Evangelism pt. 2

John 3:1–8 “Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.””

“If I just explain Christianity well enough, people will get saved.”

Big Idea: The gospel is not about becoming better, it is about being born again.

INTRO

Next week we're going out to share the gospel.

If someone asked you, 'What do I need to do to go to heaven?' what would you say?

Most people answer:

Be good

Go to church

Pray more

Try harder

But Jesus gives a very different answer in this passage.

Point 1: Show Them That Religion Cannot Save

John 3:1–2 “Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.””

Explain Nicodemus

So, Who was Nicodemus?

He was:

Religious

Moral

Educated

Respected

Yet Jesus tells him he still needs salvation.

Evangelism Training

When you're talking to someone: Don't assume they aren't religious.

Instead ask:

Do you think going to church makes someone a Christian?

or

What do you think someone has to do to get to heaven?

Then explain:

Nicodemus did all the religious things and Jesus still said he needed to be born again.

Main Evangelism Principle

Good people still need the gospel.

Point 2: Show Them Their Greatest Need

John 3:3–6 “Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

Explain

Jesus doesn't tell Nicodemus:

Try harder

Be nicer

Become more religious

Instead: You must be born again.

Teach the Teens

If someone says: I'm a pretty good person.

You can respond: Jesus didn't say you need to become better. He said you need new life.

Explain Born Again

Simple definition:

Being born again means God gives you a new heart and a new life thru faith in Jesus.

Evangelism Principle

The biggest problem is not bad behavior.

The biggest problem is a sinful heart.

Point 3: Show Them Who Can Change Them

John 3:7–8 “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.””

The wind illustration.

You cannot see the wind.

But you see its effects.

The same with the Holy Spirit.

You might be thinking

What if I say the wrong thing?

What if they don't listen?

Jesus teaches:

You cannot save anyone.

God saves people.

Evangelism Principle

Our responsibility is to share.

God's responsibility is to save.

This week, try asking one person: 'Do you know what it means to be born again?'

'Do you know what it means to be born again?'

Then listen and start a conversation.

CLOSING

"If someone asked you tonight:

'What does it mean to be born again?'

Could you explain it?

Evangelism isn't convincing people to become religious. It's pointing them to the only One who can make them alive.