It is a serious matter to be entrusted with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One man said, “Because you have, you owe.” Because I have Christ in my heart, I owe the Gospel unto others.
Years ago, I had an unexpected encounter with a person. I was visiting at the home of another person, and a lady drove up in the yard. She was a friend of the person I was visiting. I began to think, “I need to share the Gospel with her.” I talked myself out of it. I thought of my own awkwardness, and she probably did not want to talk with me anyway. I allowed the opportunity to pass. How fleeting are Gospel opportunities! The very next morning, I learned that the she died in a car accident during the night.
I did not know her, but I could have loved her by sharing Jesus with her. My failure to Christ and to her has haunted me ever since.
I must, MUST, be ready to give the Gospel to others. Paul said he was ready.
So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
Romans 1:15
1. I must get ready by knowing what to tell people
Knowing what to tell people will prepare you to tell people.
Not to be unkind, but we have allowed much confusion into the word, saved. Some people think that being saved is a certain prayer we must pray; others may think it is being baptized, joining the church, confirmation, or communion. The truth is that salvation is none of those things.
Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ.
2. I must get ready by the right thinking
Mental toughness is a thing! Prepare your mind!
A pastor I once knew had a sign on his door that said, “90% attitude. 10% ability.” I think we often fail because we tell ourselves that we will fail.
Maybe it is cliché, but I believe the right thinking will help the right actions. If I have already made up my mind that I am too nervous or unable, then I will most likely let Gospel opportunities slip from me. If I have already told myself that the person does not want to hear about Jesus, then I probably will not have that conversation.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13
3. I must get ready by having Bible verses ready
If I was talking with a friend about Christ, what would I say to him? There are key Bible passages that you could memorize or paperclip in a small Bible. You could could even write some references in the margin of your Bible.
Some key passages you could mark in your Bible about salvation
- John 3:16 – which tells us that God loves the world
- Romans 3:23 – which tells us that we are all sinners
- Romans 6:23 – which tells us that sin must be paid for
- Romans 5:8 – which tells us that Jesus Christ paid for our sins on the cross
- Romans 10:9 – which tells us that we must believe Jesus died and rose again
- Romans 10:13 – which promises us salvation to whosoever will
4. I must get ready by practice
Practice improves! Every athlete or musician must practice. A chef gets better with experience. Even preachers should improve with experience.
Practice speaking. Get a trusted friend who is hungry to share the Gospel, and practice! Get in front of the mirror even, and talk it out. We are getting ourselves ready!
Practice turning to those key verses in your Bible.
5. I must get ready by having Gospel literature with me
It is good to keep Gospel tracts, small cards or pamphlets that tell us how to be saved. Someone said a Gospel tract is like a little pocket preacher; he will keep preaching long after you have left the area!
I like to leave a Gospel tract on the table for my restaurant server (but be sure you leave a GOOD tip, too). They are handy to give out on the go, too, like at the gas station, checkout line, or even to strangers in public, especially when people do not have time for a long conversation.
Get a nice Gospel tract, not some cheesy thing that looks like a fake five-dollar bill. Let it represent your Lord well! With a warm heart and a friendly smile, leave a Gospel tract with someone!
Below are a few examples of the tracts from Friendship Baptist Church. We ordered these from mercyandtruthministry.com
6. I must get ready by remembering the reality of Hell
Jesus Christ came to save us from our sins. He came to save us the penalty of our sins, which is Hell.
Someone is in a burning house; we must yell, “Fire!” “Fire!” We must warn them to flee to Christ!
Someone is drowning! We must throw out the lifeline!
If you don’t, who will? If not now, when?
Hell is real. I must, MUST be ready to share the Gospel.
7. I must get ready by prayer
This is the most important aspect; if it is neglected, all else fails. Pray to your heavenly Father, and ask for His aid that you might share the Gospel!
- Ask Him for the knowledge for what to say to people
- Ask Him for the courage to say it to people
- Ask Him for the compassion to say it kindly to people
- Ask Him for the reassurance that He is with you when you say it to people
Let’s get ready to have that conversation about Jesus
clintlewey.com 