METHODS USED TO TEACH THE GOSPEL TO THE LOST

JESUS CAME TO SEEK AND SAVE THE LOST “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10) “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16-17)

WE ARE DISCIPLES We learn from the Master, we imitate Him, we follow Him, we are pupils. We adhere to the life and teachings of Jesus. Jesus says, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take up his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who find his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:37-39)

THE CHALLENGE OF JESUS TO HIS DISCIPLES The Great Commission: (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:47; Mark 16:15-16) Go (wherever people live) Teach (the gospel) Baptize (those who believe and are willing to repent and follow the Lord; men and women) Teach the baptized (Apostles doctrine, how to grow in the Lord; faithfulness to the Lord)

WHAT CAN THE CHURCH DO? Mass media efforts: Radio, TV, Newspapers, web sites, cards, signs, gospel meetings, Facebook pages etc… Fairs, booths etc… There needs to be an organized plan, something teachable, something that can be duplicated; and people to follow up

MAKING THOSE EFFORTS SUCCESSFUL 1. Consistent effort (John 9:4; Matthew 9:37-38) 2. Faith (Matthew 17:20) 3. Prayer (2 Thess. 3:1-2) 4. Time (Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5) 5. Workers (2 Cor. 6:1)

METHODS FOR INDIVIDUALS In the past there have been filmstrips, videos, Charles Goodall Method and many more Currently people are using books like the “Muscle and the Shovel,” “Seeking God’s Way,” or a study of Luke and Acts.

GETTING STARTED Take out a 3 by 5 card or a notebook and write down the names of 5 people you would like to help spiritually It can be people who are lost, people who are “out of duty,” or people to encourage Pray for them daily until the Lord and your conscience cause you to do some specific things like call, text, set up a study; visit them Every days write down 5 new names and review results on the last list

WHAT ARE YOU AND I GOING TO DO? Do I have the faith and courage to make the list? Will I put the list somewhere I will see it regularly? On a mirror, on the T.V.