How to Launch the Gospel Conversation

Dr. MacArthur writes about 'Theology of Sleep: Evangelism According to Jesus' in EVANGELISM: HOW TO SHARE THE GOSPEL FAITHFULLY & he underscores the power of the Gospel message, not the messenger. The issue is not our fruitfulness in our evangelistic encounters, but our faithfulness; discharging our duty to proclaim salvation at every opportunity. He notes, "The Scripture's longest and most detailed instructions concerning evangelism are found in Mark 4. This series of parables is our Lord's Magna Carta on evangelism, and the foundation of His teaching is the parable of the soils. The point of this illustration is it demonstrates that neither the style of the evangelist nor his adaptation of the message ultimately has an impact on the results of his efforts. Jesus' understanding of evangelism is a resounding rebuke to those who suppose that a pastor's dress, style, or music helps him reach a particular culture or crowd, or that diluting the gospel to make it more acceptable produces true conversions. The reality is that God's power comes through the message, not the messenger." Friends, that is enormously good news about the good news of the gospel! If you have responded to the gospel in repentant faith, that is, if you knew enough to get saved, you know enough to share with others how they too can be redeemed and have their sins forgiven! We're simply beggars that faithfully tell others where to find bread for their hungry souls. Since we have been forgiven our sin debt, there's no more important conversation than telling fellow sinners how to have their sins forgiven through Christ alone! It is the Gospel that is the power of God unto salvation, to all who believe, so stop being ashamed, or fearful, or anything else that distracts you from sharing the most important message to those whom God providentially places in our paths (Rom 1:16-17). So how do we segway in our conversations? "Launching the Gospel Conversation" is the topic of midweek Bible study, as we get ready for this weekend's outreach event to our community.