Evangelism to the Religious

Review From Last Week

Evangelism is intentionally sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and inviting someone to take part in His gift of salvation.

The Gospel message is Jesus’ birth and life (why he came), death (why he had to die), resurrection (why he is alive), and His return (why he is coming back).

We evangelize based on the commission of Matt. 28:18-20:

• We evangelize in His authority. Matt. 28:18

• We evangelize to all people Matt. 28:19

• We evangelize to change lives Matt. 28:19

• We evangelize to encourage obedience Matt. 28:20

• We evangelize in His presence Matt. 28:20Learn to Listen

Learn to Listen

April 2nd, you walk up to someone’s door to present the Gospel to them. What are some responses you will expect to hear?

v. 1 tells us a lot about Nicodemus:

He was of a particular religious sect. There were many religious sects in Jesus’ day (Sadducee, Essenes, Zealots, and the Pharisee)

He was a leader within this particular sect. (John 7:48-51)

v. 2 tells us about his current belief system:

Notice the division he puts between himself and Christ.

Look at the religious description he gives to Jesus.

Keep the Gospel the Focus:

v. 3 Jesus does not fall into the divisive trap between us and them.

He also does not shrink from Nicodemus’ human authority.

Jesus simply presents the Gospel message to this man.

v. 3 - There must be an internal change. This is a statement of quality not quantity.

v. 5-12 - There must be a focus on the spiritual and its results on the physical.

v. 13-15 - Christ and His sacrifice must be placed as the determining factor.

Christ appeals to Nicodemus’ religious nature with his use of Numbers 21:9

v. 16-18 - The love of God must be put on display, which should naturally bring them to the seriousness of a decision

Wrap-UP

After you engage people, listen to their response.

Avoid their divisions and their religious make-up.

Present the Gospel unashamedly and look for opportunities to use Scripture.

Do not break the conversation until you have brought them to the point of a decision.