHemadealive,whoweredeadintrespassesandsins,inwhichyouoncewalkedaccordingtothecourseof thisworld,accordingtotheprinceofthepoweroftheair,thespiritwhonowworksinthesonsofdisobedience, amongwhomalsoweallonceconductedourselvesinthelustsofourflesh,fulfillingthedesiresofthefleshandofthe mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” Ephesians 2:1-3“ButGod,whoisrichinmercy,becauseofHisgreatlovewithwhichHelovedus,evenwhenweweredeadin trespasses,madeusalivetogetherwithChrist(bygraceyouhavebeensaved),andraisedusuptogether,andmade ussittogetherintheheavenlyplacesinChristJesus,thatintheagestocomeHemightshowtheexceedingrichesof HisgraceinHiskindnesstowardusinChristJesus.Forbygraceyouhavebeensavedthroughfaith,andthatnotof yourselves;itisthegiftofGod,notofworks,lestanyoneshouldboast.ForweareHisworkmanship,createdin Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10What’smore,wewanttosharethisexperiencewithothers.Althoughpalebycomparison,itissimilartoourhuman desiretosharewithotherswhenwefindsomethingnewandwonderful:anewrecipe,restaurant,movie,placetogo, andsoforth.However,sharingourborn-againexperiencewithsomeoneisquitedifferentbecausetheGospelof Jesus Christ operates within the spiritual realm, and is eternal.The Gospel of Jesus ChristGospelmeans“goodnews.”SothegospelofJesusChrististhegoodnewsthatHeprovidedameansforthe forgivenessofsinsforallwhobelieve.JesusChrist—wholivedasinlesslife—diedonthecrossandshedHisblood as the one, only, worthy, and perfect sacrifice to God as an atonement for our sins.For we are all sinners in desperate need of forgiveness, and a restoration of our relationship with God.“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23Jesussaid,“ForGodsolovedtheworldthatHegaveHisonlybegottenSon,thatwhoeverbelievesinHimshouldnot perishbuthaveeverlastinglife.ForGoddidnotsendHisSonintotheworldtocondemntheworld,butthattheworld through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17“IfyouconfesswithyourmouththeLordJesusandbelieveinyourheartthatGodhasraisedHimfromthedead,you will be saved.” Romans 10:9Jesussaid,“Iamtheresurrectionandthelife.HewhobelievesinMe,thoughhemaydie,heshalllive.Andwhoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” John 11:25-26Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6Thosewhoplacetheirhope,belief,faith,andtrustinJesusChrist—inwhatHedidforusonthecross—areforgiven for their sins and are justified: blameless, vindicated and acceptable to God.“BeingjustifiedfreelybyHisgracethroughtheredemptionthatisinChristJesus,whomGodsetforthasapropitiation byHisblood,throughfaith,todemonstrateHisrighteousness,becauseinHisforbearanceGodhadpassedoverthe sinsthatwerepreviouslycommitted,todemonstrateatthepresenttimeHisrighteousness,thatHemightbejustand the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:24-26Sharing the GospelSimilartothephysicalbirthofaninfant,anewborn-againChristianmustfirstcrawlbeforetheycanwalk,andwalk beforetheycanrun.Andsimilartoatoddlerwhowilloftenfalldownastheyfirstattempttostandupfromacrawling position,ayoungChristianmayalsofalldownwhenattemptingtoshareJesusChristwithsomeone.Thisisoften duetoarelianceuponourownskills,attributesandcapabilities—becausethisishowweinteractedwiththeworld when we lived in darkness. ItisimportantforeveryChristiantounderstandthefollowingspiritualtruth.Overcomingthechallengesand roadblockscreatedbySatanandhisminionswillnotoccurbyhumanskills,attributes,capabilities,andsheerwill.Butrather,itoccurswithinthespiritualrealm—foritisonlytheHolySpiritwhocandirectlyinfluencesomeone’sheart and change it from within. The Holy Spirit:•Is our Helper.•Dwells with us and in us.•Teaches us all things.•Brings scripture to the forefront of our mind.•Is the one who convicts of sin.•Declares righteousness and judgment.•Guides us into all truth.•Glorifies Jesus Christ.Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit prior to His death on the cross.“IfyouloveMe,keepMycommandments.AndIwillpraytheFather,andHewillgiveyouanotherHelper,thatHe mayabidewithyouforever—theSpiritoftruth,whomtheworldcannotreceive,becauseitneitherseesHimnor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-17“ButtheHelper,theHolySpirit,whomtheFatherwillsendinMyname,Hewillteachyouallthings,andbringtoyour remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26“AndwhenHehascome,Hewillconvicttheworldofsin,andofrighteousness,andofjudgment:ofsin,becausethey donotbelieveinMe;ofrighteousness,becauseIgotoMyFatherandyouseeMenomore;ofjudgment,becausethe ruler of this world is judged.” John 16:8-11“However,whenHe,theSpiritoftruth,hascome,Hewillguideyouintoalltruth;forHewillnotspeakonHisown authority,butwhateverHehearsHewillspeak;andHewilltellyouthingstocome.HewillglorifyMe,forHewilltake of what is Mine and declare it to you.” John 16:13-16Assuch,sharingJesuswithsomeonemustbefoundationallybaseduponacompletedependenceupontheHoly Spirit,andawillingheartthatisfilledwithGod’slove,grace,mercy,peace,andcompassionforthosewhoare unaware they are living in sin and darkness, and do not know the truth.TheApostlePaulwasaperfectexampleofourneedtorelyupontheHolySpiritwhenwesharetheGospel.Paul lacked speaking skills, and depended upon the Holy Spirit to guide him in what to say.“AndI,brethren,whenIcametoyou,didnotcomewithexcellenceofspeechorofwisdomdeclaringtoyouthe testimonyofGod.ForIdeterminednottoknowanythingamongyouexceptJesusChristandHimcrucified.Iwas withyouinweakness,infear,andinmuchtrembling.Andmyspeechandmypreachingwerenotwithpersuasive wordsofhumanwisdom,butindemonstrationoftheSpiritandofpower,thatyourfaithshouldnotbeinthewisdomof men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5Pauldidnotrelyuponhiswisdom,andsimplyspokeofJesusChristandHimcrucified.Hispoorinspiritcondition (weakness,fearandtrembling),combinedwithhiscompleterelianceupontheHolySpirittospeakthroughhim, resultedinthedemonstrationoftheSpiritandofpower—allwiththeintentofdirectingthelistener’sfaithtowards God.“Butthewisdomthatisfromaboveisfirstpure,thenpeaceable,gentle,willingtoyield,fullofmercyandgoodfruits, withoutpartialityandwithouthypocrisy.Nowthefruitofrighteousnessissowninpeacebythosewhomakepeace.”James 3:17-18ThereisanindescribablefeelingthatoccurswhenweareledbytheHolySpirittospeaklifeandtruthintosomeone whoisspirituallydead.What’smore,wordsseemtoflowfromourinnermostbeing.Jesussaid,“Hewhobelievesin Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38WhensharingtheGospelofJesusChristitisalsoimportanttobesensitiveandempathetic,andneverbejudgmental orcondemning.ChristiansareforgivenbyGod’sgraceandmercy.Graceisreceivingwhatwedonotdeserve,and mercyisnotreceivingwhatwedodeserve.Assuch,noChristianhastherighttojudgeorcondemnsomeone—for this is the responsibility of the Holy Spirit (while on earth), and Jesus Christ during the final judgment.Jesussaid,“Judgenot,thatyoubenotjudged.Forwithwhatjudgmentyoujudge,youwillbejudged;andwiththe measureyouuse,itwillbemeasuredbacktoyou.Andwhydoyoulookatthespeckinyourbrother’seye,butdonot considertheplankinyourowneye?Orhowcanyousaytoyourbrother,‘Letmeremovethespeckfromyoureye’; andlook,aplankisinyourowneye?Hypocrite!Firstremovetheplankfromyourowneye,andthenyouwillsee clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5Tofacilitatenon-judgmentalsensitivity,empathyandcompassion,itishelpfultorememberwhatwewerelikebefore we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord—including our transition from darkness to light. For example:•We were driven by our self-centered sinful nature and fleshly desires.•We justified our sin by repositioning or deflecting the truth.•We were unwilling to honestly evaluate our sin and all of the consequences.•We could not see nor understand that we were held in darkness by lies.