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Cam Abell Evangelism Training Material 1

The document outlines the principles of effective evangelism, emphasizing the biblical and practical reasons for Christians to engage in evangelism. It defines evangelism as the act of proclaiming the good news of Christ's death and resurrection, with the intent for individuals to respond in faith. Additionally, it highlights the importance of a clear understanding of the gospel message and how God desires people to respond to it through faith in Christ.

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32 views32 pages

Cam Abell Evangelism Training Material 1

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PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE EVANGELISM

WHY SHOULD THE CHRISTIAN BE CONCERNED ABOUT EVANGELISM?

Because of the biblical reasons:

1. God is interested in people:

He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. But He needed to go through Samaria. So He came
to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar . . . (John 4:3-6).

2. God is interested in people who are not interested in Him:

A woman of Samaria came to draw water . . . then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it
that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with
Samaritans (John 4:7-9).

3. God is interested in people who are not interested in Him, initially not because of what they
can do for Him, but because of what He can do for them:
Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give
me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water . . . Whoever
drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never
thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into
everlasting life” (John 4:10-14).

4. Christ indicates that reaching out to people is a basic issue of true discipleship:
Follow me and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).

5. Evangelism is foundational to Christ’s command for His followers to make disciples:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you
(Matthew 28:19-20).

Because of the practical reasons:

6. Many people involved in evangelism are “people-driven” in their approach. They focus so
much on influencing people, they neglect to follow biblical principles in relating to them.

7. Many people involved in evangelism are “method-driven” in their approach. They focus so
much on a method, they neglect to evaluate their method by the standard of scripture.

8. Either extreme can result in abuses in evangelism leading to unhealthy practices that leave
both believers and nonbelievers with a negative view of evangelism.

9. Therefore, we must be “Bible-driven” in our approach to evangelism. We must discern

what the Bible says about reaching non-Christians and apply these principles in reaching
them. If we’re going to be effective, we must give attention to several areas.

1. The concept of “evangelism” comes from two New Testament words:

a. The noun (εύαγγέλιον) which literally means “good news.”
b. The related verb (εύαγγελίζω) which literally means to “announce good news.”
(Source: A Greek English Lexicon of the New Testament and other Early Christian
Literature by Bauer, Arndt and Gingrich, pp. 317-318.)

2. Evangelism has its basis in the noun “gospel”:

a. It refers to the “gospel of the kingdom” of Christ (Matt. 4:23; 9:35; 24:14; Mark 1:14).
And Jesus went about all Galilee. . . preaching the gospel of the kingdom.
b. It refers to the good news of the person and work of Jesus Christ.
(1) It refers to the “gospel of Christ” (Mark 1:1; Rom. 15:19; 1 Cor. 9:12, 18a; 2 Cor.
2:12; 9:13; 10:14; Gal. 1:7; Phil. 1:27; 1 Thess. 3:2; 2 Thess. 1:8) indicating its
association with Him.
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
(2) It refers to the “gospel of God” (Rom. 1:1; 15:16; 1 Thess. 2:2, 8, 9; 1 Pet. 4:17)
indicating it originated from Him and is about Him.
Paul . . . called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God . . . concerning His Son
Jesus Christ.
(3) It refers to “my gospel” (Rom. 2:16; 16:25; 2 Tim. 2:8) and “our gospel” with Paul
(2 Cor. 4:3; 1 Thess. 1:5; 2 Thess. 2:14) indicating his strong identification with
the message.
God will judge the secrets of men . . . according to my gospel.
Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
(4) It refers to the “truth of the gospel” (Gal. 2:14; Col. 1:5) indicating its accuracy.
They were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel.
(5) It refers to “the gospel” without further designation (Matt. 26:13; Mark 1:15; 8:35;
10:29; 13:10; 14:9; 16:15; Acts 15:7; 20:24; Rom. 1:9, 16; 10:16; 11:28; 1 Cor.
4:15; 9:14, 18b, 23; 15:1; 2 Cor. 4:4; 8:18; 11:4; Gal. 1:6, 11; 2:2, 7; Eph. 1:13;
3:6; 6:15, 19; Phil. 1:5, 7, 12, 16 or 17, 27; 2:22; 4:3, 15; Col. 1:5, 23; 1 Thess.
2:4; 1 Tim. 1:11; 2 Tim. 1:8, 10; Philemon 13; Rev. 14:6) indicating it was well
known by the believing community.
Wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world . . .

3. Evangelism has its basis in the verb meaning “announce good news”:
a. The verb refers to bringing a message of “good news” to someone (Matt. 11:5; Acts
13:32; Rom. 10:15; 1 Thess. 3:6; Heb. 4:2; 1 Pet. 1:25).
Timothy has . . . brought us good news of your faith and love.

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b. The verb refers to “proclaiming the good news” about Jesus Christ.
(1) It refers to the good news of the coming of Christ (Luke 1:19; 2:10).
I am Gabriel . . . and was sent to . . . bring you these glad tidings.
(2) It refers to John the Baptist’s preaching about the coming Messiah (Luke 3:18).
With many other exhortations he preached [the gospel] to the people.
(3) It refers to Jesus (Luke 4:18, 43; 7:22; 20:1) or His followers (Luke 9:6) preaching
the gospel about Himself, sometimes concerning the kingdom (Luke 8:1; 16:16)
prior to His death and resurrection.
He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.
(4) It refers to His followers preaching the gospel about Christ following His death
and resurrection (Acts 8:12, 25, 40; 14:7, 15, 21; 16:10; Rom. 1:15; 15:20; 1 Cor.
1:17; 9:16, 18; 15:1; 2 Cor. 10:16; 11:7; Gal. 1:8, 9, 11; 4:13; Rev. 14:6).
And they were preaching the gospel there.

4. In 1 Corinthians 15, both the noun and the verb are used by Paul (in v. 1) to introduce his
explanation of the gospel (given in vv. 3-8):
v. 1 Now I make known to you, brethren, [I am making manifest to you]
the gospel [the good news I will now describe]
which I preached to you . . . [this is not new, you’ve heard me say it before]
v. 2 by which also you are saved . . . [delivered from sin’s penalty]
unless you believed in vain. [the object of your faith was without basis]
v. 3 For I delivered to you [at a previous time]
as of first importance [first in prominence, priority]
what I also received . . . [Gal. 1:12 says through direct revelation from Christ]
Christ died [on the cross]
for our sins [in our place, as our substitute]
according to the Scriptures [as predicted in Old & New Testament]
v. 4 He was buried [which proves His death]
v. 5 He was raised [and remains risen today]
on the third day [as predicted in the Old and New Testament]
according to the Scriptures [as promised in the Old and New Testament]
He appeared [or “was seen” – which is absolute proof that He was raised]
to Cephas [the outspoken one who denied Him prior to His death]
to the Twelve [the selected group who ran from Him prior to His death]
v. 6 to more than five hundred brethren [because they became believers]
at one time [so this was not a vision or some hallucination]
most of whom remain until now [are eyewitnesses who can verify this]
v. 7 to James [His brother who became a believer and leader in the church]
to all the apostles [all of His official representatives]
v. 8 to me also [former Jewish enemy who now preaches this message to Gentiles]

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5. What then, is the “gospel”?
a. Two verbs in 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 outline the gospel as revealed by Christ to Paul:
Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead.
b. This is one of the most comprehensive passages outlining the historical elements of
the gospel in the New Testament. (See Acts 13:26-34 for another one.)
c. It is a response to the One who is the focus of this message by which a person is
“being saved” (1 Cor. 15:2). The verb tense reflects the continuing and progressive
aspect and influence of the gospel in the life of the one who believes!

6. What then, is evangelism?

a. The word evangelism comes from the verb form of the noun gospel. It refers to
proclaiming the good news about Christ’s death and resurrection to pay for sin.
b. Since the New Testament messengers proclaimed this message with the desire for
individuals to respond in faith, we can propose this definition of evangelism:
Evangelism is presenting the message that Christ died for sins and rose from the dead
with the intent for the hearer to come to faith in Christ.

7. Why is a clear understanding of this message so important?

a. The message concerns the fact of Christ’s death and resurrection for sin.
b. The message is objective — it is about Christ and what He did.
c. The message is not subjective — it is not about what one “experiences” when he
responds to the message.
d. This is the message that Christ revealed to Paul (Gal. 1:12).
e. This message is to be clearly presented and carefully guarded (Gal. 1:6-7).

1. God wants people to respond to Him as a person (Heb. 11:6):

He who comes to God must believe that He is.

