Table of Contents
How to Share the Gospel to Unbelievers
How to Share the Gospel to Unbelievers? As believers, we are charged with the role of spreading the gospel to those who are unbelievers around the world. Jesus left us with the Great Commission to bring others to Him so that they may know Him, and live for Him. How to Preach the Gospel to Unbelievers
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
To preach to unbelievers effectively, you have to present the gospel to them in a way that they understand and internalize.
1 Corinthians 2:14 tells us, “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
Unbelievers do not have the Spirit of God in them and therefore preaching to them using a lot of spiritual jargon will put them off.
To a normal person, life is something that is transpiring. From looking at life through spiritual eyes. there is a great spiritual battle taking place all around us. The world is full of hate, division, wars, disease, and starvation. Clearly, there is a great opportunity to introduce people to their creator.
What is Vision Casting – Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish
Check this vision – I would follow this – Greg Gaines
II Corinthians 10: 3-6, ” 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have the divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.”
Below is a guide to help you preach to unbelievers effectively.
1. Explain the Message of the Gospel ( Good News from God)
For an unbeliever to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, they have to understand the basic message of the gospel. They need to understand how they are born as sinners, and it is only through Christ that they can be saved. This is because Jesus came to save us from our sins and by receiving Him, our sins are forgiven and we are made right with God. You can use relevant Scriptures to help them understand the message you are trying to put across.
Through God’s wisdom, he chose to make his desire to be close to his creation, through the speaking of his truth. God sent his prophets to his people in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, he sent John the Baptist preparing the hearts and minds of his children to the arrival of his son, God’s Envoy. Jesus came preaching and teaching in the synagogues, in the mountains, on the plains, in single households.
The Gospel is spread in the same way today.
II Timothy 2: 1-2, 1 “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others”
2. Let them Know that Jesus is the Messiah
Some unbelievers come from other religious and cultural backgrounds and do not know who Jesus is, and need a brief explanation. Here is where you mention that He is the Son of God sent into the world to redeem mankind from their sins.
John 3:16 is a good place to start as it says that “God sent His Son and whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.”
Unbelievers who come from Christian backgrounds have an idea of who Jesus is but may have never seen the need for salvation. They need to know that their works and religious practices cannot give them salvation, they have to believe in Jesus and be born again.
Jesus said as he was teaching, Come to me and I will give you rest. People today are in hard times
- People are wandering without any meaningful purpose
- Divorce rates in The US are 50%
- Many very Lonely People
- High Depression Rates
- Hamster Wheel scenario to many families
- Drug addiction at record highs
- Social Media generation can be very lonely even though highly connected
- Wealth is a priority in many families
This Lays the groundwork that people are thirsting to find out their purpose in life
3. Explain the Meaning of Being Born Again
When Nicodemus wanted to know how to get saved, Jesus told him that he needs to be born again.
“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God’” (John 3:3).
Jesus went further to explain that this birth was by the Spirit of God. Unbelievers usually hear the term “born again” and are not sure what it actually means; you can take the time to explain it to them so that they know what they are supposed to do.
Nicodemus was one of the Leaders and teachers of the Jews. Jews had a history of baptisms, cleansings, but Jesus was saying something different. One needs to be born into God’s Family. We must be born again.
4. Salvation is by Grace not Works
As you evangelize to unbelievers, remember to tell them that they cannot do anything to deserve salvation. It is a gift from God and by the grace of Jesus Christ.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Some people think that they can clean themselves up and then come to God, yet they are to come as they are and God will cleanse them by the blood of Jesus. Salvation is a gift they receive by faith.
If we could have saved ourselves then Jesus did not need to come and die.
5. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Unbelievers often wonder how believers hear God. They have not understood that when one gets saved, God puts His Spirit in them, and they can hear Him speak. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit just before He was crucified and told His disciples that the Spirit would be in them.
“The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:17).
Let them know that they will not understand much about the Holy Spirit until they give their lives to Christ. Once they do, they will hear God’s voice, which is by His Spirit living in them.
