Grace Baptist Church, Nokomis, IL.

Text:

Although they are often used ineffectively, pre-packaged evangelism methods can be helpful. They can give us a starting point to share about Jesus. And they can give us a structure to make sure we discuss main points of the gospel systematically.

The title of this method of evangelism is slightly misleading. It’s not saying that we can get to a point where there is absolutely no fear involved in sharing your faith. But it is saying that we don’t have to fear failure. As Paul did, we may come with much fear and trembling. But our love and joy in God causes us to press on anyway.

Success in evangelism is not defined by results, but by obedience to God. It is motivated by our love and joy in God (Acts 4:20). If you haven’t been faithful to God in this area, confess that to God and ask for His strength. Pray that God would give you boldness and compassion for those around you. Realize that God will be with you when you witness. We need not fear man (Romans 8:31). The Holy Spirit will be a witness through you and will empower you (Acts 1:8).

There are three steps to sharing your faith with this method:

1. Ask a few questions to determine the person’s spiritual condition.
2. Share a series of seven Bible verses.
3. Ask a few questions to make sure the person understood the Bible and lead them to make a decision.

The first step, then, is to ask five or six questions to determine the person’s spiritual condition.

1. Do you have any kind of spiritual belief?
2. To you, who is Jesus?
3. Do you think there is a heaven and a hell?
4. If you died right now, where would you go? (4b. Why would God let you into heaven?)
5. If what you believe were not true, would you want to know it?

Throughout the person’s answers, don’t try to argue with them or assert your own beliefs yet. Just let them respond. Truly listen to them. Don’t ask for clarification on any points. This can get you off track fast and legitimize their beliefs in their minds so they feel like they need to defend them.

The second step is to share what the Bible says. Share Jesus Without Fear is basically an adaptation of the Romans Road.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NIV)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NIV)

“In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” ” (John 3:3 NIV)

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ” (John 14:6 NIV)

“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” ” (Romans 10:9-11 NIV)

“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” (2Corinthians 5:15 NIV)

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20 NIV)

Mark your Bible ahead of time, and let the person read the verse aloud when you turn to it. After they read each verse, ask, “What does this say to you?” If they answer correctly, affirm them. If they answer incorrectly, ask them to read it again. Don’t argue with them or expound on each verse. Trust that the Holy Spirit is working on them.

After reading through the verses, the last step is to ask five follow up questions.

1. Are you a sinner?
2. Do you want forgiveness for your sins?
3. Do you believe Jesus died on the cross for you and rose again?
4. Are you willing to surrender your life to Christ?
5. Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life and into your heart?

If the person responds “yes” to all of these questions, pray with them. Be sure to note that the prayer itself doesn’t save them. God’s grace saves them through faith in Jesus. If the person responds “no” to the last question, ask “Why?” Really listen to their answer, and try to bring it back to their need to trust in Christ. Review a verse or two that talks about sin and the necessity of faith in Jesus. Then ask the final question again.

There are a few criticisms of Share Jesus Without Fear that we should be aware of. It assumes people know Christian language. What is a sinner? What does it mean to surrender to Christ? What does it mean to have Jesus come into your heart?

It can also put the person on the spot. Some people aren’t great readers. It may embarrass them if you keep asking them to read. Many people may give you the response you’re looking for just so they aren’t disagreeable. They may answer “yes” to all of the questions at the end because they don’t want to disappoint or argue with you.

This method can also very subtly allow for relativism in belief. The opening questions ask for their opinion regarding spirituality, Jesus, heaven and hell. After just giving their opinion, you basically tell them they are wrong. This is almost asking for an argument. Additionally, in sharing each verse from the Bible, you ask, “What does this say to you?” The truth is, the Bible says the same thing to all of us. Maybe a better way to ask the question would simply be, “What is the Bible saying?”

Nevertheless, I think this is a great method to learn to share your faith. It acknowledges that witnessing is a two-way conversation. And it forces the person to make a decision – one way or the other – concerning Jesus.

When should you attempt to use this method? Perhaps in an informal setting. It’s a very conversational approach, so many use it when you’re already talking with someone. And you might try it when you will have an ongoing relationship with the person so that you can encourage them and give them further instructions.

The best method of evangelism is the one that you actually use! Don’t just learn Share Jesus Without Fear and criticize it. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than not sharing your faith at all. Tweak it, use the parts that are helpful, and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.