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          Your friend said he wasn’t interested in hearing about religion. He doesn’t need Jesus; he’s happy in his denomination; he thinks, “We’re all going to heaven, just taking different paths.” We don’t like rejection, but rejection is a part of evangelism. Does that mean we should give up?
          “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9). As we discussed in our examination of the parable of the sower, our job is to scatter that seed. We cannot force someone to accept the truth, nor can we force them to even listen to it. However, we must take seriously our role as sowers, realizing there are many who will ignore the gospel but praying for those who will obey.
          Jesus prayed for the people who would believe. He prayed for His apostles, then said, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:20-21). If Jesus prayed for prospective converts, shouldn’t we do the same?
          We need to be watchful for opportunities to share God’s love, even with those who have resisted it in the past. One who may not initially be aware of his need for the Lord can change his mind over time. A major event in life may disrupt a friend’s status quo, and that could be a perfect opportunity to get him to think seriously about Jesus. His invitation is always open: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
          Our attitude is extremely important in evangelism. Some people are very fluent in sarcasm, but we need to recognize there are situations that call for seriousness. If we never show that we can be serious, our friends will never confide in us when they are struggling. They don’t want to be mocked, but comforted.
          “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers….Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:29,31-32). This applies to social media (written word) as much as the spoken word. When hateful, spite-filled memes dominate your profile, serious conversations will be difficult to come by. Kindness trumps bitterness.
          “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2). Brother Kerry Williams asks a very thought-provoking question: “If we should approach a weak brother in such a way, how much more should we approach unbelievers with gentleness?” (Kerry W. Williams, Fishers of Teens, p. 37).
          Consider how Aquila and Priscilla dealt with Apollos, and how he responded. “Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 18:24-28).
          Did Aquila and Priscilla stand up and interrupt Apollos? Did they shout him down? No! The Scriptures say that “they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.” There is an implication of gentleness. They didn’t want to embarrass him or diminish his zeal one bit. They simply wanted him to have the full story so he could lead others to the truth.
          You likely have friends that are passionate about their religion. They may be involved in their church and active in service. Perhaps you can find an opportunity to take them aside and study the truth more deeply. Invite them over for dinner with your family. Highlight the areas wherein you agree…don’t diminish the fact that they do believe that Jesus is the Son of God! Encourage them to keep developing that faith through a study of the Word, and explore what His Word says about obedience, specifically the gospel plan of salvation. “Explain the way of God more accurately”…“in a spirit of gentleness.”
          Why is it important for us to do this? Paul writes, “And to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
          “Do you have a lost friend? Do you intend to try and talk to that person about Jesus? If not, then maybe you should ask yourself one final question. What kind of friend am I?” (Kerry W. Williams, Fishers of Teens, p. 39).

Discussion and Action

1. What is going to happen to those who do not know and do not obey the gospel? Who is going to teach your friends if you don’t?

2. Can you think of opportunities that you have neglected? Learn from those missed opportunities and grab ahold of them next time!

3. Keep working on memorizing the gospel plan of salvation and the verses that go along with each step.

4. This class is over, but don’t forget about the five names you wrote down. Will you be a true friend and teach them about the Lord?

          We have discussed the gospel plan of salvation, the definition of evangelism, the importance of righteous living, the extent to which we should scatter seed and thereby identify prospects, and God’s responses to common excuses we might make to avoid teaching others. Now that we have some of these things set in our minds, let us look at what to do when we find that good and honest heart that is searching for the truth.
          There are numerous systems of teaching within the brotherhood. Ivan Stewart’s “Open Bible Study,” which became popular in the 1970s, is still a good tool that Christians can use in teaching their neighbors. There are a handful of lessons with mostly “yes” or “no” questions. Brother Stewart published a book entitled Go Ye Means Go Me that is very useful in helping one with the “Open Bible Study” system.
          A newer workbook was designed by Stephen Rogers of Evansville, Indiana. The student workbook is called The Gospel Made Simple, and the teacher’s textbook is Evangelism Made Simple. His materials are mostly fill-in-the-blank and the topics are thoroughly discussed.
          Another tool that many have used successfully is Muscle and a Shovel by Michael Shank. This is a recounting of brother Shank’s conversion in 1988; he was led to the truth by conversations with a co-worker in Nashville. It is not only a tool for converts, but also for evangelists. The attitude of the teacher in the book, Randall, is one that should be emulated by those hoping to reach and teach others.
          These are only a few of the tools that can be used by Christians in the work of evangelism today. But here’s the thing—they are only tools. The authority for all things comes from Jesus Christ and the revelation of the Holy Spirit in the written Word. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). When we talk to our friends about spiritual matters, if we have nothing but the Bible at our disposal, we have all we truly need. All the programs mentioned above—as good as they may be—are merely tools used to learn what the Bible teaches.
          Inviting friends to worship with us is good, but it is usually not enough. We must be willing to talk to them about the Lord, and to do that we should have a basic understanding of the authority of Scriptures, the power of God, the deity of Christ, the gospel plan of salvation. We need to use this understanding to engage with the good soil in spiritual discussions. Those who have been receptive to the seed, keep watering.
          Consider the example of the apostle Paul. He did not travel around the known world inviting folks to worship services. He went to where they were and started conversations with them based on their knowledge and understanding. In Acts 16, Luke writes about the conversion of Lydia, a woman who “worshiped God.” (Acts 16:14) Notice how Paul and his traveling companions came into contact with her: “And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there” (Acts 16:13). They went to where spiritually-minded people were gathered!
          Even in Athens, a city overrun with pagan idolatry, Paul started with the same approach. “Now while he waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there” (Acts 17:16-17). Nearly everywhere Paul went, he started with the people at the synagogue, or where worshipers were gathered. When the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers heard his preaching about Jesus, they decided to take him to the Areopagus, “(f)or all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing” (Acts 17:21).
          Paul used his surroundings to build a lesson, pointing to one of the altars there. “Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNONWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you’” (Acts 17:22-23).
          These people were not Christians, but they were religious. They were interested. And Paul used that interest to teach about Jesus. What was the result? “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, ‘We will hear you again on this matter.’ So Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them” (Acts 17:32-34). Despite their pagan background, they had good and honest hearts and believed the truth when it was taught. We never know how someone might respond until they are given the chance to hear and believe.
          Will talking about Christ cause awkwardness at times? How did Felix feel when Paul talked to him? “But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, ‘When Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case.’ So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him. And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.’” (Acts 24:22-25).
          When Paul spoke before Festus and Agrippa, how did they respond? “Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, ‘Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!’ But he said, ‘I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.’ Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You almost persuade me to become a Christian’” (Acts 26:24-28).
          Their response was not what Paul wanted, but he had no way of knowing how they would react without first presenting the truth. Notice, however, that he did not anger them with his teaching. In fact, they lamented that he was a prisoner, as he had done “nothing deserving of death or chains” (Acts 26:31).
          When we teach others about Christ, let us strive to do so gently. Pray that you can lead someone to understand and obey, but even if their response is not immediately favorable, let us not burn bridges and prevent further influence and teaching.

