Handout 4: Contagious Christianity

A Midweek Bible Study Series

AN EQUATION FOR EVANGELISM

HP + CP + CC = MI

 

HIGH POTENCY:                            What you ARE

CLOSE PROXIMITY:                      What you DO

CLEAR COMMUNICATION:         What you SAY

MAXIMUM IMPACT:                     What you WANT

 

How To Build A Bridge Of Friendship

Good friendships are usually intentional, rather than accidental.  Developing friendships with unbelievers often requires going the second mile, taking some risks, and moving outside your own comfort zone. And with our busy lifestyles, these kinds of relationships take PLANNING. If you don’t plan to cultivate friendships with unbelievers, you’ll find that you never have the time to do so. “We should make our plans – counting on God to direct us.”  (Proverbs 16:9)

 

Step #1:  Become Aware

• Make a list of them by name
• Realize that they are your responsibility
• Assess each person’s level of spiritual receptivity
• Discover what their interests and needs are
• Look for areas of common ground that you can build on
• Figure out what kind of testimony each would respond to

 

Step #2:  Commit To Prayer

• Use your Impact List to pray daily for your unsaved friends
• Pray that God will draw them to Himself (John 6:44)
• Pray that God will remove their spiritual blindness (2 Cor. 4:3-4)
• Pray that God will make their heart receptive (John 16:8-13)
• Pray that you’ll get the opportunity to share a clear witness (Colossians 4:3-5)
• Pray that God will give you wisdom in what to say (James 1:5)
• Pray that God will use the words you say (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
  

Step #3:  Show You Care

• Treat everyone with respect as PEOPLE, not as PROSPECTS
• Be a genuine friend; help them in practical ways
• Be a good listener; it is a great way to show love
• Make SERVICE your aim, not RECRUITMENT
• Invite them into you home
• Consciously focus your concern on meeting their needs
• Go out of your way to love them until they ask you WHY!
• Accept people as they are without being judgmental

 

Step #4:  Be Ready To Share 

• Identify yourself as a positive, joyful follower of Christ
• Share a testimony when the occasion naturally arises (it will!)
• Never force the Good News; be patient, for God is working!
• Use crisis situations to show why we all need God
• Ask questions that lead to spiritual discussions
• Give them appropriate message tapes or books to read
• Concentrate on the essential; don’t get sidetracked by hang-ups
• Invite them to a service at church that is designed to reach them
• Offer to pray with them after sharing the Good News

 

 

Explanation #1:  The Four Spiritual Laws

1. The Law of GOD

• God is LOVING (1 John 4:16)
• God is HOLY (1 Peter 1:16)
• God is JUST (Revelation 15:3)

 

2. The Law of MAN

• Man is SINFUL (Romans 3:23)
• Man deserves DEATH (Romans 6:23)
• Man is HELPLESS (Isaiah 64:6)

 

3. The Law of CHRIST

• Christ is GOD (John 1:14)
• Christ became our SUBSTITUTE (Romans 5:8)
• This is the GOSPEL (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

 

4. The Law of SALVATION

• • We respond to Christ’s death through REPENTANCE (Luke 13:3)
  • We respond to Christ’s burial through BAPTISM (Mark 16:16)
  • We receive our new life through the HOLY GHOST (Acts 2:38)
    

    Explanation #2:  The Roman Road

     

    • Romans 3:23 How many people have sinned?

    ALL

     

    • Romans 6:23 What is the eternal penalty for sin?

    DEATH

     

    • Romans 5:8 What is the only remedy for sin?

    CHRIST’S DEATH

     

    • Romans 2:4 What is the right response to God’s love?

    REPENT

     

    • Romans 6:4 How do I put an end to my old sinful life?

    BAPTISM

     

    • Romans 8:11 Where do I get power to live a new life?

    HOLY GHOST

     

    Explanation #3:  The Bridge

    		DEATH

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    • Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

     

    • Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

     

    • 1 Peter 3:18 – For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.

     

    • John 1:12 – But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

     

    • Acts 2:38 – Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

     

    IS YOUR CHRISTIANITY CONTAGIOUS?