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Making Jesus Known

Chapter 3: Clearly Communicating the Gospel

Just because we believe it, that doesn’t mean we can articulate it in a way that benefits those around us. Try this out! Imagine a friend of yours approaches you and asks, “What does it mean to be a Christian and how do I become one?” What would you say? Write down your response and then ask for feedback from another Christian.

Resource Guide

Why do we Proclaim the Gospel?

  1. We talk about what we love. If we love God we will talk about Him.
  2. All faith is placed in truth statements. Faith latches onto truth.
  3. Faith is not a feeling, it is a decision.
  4. “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6.
  5. If we love others we will share with them Jesus.

Guiding Principles

  1. People make their own choices
    Traveling to Florida via car and plane. 
  2. Gospel Proclamation is a Conversation
    We come to believe over time. It is process.
  3. Divine Change Needs Divine Power
    The Holy Spirit is the only one who can change hearts. He opens their ears to hear and opens their hearts to receive Jesus,  but He also uses our proclamation.

Personal Testimony 

People hear their story in ours. Story creates common ground in the struggle of life and the need for God.

Testimony Components

    • Overall Theme: Connect to shared human experience (insecurity, fear, loneliness, guilt, etc.)
    • Before and After: Discuss how life changed when you came to know Jesus.
    • Less Is More: Keep it brief.
    • Ask an interactive question: “Have you ever experienced that before? Have you ever had the same God questions I had?”

Sharing Scripture

  • We must ask permission when introducing foreign sources.
  • For Scripture to be heard it must be understood – make it a conversation.
  • The gospel is all over the scriptures and the gospel is more than forgiveness of sins. There is freedom, reconciliation, redemption, recreation. The scripture we share should connect God’s revealed truth to our human need.
  • Examples of passages
    • Ephesians 2:1-10 –
      This passage articulates several significant things, most importantly that God chooses to save us as a gift
      because He loves us.
    • John 14:6 – Jesus clearly states that if we want life and relationship with God it is through Him alone.
    • John 17:3 – Eternal life is having a personal relationship with Jesus
    • 1 Corinthians 15:3-10 – Jesus rose from the dead in history!  

Making A Decision

    • Ask introspective questions: “Have you ever invited Jesus into your life?” or “Is there anything keeping you from starting a relationship with Jesus?”
    • Ask decisive questions: “Do you want this? What is keeping you from this?”
    • Follow Up: Don’t just share the gospel once and not bring it up again.
    • Affirm that life with Christ is an ongoing journey: What is the next step for them?
    • Invite a new believer to be baptized: Baptism is a pivotal action, symbolizing the new life found in Christ.

Resources

Personal Testimony

  1. Crafting your Testimony: We encourage you give your testimony in less than 3 minutes, because most people won’t listen longer than that.
  2. How To Tell Your Story
  3. Jackie shares her story in a TED talk

Sharing The Gospel from Scripture

  1. The Four Spiritual Laws is a great tool to walk someone through the Gospel
  2. Learn more about the four spiritual laws
  3. Sharing the gospel with one verse
  4. Communicating the gospel in 90 seconds
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