Going with the Gospel: how to move forward

Why Relationships?

Do I really need relationship in order to obey Jesus’ Great Commission?

Remember that the Great Commission isn’t simply about conversion… it is about discipling.

And the goal is to move them to a place of maturity where they can, in turn, disciple someone else. You are a fully functioning disciple when you’re able to disciple another; and they are a faithful disciple as they do the same...

Can’t I just sorta present the Scripture to people in one setting and be done?

When given the opportunity, absolutely. Be ready with an answer. However, Scripture presents us with a different expectation.

“I planted; Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” The Gospel conversations typically come in waves. Be ready to spread the Gospel seed widely.

How do I begin to focus my relationships on discipleship?

Think about your relationships… they grow and progress with time.

Understanding Gospel Relationships

1 Stranger

2 Acquaintance

3 Friend

Stranger to Acquaintance by purposeful contact

“Hey, what’s your name?”

“How are you doing?”

“What are you up to today?”

“Did you see ‘xyz’… what do you think?”

Acquaintance to Friend by meaningful relationship

“What is your goal with ‘xyz’?”

“What do you hope to get out of your job, career, etc. ?”

“How would you do things differently with ‘xyz’?”

“Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Tell me about yourself?”

In all of these relationships, what bridges the gap between you and them?

Love for neighbor.

Even if the relationship doesn’t bear fruit immediately, the love will still be there. Because we strive to be genuine. We aren’t manipulating people. Friendship is actually its own reward, and we seek to use it for the next steps.

Further Questions to offer

Who is the person of Jesus Christ to you?

What do you believe about the Bible?

What is it that gives you hope and confidence in life?

In what ways do you think you have faith?

What draws or repels you in a religion?

All of these scenarios require love and courage. We have a lot of practice “talking at” people. But we need to build trust. Trust needs to build like capital. Be ready to announce the good news; and be ready to allow your belief in the gospel to influence everything you see and do in the world. That way you can speak about anything - sports, politics, work, ethics, family, time management - all centered on Jesus.

3 Snapshots of Evangelism in Scripture

Acts 17: Persuading, reasoning, “dialogue”

1 Peter 3:1: Testimony by lifestyle, wordless witness

John 1:34-39: Evangelism thru questions, connecting by asking, beginning the conversation