It is pretty cool to begin to see the united working together of the trinity. (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit) They work together to restore men and women back into the presence of God.
At Jesus Baptism, You see God speaking from Heaven, Jesus being obedient and being baptized, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove coming to him.
Matthew 3: 13 – 17, ” As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came up out of the water. Heaven was opened and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. Then a voice said from heaven, “This is my own dear son with whom I am pleased.”
6. New Creation
When one gets born again, they become a new creation in Christ. Their old self is gone, and they are a new being.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
As a new creation, one cannot be identified by their past because they have a new identity in Christ. A person undergoes a complete heart transformation that is evident in their new behavior. They become righteous through Christ and can submit to the ways of God.
When Nicodemus came to Jesus under the cover of night. He was seeking the kingdom.
John 3: 3-5, 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
One of the most Healing things in accepting Christ is being Born Again – The Past is the Past – We are forgiven – We Can Move Forward
7. Once a Person Know Jesus, You Can’t keep them out of the Water
In the book of acts, we see the disciples preaching the gospel and baptizing the new Believers.
(Acts 2:38 – 41). 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Conclusion – How to Spread the Gospel to Unbelievers
Unbelievers also need to know that to grow in their faith, they need to read the Bible daily and pray. This is how they will maintain their relationship with God and grow in their faith. The Bible will show them how to live their new Christian life and serve God using their spiritual gifts. God will begin to reveal to them their purpose so that their lives can have meaning. There is a lot to say as one preaches to unbelievers but getting the basics right will make one’s preaching effective. How to Preach the Gospel to Unbelievers
It’s a pretty cool thought when a baby is born, it needs milk, it then moves to baby food. They then grow and need solid food, they come to a point that they will relish Steak….Smile
List of Steps of How to Preach the Gospel to Unbelievers with Description
- Understand Your Audience: Before preaching the gospel to unbelievers, it’s important to understand who you are talking to and what their beliefs and values are. This will help you tailor your approach and help you craft your message in a way that speaks directly to them.
- Have a Clear Message: Have a clear message that you want to share. This will ensure that your presentation is focused and effective. Make sure your message is easy to understand and that it resonates with your audience.
- Create a Compelling Invitation: Invite your audience to explore the gospel with you. Inviting people to a conversation about faith and the gospel is a great way to start a dialogue.
- Use Scripture: Scripture is the most powerful tool to preach the gospel. Use scripture to back up your message and to help your audience understand the gospel more deeply.
- Be Ready to Answer Questions: Be prepared to answer questions and objections. Be sure to stay open-minded and willing to listen to any questions that come up.
- Be Respectful: Respect the beliefs and opinions of your audience. Make sure you are not coming across as judgmental or preachy.
- Pray for Guidance: Pray for guidance and wisdom so that you can effectively preach the gospel. Pray for the courage and strength to stand firm in your faith.
- Follow Up: Follow up with your audience after your presentation. This could be by sending them a hand-written note or by inviting them to a Bible study. This will show them that you care and are committed to helping them to come to know the gospel.
Outreach is a vital component of spreading the Gospel and the growth of the church. Here is a table listing some of the methods used to do this:
| Outreach Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Personal Evangelism | This involves sharing the Gospel one-on-one or in small groups. It may include sharing personal testimonies, presenting the Gospel message, or inviting individuals to church. |
| Preaching and Teaching | This involves delivering the Gospel message in a sermon or teaching setting, often within the context of a church service. |
| Social Media and Digital Outreach | Utilizing platforms like Facebook, YouTube, or church websites to share sermons, Bible studies, testimonies, and other Gospel-centric content. |
| Community Service | Serving the community through acts of kindness, such as food drives, homeless outreach, or disaster relief. These acts of service provide opportunities to share the Gospel. |
| Bible Study Groups | Conducting Bible study groups allows for a deeper understanding of the Gospel and provides opportunities for discussions and questions. |
| Mission Trips | Churches often organize mission trips where members travel domestically or internationally to serve a community and share the Gospel. |
| Church Events | Organizing special events like concerts, seminars, holiday events, or family fun days that aim to attract the community and provide an opportunity to share the Gospel. |
| Printed Materials | Distribution of printed materials like tracts, booklets, or Bibles that explain the Gospel. |
| Christian Education | Christian schools, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School (VBS) are all venues where the Gospel is taught in an educational setting. |
| Radio and Television Broadcasting | Many churches and ministries broadcast sermons, teachings, and Christian shows via radio or television to reach a larger audience. |
How to Preach the Gospel to Unbelievers
Preaching the Gospel to unbelievers can be a daunting task, but it is also an incredible opportunity to share the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ. Here are several principles that can guide your approach:
- Pray for Guidance: Before you even start, pray for wisdom, understanding, and the right words to effectively communicate the Gospel. Pray for the Holy Spirit to prepare the heart of the person you’re reaching out to, making them receptive to the Gospel message.