2. God wants people to respond to Him in faith (Heb. 11:6):

Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and
that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

3. God wants people to respond to the One “whom He has sent”:

a. The basis for this response focuses on the character of God as revealed in the person
of Christ — who He is, what He offers, and how God asks people to respond to Him.
b. The Gospel of John is unique in developing this theme since it is the one book in the
New Testament specifically written to explain how eternal life is obtained (20:30-31).

c. In John, 34 times Jesus is presented or presents Himself as the source of “life” (i.e.
1:4; 3:36b; 5:24b, 26, 29, 40; 6:33, 35, 48, 51, 63; 8:12; 10:10; 11:25; 14:6; 20:31)
I am the resurrection and the life (11:25).
d. In John, 16 of these occurrences are specifically qualified as “eternal life” (3:15, 16,
36; 4:14, 36; 5:24; 6:27, 40, 47, 54, 68; 10:28; 12:25, 50; 17:2, 3).
He who . . . believes in Him who sent me has everlasting life (5:24).
Note: Jesus’ promised “eternal life” to all who believe in Him. Those who say it isn’t
should consider this: If He was who He claimed to be, He knew what He was talking
about and what later biblical writers would write. Passages that appear to contradict
Jesus’ statements must be evaluated in light of His statements, not the reverse!

4. God wants people to respond to Christ in “faith” (as emphasized in the Gospel of John):
a. In John, the one response to obtain eternal life is to “believe” or “believe in” Christ:
(1) This is obvious from the purpose statement for the book in 20:30-31:
Jesus did many other signs . . . which are not written in this book; but these are written
that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may
have life in His name.
(2) This is obvious through John’s use of the verb believe (1:7; 3:12; 4:21, 42, 48, 50,
53; 5:38, 44, 46, 47; 6:30, 36, 47, 64, 69; 8:24, 31, 45, 46; 9:38; 10:25, 26, 37,
38; 9:18, 38; 10:25, 26, 37, 38; 11:15, 27, 40, 42; 12:38, 39; 13:19; 14:10, 11, 29;
16:27, 30, 31; 17:8, 21; 19:35; 20:8, 25, 29, 31).
He who believes has everlasting life (6:47).
(3) This is obvious through the use of the phrase believe in (the verb with a
preposition, most often είl) to indicate trust or dependence upon Christ alone
(1:12; 2:11, 23; 3:15, 16, 18, 36; 4:39; 5:24; 6:29, 35, 40, 47; 7:5, 31, 38, 39, 48;
8:30; 9:35, 36; 10:42; 11:25, 45, 48; 12:11, 36, 37, 42, 44, 46; 14:1,12; 16:9;
17:20).
He who believes in the Son has everlasting life (3:36).

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b. In John’s Gospel, knowledge of Christ’s deity is foundational. Bible teachers
sometimes take Latin terms from which the sequence here was originally based to mix
commitment with faith at the last item on the list. However, John’s development and
use of the verb “believe” makes things less complex (cp. 6:28-29, 40). When
agreement about who Christ is and what He provides leads to a conviction or
persuasion that God gives eternal life to those who believe in Him, the person receives
eternal life. Nothing more than simple faith or belief in Christ is required (cp. Paul’s
parallel in Rom. 4:20-21). John indicates eternal life comes to those who have:
(1) Knowledge of the person of Christ (4:10, 14, 41-42):
Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to
you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living
water . . . a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” Many more believed . . .
Then they said . . .“for we ourselves have heard [Him] and we know that this is indeed
the Christ, the Savior of the world.”
(2) Agreement about His person and work (5:36; 8:24; 11:25-26):
The works which the Father has given Me to accomplish – the very works that I do – bear
witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me . . . for unless you believe that I am [He], you
shall die in your sins . . . I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will
live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you
believe this?
(3) Belief or trust in Christ alone to save (3:16, 18; 6:40; 11:25-26):
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in
Him shall not perish, but have eternal life . . . He who believes in Him is not judged; he
who does not believe has been judged already because he has not believed in the name of
the only begotten Son of God . . .“this is the will of My Father that everyone who beholds
the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life . . . I am the resurrection and the life;
he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me
shall never die.”
5. God wants people to respond to Christ in “faith” (as evidenced in Acts and the Epistles):
a. Acts 10:43 indicates belief in Christ is the basis upon which sins are forgiven:
Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.
b. Acts 15:9 is Peter’s testimony that men’s hearts were cleansed by faith in Christ:
He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.
c. Acts 16:31 indicates how a person can be saved or delivered:
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved . . .
d. Romans 3:22 indicates that God’s righteousness comes through faith in Christ:
The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe.
e. Romans 4:5 indicates that God justifies those who believe in Him:
But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is
reckoned as righteousness.

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f. Romans 5:1 indicates that a person is declared righteous through faith in Christ:
Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
g. 1 Corinthians 1:21 indicates that God saves those who believe the message of the
cross:
God was well pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who
believe.
h. Galatians 2:16; 3:22-26 indicates that a person is justified by faith, apart from works:
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus.
The Scripture has shut up all men under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might
be given to those who believe. . . the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we
may be justified by faith . . . for you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
i. Ephesians 2:8-9 indicates a person is saved through faith and not works:
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of
God.
j. Philippians 3:8-9 indicates God’s righteousness comes through faith in Christ:
I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord . . .
not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in
Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.
k. 1 John 5:11-13 explains where eternal life is found and how it is obtained:
(a) Eternal life is free — God has given us eternal life.
(b) Eternal life is in a person — This life is in His Son.
(c) Eternal life is for those who believe — These things I have written to you who believe
in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.

6. Though people are called to “believe,” the Scriptures indicate that no one will come to faith
in Christ apart from the work of God through the Spirit and His Word:
a. John 16:8 — He [the helper, the Holy Spirit] . . . will convict the world of sin, and of
righteousness, and of judgment.
b. Romans 10:17 — So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
c. John 6:44 — No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.
d. Ephesians 2:8 — For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves, it is the gift of God.
e. Acts 13:48 — And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

1. Acknowledge that a person needs to “believe in, trust in, depend upon” or “rely upon”
Christ alone for eternal life. This is to make the issue “faith, belief” or “trust” in Christ just
as Jesus did in the Gospel of John!

2. Avoid “invitation” phrases that easily distract people from a response of faith in Christ:
a. Ask Jesus into your heart
b. Commit your life to Christ
c. Give your life to God
d. Give your heart to Jesus
e. Ask for Forgiveness
f. Accept Christ
g. Pray to Receive Christ
h. Yield
i. Surrender
j. Invite Christ into your heart
k. Confess Christ
l. Repent

3. Recognize the confusion in all of these invitations:

a. None of them clearly communicate the idea of believing in or trusting Christ.
b. They all focus on man doing something rather than trusting someone.

4. Recognize the contradiction in all of these invitations:

a. None of them clearly communicate the idea of trusting Christ.
b. They all focus on man doing something rather than trusting someone.

1. The invitation to “accept or receive Christ” is confusing and misleading. Why?

a. John 1:12 supports the view that a person must “receive Christ.” But consider, “If it
doesn’t result in a response of ‘faith’ or ‘trust in Christ’, do they have eternal life?”
John would say “No” to this question. Why is this the case?
b. In John 1:12 how the main verb “receive” is accomplished is explained by the phrase
“to those who believe in His name.” This phrase (in the form of a participle),
expresses action simultaneous with the action of the main verb “receive.” One can
only “receive Him” by “believing in Him.” Therefore, the only means of “receiving” is
“believing.” Some translations add the explanatory word “even” between the main
verb “receive” and the phrase “to those who believe in His name” to help the reader
understand what is clear in the Greek text — one must “believe” in order to “receive.”

2. The invitation to “Invite Christ into your heart” is confusing and misleading. Why?
a. Based on Revelation 3:20, the context (Rev. 1:5; 3:19) indicates that this verse is
written to believers, not non-Christians.
b. The verb with the preposition has the idea of coming “toward” not “into” [πρόσ not είl].
The offer is not to “enter into the person’s life.” It conveys Christ’s offer to enter the
church fellowship and come toward the believer. But for what?
c. The reference to “dine” or “sup” would be culturally understood as an invitation to
enjoy an intimate meal together and an offer of close fellowship. Combined with the
context and grammar in ‘b’ and ‘c’ above, it is a warm invitation from the Lord for
believers to have intimate fellowship with Himself. It is written to Christians who need
to “repent” regarding sin in their life before they can enjoy close fellowship with Christ
(cp. 3:19). This is not an invitation for “salvation” issued to nonbelievers; it is an
invitation for fellowship directed toward believers! But God is saying for that to
happen, believers must first deal wit the sin in their lives on His terms, not theirs!

