Basic Considerations 

The essence of the evangelical faith is, “Salvation is of the Lord” (Jonah 2:9). Salvation should be viewed as the supernatural work of the divine Godhead—of the Father who elects, of the Son who redeems, and of the Holy Spirit who applies the salvation of Christ to the hearts of men. 

The witness for Christ should never lose sight of what the Apostle Paul stated concerning illumination. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned” (I Corinthians 2:14). 

In witnessing, the gospel presenter must realize that he or she is not only speaking to the lost persons before him or her, but he is also speaking to the Holy Spirit who is forever present in their life. It is not so much of what the gospel presenter is saying, but rather what the Holy Spirit is doing through him, that He (the Spirit) might open the eyes of the lost and enlighten their minds to understand what the believer is saying that they might chose salvation. The basic method of evangelism is letting God work through us. Jesus and His disciples adapted their methods to the circumstances. Basic to all their evangelism was the power of the Holy Spirit who lived in them and worked through them (Acts 1:8). Prayer kept the lines of communication open between them and God. God gave them His message for every occasion and gave them courage to present it. 

In essence, we can say that evangelism begins with God. He has given us the pattern for evangelism in His Word and the power for it in His Spirit. The word evangelism comes from the Greek word euaggelidzo, which means, “I bring good news.” Evangelism is an on-going process. Not only does it include witnessing to the lost or the sinner, but it also includes follow-up and discipleship. It’s not enough just to share the “good news.” In the church today we do more than just tell the “good news” we try to persuade people to act on it—to accept Christ and all He offers them. William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury gives us this definition: 

Evangelism is to so present Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit 

that men might come to trust Him as Savior and serve Him as Lord in 

the fellowship of His church. 

–Quoted in Christian Life, November, 1968 

 

When we study Temple’s definition and analyze it, we can extend the definition of evangelism to include: action is to present Christ, power is of the Holy Spirit, the purpose is that men may trust Christ as savior, desired results are that men serve Christ as Lord in the fellowship of His church. True evangelism involves true discipleship.

As the Holy Spirit does His part in evangelism, preparing the heart of the lost, the believer’s role is vital to the implementation process of evangelism. If we (the believers) want to be effective in evangelism, we need to cultivate the right attitudes toward sinners, people in the church, and new converts. The essential attitude and motivation for evangelism is love. The love necessary for evangelism is real love for real people, not just theoretical love for people in general. Our own natural love is not enough to make effective soul-winners, but as we open our hearts to God, His love in us will become the basic attitude of our lives (ref. Romans 5:5). Without love—love that comes from the heart of God—love that makes us friendly and concern over the needs of others, the most wonderful methods of evangelism in the world will fail! If we are willing to cultivate real love, God will give it to us as we get acquainted with people and see their problems and spiritual needs. 

Jesus didn’t just talk about love for sinners. He demonstrated it by coming to the world in search of His lost sheep. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). It cost Him His life, but He gave it willingly for the joy of saving the ones He loved. Jesus put in love into action by doing something. We can not continue to say we love God and the things of God and yet refuse to get involved in evangelism. 

Evangelism involves every Christian. Some preach it, some teach it, and some share it in conversation, but the message is the same; so every Christian need to learn well the evangelistic message. The evangelistic message consist of telling people what sin is (disobedience to God, either by doing what He has forbidden, or by failing to do what He has commanded), showing people their guilt (those that think they’re good enough as they are), and showing people their danger (the results of rejecting Christ). 

 

Presenting the Gospel 

When presenting the gospel we must create a smooth transition. To grab someone and say, “Brother, are you saved?” is one way to begin, but it will probably result in hostility on the part of the one it is presented to. We should begin where they are, with their secular life and move from there, then gradually into the area of church, and finally move easily into the spiritual realm. If you move into the spiritual realm too quickly the prospect will more than likely feel that he is being pressured by a religious fanatic. 

Earn the right to ask questions. Do not just take for granted that your questions will be answered. By asking permission you allow the prospect to take ownership in the interview process without feeling pressured. Find out where the person is spiritually. These things will be discovered as the person’s church background is discussed. As believers with overflowing zeal sometimes we have a tendency to assume people are spiritual minded. Most non-converted church goers believe that they are doing God a favor by attending church and that’s enough to please Him or because their parents and grandparents were faithful church goers, they really don’t understanding that the wages of sin is death. Ask simple questions that are not intimidating. Find out if he has what you are offering him. We are offering him, in the name of Jesus Christ, eternal life; The privilege of knowing Christ now and reigning with Him in eternity. There is no point in presenting the gospel to a person who is already saved. 

Create a desire to hear the gospel. There must be a desire before a person will commit himself to Christ. To create such a desire we should pinpoint some particular need and show the person how Christ can fulfill that need. It has been said, “you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink, but if you place a salt tablet inside his lower lip!” Although we can not make a person drink, we can make him thirsty and he will want to drink! The Bible says that we are the salt of the earth. We ought to be able to make people thirsty for the Water of Life. If a desire is not created, there may be numerous amounts of objections, such as: “I’ll have to think it over,” or “Thank you, but I don’t think I’m ready yet to make that decision. Therefore, it is very important to create desire by showing needs and the way Christ can meet those needs. 

Once again get permission from the prospect to share the gospel. You might say, “would you like for me to share with you how I received assurance of eternal life and how you can too?” Allow time for response. Again this will allow the person to take ownership and commit to listen to what you are saying. Find out what the person is now trusting in for his salvation. Once that information is received share your testimony. You must be sincere and honest. If the Lord has been good to you and delivered you from the hands of Satan then tell it like it is. Don’t make up stuff because God doesn’t need our help to make Him shine. Just remember the gospel is GOOD NEWS and at the end of every testimony should be a praise report that would glorify God. Don’t take for granted that the person hearing your testimony will totally understand your deliverance. If possible during the interview key in on what he says that will identify with your own experiences. 