- Build Relationships: People are more likely to listen to someone they trust and respect. Therefore, build genuine relationships with the people you want to share the Gospel with. Show them through your actions that you truly care about them.
- Understand their Beliefs: It’s important to understand the beliefs of the person you are speaking with. This can help you frame the Gospel in a way that addresses their particular worldview and concerns.
- Present the Gospel Clearly: Share the Gospel clearly and succinctly. Explain God’s love for humanity, our sin that separates us from Him, Christ’s death and resurrection that paid the penalty for sin, and the need for individuals to accept this gift of salvation.
- Use the Bible: Use relevant Bible passages to support your message. However, remember to explain biblical concepts that may be unfamiliar to them.
- Be Respectful and Patient: People may not immediately accept the Gospel, and that’s okay. Respect their right to make their own decisions, and be patient.
- Invite a Response: After sharing the Gospel, invite the person to make a decision. This could be an invitation to think about what you’ve said, to attend a church service, or to pray to accept Jesus.
- Follow Up: If the person is open to it, continue the conversation at a later date. This can provide an opportunity to answer any questions they may have and offer further insights.
Remember, your job is to faithfully share the Gospel; it is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict hearts and draw individuals to Christ.
Sharing The Gospel With Unbelievers
Gospel, derived from the Old English ‘gōd-spell,’ means ‘good news.’ But how can we communicate this good news effectively, particularly to those unfamiliar with the Christian faith? Let’s dive in and explore the steps involved.
How To Introduce Jesus To Unbelievers
Who Is Jesus?
Introducing Jesus to someone unfamiliar with Christianity is like starting a story from the middle. We need to set the stage first, explain the background. Jesus is believed to be the Son of God, a savior sent to redeem humanity from its sins. He was born in Bethlehem and lived approximately 2000 years ago. His teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection are at the core of the Christian faith.
A Simple 5-Minute Explanation
Can you describe who Jesus is in just five minutes? It may sound like a daunting task, but it can be done. Focus on the essentials – His divine nature, His life, His teachings, His sacrifice, and His resurrection. The key is to keep it simple and heartfelt. Remember, this is not a theological debate but a heartfelt sharing of your faith.
Leading by Example
Actions, they say, speak louder than words. Demonstrating your faith through kindness, compassion, and understanding can often say more about Jesus and His teachings than any sermon. In being a living testament of Christ’s love, you may inspire curiosity and openness in the unbeliever, leading them to seek more.
Best Sermons For Sharing The Gospel
Funeral Sermons: Finding Hope In Despair
Funeral sermons can be especially impactful. They address life’s ultimate question – what happens after we die? By offering hope and comfort in times of grief, the good news of Jesus’ resurrection becomes a beacon of light.
Addressing Atheism: Building Bridges of Understanding
Conversations with atheists can be challenging but rewarding. A sermon aimed at atheists should focus on common grounds – morality, the pursuit of truth, and the inherent value of human life. This approach fosters mutual respect, opens up avenues for fruitful discussions, and may plant a seed of curiosity about the Christian faith.