3. The invitation to “confess Christ” is confusing and misleading. Why?

a. The sole use of the phrase “confess Christ” is confusing. Why?
(1) A person must “confess Christ” in the sense that they must “agree with,
acknowledge” or “admit” who Christ is and what He has done.
(2) However, simple “agreement with” or “acknowledgment of” Christ is not enough
to save someone unless it includes faith or dependence upon Christ. If the
person has not trusted Christ, they do not have eternal life!
b. The use of “confess” based on 1 John 1:9 is confusing if not understood. Why?
(1) A careful look at this passage indicates John is not discussing how a non-believer
enters into a relationship with Christ (justification). He is writing so believers may
enjoy fellowship with Christ and other believers (1:3-4).
(2) For that to happen, the believer must “abide” in Christ. (That is why the term
“abide” is used 25 times in the book.) The word means to “remain, stay at home,
to dwell.” In other words, they maintain close fellowship with Christ.
(3) But in order to have close fellowship with Christ, God requires regular confession
of sin so the believer receives “relational forgiveness” of sin.

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c. The use of “confess” or “calling on the name of the Lord” is confusing. Why?
(1) Based on Romans 10:9-13, many reader’s assume this is talking about how an
unbeliever is delivered from the penalty of sin when Paul may be explaining how
the believer is delivered from the power of sin in daily life. In Romans 10:1-5 Paul
is speaking about living a righteous life. This is consistent with Paul’s words
noting righteous living is only possible through the power of the gospel and
righteous living avoids the wrath of God (Rom. 1:16-18).
(2) Why raise this distinction? If Paul’s intent is to explain how a non-believer is
delivered from the penalty of sin, he is requiring a physical act (“confessing with
the mouth” or “calling on the name of the Lord”) to be combined with faith as the
means of justification. If so, it is the only place in Paul’s writings where he adds
anything to faith as the sole means of justification! It also contradicts everything
else Paul and other writers say about justification through faith in Christ alone.
(Refer to pages 5-7 for examples.) So this demands the question, “Is there
perhaps another way to understand Romans 10:9-13?”
(3) Based on the book’s flow of thought and context, “Yes!” In Romans, Paul views
“salvation” from three perspectives: immediate deliverance from sin’s penalty at
the moment of faith in Christ (Rom. 3-5); growing deliverance from sin’s power in
daily life through growth in Christ (Rom. 6-8, cp.5:8-10); and ultimately
deliverance from sin’s presence as the believer stands before Christ in a glorified
body (cp. Rom. 8:29-30).
(4) If the believer who has already been justified (5:9), shall be saved by His life (5:10),
is it not possible that Paul is using “saved” and “salvation” in the sense of
“deliverance from or through a particular situation” – in this case deliverance from
the damaging influence of sin in the daily walk of the believer? (Note a non-
justification use of deliverance in other places (2 Cor. 1:6; Phil. 1:19; 2:12; Heb.
9:28; 11:7).
(5) The context of Romans 10:1-14 supports the idea that Paul is talking about
deliverance from sin’s influence or power in everyday life and not justification.
Note that earlier, Paul warned the believer, “if you are living according to the flesh,
you must die” (Rom. 8:13)! How is the Christian “saved” or find “salvation” or
deliverance from such a plight? Romans 10:10-14 explains there are two
requirements:
(a) First, one must be justified through belief in Christ (10:10a; cp. 4:5; 5:1).
(b) Second, the believer must “confess” or acknowledge Christ in his daily walk
(10:10b). The connectives “for” go on to explain that “whoever believes on
Him will not be put to shame” (10:11); “for” the Lord “is rich to all who call
upon Him” (10:12); for “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be
saved” (10:13). This is “calling on the Lord” for help in daily life so one is
delivered from the influence of sin and able to live a victorious Christian life.
(6) What seems to seal this view is the conclusion of the sequence where Paul says
one cannot “call” for this help until they have first “believed” (10:14)! In doing so,
Paul makes a distinction between the two. Such “calling” upon God is used of
believers who call upon the Lord in times of crisis or during their daily spiritual
walk (Acts 7:59; 9:14, 21; 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Tim. 2:22). This is the “salvation” Paul
desires for his people Israel who stumbled and sought righteousness by works,
not by faith (cp. 9:30-33 with 10:1-4).

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4. The invitation to “repent” is confusing and misleading. Why?
a. The English words “repent” and “repentance” are related to the Greek words, μετά (in
some contexts meaning “after”) and νοέω (a verb noting thinking, considering). The
noun “repentance” (μετάνοια) means “a change of mind” and its related verb “repent”
(μετανοέω) refers to the action of “changing one’s mind.”
b. Jesus and John the Baptist called Israel to repentance in light of the offer of the
promised Messiah’s coming kingdom: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”
(Matt. 3:1-12; 4:17; Mark 1:14-15; 2:17; 6:12: Luke 3:1-9). Using two current events
Jesus predicted rejection of Him as king would lead to a calamitous death (Luke 13:1-
5), the fall of Jerusalem at the hands of the Romans in A.D. 70 (Matt. 23:37-39).
c. When the apostle John writes about repentance in Revelation, he indicates that
believers (Rev. 2:5, 16; 3:3, 19) and non-believers (Rev. 9:20-21; 16:9, 11) will
experience God’s temporal discipline or judgment if they don’t repent. Collectively,
these terms and contexts indicate “repentance is the decision to turn from sin to avoid,
or bring to an end, God’s temporal judgment.” (See page 59 in Harmony with God by
Zane Hodges, whose thoughts have influenced my thinking on this subject).
d. It is striking that neither the noun (μετάνοια) nor the verb (μετανοέω) are used in
John’s gospel, the one book written to explain how a person receives eternal life (John
20:30-31). In contrast, the verb “believe” is used 96-98 times in the book! (The
number depends on which English text you read.) The unmistakable conclusion is
that repentance is not the requirement to obtain eternal life, but believing in Christ is!
e. So how does repentance relate to the issue of how a person obtains eternal life?
(1) Since repentance can be used without a stated object, the focus of the
repentance is determined by the context (Acts 17:30):
God . . . commands all men everywhere to repent.
(2) Repentance is distinct from faith but can be connected with faith (Acts 20:21):
Testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith in our Lord
Jesus Christ.
(3) Paul interprets John the Baptist’s call to repentance: It was preparatory in nature
and designed to direct his audience to belief in Christ (Acts 19:4):
John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who
was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.
(4) Therefore, repentance can be used to prepare a person’s heart to respond to
Christ in faith. You see an example of this with Cornelius, whose heart was ready
to believe in Christ (Acts 10:1-48;11:1-18 cp. 11:18):
God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.
f. Note that there are passages in Acts directed toward Jews close to the ministry of
Christ who rejected Him as Israel’s Messiah. To these Jews who later “believed” in
Christ, God required repentance and baptism in the “name of the Lord” before He
granted them “relational forgiveness”and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Seeing this pattern
in Acts 2:36-41; 8:12-17; 9:1-19; 19:1-6; 22:1-16 removes the tension many bible
students have had in trying to understand these passages (see Hodges, pp. 77-107).
Apart from this unique, not to be repeated situation, everywhere else Paul’s answer to
the question “What must I do to be saved” is consistent and clear (cp. Acts 16:31).

1. Remember, God desires all men to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:1-4).
v. 1 I urge that entreaties (and) prayers, petitions (and) thanksgivings, [specific prayers]
be made on behalf of all men, [God wants us to pray for everyone]
v. 2 for kings, and all who are in authority, [especially those who influence others]
in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life [so we may live in peace]
in all godliness and dignity. [in a manner that promotes godliness]
v. 3 This is good and acceptable [this is pleasing]
in the sight of God our Savior, [to God and Christ]
v. 4 who desires all men to be saved [He desires all to come to salvation]
and to come to the knowledge of the truth. [and to recognize truth as truth]

2. But God also commands you to communicate truth in a gentle manner (2 Tim. 2:24-26)!
v. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel [argue, fight, dispute]
but be gentle to all, [to all, whether believer or unbeliever]
able to teach, [able to communicate truth as truth]
patient, [so you don’t get in the way of the message]
v. 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, [to truth]
if God perhaps will grant them repentance, [God must grant the change of mind]
so that they may know the truth, [recognize truth as truth]
v. 26 and that they may come to their senses [as a result of repentance]
and escape the snare of the devil, [because in bondage to error]
having been taken captive by him, [captive by the enemy]
to do his will. [to do what Satan wants]

3. Remember, God must provide an open door for you to share Christ (Col. 4:2-4).
v. 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, [be consistent and diligent in prayer]
keeping alert in it [be focused as you pray]
with an attitude of thanksgiving; [maintaining a thankful heart]
v. 3 praying at the same time for us as well, [remembering us as you pray]
that God may open up to us a door for the word [provide an opportunity]
so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, [about His person and work]
v. 4 in order that I may make it clear [open, manifest when I speak]
in the way I ought to speak. [appropriate for the situation]

4. But God also commands you to walk through that door with wisdom (Col. 4:5-6)!
v. 5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom [display good common sense]
toward outsiders, [those outside of the faith community]
making the most of the opportunity. [take advantage of any opportunity]
v. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, [display undeserved favor in your speech]
seasoned, as it were with salt, [insert words that create greater interest]
so that you may know how you should respond [based on their receptivity]
to each person [as an individual]

Unfortunately, this is often one of the most neglected areas of study and application when dealing
with the subject of evangelism. It is also very critical! Why? God is not just concerned with what
you say, He is concerned with how and when you say it! What principles will enable you to
approach nonbelievers with wisdom — and might cause them to be more receptive?