•We were unaware that we needed help to overcome and change who we were. However,asthelightofGodbegantoilluminatewhatwashiddeninthedarkness,webegantoseethetruthandwe begantochangefromwithin.Thisiswhenwefirstdevelopedadisdainforoursinaswedevelopedacuriosityand interestinseekingGod.Thisisalsothepointintimewhenourhealingbeganandwebecameamemberofanew spiritual family. A New Spiritual FamilyJesus said, “For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 8:50Thereisanaspecttoourdesignthatisuniquetoalllivingorganisms,inthatwearethoughtfulabouttheopinions otherpersonshavetowardsus,andhowweareperceived.Wewantto“fitin,”beaccepted,andrespectedamongst family,friends,workassociates,andsocialgroups.Thisaspectofourdesignisimportantinthatitfacilitatessocial interaction.Unfortunately,thisaspectofourdesigncanhavenegativeconsequences.Forexample,whenweneed acceptance and approval from others:•Our perception of self-worth can become dependent upon the opinions of others.•We are more easily manipulated by those whom we seek acceptance and approval.•It can become more difficult to disengage and disconnect from our prior life of sin.•It is not what God desires for us.WhensharingtheGospel,itispossibleforsometofeelintimidatedorthreatenedbecauseofpossiblerejection, condemnation,castigation,anddenouncementbyfriendsandfamilymembers.However,thosewhoarebornagain areadoptedintoanewspiritualfamily:thefamilyofGod.Thisfamilyisuniqueinthatmembersnolongerneed approvalfromman—butseekstopleaseGod,desirestoproclaimHistruthtoanyonewhowilllisten;andsupports one another in God’s unconditional love, mercy and grace.“Butyouareachosengeneration,aroyalpriesthood,aholynation,Hisownspecialpeople,thatyoumayproclaim thepraisesofHimwhocalledyououtofdarknessintoHismarvelouslight;whooncewerenotapeoplebutarenow the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10“Now,therefore,youarenolongerstrangersandforeigners,butfellowcitizenswiththesaintsandmembersofthe householdofGod,havingbeenbuiltonthefoundationoftheapostlesandprophets,JesusChristHimselfbeingthe chiefcornerstone,inwhomthewholebuilding,beingfittedtogether,growsintoaholytempleintheLord,inwhomyou also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22“ForasmanyasareledbytheSpiritofGod,thesearesonsofGod.Foryoudidnotreceivethespiritofbondage againtofear,butyoureceivedtheSpiritofadoptionbywhomwecryout,‘Abba,Father.’TheSpiritHimselfbears witnesswithourspiritthatwearechildrenofGod,andifchildren,thenheirs—heirsofGodandjointheirswithChrist, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Romans 8:14-17“BeholdwhatmanneroflovetheFatherhasbestowedonus,thatweshouldbecalledchildrenofGod!Thereforethe worlddoesnotknowus,becauseitdidnotknowHim.Beloved,nowwearechildrenofGod;andithasnotyetbeen revealedwhatweshallbe,butweknowthatwhenHeisrevealed,weshallbelikeHim,forweshallseeHimasHeis.And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:1-3Asanewborn-againChristianmatures,theywillrealizealargepercentageofnon-Christiansareprimarilyself-centered and lack altruism (a selfless concern for the well-being of others). This enlightenment facilitates:•A reduction in the dependence upon opinions, acceptance and approval from others. •A realization that the only One who matters is God. Another concern when sharing the Gospel is being perceived as a hypocrite. Hypocrisy is defined as:•Claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform.•When someone does something they tell others not to do.Mostculturesviewahypocriteasafraud,aliar,nottrustworthy,andmentallyunstable.Becauseofthis,persons prefertoavoidplacingthemselvesinsituationswheretheymaybeperceivedasbeingahypocrite.Unfortunately, becauseofoursinfulnature,itisvirtuallyimpossibleforanyonetoliveupentirelytotheirownmoralcode.Assuch, those who judge others as being hypocrites are usually hypocrites themselves (but are unaware of their condition).However,thereisasinisterdimensionofHypocrisyinthatitisadelusionallie,hasacausticinfluenceuponour perception, and is used as a demonic means to:•Circumvent a Christian from sharing the Gospel.•Convince a non-Christian to reject the truth.FromtheChristian’sperspective,werecognizeourweaknessesandfailures,weunderstandwearenotperfect,and weknowweareforgiven.However,ourshortcomingsmaybeleveragedagainstuswhenweattempttoshareJesus Christwithsomeone.Forexample,aChristianmayexperienceaccusatorythoughtswhengivenanopportunityto shareJesusChrist,suchas“HowcanIsharemyfaithbaseduponhowIjustacted(orhowIhaveactedinthepast)?Ifeellikeahypocrite!”ThismisdirectedperceptionmakesitmoredifficultforaChristiantowitnesstosomeone because it transitions our thoughts inward and away from proclaiming God’s love, grace and mercy.Satan and his minions will use lies to:•Remind believers of their sin.•Sow doubts of their salvation into their hearts and minds.•Create a perception of their unworthiness of being a member of God’s family.•Misdirect the message of God’s grace, mercy, love, and faithfulness. Fromthenon-Christian’sperspective,humansareuniquelydesignedwithanabilitytocomparewhatonesaysversus theirbehavior.Assuch,non-ChristianswilloftenlookforhypocriticalbehaviorthatdoesnotalignwithaChristian’s professedfaith.Onceaninconsistencyisidentified,thenon-Christian’sperceptionofChristianhypocrisyservesasa means to hold them under the bondage of their sin, and justify their rejection of declared truth. Satan and his minions will use lies to:•Harden the hearts of non-Christians.•Cause non-Christians to perceive Christian faith as delusional.•Maintain darkness, control, and bondage to sin.•Justify rejecting Jesus Christ.4 Foundational TruthsSharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is comprised of the following 4 foundational truths:1. God loves us.2. We are separated from God because of our sin.3. God sacrificed His Son as a means to restore our relationship with Him.4.RestorationoftherelationshipbeginswhenwebelieveJesusChristtookthepunishmentforoursinswhenHe was crucified on the cross.Itisimportanttonotethateachfoundationaltruthmustbesupportedbyscripture.ForitisthepowerofGod’sword that breaks through internal barriers and the hardened heart of one who is living in sin.“ForthewordofGodislivingandpowerful,andsharperthananytwo-edgedsword,piercingeventothedivisionof soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12Suggested words to say are italicized, and all spoken words must be supported by scripture that follows.God loves us!Godlovesyouandwantsyoutoexperiencepeaceandlife.Jesussaid,“ForGodsolovedtheworldthatHegaveHis onlybegottenSon,thatwhoeverbelievesinHimshouldnotperishbuthaveeverlastinglife.ForGoddidnotsendHis Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17We are separated from God because of our sin.Godgaveussimplerulestoliveby:the10Commandments.Failuretoobeytheseareasin.Forexample,theeight commandmentstates“Youshallnotsteal.”Haveyoueverstolensomethinginyourlife?Theninthcommandment states“Youshallnotlie.”Haveyoueverlied?IfyesyouhavecommittedsinsthathaveseparatedyoufromGodand are in need of forgiveness.Godisholy.Butbecauseofoursin—whichdoesnotalignwithGod’swillanddesireforus—weareseparatedfrom havingarelationshipwithHim.What’smore,oursinresultsspiritualdeathwhilewearealive,andeternaldeathafter we die.“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23God provided a means to restore our relationship with Him.God’slove—expressedbythecrucifieddeathofHisSon,JesusChrist,bridgesthegapofseparationbetweenusand God.“WhoHimselfboreoursinsinHisownbodyonthetree,thatwe,havingdiedtosins,mightlivefor righteousness.” 1 Peter 2:24Believe Jesus Christ took the punishment for our sins by His sacrificial death.Theforgivenessofoursins,andtherestorationofourrelationshipwithGod,isassimpleasbelievinginwhatJesus Christdidforasapropitiationofoursins:appeasingthewrathofGodtowardsoursinsandrestoringourrelationship with Him).