Using Bible Verses Effectively
The Bible is the foundation of Christianity, a timeless resource for sermons. Use Bible verses strategically, as a means to exemplify Christ’s teachings. Avoid verse slinging and focus on context and application.
Preaching the Gospel to Yourself
The Discipline of Prayer
Prayer is not just asking God for things; it is also a dialogue with God. Preaching the gospel to yourself through prayer can strengthen your faith, remind you of God’s promises, and help you model Christ-like behavior.
The Practice of Meditation
Meditation in the Christian context involves reflecting on God’s word. It allows you to internalize the Gospel, apply it to your life, and draw closer to God. It can be a powerful tool for self-evangelism.
Sharing the Gospel is about more than just preaching. It involves living a life that exemplifies Christ’s teachings, engaging in meaningful conversations, and building bridges of understanding. It’s about letting the love of Christ shine through you so brightly that others can’t help but be drawn to it.
7 Ways – How to Introduce Jesus to Unbelievers
Here’s a friendly and informative list of 7 activities that can serve as effective ways to introduce Jesus to unbelievers.
1. Host a Friendly Get-Together
- Organize an informal, relaxed gathering and invite both believers and unbelievers. Use this time to share personal stories of faith and encourage open, respectful conversations about Jesus and spirituality.
2. Volunteer Together
- Invite friends to join you in volunteering at a local charity or community organization. Demonstrating Christ’s love through service can be a powerful witness and can open opportunities for discussions about faith.
3. Invite to a Worship Service or Special Church Event
- Encourage friends to attend a service or an event where the message of Jesus is shared in a loving, inclusive manner. Opt for events that are welcoming and accessible to people with varying religious backgrounds.
4. Start a Book or Movie Club
- Choose books or movies with spiritual themes and host discussions. This can lead to meaningful conversations about God, faith, and the message of Jesus, allowing for various perspectives to be shared.
5. Organize a Bible Study Group
- Start a casual, open Bible study group where everyone feels welcome to ask questions and share their thoughts. Focus on the life and teachings of Jesus, emphasizing His message of love and acceptance.
6. Engage in One-on-One Conversations
- Take time to have deep, personal conversations with friends and acquaintances. Share your experiences and listen attentively to their views on spirituality, offering insights about Jesus in a non-confrontational manner.
7. Participate in Community Events
- Join local events and initiatives and be a visible, active member of your community. By building relationships and displaying kindness and integrity, you can reflect Jesus’s love and create openings for spiritual conversations.
🌟 Remember:
The goal is not to force conversations or conversions but to lovingly and respectfully introduce others to Jesus, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. Approach each interaction with love, patience, openness, and a genuine desire to understand others.
How to Explain the Gospel to a Non-Believer 📖
Explaining the Gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ—to a non-believer is an essential and delicate task. It involves conveying the core message of Christianity in a way that is understandable, relatable, and respectful of the individual’s beliefs. The Bible provides guidance on how to approach this important mission. In 1 Peter 3:15, it is written, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” This verse underscores the importance of sharing the Gospel with gentleness and respect, focusing on hope and love.
1st Takeaway: Approach with Gentleness and Respect 🤝
The first key takeaway is to approach the conversation with gentleness and respect. Non-believers may have diverse backgrounds and worldviews, so it’s crucial to create a safe and non-confrontational environment. Share the Gospel with humility, empathy, and respect for their beliefs, allowing for open dialogue and understanding.
2nd Takeaway: Focus on Hope and Love ❤️
When explaining the Gospel, emphasize the transformative power of hope and love found in Christ. John 3:16 beautifully articulates this: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Highlight how the Gospel offers hope, forgiveness, and eternal life through the love of God. Share personal stories of how your faith has brought hope and love into your life.
3rd Takeaway: Listen and Address Questions 🗣️
Effective communication involves active listening. Encourage non-believers to ask questions and express their doubts or concerns. Address their inquiries with patience and humility, drawing from your own understanding of the Gospel and the Bible. Sometimes, the best way to explain the Gospel is by responding to specific questions or doubts they may have.