1. Learn to be spiritually opportunistic (Colossians 4:2-6) [See page 12, pts. 3-4].
a. You display wisdom by being sensitive to opportunities God may bring for an “open
door for the word” (cp. v. 3).
b. You display wisdom by adjusting your speech to each individual (v. 6).

2. Start from the other person’s perspective, not yours (I Corinthians 9:19-22).
v. 19 For though I am free from all men, [I am in bondage to no one, however]
I have made myself a slave to all, [I willingly submit myself to other’s needs]
that I might win the more; [I have the goal of “winning them over” to God’s view]
v. 20 to the Jews I became as a Jew, [I adapted to their perspective]
that I might win Jews; [so I might win them]
to those who are under the law, as under the law [I adapted to their perspective]
that I might win those who are under the law; [so I might win them]
v. 21 to those who are without law, as without law, [I adapted to their perspective]
that I might win those who are without law; [so I might win them]
v. 22 to the weak, I became as weak, [I adapted to their perspective]
that I might win the weak. [so I might win them]
I have become all things to all men, [I have adapted to their perspective]
that I may by all means save some. [so I might win them]
This means you must be committed to:
a. Accept them (as they are, regardless of their background).
b. Adapt to them (because of their background).
c. Appeal to them (by building a bridge based on their background).

3. Use discernment to disarm others (Matthew 10:16).

v. 16 Behold, I send you out as sheep [gentle, defenseless creatures]
in the midst of wolves; [vicious creatures who want to devour you]
therefore [in view of this hostile atmosphere]
be wise as serpents [sensible, prudent]
and harmless as doves. [pure, nonthreatening]
This means you must remember that:
a. You minister in an openly hostile atmosphere.
b. You must balance shrewdness with a harmless demeanor to “disarm” people.

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4. Use questions that encourage people to interact with spiritual truth (Matthew).
a. Jesus used questions with His followers:
(1) Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? (6:25)
(2) Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? (6:27)
(3) And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in
your own eye? (7:3)
(4) O you of little faith, why did you doubt? (14:31)
(5) Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am? (16:13)
(6) But, who do you say that I am? (16:15)
(7) For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what
will a man give in exchange for his soul? (16:26)
b. Jesus used questions with the crowds:
(1) What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what
did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? (11:7-8)
(2) Who is My mother and who are My brothers? (12:48)
c. Jesus used questions with those who opposed Him:
(1) Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, “Your sins are
forgiven you,” or to say, “Arise and walk”? (9:4-5)
(2) Why do you transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? (15:3)
(3) What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He? (22:42)
Note: The gospels record almost 300 questions asked by Jesus. If those which are
repeated are removed, it leaves almost 100 different questions!

5. Use interaction to engage others in conversation.

a. Acts 17:2 — Then Paul as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned
with them from the Scriptures.
b. Acts 17:17 — Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile
worshipers.
c. Acts 18:4 — And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and
Greeks.
d. Acts 18:19 — But he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
e. Acts 19:8 — And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning
and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.
f. Acts 19:9 — But when some were hardened . . . he departed from them and withdrew . . .
reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.
g. Acts 24:25 — Now as he reasoned . . . Felix was afraid.

6. Don’t argue when others disagree (2 Tim. 2:24-25). [Please see page 12, pt. 2.]
a. In the midst of conversation and interaction differences become obvious.
b. It is important that you respond graciously so you don’t hinder the opportunity God
might give you to share biblical truth.

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7. When needed — back off (Acts 19:9).
But when some were hardened . . . he departed from them and withdrew.
8. Obtain permission before “unloading” your message.
a. Acts 13:14-16 (cp. 13:16-41) — They went into the synagogue on the Sabbath and sat down
. . . and the rulers . . . said to them, “If you have any word of exhortation for the people, say
on.” Then Paul stood up . . . and said . . .
b. Acts 17:17-19 (cp. 17:22-32) — Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and
with the Gentile worshipers . . . And they took him and brought him to the Aeropagus, saying,
“May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak?” Then Paul stood in the midst
of the Aeropagus and said . . .
c. Acts 21:39-40 (cp. 22:1-21) — Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus . . . and I implore you,
permit me to speak to the people”. . . So when he had given him permission, Paul stood . . .
And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language.
d. Acts 22:30-23:1 (cp. 23:1-8) — He . . . commanded the chief priests and all their council to
appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them. Then Paul . . . said.
e. Acts 24:10 (cp. 24:10-21) — Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak,
answered.
f. Acts 25:22-26:1 (cp. 26:1-23) — Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the
man myself” . . . at Festus’ command Paul was brought in . . . Then Agrippa said to Paul,
“You are permitted to speak for yourself.” So Paul . . . answered for himself.
g. Acts 28:21-23 (cp. 28:22-24, 30-31) — Then they said to him,“we desire to hear from you
what you think” . . . so when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging,
to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them
concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets . . . Then Paul dwelt two whole
years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him . . . preaching the things
which concern the Lord Jesus . . . no one forbidding him.

9. If God gives you the opportunity to speak, pray for boldness (Acts 4:29-31).
“Grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak your word” . . . and when they had
prayed . . . they spoke the word of God with boldness.

10. Recognize that you can learn to use questions and interaction effectively:
a. To discern a person’s interest in spiritual things in a tactful, nonthreatening way
b. To increase the desire for the person to listen
c. To obtain permission to go farther in the conversation
d. To move the conversation toward spiritual subjects

1. Begin by praying that God will provide an “open door” for the gospel (cp. Col. 4:2-4).

2. Don’t start by talking, ask questions that encourage them to talk (cp. Jesus).

3. Engage in ordinary, everyday, non-threatening, casual conversation that usually revolves

around three main subjects (cp. Matt. 10:16):
a. Where they’re from (local or from out of town?)
b. What they do (student or professional person?)
c. Who they know (family or close friends?)
Note: If they're receptive to you as a person, that may provide an opportunity to talk about
spiritual things. If they're not receptive to you as a person, you may need to back off!

AS TIME PASSES DURING THE CONVERSATION . . .

SECULAR
û SPIRITUAL
û KEY QUESTIONS
û GOSPEL ^

ALLOW IT TO FLOW FROM SECULAR TO SPIRITUAL SUBJECTS.

4. As you converse be sensitive to natural opportunities you may have to smoothly move the
conversation to spiritual things based on something they already said (cp. 1 Cor. 9:19-22):
a. Them: “I lost my best friend in a car accident last week.” [Or] “My wife walked out on
me.” [Or] “My company downsized and I lost my job.”
You: “That’s horrible, how are you handling that?”
b. Them: “I’m not handling things very well, but a friend at church is praying for me.” [Or]
“With all the turmoil in the world, I don’t know what to expect next.” [Or] “I’m
still trying to find peace in my life.”
You: “I know what you mean. Some people find comfort in their faith.”

5. As you converse and listen, ask questions based on something they said that moves the
conversation more directly to more important spiritual issues (cp. Col. 4:5-6):
a. “Have you ever stopped to think about how spiritual factors may relate to that?”
b. “Based on what you said, are you interested in spiritual things?“
c. “That’s an interesting statement, what is your spiritual background?”
If their perspective is less “religious” in nature, consider questions like these:
d. “Where did the world you see come from . . . Why do you think you are here?”
e. “How do you think you should live . . . How is that approach working for you?”
f. “What do you think happens to you after you die . . . How do you know . . . What if you
are wrong?”

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6. Ask specific questions that may enable you to present the gospel (cp. Col. 4:5-6):
a. May I ask you a very personal question? (This tells them you want to get “personal.”)
b. Have you come to the point spiritually where you know you / would go to heaven [or]
have a relationship with God / have eternal life / or, are you somewhere along the way?
Note: If they say, “I don’t believe in heaven” say, “If it were possible to know God in a
personal way, would you like to know how?” and follow that thought with each version
of the questions that follow. (This tells you whether or not they think they’ll “make it,”
regardless of their belief system.)
c. If you died and God were to ask you, “Why should I let you / into heaven / [or] have a
relationship with Me / have eternal life / what would you tell Him? (This tells you what
they are depending on to reach their goal.)
d. Has anyone ever shown you from the Bible how you could know you’d go to heaven /
[or] have a relationship with God / have eternal life? (If they say “Yes,” say, “Can you tell
me what they told you?” They are likely confused if you got to this question!)
e. If I could show you how you could go to heaven / [or] have a relationship with God /
have eternal life / would that interest you? (You seek their permission to go for it!)
f. Now the perspective I’d use to discuss that comes from the Bible. Are you comfortable
talking with me about that?
g. “Would you like me to do that?”
Note: When you run into individuals who say, “Oh, I don’t believe there is a heaven” don’t
make a big deal out of it, just calmly rephrase the question, replacing heaven with a
statement like “a personal relationship with God,” or “obtain eternal life.” Remember,
Colossians 4:5-6 indicates the need to know how “to respond to each one.”