 

Helpful Hints! 

If the person rejects the offer to receive Christ do not add pressure and ridicule the person. Offer prayer and move on. If the person has yielded to the Lord, you are ready to present the plan of salvation. It is necessary for you to have a small New Testament bible (easy reading translation such as NIV). Invite the person to read along with you the Scriptures that you will present for foundation. If the person accepts Christ in their live make sure he understands that He comes in as Savior and Lord. Pray and give thanksgiving for the new convert and then lead him into a prayer of repentance (ask him to repeat after you). Offer another prayer asking the Lord to affirm in his (new convert) heart the relationship and fellowship he committed to. When you’ve said amen, wish him a happy birthday and explain why you are giving him such greetings. Give the new convert literature, get his address and phone number, set a date follow-up, arrange for orientation class and follow through with contact. 

It would be helpful if the Scriptures are committed to memory, not for show but for ease into the gospel presentation. The following pages show a concise outline on how to present the gospel message that will lead a person to accept Christ as Savior and Lord in their live. 

 

Key Terms: 

Adoption – To be place in God’s family with all privileges of that position. 

Assurance – The realization or confidence that through faith in Christ one truly possesses eternal life. 

Believe – To hold something as true. 

Eternal Life – The gift of God which is received by faith and belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. 

Faith – Being convinced or giving credence to something or someone, especially to the truth of the Gospel. 

Gospel – Good News about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as payment for believer’s sins. 

Grace – The unmerited favor of God in giving His Son and all the benefits that result from receiving Him. 

Redemption – To be liberated because a price has been paid. Christ’s death liberated believers from the penalty and power of sin. 

Repentance – A change of mind (direction). 

Salvation – God’s deliverance for the believer from all the effects of sin, plus all the benefits which He bestows now and forever. 

It would be helpful if the Scriptures are committed to memory, not for show but for ease into the gospel presentation. The following pages show a concise outline on how to present the gospel message that will lead a person to accept Christ as Savior and Lord in their live. 

 

Presenting the Plan of Salvation 

For the purpose of presenting the plan of salvation, Scripture memorization is critical that we might be able to share what the Bible teaches about sin, and the love of God in Christ. Can you imagine how dreadful it would be if God gives you an opportunity to win a lost soul but you cannot quote or readily locate Scripture pertaining to God’s love, God’s mercy, nor His grace? The Bible reminds us that “Behold, now is the acceptable time: Behold, now is the day of salvation “ (2 Corinthians 6:2). 

The Bible contains numerous verses of Scripture that can be used, but we will focus on only nine of the key New Testament Scripture needed to win a soul to Christ when they are used with conversational guidance. 

NOTE: We encourage scripture memorization, but Scripture can be read from your Bible and or a gospel outline. Remember the Holy Spirit is present to guide in the things of the Lord. It was, and is by His power that the person is drawn. Depend on Him and not your own abilities. 

 

Scriptures 

Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” 

Romans 6:23 “…for the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life.” 

Acts 16:31 “believe on the Lord Jesus…” 

Romans 10:9-10, 13 “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus…”  “for whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 

John 6:47 “He who believes on Me has eternal life.” 

Acts 2:38 “repent…be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ…” 

Matt. 10:32 “Whosoever therefore shall confess Me…” 

 

1. Show the need of salvation by reading the Scriptures mention above. 

2. Get permission to ask the question. 

3. The Question: If you were to die tonight, not saying that you are, but if you did and you find yourself standing before the throne of God; God asks you why should I let you into my heaven? What would your response be? 

4. If the person is not interested in salvation don’t pressure him/her, pray with them and give the some literature about salvation. 

5. If the person is interested in receiving Christ as Lord and Savior, precede to the next step. Be calm, confident and natural. 

6. The Prayers 

 Soul winners prayer 

“Lord. I thank you for making it possible for us to be saved. Help Tom to see that he can be saved right now according to Your Word. Help Tom to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. Save Tom now Lord.” 
Soul winner/convert prayer “Tom, while your head is bowed and with your eyes closed, will you ask the Lord to save you? You can do it right now. Just repeat after me… 

Dear Lord, I confess that I’m a sinner, and I call upon your Name Jesus to ask for forgiveness of all my sins…and please come into my heart. You said in Your Word that You will save me if I confess with my mouth that You are Lord and believe in my heart that You were raised from the dead. I acknowledge that You died on the cross for my sin and rose again that I might have abundant life. Thank You Lord for saving me. Amen.” 

Soul winner’s prayer of assurance 

This is a prayer of assurance. Just ask the Lord to confirm in the converts heart that he is His child because of justification and regeneration. Have the new convert to read John 6:47. 

 

The plan of salvation is not yet complete. Encourage the new convert to obey what Jesus says in Scripture pertaining to baptism (Acts 2:38). 

7. The Command of Baptism 

“Tom, you have given your life to Jesus Christ. Now Jesus gives His first command to you as a Christian. ‘follow me in baptism.’ In this way the world will know that you are now a disciple of Jesus. Will you obey?” 

8. The Scripture of Encouragement 

Quote Matthew 10:32 and encourage the new Christian to tell as many people as possible what the Lord has done for him. 

Once you have led a person to Christ be sure to get personal data to do follow-up (very important) within seven days. Remember the new convert is a baby in Christ and need to be nurtured!