Responding to the Challenge to Share Jesus

Marking your Bible assignment

Remarks about Confession:

Rom. 10:13 is kaleo - the calling out upon Jesus

Rom. 10:9,10 is ‘omologew - confessing

In this passage, the heart and the mouth are connected. It is not that the heart begins to believe in the what the mouth is saying, but that the mouth is saying what the heart believes. This is why we see faith in vs. 8 and the connection throughout the passage.

The point I was trying to make last week was not that we don’t need to pray to be save, but that we don’t need to trust in words, or formulas to save us - we are saved through faith alone. 10:8; 10:11.

The confession of Rom. 10:9 is confessional and will continue to be the cry of the heart of the believer. Once there is an ongoing confession with the mouth, there will be an ongoing confession of the life.

Preparation:

Saving a life preparedness. Concealed carry classes, first-responder certifications, go-kit in the car.

It is important to be prepared.

Preparedness comes from study, intentionality, and development.

Starting the conversation | 5 opening questions and listen

Having the conversation | “Would you want to know” and Scripture

Closing the conversation | 5 key questions

Are you a sinner? People who have read the Scriptures and opened their hearts will say yes.

Do you want forgiveness for your sins? The Holy Spirit will have prepared the person’s heart to understand that receiving forgiveness is his or her free choice.

Do you believe Jesus died on the cross for you and rose again? The person must understand that he or she must place their trust in Christ to be spiritually reborn.

Are you willing to surrender your life to Christ? The person will be open to the truth that the only way to be in a right relationship with God is through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Are you ready to surrender to Jesus with your life and your whole heart? If the Spirit of God is working in their heart, the person will be ready to surrender (open the door - Rev. 3:20)

There are two responses: “yes” and “no.”

If not, ask “why?”

“When you learn to as these questions in a comfortable way, you will see what the Holy Spirit can do when a heart has been warmed by God's love. The Holy Spirit will have had an opportunity to touch the heart of the lost person. You haven’t argued with or pressured the person. You will have been a kind, thoughtful listener to his/her thoughts about spiritual things. You will have shown him that you have great love and concern for him. You will be amazed by the simplicity if this approach, and you will rejoice to see God work.”

Prayer:

If you get to this point, Pray!

Components of the Prayer:

Confession of sin

Belief in the gospel

Surrender of the life

Thief on the Cross:

Luke 23:39

Two words: Remember me.

The “sinner’s prayer” is simply a prayer from the heart.

This thief understood his need.

This thief understood the Gospel.

This thief surrendered his life.