“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12Here is a simple parable that assists in the understanding of what Jesus Christ did for us.Apersoncommittedacrime,wasfoundguilty,andwasstandingbeforethejudgeawaitingthesentence.Thejudge declared“Forthecrimeyoucommitted,youwillreceive10lashings.”Meanwhile,inthebackoftheroom,stooda quietfigurewhowalkedforward,approachedthebenchandsaid,“Yourhonor,Iwillreceivethe10lashings.Although thispersonisguilty,Iwillgraciouslyreceivethepunishmentthatisdue,andfulfilltheobligationbecauseofthecrime that was committed.” Inasimilarmanner,weareguiltyofsinsagainstGodandaredestinedtoreceivetheconsequencesforour wrongdoings.However,becauseofourfaithinwhatJesusChristdidforus(byreceivingthepunishmentforoursins as He died on the cross)—we are eternally forgiven. However,Jesusdidmuchmoreforallwhobelieve.HerosefromthedeadthreedaysafterHiscrucifixion,presented Himself to hundreds as proof, and then took His place at the right hand of God.“ChristdiedforoursinsaccordingtotheScriptures,andthatHewasburied,andthatHeroseagainthethirdday accordingtotheScriptures,andthatHewasseenbyCephas,thenbythetwelve.AfterthatHewasseenbyoverfive hundredbrethrenatonce,ofwhomthegreaterpartremaintothepresent,butsomehavefallenasleep.AfterthatHe wasseenbyJames,thenbyalltheapostles.ThenlastofallHewasseenbymealso,asbyonebornoutofdue time.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-8“TheGodofourLordJesusChrist,theFatherofglory...raisedHimfromthedeadandseatedHimatHisrighthand intheheavenlyplacesfaraboveallprincipalityandpowerandmightanddominion,andeverynamethatisnamed, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” Ephesians 1:17-21The Next Step“For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13To receive Jesus Christ, a person needs to express the following in prayer:1.Admit they are a sinner.2.Ask for forgiveness and express a willingness to turn away from their sin.3.State their belief Jesus died for their sins.4.Receive Jesus into their heart and life.Itishelpfulifyouleadthepersonina“sinner’sprayer”andaskthemtorepeatafteryou.Thefollowingwordsare onlyasuggestion.Whatismostimportantistheprayerisspokenfromtheheart—regardlessofwhatwordsare used.HeavenlyFather,IamasinnerandIaskforyourforgiveness.ThankYouforsendingYourSon,JesusChrist,todie formysins.Jesus,IplacemyfaithandtrustinYou,andwillfollowYouasmySaviorandLord.Guidemylifeand help me to live in Your will. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.Ifyouareabletoleadsomeoneinasinner’sprayer,youhaveassistedthemintotheirnewspiritualbornagainbirth.Ifnot,don’tbediscouraged.JesusexplaineddifferenttypesofresponsesaChristianmayencounterwhensharing the Gospel in the Parable of the Sower.
The Parable of the Sower
JesusChristusedthephysicalrealmtoexplainthespiritualrealm.Forexample,JesusexplainedsharingtheGospel issimilartoapersonwhoisspreadingseedsinafieldthatlandonto4differenttypesofsoil:wayside,stonyground, amongthorns,andgoodground.Eachtypeofgroundtheseedfallsuponhasadifferentphysical(andcorresponding spiritual) result.Inaddition,fromaphysicalperspectivetherearethreebasicactivitiesingrowingcrops:sowingseeds,watering,and harvesting.Onemayplanttheseed,anothermaywater,andathirdpersonmayreaptheharvest.Thesameistrue withinthespiritualrealm.OnemayplanttheseedofGod’sword,anothermaywaterit,andathirdpersonmywitness the harvest—and all who participate are rewarded. Mark 4:3-8 describes the physical realm of the parable, Mark 4:14-20 describes the spiritual realm.“Listen!Behold,asowerwentouttosow.Andithappened,ashesowed,thatsomeseedfellbythewayside;andthe birdsoftheaircameanddevouredit.Somefellonstonyground,whereitdidnothavemuchearth;andimmediately itsprangupbecauseithadnodepthofearth.Butwhenthesunwasupitwasscorched,andbecauseithadnoroot itwitheredaway.Andsomeseedfellamongthorns;andthethornsgrewupandchokedit,andityieldednocrop.Butotherseedfellongoodgroundandyieldedacropthatsprangup,increasedandproduced:somethirtyfold,some sixty, and some a hundred.” Mark 4:3-8“Thesowersowstheword.Andthesearetheonesbythewaysidewherethewordissown.Whentheyhear,Satan comesimmediatelyandtakesawaythewordthatwassownintheirhearts.Theselikewisearetheonessownon stonygroundwho,whentheyheartheword,immediatelyreceiveitwithgladness;andtheyhavenorootin themselves,andsoendureonlyforatime.Afterward,whentribulationorpersecutionarisesfortheword’ssake, immediatelytheystumble.Nowthesearetheonessownamongthorns;theyaretheoneswhoheartheword,and thecaresofthisworld,thedeceitfulnessofriches,andthedesiresforotherthingsenteringinchoketheword,andit becomesunfruitful.Butthesearetheonessownongoodground,thosewhoheartheword,acceptit,andbearfruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” Mark 4:14-20ItisawonderfulexperiencewhenweareusedbytheHolySpirittoassistsomeoneintotheirsalvation.However,do notbecomediscouragedifyoufallshortofyourdesiredoutcome—norcondemnorattempttoforcesomeoneinto belief.RememberJesusdescribed4differenttypesofsoiltheseedmaylandupon.Andyes,itispossibleforthe seedtofallontounproductiveground.However,thingsmaychangeinthefutureforthisperson:windsandrainmay shiftthegoodsoiltowardsthestrugglingseed,ormaymovetheseedtomorefertileground.Besides,spiritual enlightenmentandsalvationaretheresponsibilityoftheHolySpirit—forwedonot(andcannot)saveaperson.In addition, the influence of our efforts may not be realized until sometime in the future.Personally,Icorrelatetotheparable’swaysidewhenIfirstheardtheGospelandacceptedJesusChristasmySavior.AfewdaysthereafterIwasbacktosinningandlivingindarkness.ButGodsaid,“Iwillneverleaveyounorforsake you.”(Hebrews13:5)AcoupleyearslaterIgavemylifetoJesusandacceptedHimasmyLord.Ihadmadeamess ofmylife,JesusChristwasknockingonthedoortomyheart,andIletHimin.Someplanted,somewatered,and another witnessed my harvest into the Kingdom.“WhothenisPaul,andwhoisApollos,butministersthroughwhomyoubelieved,astheLordgavetoeachone?I planted, Apolloswatered,butGodgavetheincrease.Sothenneitherhewhoplantsisanything,norhewhowaters, butGodwhogivestheincrease.Nowhewhoplantsandhewhowatersareone,andeachonewillreceivehisown reward according to his own labor.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-8Jesussaid,“Behold,Isaytoyou,liftupyoureyesandlookatthefields,fortheyarealreadywhiteforharvest!Andhe whoreapsreceiveswages,andgathersfruitforeternallife,thatbothhewhosowsandhewhoreapsmayrejoice together.Forinthisthesayingistrue:‘Onesowsandanotherreaps.’Isentyoutoreapthatforwhichyouhavenot labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” John 4:35-38God’s word never returns void.Inaddition,God’sspokenwordalwayshasaneternalandpurposefulresult(eventhoughitmaynotbeinitially apparent).“SoshallMywordbethatgoesforthfromMymouth;ItshallnotreturntoMevoid,butitshallaccomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11What’sverysadbuttrue,iftheGospelofJesusChristisrejectedbysomeone,eachwordspokentothemwillbe revealedduringtheirjudgment.Fortheywillhavenoexcusefornotknowingthetruth,andwillhaveaconstant reminder of why they are being eternally tormented day and night in the lake of fire. “AndIsawthedead,smallandgreat,standingbeforeGod,andbookswereopened.Andanotherbookwasopened, whichistheBookofLife.Andthedeadwerejudgedaccordingtotheirworks,bythethingswhichwerewritteninthe books.Theseagaveupthedeadwhowereinit,andDeathandHadesdeliveredupthedeadwhowereinthem.Andtheywerejudged,eachoneaccordingtohisworks.ThenDeathandHadeswerecastintothelakeoffire.This istheseconddeath.AndanyonenotfoundwrittenintheBookofLifewascastintothelakeoffire.”Revelation 20:12-15Jesussaid,“Andthisisthecondemnation,thatthelighthascomeintotheworld,andmenloveddarknessratherthan light,becausetheirdeedswereevil.Foreveryonepracticingevilhatesthelightanddoesnotcometothelight,lest hisdeedsshouldbeexposed.Buthewhodoesthetruthcomestothelight,thathisdeedsmaybeclearlyseen,that they have been done in God.” John 3:19-21Important things to remember!•Howweliveourlifeisasignificantpartofourwitness.Peoplewilllistentowhatwesay,andwillcompareit against what we do.