SO, AS TIME PASSES DURING THE CONVERSATION . . .

SECULAR
û SPIRITUAL
û KEY QUESTIONS
û GOSPEL ^

“TAKE” THEM AS FAR AS GOD HAS PREPARED THEM TO GO!

7. Clearly dialogue with them about the gospel (as explained on the following pages).
Note: The important point in all of this is to use wisdom by being sensitive to the person
and sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is doing in the person’s life at this point in time. If God
has prepared their heart, He may use your conversation to help the person become more
aware of their need to hear the good news of Christ. This illustrates how God takes the
essential work of His Spirit, blends it with the involvement of a human messenger, and
allows the messenger to introduce individuals to a relationship with Christ. Wow! What a
wonderful, mysterious work! What a privilege to be a part of this process!

Once an individual is open and receptive to hear the gospel, what will you say? How will you
package what you want to say and how will you present it? Are there some guidelines you should
consider in evaluating your method? Based on the biblical principles that have been addressed,
would you agree that an effective presentation should include these elements?
1. There are practical elements an effective gospel presentation should include:
a. It should be based on the Scriptures.
b. It should be simple so that you can remember it.
c. It should be presented according to the receptivity of the prospect.
d. It should involve interaction with the person not preaching at the person.

2. There are biblical elements an effective gospel presentation must include:

a. It should address the fact that the person is a sinner (Romans 3:23).
b. It should address the fact that the penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23).
c. It should address the fact that Christ died for sinners (Romans 5:8).
d. It should address the fact that God requires a person to place faith in Christ, apart from
any human effort, for eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-9).

3. There are benefits from taking the time to learn and use a biblically-balanced method.
a. It ensures consistency — you know what you will say because you know it well.
b. It enhances clarity — you have a basic structure for your presentation.
c. It encourages conversation — you learn where to adapt and allow for interaction.
d. It enables you to be more casual — because you know what you want to say.

Question — [From page 17, pt. 6] If I could show you how you could know your sins are
forgiven and you could go to heaven, would that interest you? (Pause) May I do that?
Introduction — You’ve probably heard jokes or stories where people say “I’ve got some bad
news and I’ve got some good news.” I’d like to use that approach to discuss this with you. The
bad news is about you and me, the good news is about God. I’d like to have you read some
verses and then interact with you about them. Is that okay? (Pause) Can you read small print?
(Pause) If so . . . let’s start with this verse in Romans.

Here’s the Bad News:

1. All have sinned: Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
a. Ask questions to encourage their interaction with the Scriptures:
(1) According to this verse am I a sinner? How do you know?
(2) According to this verse are you a sinner? How do you know?
(3) How does this verse define “sin”?
(4) What do you think the “glory of God” means?
b. As you interact, explain and illustrate:
All have sinned because they fall short of the glory of God. The “glory of God” refers to
the character of God and what He’s like. It means that He’s perfect and we aren’t.
Let’s suppose that God said if you could jump across the widest canyon in the world
that He’d let you into heaven. You might jump farther than me, or I might jump farther
than you, but neither of us would make it, we’d both fall short. In the same way, we all
fall short of God’s standard of perfection. Even people as respected as the Pope, the
Pastor, the Priest, Billy Graham and Mother Teresa would fall short of this standard.
No matter how good or religious we are, we all have sinned. This means that I’m a
sinner, and this means you’re a sinner. Do you agree?

2. The wages of sin is death: Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death.”
a. Ask questions to encourage their interaction with the Scriptures:
(1) What are wages?
(2) What have we done according to this verse?
(3) What do you think death means?
b. As you interact, explain and illustrate:
This verse says that wages (what we earn for doing something); for sin (what we have
done); is death. Whatever you were paid for the last job, day or week you worked were
your wages. You did the job, you deserve the wage. This verse says the payment for
sin is death. Since death in the first part of the verse is placed in contrast to eternal life
in the second part of the verse, it is talking about eternal death here — being eternally
separated from God in a literal place Jesus called “hell.” (Pause and ask:) “If that’s all
we knew; if that’s all God told us, where would you expect everyone to end up when
the show’s over?” (If they understand, they will say “hell, separation from God or
eternal punishment.” This is important, since people who have a problem with this
message usually have a problem with the concept of eternal punishment.)

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Transition — However, there must be some good news because the rest of Romans 6:23 says,
“But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
a. Ask questions to encourage their interaction with the Scriptures:
(1) This part of the verse says eternal life is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord. Why do you
think it says that? (Draw them out – find out what they believe about Christ.)
(2) In other words, what’s so important about Jesus Christ? What do you think?
(3) Let me ask you, if God is God, could He do anything He wants?
b. Explain and illustrate: The verse says eternal life is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord. Why?
Because of who He is. “Christ” means the “anointed One” promised in the Old
Testament; “Jesus” is the Greek word meaning “Savior”; and “Lord” means that Jesus
was no ordinary man, He was God in human form. Let me diagram and illustrate what I
mean. (The points below correspond to the sequence on the diagram.)
If God is God, could He do anything He wants? Yes, except contradict or violate His
own nature. In other words, if God is light, He can’t display darkness. If God is love,
He can’t be unloving, etc. But apart from that, the sky’s the limit — if God is God He
can do anything He wants! The Bible says God is Spirit (1). If God chose to reveal
Himself to us in the person of Christ, could He do that (2)? Of course. Now if you ask,
do I totally understand that, the answer is “No!” But give God some credit, let Him be a
little bit sharper than we are!
Now let’s ask, “Who is this person Jesus Christ?” Consider four major ideas. First, the
humanity of Christ (3). Jesus Christ appeared as a man on this earth; He was 100%
man. But He was no ordinary man, He was also God. The “D” (4) stands for his deity.
Parallel to His humanity (3) is His death (5). Why? Only a man can die. But parallel to
His deity (4) is His resurrection (6). Why? Only God can have victory over the grave.
Humanity and deity describe the Person of Christ (7). Death and resurrection describe
the Work of Christ (8). You have no basis to respond to the Work of Christ if you do
not understand and accept the Person of Christ!

God is Spirit (1)

Jn. 4:24
Jn. 20:9 R (6) D (4) Jn. 8:24

His Work (8) Jesus Christ (2) His Person (7)

Jn. 1:14
Jn. 19:30 D (5) H (3) Jn. 1:14

That’s why the passage says, “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Because of who He is and what He did, there is the possibility of good news.

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Here’s the Good News:
1. Christ died for sinners: Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in
that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
a. Ask questions to encourage their interaction with the Scriptures:
(1) According to this verse, what was our problem or our condition?
(2) What does it say Christ did?
b. As you interact, explain and illustrate:
The word “for” in this verse is very important. It means “in our place, on our behalf.”
Let’s say you were dying of a blood disease and I was willing to help you. Imagine that
we had a blood transfusion and I took all of your diseased blood and you received all
of my healthy blood. What would happen to me? (Pause) I would die. What would
happen to you? (Pause) You would live. Why? (Pause) Because I would take the
disease that would lead to your death upon myself and I would die. God walked upon
this earth in the person of Jesus Christ. He lived a sinless life and qualified to pay the
penalty for sin that you deserved. He rose from the dead to prove that He was God in
the flesh. Because He died and rose from the dead, you have the offer of eternal life.
Romans 6:23 says the “wages of sin is death.” This verse says, “Christ died for
sinners.” That’s you and that’s me!

2. You are saved through faith in Christ: Ephesians 2:8–9 says, “For by grace you have been
saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should
boast.”
a. Ask questions to encourage their interaction with the Scriptures:
(1) There are three religious words in the first part of this verse. What are they?
(2) What do you think they each mean?
(3) After faith, what does the next phrase say? (Repeat two more times.)
(4) What part does human effort, activity or good works play in salvation?
b. As you interact, explain and illustrate:
There are three religious words in this verse: grace, saved and faith. Let’s start with
the middle word “saved.” Let’s imagine you’re locked in this room and it’s on fire.
You’re going to die. But the firemen come and pull you out of the room. You would be
what? (Pause) That’s right, “saved.” What’s another word for that? (Pause) Right,
“rescued or delivered.” The word “saved” means to be “rescued or delivered from the
penalty of sin.”
But how can sinners who deserve hell make it to heaven? The other two words
explain. “Grace” focuses on what God does, “faith” focuses on man’s response to what
God has done. “Grace” means “undeserved or unmerited favor.” The word “faith”
means “trust.” Just as you might trust a bridge to get you from one side of the canyon
to another, you need to trust who Christ is and what He has done to save you. It is a
response of trust in Christ as the person who qualified to die for your sin and proved it
by rising from the dead. Notice it is a “gift” and “not of works.” This means your good
life, best efforts, religious activity or baptism cannot get you into heaven. You must
trust Christ and Him alone. God is simply saying, “believe in Me — who I am and what
I have done for you in Christ. Trust Me!”

