PERSONAL EVANGELISM

1. Every Christian is to witness wherever they go in the world.

   Every Christian should see themselves as an evangelist or missionary.

   • Churches that do not evangelize become sterile. God wants each church to bear much fruit. John 15:8

     • Christ calls you to be a light to the world. Matthew 5:14, John 3:19-21

   • Christ’s love controls and compels you. 2 Corinthians 5:14

     • Christ calls you to follow Him and be a fisher of men.

       Matthew 4:19

     • We were chosen and created to please Him by bearing fruit.

       John 15:1-3

     • We were redeemed, equipped, and empowered. John 15:16, Ephesians 6:11, John 20:22, Acts 1:8

     • Our purpose and ambition should align with that of Jesus.

   Mark 8:34, John 3:17

2. Evangelism defined: Luke 19:10

   • Look for the opportunities of evangelism and harvest. John 4:35

     1. Look to the work. Matthew 9:37-38, John 5:17

     2. Look to the hour and timing. John 4:23, Luke 17:26-30

     3. Look to the sinner's condition. Psalm 9:17, Proverbs 27:20, Luke 16:19-31

   • Go in response to Jesus’ command. Mark 16:15

     1. Many Christians do not go because they are weak or un

        -discipled. Some struggle with fear or laziness.

        2 Timothy 1:7, Proverbs 6:6-9, 10:26, 26:14

     2. “Most Christians have shared the Gospel with as many people as an atheist.” Pastor Jason King

   • Tell everyone about the good news of Jesus! Mark 5:19, 16:15

     1. All believers have a testimony to share. It does not have to be long or complicated. John 4:28-29

     2. Preach the good news! Do not point fingers or condemn people in their sin. The good news will bring the conviction of the Holy Spirit, which will draw people to repentance and relationship. Romans 2:4

        DO NOT PREACH BAD NEWS!

     3. The Holy Spirit will give you the words to speak when needed. Mark 13:11

3. Tools for evangelism:

   • Love is your greatest soul-winning tool.

     Never argue, be gentle and polite.

     1. Remember that you are born of the Holy Spirit and a new creation, therefore you should be ruled by love.

        Proverbs 15:1, 1 Corinthians 13:1

     2. You are called to proclaim the Gospel. Even if you cannot answer all of the questions asked, you should be ready to explain why you believe (your testimony).

        1 Peter 3:15

   • Power and authority of Christ are imperative tools in evangelism. Acts 1:8

     i. Your words can be full of power and authority. Mark 1:22, Luke 4:30-32

     ii. Jesus rebuked demons and sickness. As believers we have the same authority in the name of Jesus. Luke 4:35,39

     Don't offer the sinner "religion", offer a relationship with Jesus.

     1. Never forget who Jesus is and what He can do. He is above every demon, sickness, and disease. Use the name and authority of Jesus. Mark 16:20, John 3:31

   • Always use wisdom in evangelism. Proverbs 11:30, James 1:5

     1. Stay in control of the conversation. Learn when to speak and when to be quiet. Matthew 10:19

     2. Conduct yourself according to Matthew 10:16; be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

     3. You must know the Word of God. 2 Timothy 2:15

4. Evangelism tips, techniques, and processes

   • Helpful hints:

     Pray before going to evangelize and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.

     1. Prepare yourself spiritually as much as possible. Be sure to deal with any unconfessed or unresolved sin in your life. 1 John 1:10

     2. Prepare your "outer man". Be all things to all men.

        1 Corinthians 9:22

     3. Always have a Bible or New Testament with you or easily accessible. Go in groups or two or three when possible. Be alert and smile!

     4. Never do all the talking. Do your best to determine where they are spiritually by prayerfully listening. Never ask a person, "Are you a Christian? Are you saved? Are you born again?” This terminology is quite possibly unfamiliar to the unbeliever. Instead ask, "Have you ever thought about where you will spend eternity?”

     5. Never have a "holier-than-thou," or arrogant

        attitude.

     6. Avoid using “Christianese,” or terminology that is

     completely unfamiliar to an unbeliever.

   • Compile evangelism verses that relate to salvation. You can and should consider writing a list of verses in the front or back of your Bible for quick reference.

   • When evangelizing, be sure to have a plan. Be direct and to the point without being overbearing or manipulative. Examples:

     1. Romans Road to salvation

        • The Human Problem Romans 3:10, 3:23, 6:23

        • Humanity’s Hope in Christ Romans 5:8

        • The Sinner’s Response Romans 10:9-13

        • The Result of Salvation Romans 5:1-2, 8:1

     2. Four Spiritual Laws to salvation

        • God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. John 3:16, 10:10

        • Humanity is tainted by sin and is therefore separated from God. As a result, we cannot know God’s wonderful plan for our lives. Romans 3:23, 6:23

        • Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for our sin. Through Jesus Christ, we can have our sins forgiven and restore a right relationship with God. Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, John 14:6

        • We must place our faith in Jesus Christ as Savior in order to receive the gift of salvation and know God’s wonderful plan for our lives. John 1:12,

          Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8-9

     3. Honor vs shame Gospel presentation

        • Story of the prodigal son. Luke 15:11–32

        • The Father loves us so much, we are called children of God. 1 John 3:1, John 1:12

        • Those who hear and believe in Jesus will not be guilty. John 5:24

        • He who believes will not be put to shame. Romans 10:9-11

   • Never ask "yes" or "no" questions. Ask questions that cause them to think and process what is being discussed. Examples:

     1. What do you think happens to people after death?

     2. Why do you think man exists?

     3. What makes things or actions right or wrong?

   • Be sure to leave a firm foundation from the Word concerning their salvation commitment. Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Peter 1:5, Ephesians 1:6

   • The decision to “repent and be saved,” and follow up.

Sinner's prayer. Make it short and simple, to be easily understood by the sinner. Then, pray a prayer thanking the Lord for saving the sinner.

The main points for salvation are:

1 - Repentance of Sin 2 - Faith in Jesus 3 - Surrender to Jesus

• Example prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. By faith I gratefully receive your gift of salvation. From today onward, I trust you as my Lord and Savior. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Please forgive me of my sins, come into my heart, and be my Savior. Thank you for giving me the gift of eternal life. I pray this in faith and in the name of Jesus, Amen.

  • It is not the prayer that saves. It is the repentance of sin and faith in Jesus that lays hold of salvation.

Follow up:

• Show the new believer the importance of the

  public profession. Matthew 10:32-33

• Stress the importance of reading the Bible daily. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 15:4, Psalm 1:2

• Teach them the importance of daily prayer and worship. Colossians 4:2, Jeremiah 29:13

• Emphasize the importance of regular church attendance and discipleship. Hebrews 10:25, Luke 14:27, 2 Timothy 2:2