•Listen!Wecanearntherighttobeheardbysincerelylisteningtoothers.Itisimportanttofirstunderstandand empathize with their situation and challenges in life before we share the Gospel.•Recognizepeoplewilloftendescribetheconsequencesoftheirsin—butnotrealizewhattheyareexperiencing isbecauseoftheirsin.Assuch,weneedtoexplainthesourceofthedifficultiesintheirlife,andhowGod provided us with a means to overcome them. •Keepitsimple.Donotusereligioustermspeopledonotunderstand,anddonotadddenominationalorother doctrinesthatmayconfuseorcreatebarriers.ThemessageshouldbesimplyaboutJesusChrist—whowas God’s expression of His love, grace and mercy.•Never:oJudge someone. oBe condescending.oSpeak a negative word regarding any religion, government, or person.oGet pulled into an argument.oDescribe the specific details of your sin before you knew Jesus (drugs, sex, etc.)•Always:oDepend upon the Holy Spirit.oExpress genuine heart-felt humility, meekness, empathy, and love.oShare your testimony (how God changed you from within).oRefer to scripture to support what you say.oAnswer an objection before you continue the Gospel message.Objections“ButsanctifytheLordGodinyourhearts,andalwaysbereadytogiveadefensetoeveryonewhoasksyouareason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15YouwilllikelyencounteranobjectionwhensharingtheGospel.Anobjectionisdefinedasanexpressionof disapprovaloropposition.Inaddition,anobjectionprovidesareasonfordisagreeingwithandrejectingthetruth.However,theremaybetimeswhenanobjectionmaybecomprisedofanhonestquestiontheyarestrugglingwithas they search for answers in life—which is a good thing and requires discernment. Objection Notes:•Objectionsshouldbeviewedfromapositiveperspectiveinthattheyareanopportunitytoconvert misinformation into facts, and lies into truth.•Ifyouencounteranobjectionthatyoudonotfeelcomfortableinanswering,simplystatethetruth.“Thankyou forsharingthiswithme.However,Idonothavesufficientinformationtorespond.IsitokwithyouifIobtain the answer and get back to you?” •Someobjectionsarenotbereadilyapparent.Apossibleindicatorofanobjectionisanegativeresponseor comment. Careful questioning may be required to determine if an objection exists.•Respond to an objection before you continue sharing the Gospel. Otherwise, they will not listen.Here are some common objections. Verbal responses are italicized, and includes scripture to support the response. If God is so good, why is there evil in the world?Thereare3reasons:man’sfreewill,hissinfulnature,andtheinfluenceofSatan.Everylivingpersonhasafree will—whichistheabilitytomaketheirowndecisionsinlife.Inaddition,humanshaveasinfulnaturewhichstrives against God.“There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:10“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23ThethirdcomponentistheinfluenceofSatan(the“godofthisage”andthe“poweroftheairwhoworksinthesonsof disobedience”).ItisSatanwhoinfluencesandmanipulatesdarkenedmindsvialiesthatalignwiththedesiresoftheir sinful nature.“Butevenifourgospelisveiled,itisveiledtothosewhoareperishing,whosemindsthegodofthisagehasblinded, whodonotbelieve,lestthelightofthegospelofthegloryofChrist,whoistheimageofGod,shouldshineonthem.”2 Corinthians 4:3-4“AndyouHemadealive,whoweredeadintrespassesandsins,inwhichyouoncewalkedaccordingtothecourseof thisworld,accordingtotheprinceofthepoweroftheair,thespiritwhonowworksinthesonsofdisobedience, amongwhomalsoweallonceconductedourselvesinthelustsofourflesh,fulfillingthedesiresofthefleshandofthe mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” Ephesians 2:1-3Considerthefollowingtruth.Everywar,everybattle,everyskirmish,everymurder,everyargument,everycaustic wordspoken,andeverysin—beganasadelusionalliefromthefatheroflies.JesussaidofSatan:“Hewasa murdererfromthebeginning,anddoesnotstandinthetruth,becausethereisnotruthinhim.Whenhespeaksalie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44Christians are intolerant to abortion/gay rights.Haveyoueverheardoftheidiom“Don’tkillthemessenger?”Itmeansdon’tgetangryatorpunishsomeonewhois simplydeliveringundesirablenews.Forintruth,itisnotChristianswhoareintolerant—itisGodwhoisintolerant towards murder and homosexuality.Godspecificallystated“Youshallnotmurder.”(Exodus20:13)Abortioniscomprisedofmurderingasmalland innocentlivinghumanbeing.Assuch,baseduponGod’sword,anyattempttojustifymurderbecauseofone’s personal rights or freedoms…is based upon a delusional lie.Inaddition,Godwasveryspecificregardinghomosexualbehavior.“ThereforeGodalsogavethemupto uncleanness,inthelustsoftheirhearts,todishonortheirbodiesamongthemselves,whoexchangedthetruthofGod forthelie,andworshipedandservedthecreatureratherthantheCreator,whoisblessedforever.Amen.Forthis reasonGodgavethemuptovilepassions.Foreventheirwomenexchangedthenaturaluseforwhatisagainst nature.Likewisealsothemen,leavingthenaturaluseofthewoman,burnedintheirlustforoneanother,menwith mencommittingwhatisshameful,andreceivinginthemselvesthepenaltyoftheirerrorwhichwasdue.”Romans 1:24-27Being a good person is all that matters.ThisisacommonmisperceptionthatdoesnotcoincidewithGod’sword.Thisisoftenduetothefactthatitisdifficult for us to fully comprehend what is meant by the holiness of God. His holiness is:•Absolute, perfect, distinct, and separate from man.•His nature and character.•Unattainable by man’s efforts because of our unholy sinful nature.Besides,ifitwaspossibleforsomeonetoachieveGod’sstandardofholiness,thelifeanddeathofJesuswouldhave been useless. However:•“No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You.” 1 Samuel 2:2•“But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags.” Isaiah 64:6•“There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:10•“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23•“Ifwesaythatwehavenosin,wedeceiveourselves,andthetruthisnotinus.Ifweconfessoursins,Heis faithfulandjusttoforgiveusoursinsandtocleanseusfromallunrighteousness.Ifwesaythatwehavenot sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10•“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23•“Forbygraceyouhavebeensavedthroughfaith,andthatnotofyourselves;itisthegiftofGod,notofworks, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9Churches are after money.Therearesomechurchesyoushouldavoid;andtherearesomechurchesthathaveplacedtheirfaithandtrustinGod meetingtheirfinancialneeds.However,pastors(onoccasion)muststillremindthefaithfulofGod’smandate(and spiritual importance) of tithing.Besides,financiallysupportingyourchurchisaverygoodandimportantthingtodo.However,itisimportanttonote thatitisGod’sdesirethatwhenonegives,theygiveduetojoy,thankfulnessandthedesiresoftheirheart—andnot outofobligationorwithreluctance.“Soleteachonegiveashepurposesinhisheart,notgrudginglyorofnecessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7There is more than one way to Heaven.Thisperceptionisoftenduetothefactthatwearelivinginanageoftolerance,andwithsocialnormsthatdeclare you can “believe in anything you want to believe.” However, this is far from the truth of God’s word.Jesussaid,“Enterbythenarrowgate;forwideisthegateandbroadisthewaythatleadstodestruction,andthere aremanywhogoinbyit.Becausenarrowisthegateanddifficultisthewaywhichleadstolife,andtherearefew who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6ThewordsofJesusChristdeclareHeisthenarrowgateandtheonlypathtoGodandeternallife.Inotherwords, becauseofoursinandbecauseofGod’sholiness,theonlywaytoestablisharelationshipwithGodisthroughHis Son—whocoversoursinwiththebloodthatHeshedwhenHewascrucifiedonthecross.GodwillonlyacceptHis Sonasapaymentandcoveringforoursins.Hewillnotacceptanyothersacrificeforoursinsbecausenothing comparestowhatHisSonaccomplished.CanyouidentifyanythingmorevaluabletoofferGodasapaymentofour sins, other than“The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”? John 1:29“Knowingthatyouwerenotredeemedwithcorruptiblethings,likesilverorgold,fromyouraimlessconductreceived bytraditionfromyourfathers,butwiththepreciousbloodofChrist,asofalambwithoutblemishandwithoutspot.He indeedwasforeordainedbeforethefoundationoftheworld,butwasmanifestintheselasttimesforyouwhothrough HimbelieveinGod,whoraisedHimfromthedeadandgaveHimglory,sothatyourfaithandhopeareinGod.”1 Peter 1/18-21There are errors in the Bible.Therearetimeswhensomeonewillinterpretaverseorwordsoutofcontextanddeclareitasanerror.Assuch,it importantto“drilldown”andidentifythespecificscripture,textorwhateverissupportingtheirperceptionofabiblical error.Sometimes,thistypeofresponseissimplyanopinion,oradeflection,andisnotsupportedbyanyspecifics.The only way to determine if this perception is real or unfounded is to ask for specifics.Iwouldverymuchliketounderstandwhatyouaresaying.Canyoupleaseprovidemewithspecifics?Whatinthe Bible is incorrect? •If they provide you with a specific “error” in the Bible:oIf you are aware of this misunderstanding, answer it directly.oIfyouarenotaware,itisbesttodocumentwhattheysay,researchthetopicandmeetwiththemagainto explain the truth (and share the scriptures below).