1. Determine if you want your “invitation” to be biblically consistent with your presentation!
a. Be careful not to contradict your message of “faith in Christ” (cp. Eph. 2:8-9) by asking
them to “do something” rather than “trust someone.” (Cp. pages 8-11)
b. Your invitation needs to encourage a response of “faith” in Christ. It should provide a
chance for the person (or group) to affirm they “believe in, trust in, depend upon” or
“rely upon” Christ alone as the one who died and rose from the dead. Faith is not a
decision but a persuasion (see again Rom. 4:4-5, 20-21)!

2. Encourage the individual(s) to respond by “believing in” or “trusting” Christ (John 20:30-31).
How? Ask: “Would you like to pray and tell God you are trusting Christ?” However:
a. Remind them that saying a prayer doesn’t save, Christ saves!
“Obviously, simply saying the words of a prayer can’t save anyone, it’s a response of
trust in Christ that saves you. However you can use the words of a prayer to ‘tell’ God
that you’re trusting Christ.”
b. Tell them you’d like to do two things:
“I’d like to pray for you then I’d like to pray with you. I’d like to lead you in a prayer that
you can use to tell God that you’re trusting Christ. After I pray for you, I’ll make it very
clear when you can express your trust in Christ.”
c. Lead them in prayer using the four points of the presentation outline (pp.19 & 21):
Pray for them: “Lord, thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet (name/group).
Thank you for the attention and openness they have displayed. Lord, I ask that you’d
ignite that spark of faith in his/their heart and mind. Bring him/them to the place where
he/they can repeat the words of this prayer as I lead them, as an expression of his/their
trust in Christ.”
Lead them in prayer: “Lord, I know I’m a sinner.” (In a softer tone of voice say, “Why
don’t you tell God that right now.”) “I know my sin deserves to be punished.” (“Go
ahead, tell Him that right now.”) “I believe that Christ died for my sin and rose from the
grave. I believe that He is God. Right now I am trusting Christ and Christ alone to
save me. I’m not trusting my good life, my best efforts, my religious activity, or my
baptism to get me to heaven.” (The point is to reference whatever came up in earlier
discussion that they indicated they were trusting to gain God’s acceptance.) “I’m trusting
Christ and Christ alone! Thank you for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Help me to live a life that will honor you. Amen.”

3. In a group setting, encourage those who responded to let you know without placing them
under pressure or embarrassing them. How?
a. Explain you want to know who they are: “Now as our heads are still bowed, would you
do something very simple, just as an encouragement to me?”
b. Explain how they can tell you: “If you can honestly say that today, as a part of this class
(or service), that you have understood and today placed your trust in Christ alone to
save you, would you simply look up and make eye contact with me then put your head
back down?” (Then simply say “thank you” as each one looks at you.)

1. Discern their understanding of what has taken place in their life:

a. After they indicate they have trusted Christ (through their prayer) ask:
(1) If you died right now, where would you go?
(2) If God asked, “Why should I let you into heaven?” what would you say?
b. This way, they tell you what has happened, you’re not telling them!
c. This way, you don’t assume they understood when perhaps they did not!
d. This way, you don’t leave them thinking they’re okay with God when maybe they’re not!

2. Reinforce and review what you believe has taken place in their life using Scripture:
Have them read John 5:24 then tell them you want them to focus on the verbs or “action
words” in the verse as you ask these questions:
John 5:24 — I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent me has everlasting
life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
a. Jesus says, “he who hears My word” — In context, He is talking about the fact that He
provides eternal life — Have you heard that message?
b. Jesus continues by saying “and believes in Him who sent Me” — Have you believed
what God said and trusted Christ as your savior?
c. He goes on to say that person “has everlasting life” — Does that mean later or now?
d. He then says that person “shall not come into judgment” — The word judgment means
facing eternal condemnation for sin. Does He say “might not” or “shall not?”
e. He concludes by saying “has passed from death into life” — Does that mean “has
passed” or “might pass?”

3. Explain the “Life’s Great Options” chart so you encourage them to grow in their walk with
Christ. (See page 29ff for a blank chart, template and presentation script.)
a. Your objective is to take time with those who “indicate” they have trusted Christ.
When and how much you cover will be influenced by the time and opportunity you
have with those who are receptive. Don’t push them or rush through the chart!
(Many who “profess” Christ in a first meeting will “believe in Christ” during follow-up.)
b. Strategically plan your teaching options.
(1) Give a thorough treatment of the entire chart in one longer session.
(2) Review the five verses at the bottom of the chart in the first session and finish
your overview of the rest of the chart in a second session.
(3) Present an overview of the entire chart in one session then discuss the scriptures
identified in strategic segments in more detail in subsequent sessions as follows:
• BN/GN verses at the bottom of the chart
• John 5:24 referencing 1 John 5:11-13
• Rom. 8:28-30 and 12:1-2
• John 10:9-10 and Heb. 12:5-11
• 1 Cor. 3:10-15

1. Be sure to pray as you approach others with the gospel.

a. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel (Colossians 4:2-4).
Continue earnestly in prayer . . . praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the
word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains.
b. Pray for the salvation of nonbelievers who hear the gospel (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for
all men . . . this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to
be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2. Make sure your prayers influence how you relate to people.

a. Recognize that you can develop your skill in presenting the gospel (Acts 14:1).
They [Paul and Barnabas] . . . so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the
Greeks believed.
b. Recognize that God must bring nonbelievers to a point of faith (Acts 13:48).
And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

3. This is the balance you need to pursue if you want God to use you:
a. You must work as if it all depended on you! (Because in one sense, it does. God has
commanded His disciples to proclaim the message.)
b. You must pray as if it all depended on God! (Because it does! God must bring
people to the point of faith in Christ.)

Copyright © 1997 by Good News Jail & Prison Ministry. Permission to copy this page is granted if the
page is unaltered and this copyright footer remains on each copied page. Updated September, 2020. Ch. 9 Pg. 24
IF GOD WERE TO TELL YOU WHAT HE THOUGHT OF YOU, WHAT WOULD HE SAY?
Introduction: Imagine a scene where God sat down with you and said, “I’ve got some bad news
and I’ve got some good news. The bad news is about you; the good news is about Me.”
Here’s the Bad News:
1. All have sinned: Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
All have sinned because “all fall short” of the glory of God. The “glory of God” refers to the
character of God and what He’s like. It means that He’s perfect and we’re not. Let’s suppose
that if you could jump across the widest canyon in the world that God would let you into
heaven. You’d never make it; you’d fall short. We all fall short of God’s standard of perfection.
Even people as respected as the Pope, the Pastor, the Priest, Billy Graham and Mother Teresa
fall short of this standard. No matter how good or religious you are, you have sinned!
2. The wages of sin is death: Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death.”
This verse says that “wages” (what you earn for doing something), “of sin” (what you have
done), “is death.” Whatever amount you were paid for the last job, day or week you worked
was your wages. You did the job, you deserve the wage. This verse says the payment for
sin is death. Since death in the first part of the verse is placed in contrast to eternal life in the
second part of the verse, God is talking about eternal death here — being eternally separated
from God in a literal place Jesus called “hell.” If that’s all we knew, if that’s all God told us,
where would you expect everyone to end up when they die? The answers is, “hell, separation
from God, or eternal punishment.” That is truly bad news!
Transition: However, there must be some good news because the rest of Romans 6:23
says, “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The verse says eternal life is “in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Why? Because of who He is.
“Christ” means the “anointed One” promised in the Old Testament; “Jesus” is the Greek word
meaning “Savior”; and “Lord” means that Jesus was no ordinary man; while on earth He was
God in human form. If God is God, could He do anything He wants? Yes, except contradict
His own nature. If God is light, He can’t display darkness. If God is love, He can’t be
unloving. But apart from that, the sky’s the limit; if God is God, He can do anything He wants!
The Bible says God is Spirit (1). If God chose to reveal Himself to us in the person of Jesus
Christ, could He do that (2)? Of course! Do I totally understand that? “No!” But give God
some credit, let Him be a little bit sharper than we are! Now let’s ask, “Who is Jesus Christ?”
You need to consider four major ideas: First, the Humanity of Christ (3). Jesus Christ
appeared as a man on this earth; He was 100% man. But He was no ordinary man; He was
also God. The “D” (4) stands for His Deity. In parallel to His humanity (3) is His Death (5).
Why? Only a man can die. But in parallel to His deity (4) is His Resurrection (6). Why? Only
God can have victory over the grave! Humanity and deity describe the Person of Christ (7).
Death and resurrection describe the Work of Christ (8). You have no basis to respond to the
Work of Christ if you do not understand and accept the Person of Christ!