In summary, explaining the Gospel to a non-believer is a compassionate and respectful endeavor. Following the guidance from 1 Peter 3:15, approach the conversation with gentleness and respect, focusing on the transformative power of hope and love found in Christ. Be open to listening and addressing questions, fostering an atmosphere of understanding and genuine dialogue. Sharing the Gospel in this manner can be a powerful way to introduce the life-changing message of Jesus to those who may not yet believe.
How to Share the Gospel to Unbelievers
Sharing the Gospel with unbelievers is a fundamental aspect of many Christian faiths. Here are some practical bullet points on how to effectively share the Gospel:
- Pray for Guidance: Begin with prayer, seeking guidance from God on who to share the Gospel with and for the right words to use.
- Build Relationships: Establish a genuine, caring relationship with the person you want to share the Gospel with. Show interest in their life and concerns.
- Listen Actively: Practice active listening to understand their beliefs, questions, and doubts. Respect their perspective.
- Use Simple Language: Avoid religious jargon or complex theological terms. Explain concepts in simple, relatable language.
- Share Your Testimony: Describe how your faith has impacted your life and share personal stories of transformation.
- Use Scripture: Share relevant Bible verses that convey the message of God’s love, salvation, and hope.
- Focus on Love: Emphasize God’s love and the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ as a message of hope and redemption.
- Address Questions and Doubts: Be prepared to address their questions and doubts honestly and with humility. If you don’t know an answer, offer to find it together.
- Respect Their Choice: Respect their freedom to accept or reject the Gospel. Avoid pressuring or imposing your beliefs.
- Invite to Church or Small Groups: Extend an invitation to church services, Bible studies, or other gatherings where they can explore their faith in a supportive environment.
- Share Resources: Recommend books, articles, or online resources that can help them learn more about Christianity at their own pace.
- Continue Praying: Keep praying for the person even after your conversation. Trust in God’s timing for their spiritual journey.
- Demonstrate Christ’s Love: Let your actions reflect the love of Christ in your daily life. Acts of kindness and service can be powerful testimonies.
- Be Patient: Understand that the process of conversion or spiritual growth may take time. Be patient and continue to support them in their journey.
- Follow Up: Stay in touch and continue to nurture the relationship. Offer ongoing support and encouragement.
- Lead by Example: Live out your faith authentically, as your own life can be a compelling testimony.
Remember, sharing the Gospel is not about winning arguments but about sharing the love of Christ. Approach conversations with humility, empathy, and a genuine desire to connect with the other person on a spiritual level.
FAQs
- How can I share the Gospel without seeming pushy? It’s important to approach the conversation with love, respect, and patience. Allow them to ask questions and express their doubts. It’s not about winning an argument but about sharing your faith.
- What if the person I’m speaking to rejects the Gospel? It’s natural to feel disheartened. But remember, your job is to share the good news. How a person responds is not within your control.
- What should I do if I don’t have answers to their questions? It’s okay to say, “I don’t know.” Being honest fosters trust. You can always research the question and get back to them later.
- How can I share the Gospel with someone of a different faith? Start by finding common ground and build on that. Respect their beliefs while sharing yours. Remember, it’s a conversation, not a debate.
- What if I’m afraid to share the Gospel? It’s natural to feel nervous. Pray for courage and ask God to guide your words.
New Testament Commentaries
Below is a table featuring some renowned New Testament commentaries, their publishers, and websites where they can be found. Please note that availability may vary and it’s always beneficial to check multiple sources for acquiring these commentaries.
| Commentary Name | Publisher | Website |
|---|---|---|
| The New International Commentary on the New Testament | Eerdmans | Eerdmans |
| Word Biblical Commentary | Zondervan | Zondervan |
| Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament | Baker Academic | Baker Academic |
| The New Testament for Everyone | Westminster John Knox Press | Westminster John Knox Press |
| Tyndale New Testament Commentaries | InterVarsity Press | InterVarsity Press |
| Expositor’s Bible Commentary | Zondervan | Zondervan |
| The Anchor Yale Bible Commentary | Yale University Press | Yale University Press |