•If they do not provide you with specifics, share the scripture below.“Knowingthisfirst,thatnoprophecyofScriptureisofanyprivateinterpretation,forprophecynevercamebythewillof man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20-21“AllScriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod,andisprofitablefordoctrine,forreproof,forcorrection,forinstructionin righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17“ForthewordofGodislivingandpowerful,andsharperthananytwo-edgedsword,piercingeventothedivisionof soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12Christians are hypocrites.TheonlytimeJesusChristdemonstratedrighteousangeriswhenHewasdirectlydealingwithreligioushypocrites.Forexample,HeturnedoverthemoneychangertablesintheTempleanddeclaredtothem:“Itiswritten,‘Myhouse shallbecalledahouseofprayer,’butyouhavemadeita‘denofthieves.’”HealsodirectlyconfrontedtheJewish religiousleadersbydeclaringtheirhypocrisy—whichisdocumentedinMatthew23.Hereareacoupleofexamplesof what Jesus said for all to hear.“Woetoyou,scribesandPharisees,hypocrites!Foryoucleansetheoutsideofthecupanddish,butinsidetheyare fullofextortionandself-indulgence.BlindPharisee,firstcleansetheinsideofthecupanddish,thattheoutsideof them may be clean also.” Matthew 23:25-26“Woetoyou,scribesandPharisees,hypocrites!Foryouarelikewhitewashedtombswhichindeedappearbeautiful outwardly,butinsidearefullofdeadmen’sbonesandalluncleanness.Evensoyoualsooutwardlyappearrighteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Matthew 23:27-28Likeyou,Jesusdisapprovedhypocriticalbehavior,andchidedtheminpublicforalltohear.Andyes,intruthevery churchhasmembersthatmaydemonstratehypocriticalbehavior.Thisisinevitablebecausethechurchisfilledwith peoplewhohaveapropensitytomakemistakes(likeyouandme).However,manyinthechurchareactivelyseeking togrowinChristandovercometheirfaults.Thisperceptionofhypocritesinthechurchisakintosomeonewalking intoahospitalandcomplaining“Therearesickpersonsinhere!”Inaddition,mostChristianchurcheswillhavea “core”ofbelieverswhotrulyseekJesusChrist;desiretoeliminateanybehaviorthatdoesnotalignwiththecharacter ofJesus;andwillinglyyieldtotheHolySpiritwiththeintentofdoingeverythingpossibletoexemplifyHimintheir lives.Christian persecution.Thisisarealconcern.Satanandhisminionswilldoeverythingpossibletokeeppeopleindarkness,anddiminishthe lightofJesus.Assuch,Christianshavebeenpersecutedforalmost2,000years—andisbecomingmoreprevalentas we enter into the last days.Christianpersecutionrangesacrosstheglobefromsocialrejectiontodeath.Manyarenotawareofthechallenges facedbyChristianslivingincountrieswherepunishmentisjustified(andinsomecountriesmandated)for noncomplianceofgovernmentorreligiouslaws.Inaddition,itiscommoninsomecountriesfornon-Christiansto eithertrapaChristianintosayingordoingsomethingconsideredacrime,ortheywillmakeanaccusationbasedupon a lie. Here are examples of Christian persecution that occurs in different countries today.North KoreaImprisonment & torture who do not worship the nation’s leader.AfghanistanChristians are rejected by family or killed.SomaliaIslamist group al-Shabab will kill a suspected Christian.SudanConverting from Islam to Christianity is punishable by death. PakistanChristian women and children are targets of abuse.EritreaMany Christians have been attacked, tortured, and imprisoned.LibyaIslamic converts risk being killed. Evangelism and Bibles are illegal.IraqPublic executions of Christians by Isis have occurred.YemenTribal leaders & al-Qaida kidnapped and killed Yemeni Christians.IranChristians are treated as second-class citizens. IndiaChristians who convert from Hinduism are attacked; homes destroyed.Assuch,anobjectionbaseduponfearofpersecutionisreal,accurateandtruebecausetheirlifemaybeindangerfor expressingfaithinJesusChrist.ChristianpersecutionhasexistedsinceJesuswalkedonearth,andwillcontinue until He returns.EarlyChristianslivingunderseverepersecutionwoulddrawthissymbolasaclandestine means to identify themselves as a Christian, or to convey a meeting place to worship. Jesus warned of persecution and described the associated blessings of persecution.“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10“Iftheworldhatesyou,youknowthatithatedMebeforeithatedyou.Ifyouwereoftheworld,theworldwouldlove itsown.Yetbecauseyouarenotoftheworld,butIchoseyououtoftheworld,thereforetheworldhatesyou.RememberthewordthatIsaidtoyou,‘Aservantisnotgreaterthanhismaster.’IftheypersecutedMe,theywillalso persecute you.” John 15:18-20“Blessedareyouwhenmenhateyou,andwhentheyexcludeyou,andrevileyou,andcastoutyournameasevil,for theSonofMan’ssake.Rejoiceinthatdayandleapforjoy!Forindeedyourrewardisgreatinheaven,forinlike manner their fathers did to the prophets.” Luke 6:22-23Manybelieverswholiveinfreesocietiesdonotfullycomprehendwhatitislikeforabrother/sisterinChristtolive underthethreatofpersecution;fortheyarealightthatshinesinabsolutedarkness.What’smore,theirfaithrequires acompletedisengagementfromself-preservation;andanabsolutedependenceuponGod,Hisword,andHis promises—for“Eyehasnotseen,norearheard,norhaveenteredintotheheartofmanthethingswhichGodhas prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9SummaryThereisanindescribablefeelingandjoyontheinsidewhenweareusedbytheHolySpirittosharetheGospelof JesusChrist—especiallywhenwewitnessthe“harvest”ofsomeonewhoisboundbysindiscoverthepowerofGod’s grace and love, and are radically changed.ItisimportanttobesensitivetotheurgingandguidanceoftheHolySpirit.Therewillbetimeswhenyouencounter someoneandthoughtsofsharingtheGospelwillenterintoyourmind.Inaddition,youwillalsoexperienceawelling upofcompassionforthispersonfromdeepwithinyourbeing.Thisiswhenyouneedto“internally”prayfortheHoly Spirit’sassistance,andfortheheartofthepersonyouarespeakingwith.Ifyoudonotknowthempersonally,getto know them before you share the Gospel. Regardlessoftheresponse,askthemtoattendyourchurch,abiblestudy,oraplannedChristiangettogether.ProvideaBibleorthelinktoBibleGateway—whichoffersdifferentversionsoftheBibleandinmultiplelanguages (https://www.biblegateway.com/).Ifappropriate,youmayalsoprovidecontactinformation.And,iftheyarewilling, pray over them before they depart.Remember…youareareflectionofJesusChrist—asJesusChristwasareflectionoftheFather.Jesussaid,“Youare thelightoftheworld.Acitythatissetonahillcannotbehidden.Nordotheylightalampandputitunderabasket, butonalampstand,anditgiveslighttoallwhoareinthehouse.Letyourlightsoshinebeforemen,thattheymay see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 All for His Glory!Harold D. ThomasBible Study Thought-Provoking QuestionsThepurposeofthequestionsistofacilitateadeeperunderstandingoftheBible,thisBiblestudytopicandourselves.Thequestionsmaybeansweredbyeachreader,orusedbyaBiblestudygroupleaderorchurchpastor.The