God is Spirit (1)

Jn. 4:24
Jn. 20:9 R (6) D (4) Jn. 8:24

His Work (8) Jesus Christ (2) His Person (7)

Jn. 1:14
Jn. 19:30 D (5) H (3) Jn. 1:14

That’s why the passage says, “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Because of
who He is and what He did, there is the possibility of good news.
Copyright © 2002 by Good News Jail & Prison Ministry. May be distributed in its current, unaltered form.
Ch. 9 Pg. 25
Here’s the Good News:
1. Christ died for sinners: Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that
while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
The word “for” in this verse means “in our place, on our behalf.” Let’s say you were dying of a
blood disease and I wanted to help you. How? I would take all of your diseased blood and you
would receive my healthy blood through a blood transfusion. What would happen to me? I
would die. What would happen to you? You would live. Why? Because I would take upon
myself the disease that would kill you — I’d die in your place. Jesus Christ walked upon this
earth, lived a sinless life and qualified to pay the penalty for sin that you deserved. He rose
from the dead to prove that He was indeed God in the flesh. Because He died and rose from
the dead, you have the offer of eternal life. Romans 6:23 says the “wages of sin is death.”
This verse says, “Christ died for sinners.” That’s you and that’s me!
2. You are saved through faith in Christ: Ephesians 2:8–9 says, “For by grace you have been
saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should
boast.”
There are three religious words in this verse: “grace,” “saved” and “faith.” Let’s start with the
middle word “saved.” Let’s imagine you’re locked in a room and it’s on fire. You’re going to
die. But firemen come and pull you out of the room. You would be what? Yes, “saved.”
What’s another word for that? Rescued (or delivered). The word “saved” in this verse means
to be “rescued or delivered from the penalty of sin.”
But how can sinners who deserve hell make it to heaven? The other two words explain.
“Grace” focuses on what God does, “faith” focuses on man’s response to what God has done.
“Grace” means “undeserved or unmerited favor.” The word “faith” means “trust.” Just as you
might trust a bridge to get you from one side of that canyon to another, you need to trust who
Christ is and what He has done to save you. It is a response to Christ as a person who
qualified to die for your sin and proved it by rising from the dead. Notice it is a “gift” and “not of
works.” This means your good life, best efforts, religious activity or baptism could never get
you into heaven. You must trust Christ and Him alone. God is simply saying, “believe in Me —
who I am and what I have done for you in Christ. Trust Me!”
Response: You can place your trust in Christ right now through prayer. But saying a prayer won’t
save you; it’s trusting Christ that saves you. If you’ve never done so, you can repeat this prayer as
an expression of your trust in Christ: “Lord, I know I’m a sinner. I know my sin deserves to be
punished. I believe that Christ died for my sin and rose from the grave. I believe that He is God.
Right now I’m trusting Christ and Christ alone to save me. Thank you for the gift of eternal life
through Jesus Christ. Help me to live a life that will honor you. Amen.”
Reflection: If God asked, “Why should I let you into heaven?” what would you say? Please read
John 5:24 and focus on the verbs or “action words” as you answer these questions: “Truly, truly I
say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come
into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”
(1) Jesus says, “he who hears My word” — In context, He is talking about the fact that He is
the One who provides eternal life — Have you heard that message?
(2) Jesus continues by saying “and believes in Him who sent Me” — Have you believed what
God said and trusted (depended upon, relied upon) Christ as your Savior?
(3) He goes on to say, “has everlasting life” — Does that mean later or now?
(4) He then says, “shall not come into judgment” — The word judgment means facing eternal
condemnation for sin. Does He say “might not” or “shall not”?
(5) He concludes by saying “has passed from death into life” — Does that mean “has passed”
or “might pass”?
If you’ve trusted Christ you have eternal life! Now you need to grow to enjoy that relationship!
Copyright © 2002 by Good News Jail & Prison Ministry. May be distributed in its current, unaltered form.
Ch. 9 Pg. 26
GOSPEL PRESENTATION USING 1 JOHN 5:11-13

Introduction: Many people will say, “The Bible is too hard to understand.” I agree, there are some
sections of the Bible that are not easily understood. But there are other sections that are so clear,
they are hard to misunderstand. One example is 1 John 5:11-13 which says something very
surprising to most people. (Read 1 John 5:11-13.) It tells us:
1. Eternal life is free:
“The witness (or testimony) is this, that God has given us eternal life . . .”
• Notice he says that eternal life is something God gives.
• You can’t earn it or deserve it; buy It or produce it – it is free.
• He gives it freely! It is something God gives away!
• When you have it, you don’t get the judgment for sin you deserve.
• The reason He can do this is because He goes on to say . . .
2. Eternal life is in a person:
“And this life is in His Son. He who has the son has the life. He who does not have the Son of God
does not have the life . . .”
• God says “life” is in a person whom He calls “the Son.”
• This is a reference to Jesus Christ – the “God-Man” who walked upon this earth,
lived a sinless life, died on a cross to pay for sin, then was raised back to life.
• Can you see how clear this verse is? Either you have eternal life or you don’t; either
you have the Son of God or you don’t!
• It all depends on your relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Notice what he did not say: there is no place that can give you eternal life.
• There is no practice you can perform to earn eternal life.
• Why? Because we are all sinners and the penalty for that sin is death.
• Does this mean everyone will obtain eternal life? No! So how do you get it?
• The third simple statement explains . . .
3. Eternal life is for those who believe:
“These things I’ve written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that
you have eternal life.”
• “How could anyone know” you ask? If you had to earn it, you never could know!
• If you had to be religious, you never could know if you’ve been religious enough!
• He says when you “believe in the name of the Son of God” you can know you have
eternal life. Why?
• Because it is not based on doing something; it’s based on trusting someone.
• God can offer you eternal life because Christ gave His life to pay for your sin.
• In one sense, it appears to be simple, but it certainly wasn’t cheap! It costs God the
death of His only Son!
• God simply asks, “Will you believe Me? Will you trust what I’ve provided for you
through the death of My Son?”
• If it only requires belief in Him, a person can know they have eternal life!
• Do you have it or not? Have you placed your faith in Christ alone?

Introduction: You will sometimes hear people say, “God can do anything!” But even those who
claim to know Him are surprised to learn that the most well-known verse in the Bible is clear that
there are three things God cannot do. (Read John 3:16.) This tells us:
1. God cannot love more than He already has:
“For God so loved the world . . .”
• God, the greatest being anyone could imagine is the greatest giver of all.
• God “so” loved, meaning He loved to the greatest extent possible.
• God so loved the world, which includes everyone.
• He doesn’t say only those who go to church or keep His commandments.
• He doesn’t say just those who are religious or even love others.
• He loves the world, which means even those who are unlovely.
• He loves the world, meaning every person regardless of who they are, where they
are from or what they have done.
• That means it includes people tarnished by sin; that’s me and that’s you.
• Transition: Because God cannot love you more than He already has, that leads to
the second thing God cannot do.
2. God cannot give more than He already has:
“That He gave His only begotten (meaning the one and only unique) Son . . .”
• Genuine love is sacrificial, not just sentimental.
• Genuine love is doing what’s best for another regardless of the cost.
• Why is God’s giving necessary?
• Because we have all sinned and fall short of God’s standard of righteousness.
• We could never live-up to God’s standard but Christ did.
• He lived a sinless life; died to pay for “the sins of the world” (John 1:29) and rose
from the dead to prove that He was God in human form.
• He did for us what we could never do for ourselves.
• God can extend His love to you because Christ already paid the penalty for your sin.
• Transition: Because God cannot give you more than He already has, that leads to
the third thing God cannot do.
3. God cannot make it more simple to receive eternal life than He already has:
“. . . That whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
• Notice that this offer is available to anyone and everyone!
• This offer is available to “whoever believes in Him.”
• He didn’t say “ to those who are good, or give money, or do the best they can.”
• It is to those who simply “believe in Him,” in who He is and what He’s done.
• And notice that those who do will not perish, but “have everlasting life!”
• This means those who don’t believe will “perish” and face the penalty for their sin.
• Why? Because God provided the only way for anyone to be cleansed from sin,
declared righteous in His sight and receive eternal life as a free gift.
• He only asks that a person “believes in Him”!
• How will you respond to His offer?

