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Intention

To be equipped to share the simple gospel.

Scripture

“Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”

– Matthew 28:18–20

Reflection

Some time ago, I was talking with Werner Nachtigal (the founder and leader of the GO Movement). I asked him, “What is the number ONE keyword Christians need to know to share the gospel one-on-one?”

He sat down, thought about it and suggested ‘Jesus’ and ‘Good news’.

I then said, “The word is ‘Hello’” (or ‘G’day’, ‘Bonjour’, ‘Shalom’, etc. as appropriate).

Do we want to effectively share the gospel? Then we first need to start a conversation with people.

Jesus gave us a great example in His interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). Jesus asked for a drink of water and then directed it to a spiritual conversation. This is a great example of a simple conversation that led to new life.

How, then, do we share the gospel?

Before we do anything, say “G’day” (or “Hello”, etc.), introduce yourself and chat with people. Then, when you can, steer the conversation to spiritual things.

The ‘Steps to Peace with God’ framework from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is a simple tool for sharing the gospel. I have found it very helpful.

This conversational model is based on the four letters P P R R (Plan, Problem, Remedy, Response). Using this framework helps keep the conversation on track. Here are the four easy-to-remember keywords:

Plan (John 10:10). God has a PLAN for your life. Above all, He wants you in a loving relationship with Him in His family.

Problem (Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23). The PROBLEM is that sin separates us from God. Nothing we can do, or anyone other than Jesus, can bridge that gap between God and ourselves.

Remedy (John 3:15–16). God’s REMEDY is that Christ died for sinners. Jesus makes a way to be reconciled with God.

Response (John 1:12; Romans 10:9–10). What is your RESPONSE? What are you going to do about it? To respond positively, we need to:

• Admit that we are sinners.
• Be willing to repent (‘repent’ means to change our minds about sin, resulting in changed actions).
• Believe/trust that Jesus Christ, who is God and man, died for us on the cross for our sins and rose from the grave.

It is that simple! We explain the gospel and then ask people what they will do about that. Then, if they say, “I need Jesus”, we can pray with them, connect them to a local congregation and help them start their journey with the Lord.

What about objections and questions, etc.?

The simple model above is not a rigid framework, but a guide to help you communicate easily and effectively. Just continue the conversation and answer the best you can. If you don’t know an answer, say so. But also say you will find an answer and get help from more mature believers.

Objections and questions are a good thing. It means the person is (mostly) interested and wants to know more. Don’t ever be afraid of not knowing all the answers. And always have a loving attitude.

What if they say no?

If people reject the gospel, keep loving them and pray for them. All we need to do is present the truth of the gospel. Then it is up to that person and the Holy Spirit.

We are all commissioned to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:18–20). We can all lead someone to Christ, pray for healing, baptise, pray for people to receive the Holy Spirit, etc. We should all be active and alive in sharing Jesus day by day.

GO for it! Just do it!

Video

Prayer

Papa God, we pray that all who read this short message will be activated as ministers of Your gospel. May they be fruitful in all they do.

As we have this opportunity of GO Month to pray for and share Jesus with five people, we ask that You anoint us afresh with boldness and wisdom.

Lord, we ask that You show us the five You want us to reach this May and that they would be open to hear Your word as we speak with them.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Author Bio

Kym lives with his wife Nel in Adelaide. Kym and Nel are active in local, national, and global ministries and have ministered in various nations including Kenya, Uganda, and Israel. Kym is also a board member of Rahab Ministries, an outreach to people within the sex industry and part of the Never Again is Now team. He has also worked with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Prayer Points and Purpose for GO Month 2024

1. To worship Jesus and give extravagant praise to God. 1 Chron 16:23–31.
2. To pray for revival, repentance and deliverance for Australia and for millions to find Christ. Acts 2:1–41.
3. To pray for five people by name to find Christ and share the gospel with those five in May. Matt 28:18–20.

We invite you to support this prayer campaign to multiply prayer in Australia for revival and see millions come to Christ. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us promote prayer and make a stand for family, faith, freedom, life, and the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ His Son.

Join us for our nightly Zoom prayer call:

DATES: Every night in May

TIME: 8 PM (AEST); 7:30 PM (ACST); 6 PM (AWST)

ZOOM URL LINK: https://zoom.us/j/776881184

Daily devotions are brought to you by the Canberra Declaration.

View GO Month 2024 devotionals on the Daily Declaration website.

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