following questions should be answered or discussed after reading “How to Share the Gospel.”Therearetwotypesofquestions:lessonandopinion.Lessonquestions(precededbyanumber)areprovidedan answer.Opinionquestions(precededbyan“O”)aredesignedtoenhancelearningviathedeterminationofopinions and/or discovering how the lesson content illuminates our personal lives. As such, no answers are provided. Questions1.What is the definition of gospel, and what does the Gospel of Jesus Christ mean?OWhy would someone want to share the Gospel with someone else?OWhensharingtheGospel,isitappropriatetorelycompletelyuponone’spersonalskills,attributesand capabilities? If no, why not?O Who should they seek assistance and guidance from?O What should be the condition of their heart?OWhat should a Christian do from an interpersonal perspective before they share the Gospel with someone?O Why is it important to listen to and get to know the person?O What is the relevance of being sensitive and empathetic?O What are the potential consequences of being judgmental or condemning?O What can a Christian do to facilitate being non-judgmental, and convey empathy and compassion?2.What are the 4 foundational truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?OWhy is it important to support each foundational truth with scripture?3.What are the 4 conceptual things a person should express during a “sinner’s prayer.”OShould all prayers follow specific words, or should they simply speak from the heart? Explain.4.Whatarethe4differenttypesofsoildescribedbyJesusintheParableoftheSower,andwhatwerethe physical and spiritual meaning of each type of soil.OIs it possible for the seed to initially fall on bad soil, but eventually produce a good crop? Explain.OWhat is the spiritual concept of planting, watering and harvesting?OWhat is meant by God’s word will never return void?5.List the 5 things a Christian should never do when sharing the Gospel.6.List the 5 things a Christian should do when sharing the Gospel.7.The lesson states objections should be viewed from a positive perspective. What was the reasoning stated?OHave you encountered objections to the Gospel in the past? What happened? Is there room for improvement?OHave you experienced/seen persecution for your faith? If yes, how do you minimize the threat of persecution?8.What are some of the thoughts and feelings a Christian may experience prior to sharing the Gospel?9.What can a Christian do to properly prepare their heart moments before they share the Gospel.10.Who is responsible for the spiritual enlightenment and salvation of a person?OWhat is the role and function of a Christian when they share the Gospel?Answers1.Gospelmeans“goodnews.”SothegospelofJesusChrististhegoodnewsthatHeprovidedameansforthe forgivenessofsinsforallwhobelieve.JesusChrist—wholivedasinlesslife—diedonthecrossandshedHis blood as the one, only, worthy, and perfect sacrifice to God as an atonement for our sins.2.Godlovesus.WeareseparatedfromGodbecauseofoursin.GodsacrificedHisSonasameanstorestore ourrelationshipwithHim.RestorationoftherelationshipbeginswhenwebelieveJesusChristtookthe punishment for our sins when He was crucified on the cross.3.Admittheyareasinner.Askforforgivenessandexpressawillingnesstoturnawayfromtheirsin.Statetheir belief Jesus dies for their sins. Receive Jesus into their heart and life.4.(1)Waysideisastonygroundwithnoearthtogerminatetheseed,andwhereSatancomesimmediatelytotake awaythewordthatwassownviacontinuanceofsinning.(2)Stonygroundwherethereissomeearthto germinateseedandthewordisreceived,butthewordisquicklychokedoutbyalackof“rootinthemselves” andwilldisengagebecauseoftribulationsorpersecution.(3)Amongthorns.Thereissufficientearth,but surroundedbythornswhichgrewupquicklyandchokesspirituallifebecauseofthecaresofthisworld, deceitfulnessofriches,andthedesiresforotherworldlythings.(4)Goodgroundthatsupportshealthy productive crop of fruit for all to benefit from.5.Neverjudge,becondescending,speakanegativewordregardinganyreligion/government/person,getpulled into an argument, nor describe specific details of your sin prior to knowing Jesus.6.AlwaysdependupontheHolySpirit;expressgenuineheart-felthumility,meekness,empathy,andlove,share howGodhaschangedyoufromwithin,refertoscripturetosupportwhatyousay,answerobjectionsbeforeyou continue the Gospel message.7.Objections provide an opportunity to convert misinformation into facts, and lies into truth.8.AnurgingandguidancebytheHolySpirit,adesiretosharetheGospel,awellingupofcompassionforthe person. 9.InternallyprayfortheHolySpirit’sassistanceandtheheartoftheperson.RememberaChristianisareflection of Jesus Christ—as Jesus was a reflection of the Father.10.The Holy Spirit.You may download a PDF version of the questions by clicking on this button.Can you think of someone who may benefit from this lesson? 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The words of Jesus Christ are in red text.
ImportantNote:Youshouldfirstread“4Spiritual TruthsThatDetermineWhereYourSoulWillSpend Eternity” before reading this lesson.IntroductionApersonwillfeeldifferentontheinsidewhentheymakea decisiontoacceptJesusChristastheirSavior.Asthey realize they are forgiven:•Theweightandburdenofsinseemstoliftfromtheir shoulders.•Theyexperienceanindescribablepeaceandjoy deep within the heart.•Sometimesemotionsareexpressedintheformof tears(especiallyiftheyhavebeenresistingGod’s calling).•God’sgraceandlovebeginstoreplacehatredand anger.•Prideandself-centerednessdeclinesashumilityand empathy increases.•Theybegintoseetheworlddifferently,becausethe darknesstheywereoncelivingin(andcontrolledby) has been illuminated by the light of Jesus Christ.Thistransformationexemplifiesanewspiritual birth—beingbornagainfromspiritualdeathtospirituallife bytheSpirit—whichJesusdeclaredisrequiredtoseethe Kingdom of God. Jesus said:•“Mostassuredly,Isaytoyou,unlessoneisborn again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 •“Mostassuredly,Isaytoyou,unlessoneisbornof waterandtheSpirit,hecannotenterthekingdomof God.Thatwhichisbornofthefleshisflesh,and thatwhichisbornoftheSpiritisspirit.Donot marvelthatIsaidtoyou,‘Youmustbebornagain.’”John 3:5-7“AndyouHemadealive,whoweredeadintrespasses andsins,inwhichyouoncewalkedaccordingtothe courseofthisworld,accordingtotheprinceofthepower oftheair,thespiritwhonowworksinthesonsof disobedience,amongwhomalsoweallonceconducted ourselvesinthelustsofourflesh,fulfillingthedesiresof thefleshandofthemind,andwerebynaturechildrenof wrath, just as the others.” Ephesians 2:1-3“ButGod,whoisrichinmercy,becauseofHisgreatlove withwhichHelovedus,evenwhenweweredeadin trespasses,madeusalivetogetherwithChrist(bygrace youhavebeensaved),andraisedusuptogether,and madeussittogetherintheheavenlyplacesinChrist Jesus,thatintheagestocomeHemightshowthe exceedingrichesofHisgraceinHiskindnesstowardus inChristJesus.Forbygraceyouhavebeensaved throughfaith,andthatnotofyourselves;itisthegiftof God,notofworks,lestanyoneshouldboast.Forweare Hisworkmanship,createdinChristJesusforgoodworks, whichGodpreparedbeforehandthatweshouldwalkin them.” Ephesians 2:4-10What’smore,wewanttosharethisexperiencewith others.Althoughpalebycomparison,itissimilartoour humandesiretosharewithotherswhenwefind somethingnewandwonderful:anewrecipe,restaurant, movie,placetogo,andsoforth.However,sharingour born-againexperiencewithsomeoneisquitedifferent becausetheGospelofJesusChristoperateswithinthe spiritual realm, and is eternal.The Gospel of Jesus ChristGospelmeans“goodnews.”SothegospelofJesus ChrististhegoodnewsthatHeprovidedameansforthe forgivenessofsinsforallwhobelieve.JesusChrist—who livedasinlesslife—diedonthecrossandshedHisblood astheone,only,worthy,andperfectsacrificetoGodas an atonement for our sins.Forweareallsinnersindesperateneedofforgiveness, and a restoration of our relationship with God.