Romans 8:28-30; 12:1-2

3 R’s: Blessing (John 10:9-10)

Rules
Rituals
Regulations Reward (1 Cor. 3:10-15)

Reward (1 Cor. 3:10-15)

Discipline (Heb. 12:5-11)

D L
Romans 3:23 Romans 5:8

Romans 6:23 Ephesians 2:8-9

John 5:24

8 22
3
23

4 21
3 R’s 26
5
• Rules Blessing (John 10:9-10)
2 6 • Rituals 29
7 • Regulations 15
20 28 Reward (I Cor. 3:10-15)

30
16 ― Reward (I Cor. 3:10-15)
27
25
Discipline (Heb. 12:5-11)

1 9 10 11 12
D L

X
13
Romans 3:23 Romans 5:8
14
Romans 6:23 Ephesians 2:8-9
18
John 5:24 Ch. 9 Pg. 30
Copyright © 1996 by Good News Jail & Prison Ministry. May be distributed to others in its current, unaltered form.
LIFE’S GREAT OPTIONS PRESENTATION SEQUENCE

1 — Because all have sinned and the wages of sin is death, apart from God’s intervention,
everyone is headed toward spiritual death, not spiritual life. Which side of the line people
end up on is life’s first greatest option!
2 — However, some attempt to “build a ladder” to heaven through things they do. Although
the list will vary greatly depending on their beliefs, in affect they try to please God, earn
eternal life or obtain forgiveness through good deeds or religious activity.
3 — Some may even do these activities in the context of a church. I’m not saying all church
is bad, but people can get involved in what I call . . .
4 — The 3 R’s which involves . . .
5-7— Rules, rituals and regulations. You know the idea: “Do this, do this, do this, but don’t
do that. Do this, do this, do this, but don’t ever do that.”
8 — In contrast to that, God wants us to have what I call the big ‘R’, which is a relationship
with Him through Jesus Christ.
9 — As God works in a person’s heart and they come to realize that their own efforts,
religious activity and good works can never save them from sin’s penalty, they move closer
and closer to the . . .
10 — Point where they recognize who Christ is, what He has done (He died to pay for their
sin) and they place their faith in Him.
11 — When they do, John 5:24 indicates they pass from spiritual death to spiritual life.
12 — Furthermore, John indicates that he who hears and believes, has everlasting life.
13-14 — That person is given eternal life and cannot pass from life to death. That person
will not and does not come into judgment because they have passed from death into life.
15 — So a person receives eternal life at one point in time through faith in Christ. They have
entered the Christian life. (This is the miracle of a moment.)
16 — Now God wants to talk to them about living the Christian life. (This is the task of a
lifetime.) Keep in mind, a person cannot live the spiritual life if he hasn’t entered it!
17 — God now wants this person who has entered the Christian life to enjoy a relationship
with Him. What does it take to have a good relationship with someone? It takes time and
good communication. In the same way, you need to talk to God through prayer; He wants to
talk to you through His Word, the Bible. Now, as a person grows in this relationship, God
begins to do something in their life:
18 — He begins to take out of their life the stuff [sins] that shouldn’t be there. (Ask, “What
are some things [sins] in your life God doesn’t want there?”)
19 — God also begins to put into their life the things that should be there. (Ask, “What are
some good things God wants to put into your life?”) [Get their list then quote the fruit of
the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23.]
20-22 — Now, as God takes out of your life the stuff that shouldn’t be there and begins to
put into your life the things that should be there, you will begin to grow spiritually. Do you
think this new Christian will ever struggle spiritually? Do you think life will be smooth with
no ups or downs? Of course not! If we’re honest, we all struggle. Every Christian
struggles because they still live in a body made of flesh, and flesh is subject to sin!

Ch. 9 Pg. 31
23 — However, God’s desire is that this new Christian continues to grow spiritually . . .
24 — With the goal of becoming just like Jesus Christ.
25 — Now here’s the big question everyone wants to know about. What happens if this
person struggles spiritually, and struggles and struggles so there appears to be more
negative in their life than positive? (Ask: “Where do you think this person will go when they
die?”) Well let me ask you this question: “What side of the line are they on?” (Life) How
long does eternal life last? (Forever!) How many of your sins did Christ die for? (All) So
from God’s perspective, this person has eternal life! Now, does this mean the person who
has eternal life can go out and live any way they want to with no consequences? No! The
Scripture is clear that there are consequences for how we live our lives as believers in
Christ. So maybe God has another way of dealing with a true Christian when they fall into
sin, other than just throwing them back to the death side. The Bible gives an alternative.
26 — There is blessing for obedience and growth in our relationship with Christ. John
makes it clear that the abundant life is not promised for every Christian, it is experienced by
the growing Christian. Some of the most miserable people in the world are Christians who
are living in disobedience!
27 — But Scripture also says there is discipline for those believers who get away from the
Lord and live in disobedience. God will bring discipline into the wayward Christian’s life to
motivate him to respond in confession, restoration and obedience so that he . . .
28 — Gets back to the place of growth and blessing where God wants him to be.
29 — But not only that, there are eternal consequences for the Christian. The one who
grows in his relationship with Christ will not only have blessing in this life (26), he will be
rewarded in eternity. However, for the Christian who struggles and lives in disobedience to
the Lord, there will be little fruit in his life. For this person . . .
30 — There will be loss of reward. For the Christian, these are two more of life’s great
options! Blessing or discipline, reward or loss of reward. These are great options!
REVIEW OF THE MAJOR THEMES
Now, if we step back and think about the truths reflected in the verses on this chart, we
could summarize some major important themes:
First, either you have eternal life or you don’t. You’re either headed to heaven or you’re not!
You can fool man, but you can’t fool God. He knows your heart!
Second, once God gives you eternal life, He will never “throw you back.” God gives you
eternal life and through faith in the death and resurrection of Christ, God is saying, “I love
you just the way you are! I proved that by dying for you even while you were in a state of
sin.” (Romans 5:8)
Third, God’s desire is that people pass from death to life! Once a person has eternal life,
God’s plan is for that person to grow in Christ, to take out of their life what shouldn’t be
there and put into their life what should. Through the cross God has said: “I love you just
the way you are.” Through His indwelling Spirit He says “but I love you too much to let you
stay the way you are!”
Fourth, this means there are consequences for how a Christian lives his life after trusting
Christ. Will God “throw them back” for disobedience, failure, or unfaithfulness? No, the
eternal life Jesus promised is eternal! God will never deny Himself. BUT the Christian
needs to recognize there are great options and consequences for his decisions and actions
that have a ripple effect into eternity!

Ch. 9 Pg. 32

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Cam Abell Evangelism Training Material 1

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Cam Abell Evangelism Training Material 1

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PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE EVANGELISM

WHY SHOULD THE CHRISTIAN BE CONCERNED ABOUT EVANGELISM?

Because of the biblical reasons:

1. God is interested in people:

2. God is interested in people who are not interested in Him:

5. Evangelism is foundational to Christ’s command for His followers to make disciples:

Because of the practical reasons:

9. Therefore, we must be “Bible-driven” in our approach to evangelism. We must discern

1. The concept of “evangelism” comes from two New Testament words:

2. Evangelism has its basis in the noun “gospel”:

6. What then, is evangelism?

7. Why is a clear understanding of this message so important?

1. God wants people to respond to Him as a person (Heb. 11:6):

2. God wants people to respond to Him in faith (Heb. 11:6):

3. God wants people to respond to the One “whom He has sent”:

3. Recognize the confusion in all of these invitations:

4. Recognize the contradiction in all of these invitations:

1. The invitation to “accept or receive Christ” is confusing and misleading. Why?

3. The invitation to “confess Christ” is confusing and misleading. Why?

3. Use discernment to disarm others (Matthew 10:16).

5. Use interaction to engage others in conversation.

3. Engage in ordinary, everyday, non-threatening, casual conversation that usually revolves

AS TIME PASSES DURING THE CONVERSATION . . .

ALLOW IT TO FLOW FROM SECULAR TO SPIRITUAL SUBJECTS.

SO, AS TIME PASSES DURING THE CONVERSATION . . .

“TAKE” THEM AS FAR AS GOD HAS PREPARED THEM TO GO!

2. There are biblical elements an effective gospel presentation must include:

Here’s the Bad News:

God is Spirit (1)

His Work (8) Jesus Christ (2) His Person (7)

1. Discern their understanding of what has taken place in their life:

1. Be sure to pray as you approach others with the gospel.

2. Make sure your prayers influence how you relate to people.

God is Spirit (1)

His Work (8) Jesus Christ (2) His Person (7)

Romans 8:28-30; 12:1-2

3 R’s: Blessing (John 10:9-10)

Reward (1 Cor. 3:10-15)

Discipline (Heb. 12:5-11)

Romans 6:23 Ephesians 2:8-9

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