September 9, 2002
TOGETHER:
True joy: Leading someone to Christ
___There are many different ways to engage people in conversation about their relationship to God. The message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ is unchanging, but not everyone receives that Good News the same way.
___Jesus used a variety of approaches in talking to people about eternal life. He spoke of being born anew, living water, open doors, seeking the pearl of great price, a shepherd who goes seeking the lost and invitations to come and follow.
___Consider the early church. Sometimes the apostles preached the good news in public places. Other times, they used the Scriptures in personal conversations to explain the way of salvation. Often, their invitation to others was simply, "Come and see."
___When you sense that people are hungry to give their lives to God, here is one way to help them. It is an approach I have used through the years to help many people come to faith and an assurance.
CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___Begin with John 3:16-17. People need to know that God loves them so much he does not want to lose them. He wants to spend eternity with them. In order to do that, he sent his Son, Jesus, to show us the way. If we will believe in him, trust our whole being to his care, he will never leave us and will carry us all the way to heaven.
___Then turn to Romans 6:23. Our disobedience to God pays off in death. There is no escaping the consequences of sin. But God wants to give us eternal life. It is so expensive only God could purchase it. We could never earn it, so he gives it freely to all who are willing to receive it. This gift of eternal life is wrapped in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, who died in our place on the cross.
___Next, look at Romans 10:9-10. What is believed in the heart can be said with the lips. Confess that Jesus is Lord. You might explain: "That means you believe Jesus to be God and worthy of worship, and that he is the Savior who alone can take your sins away. It means he is the Master of your life, and you will live in obedience to his teaching."
___Then ask, "Would you be willing to pray a prayer and ask Jesus Christ to take charge of your life, forgive your sin and give you the gift of eternal life?"
___When you have the privilege of leading someone to faith in Christ, take time to rejoice with them. Talk with them about the church and baptism. Caution them that the devil works against our best decisions and tries to turn us away from our heart's confession. Jesus experienced that himself. But he puts us in a family of faith, gives his Holy Spirit to be our constant encourager and guide, gives the Scripture so we can learn more and more of his plans for our life, and listens when we pray.
___Set a time to get together and to begin to disciple them. Introduce them to other Christians if they have no Christian friends. Continue to pray for them and nurture them in their early growing stages.
___Those of you who have experienced the joy of leading someone to pray to receive Christ know the awesome joy it brings. That joy ought to happen more often in our lives.
___We are loved.
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