“Forthewagesofsinisdeath,butthegiftofGodis eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23Jesussaid,“ForGodsolovedtheworldthatHegaveHis onlybegottenSon,thatwhoeverbelievesinHimshould notperishbuthaveeverlastinglife.ForGoddidnotsend HisSonintotheworldtocondemntheworld,butthatthe world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17“IfyouconfesswithyourmouththeLordJesusand believeinyourheartthatGodhasraisedHimfromthe dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9Jesussaid,“Iamtheresurrectionandthelife.Hewho believesinMe,thoughhemaydie,heshalllive.And whoeverlivesandbelievesinMeshallneverdie.”John 11:25-26Jesussaid,“Iamtheway,thetruth,andthelife.Noone comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6Thosewhoplacetheirhope,belief,faith,andtrustin JesusChrist—inwhatHedidforusonthecross—are forgivenfortheirsinsandarejustified:blameless, vindicated and acceptable to God.“BeingjustifiedfreelybyHisgracethroughtheredemption thatisinChristJesus,whomGodsetforthasa propitiationbyHisblood,throughfaith,todemonstrateHis righteousness,becauseinHisforbearanceGodhad passedoverthesinsthatwerepreviouslycommitted,to demonstrateatthepresenttimeHisrighteousness,that Hemightbejustandthejustifieroftheonewhohasfaith in Jesus.” Romans 3:24-26Sharing the GospelSimilartothephysicalbirthofaninfant,anewborn-again Christianmustfirstcrawlbeforetheycanwalk,andwalk beforetheycanrun.Andsimilartoatoddlerwhowill oftenfalldownastheyfirstattempttostandupfroma crawlingposition,ayoungChristianmayalsofalldown whenattemptingtoshareJesusChristwithsomeone.Thisisoftenduetoarelianceuponourownskills, attributesandcapabilities—becausethisishowwe interacted with the world when we lived in darkness. ItisimportantforeveryChristiantounderstandthe followingspiritualtruth.Overcomingthechallengesand roadblockscreatedbySatanandhisminionswillnot occurbyhumanskills,attributes,capabilities,andsheer will.Butrather,itoccurswithinthespiritualrealm—forit isonlytheHolySpiritwhocandirectlyinfluence someone’sheartandchangeitfromwithin.TheHoly Spirit:•Is our Helper.•Dwells with us and in us.•Teaches us all things.•Brings scripture to the forefront of our mind.•Is the one who convicts of sin.•Declares righteousness and judgment.•Guides us into all truth.•Glorifies Jesus Christ.JesusspokeoftheHolySpiritpriortoHisdeathonthe cross.“IfyouloveMe,keepMycommandments.AndIwillpray theFather,andHewillgiveyouanotherHelper,thatHe mayabidewithyouforever—theSpiritoftruth,whomthe worldcannotreceive,becauseitneitherseesHimnor knowsHim;butyouknowHim,forHedwellswithyouand will be in you.” John 14:15-17“ButtheHelper,theHolySpirit,whomtheFatherwillsend inMyname,Hewillteachyouallthings,andbringtoyour remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26“AndwhenHehascome,Hewillconvicttheworldofsin, andofrighteousness,andofjudgment:ofsin,because theydonotbelieveinMe;ofrighteousness,becauseIgo toMyFatherandyouseeMenomore;ofjudgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” John 16:8-11“However,whenHe,theSpiritoftruth,hascome,Hewill guideyouintoalltruth;forHewillnotspeakonHisown authority,butwhateverHehearsHewillspeak;andHe willtellyouthingstocome.HewillglorifyMe,forHewill take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” John 16:13-16Assuch,sharingJesuswithsomeonemustbe foundationallybaseduponacompletedependenceupon theHolySpirit,andawillingheartthatisfilledwithGod’s love,grace,mercy,peace,andcompassionforthosewho areunawaretheyarelivinginsinanddarkness,anddo not know the truth.TheApostlePaulwasaperfectexampleofourneedto relyupontheHolySpiritwhenwesharetheGospel.Paul lackedspeakingskills,anddependedupontheHolySpirit to guide him in what to say.“AndI,brethren,whenIcametoyou,didnotcomewith excellenceofspeechorofwisdomdeclaringtoyouthe testimonyofGod.ForIdeterminednottoknowanything amongyouexceptJesusChristandHimcrucified.Iwas withyouinweakness,infear,andinmuchtrembling.And myspeechandmypreachingwerenotwithpersuasive wordsofhumanwisdom,butindemonstrationoftheSpirit andofpower,thatyourfaithshouldnotbeinthewisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5Pauldidnotrelyuponhiswisdom,andsimplyspokeof JesusChristandHimcrucified.Hispoorinspirit condition(weakness,fearandtrembling),combinedwith hiscompleterelianceupontheHolySpirittospeak throughhim,resultedinthedemonstrationoftheSpirit andofpower—allwiththeintentofdirectingthelistener’s faith towards God.“Butthewisdomthatisfromaboveisfirstpure,then peaceable,gentle,willingtoyield,fullofmercyandgood fruits,withoutpartialityandwithouthypocrisy.Nowthe fruitofrighteousnessissowninpeacebythosewho make peace.” James 3:17-18Thereisanindescribablefeelingthatoccurswhenweare ledbytheHolySpirittospeaklifeandtruthintosomeone whoisspirituallydead.What’smore,wordsseemtoflow fromourinnermostbeing.Jesussaid,“Hewhobelieves inMe,astheScripturehassaid,outofhisheartwillflow rivers of living water.” John 7:38WhensharingtheGospelofJesusChristitisalso importanttobesensitiveandempathetic,andneverbe judgmentalorcondemning.Christiansareforgivenby God’sgraceandmercy.Graceisreceivingwhatwedo notdeserve,andmercyisnotreceivingwhatwedo deserve.Assuch,noChristianhastherighttojudgeor condemnsomeone—forthisistheresponsibilityofthe HolySpirit(whileonearth),andJesusChristduringthe final judgment.Jesussaid,“Judgenot,thatyoubenotjudged.Forwith whatjudgmentyoujudge,youwillbejudged;andwiththe measureyouuse,itwillbemeasuredbacktoyou.And whydoyoulookatthespeckinyourbrother’seye,butdo notconsidertheplankinyourowneye?Orhowcanyou saytoyourbrother,‘Letmeremovethespeckfromyour eye’;andlook,aplankisinyourowneye?Hypocrite!Firstremovetheplankfromyourowneye,andthenyou willseeclearlytoremovethespeckfromyourbrother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5Tofacilitatenon-judgmentalsensitivity,empathyand compassion,itishelpfultorememberwhatwewerelike beforeweacceptedJesusChristasourSaviorand Lord—includingourtransitionfromdarknesstolight.For example:•Weweredrivenbyourself-centeredsinfulnature and fleshly desires.•Wejustifiedoursinbyrepositioningordeflectingthe truth.•Wewereunwillingtohonestlyevaluateoursinand all of the consequences.•Wecouldnotseenorunderstandthatwewereheld in darkness by lies.•Wewereunawarethatweneededhelptoovercome and change who we were. However,asthelightofGodbegantoilluminatewhatwas hiddeninthedarkness,webegantoseethetruthandwe begantochangefromwithin.Thisiswhenwefirst developedadisdainforoursinaswedevelopeda curiosityandinterestinseekingGod.Thisisalsothe pointintimewhenourhealingbeganandwebecamea member of a new spiritual family. A New Spiritual FamilyJesussaid,“ForwhoeverdoesthewillofMyFatherin heavenisMybrotherandsisterandmother.”Matthew 8:50Thereisanaspecttoourdesignthatisuniquetoallliving organisms,inthatwearethoughtfulabouttheopinions otherpersonshavetowardsus,andhowweare perceived.Wewantto“fitin,”beaccepted,and respectedamongstfamily,friends,workassociates,and socialgroups.Thisaspectofourdesignisimportantin thatitfacilitatessocialinteraction.Unfortunately,this aspectofourdesigncanhavenegativeconsequences.Forexample,whenweneedacceptanceandapproval from others:•Ourperceptionofself-worthcanbecomedependent upon the opinions of others.•Wearemoreeasilymanipulatedbythosewhomwe seek acceptance and approval.•Itcanbecomemoredifficulttodisengageand disconnect from our prior life of sin.•It is not what God desires for us.WhensharingtheGospel,itispossibleforsometofeel intimidatedorthreatenedbecauseofpossiblerejection, condemnation,castigation,anddenouncementbyfriends andfamilymembers.However,thosewhoarebornagain areadoptedintoanewspiritualfamily:thefamilyofGod.Thisfamilyisuniqueinthatmembersnolongerneed approvalfromman—butseekstopleaseGod,desiresto proclaimHistruthtoanyonewhowilllisten;andsupports oneanotherinGod’sunconditionallove,mercyand grace.“Butyouareachosengeneration,aroyalpriesthood,a holynation,Hisownspecialpeople,thatyoumay proclaimthepraisesofHimwhocalledyououtof darknessintoHismarvelouslight;whooncewerenota peoplebutarenowthepeopleofGod,whohadnot obtainedmercybutnowhaveobtainedmercy.”1Peter 2:9-10“Now,therefore,youarenolongerstrangersand foreigners,butfellowcitizenswiththesaintsand membersofthehouseholdofGod,havingbeenbuilton thefoundationoftheapostlesandprophets,JesusChrist Himselfbeingthechiefcornerstone,inwhomthewhole building,beingfittedtogether,growsintoaholytemplein theLord,inwhomyoualsoarebeingbuilttogetherfora dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22“ForasmanyasareledbytheSpiritofGod,theseare sonsofGod.Foryoudidnotreceivethespiritofbondage againtofear,butyoureceivedtheSpiritofadoptionby whomwecryout,‘Abba,Father.’TheSpiritHimselfbears witnesswithourspiritthatwearechildrenofGod,andif children,thenheirs—heirsofGodandjointheirswith Christ,ifindeedwesufferwithHim,thatwemayalsobe glorified together.” Romans 8:14-17“BeholdwhatmanneroflovetheFatherhasbestowedon us,thatweshouldbecalledchildrenofGod!Therefore theworlddoesnotknowus,becauseitdidnotknowHim.Beloved,nowwearechildrenofGod;andithasnotyet beenrevealedwhatweshallbe,butweknowthatwhen Heisrevealed,weshallbelikeHim,forweshallseeHim asHeis.AndeveryonewhohasthishopeinHimpurifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:1-3Asanewborn-againChristianmatures,theywillrealizea largepercentageofnon-Christiansareprimarilyself-centeredandlackaltruism(aselflessconcernforthewell-being of others). This enlightenment facilitates:•Areductioninthedependenceuponopinions, acceptance and approval from others. •A realization that the only One who matters is God. AnotherconcernwhensharingtheGospelisbeing perceived as a hypocrite. Hypocrisy is defined as:•Claimingtohavemoralstandardsorbeliefstowhich one’s own behavior does not conform.•Whensomeonedoessomethingtheytellothersnot to do.Mostculturesviewahypocriteasafraud,aliar,not trustworthy,andmentallyunstable.Becauseofthis, personsprefertoavoidplacingthemselvesinsituations wheretheymaybeperceivedasbeingahypocrite.Unfortunately,becauseofoursinfulnature,itisvirtually impossibleforanyonetoliveupentirelytotheirownmoral code.Assuch,thosewhojudgeothersasbeing hypocritesareusuallyhypocritesthemselves(butare unaware of their condition).However,thereisasinisterdimensionofHypocrisyinthat itisadelusionallie,hasacausticinfluenceuponour perception, and is used as a demonic means to:•Circumvent a Christian from sharing the Gospel.•Convince a non-Christian to reject the truth.FromtheChristian’sperspective,werecognizeour weaknessesandfailures,weunderstandwearenot perfect,andweknowweareforgiven.However,our shortcomingsmaybeleveragedagainstuswhenwe attempttoshareJesusChristwithsomeone.For example,aChristianmayexperienceaccusatorythoughts whengivenanopportunitytoshareJesusChrist,suchas “HowcanIsharemyfaithbaseduponhowIjustacted(or howIhaveactedinthepast)?Ifeellikeahypocrite!”Thismisdirectedperceptionmakesitmoredifficultfora Christiantowitnesstosomeonebecauseittransitionsour thoughtsinwardandawayfromproclaimingGod’slove, grace and mercy.Satan and his minions will use lies to:•Remind believers of their sin.•Sowdoubtsoftheirsalvationintotheirheartsand minds.•Createaperceptionoftheirunworthinessofbeinga member of God’s family.•MisdirectthemessageofGod’sgrace,mercy,love, and faithfulness. Fromthenon-Christian’sperspective,humansare uniquelydesignedwithanabilitytocomparewhatone saysversustheirbehavior.Assuch,non-Christianswill oftenlookforhypocriticalbehaviorthatdoesnotalignwith aChristian’sprofessedfaith.Onceaninconsistencyis identified,thenon-Christian’sperceptionofChristian hypocrisyservesasameanstoholdthemunderthe bondageoftheirsin,andjustifytheirrejectionofdeclared truth. Satan and his minions will use lies to:•Harden the hearts of non-Christians.•Causenon-ChristianstoperceiveChristianfaithas delusional.•Maintain darkness, control, and bondage to sin.•Justify rejecting Jesus Christ.4 Foundational TruthsSharingtheGospelofJesusChristiscomprisedofthe following 4 foundational truths:1.God loves us.2.We are separated from God because of our sin.3.GodsacrificedHisSonasameanstorestoreour relationship with Him.4.Restorationoftherelationshipbeginswhenwe believeJesusChristtookthepunishmentforour sins when He was crucified on the cross.Itisimportanttonotethateachfoundationaltruthmustbe supportedbyscripture.ForitisthepowerofGod’sword thatbreaksthroughinternalbarriersandthehardened heart of one who is living in sin.“ForthewordofGodislivingandpowerful,andsharper thananytwo-edgedsword,piercingeventothedivisionof soulandspirit,andofjointsandmarrow,andisa discernerofthethoughtsandintentsoftheheart.”Hebrews 4:12Suggestedwordstosayareitalicized,andallspoken words must be supported by scripture that follows.God loves us!Godlovesyouandwantsyoutoexperiencepeaceand life.Jesussaid,“ForGodsolovedtheworldthatHegave HisonlybegottenSon,thatwhoeverbelievesinHim shouldnotperishbuthaveeverlastinglife.ForGoddid notsendHisSonintotheworldtocondemntheworld,but thattheworldthroughHimmightbesaved.”John3:16-17We are separated from God because of our sin.Godgaveussimplerulestoliveby:the10 Commandments.Failuretoobeytheseareasin.For example,theeightcommandmentstates“Youshallnot steal.”Haveyoueverstolensomethinginyourlife?The ninthcommandmentstates“Youshallnotlie.”Haveyou everlied?Ifyesyouhavecommittedsinsthathave separated you from God and are in need of forgiveness.Godisholy.Butbecauseofoursin—whichdoesnotalign withGod’swillanddesireforus—weareseparatedfrom havingarelationshipwithHim.What’smore,oursin resultsspiritualdeathwhilewearealive,andeternal death after we die.“ForallhavesinnedandfallshortofthegloryofGod.”Romans 3:23“Forthewagesofsinisdeath,butthegiftofGodis eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23God provided a means to restore our relationship with Him.God’slove—expressedbythecrucifieddeathofHisSon, JesusChrist,bridgesthegapofseparationbetweenus andGod.“WhoHimselfboreoursinsinHisownbodyon thetree,thatwe,havingdiedtosins,mightlivefor righteousness.” 1 Peter 2:24Believe Jesus Christ took the punishment for our sins by His sacrificial death.Theforgivenessofoursins,andtherestorationofour relationshipwithGod,isassimpleasbelievinginwhat JesusChristdidforasapropitiationofoursins: appeasingthewrathofGodtowardsoursinsand restoring our relationship with Him).“Forbygraceyouhavebeensavedthroughfaith,andthat not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8“ButasmanyasreceivedHim,tothemHegavetheright to become children of God.” John 1:12Hereisasimpleparablethatassistsintheunderstanding of what Jesus Christ did for us.Apersoncommittedacrime,wasfoundguilty,andwas standingbeforethejudgeawaitingthesentence.The judgedeclared“Forthecrimeyoucommitted,youwill receive10lashings.”Meanwhile,inthebackoftheroom, stoodaquietfigurewhowalkedforward,approachedthe benchandsaid,“Yourhonor,Iwillreceivethe10 lashings.Althoughthispersonisguilty,Iwillgraciously receivethepunishmentthatisdue,andfulfillthe obligation because of the crime that was committed.” Inasimilarmanner,weareguiltyofsinsagainstGodand aredestinedtoreceivetheconsequencesforour wrongdoings.However,becauseofourfaithinwhat JesusChristdidforus(byreceivingthepunishmentfor oursinsasHediedonthecross)—weareeternally forgiven. However,Jesusdidmuchmoreforallwhobelieve.He rosefromthedeadthreedaysafterHiscrucifixion, presentedHimselftohundredsasproof,andthentook His place at the right hand of God.“ChristdiedforoursinsaccordingtotheScriptures,and thatHewasburied,andthatHeroseagainthethirdday accordingtotheScriptures,andthatHewasseenby Cephas,thenbythetwelve.AfterthatHewasseenby overfivehundredbrethrenatonce,ofwhomthegreater partremaintothepresent,butsomehavefallenasleep.AfterthatHewasseenbyJames,thenbyalltheapostles.ThenlastofallHewasseenbymealso,