Discussion and Action

1. We often invite friends to worship services instead of trying to set up a private study. Essentially, while Christ tells us to “go,” we tell our friends to “come.” Do we have it backwards?

2. Are you familiar with any formal Bible study tools other than those mentioned in this lesson?

3. How might you interest a friend in a private study in your home?

4. Recite the six steps of the gospel plan of salvation and where you can find Scriptures for each step.

5. Memorize the text of another verse in the gospel plan of salvation.

6. You have identified five people over whom you have some influence that need the gospel. Over the past month and a half, how have you engaged them in spiritual discussion? Has there been any positive response?

          1 Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” We need to be prepared to answer questions, but there is another way in which we must prepare ourselves.
          Our behavior is important when we consider our influence on others. The Scriptures say, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:13-16).
          If you act like a fool with no hope, if you are disobedient yourself to the Bible, and if you live as the world lives, why should anyone listen to what you say about Jesus? If He doesn’t impact your life, why would you think that He would impact someone else’s?
          We need to be a positive influence on the people we come into contact with. Classmates, co-workers, neighbors, friends, even the person taking your order at the fast food joint. Don’t you have good news? The best news ever? Don’t you have a reason to smile and rejoice?
          Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
          What did Jesus do for you? Doesn’t that make you ecstatic? Shouldn’t that make you glow with His love? “A city that is set on a hill CANNOT be hidden.” God has exalted you, His child, and His love should shine so brightly it blinds everyone around you! DON’T TRY TO DIM IT! Don’t put it under a basket; put it on a lampstand! Let everyone see the light! Let everyone glorify the Father! Let everyone experience His love!
          It does not matter how young you are. If you have experienced the saving blood of Jesus, you let your light shine! “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Don’t give anyone a reason to say a single bad word about you.
          Be an example in word. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). Don’t be telling dirty jokes or cursing. Use your words to encourage others in the church. It doesn’t cost a penny to give someone a compliment.
          Be an example in conduct. Recall what Peter wrote about obedience and holiness. Our character should reflect Christ.
          Be an example in love. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Can you substitute your name for the word “love” in that passage and it still ring true? Are you patient, kind, humble, and selfless?
          Be an example in spirit. Paul said in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Our attitude is so important when we consider evangelism. If you’re always angry, or present a “woe is me” disposition, it will be difficult for people to take you seriously when you give them the good news of Christ.
          Be an example in faith. Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He has saved you, and that salvation is available to all? Show it! “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Believe it? Show it!
          Be an example in purity. This is so difficult in the twenty-first century, but we must do our very best to avoid sinful situations that will not only compromise our influence but also endanger our eternal souls! How do we do this? Inspiration does not leave us guessing! “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). Replace the bad (youthful lusts) with the good (righteousness). Surround yourself with people who want to go to heaven, and who want you to go to heaven with them!
          How does this all relate to evangelism?
          “Everyone hates hypocrisy. Once someone believes you to be preaching one thing and practicing another, all hope for a receptive ear will vanish. You will be tuned out and completely minimized. For you to be a natural evangelist, you need to align your hidden behaviors with your public message. Of course, you are not going to be perfect. You will sin and make mistakes, but blatant hypocrisy will be detrimental to God using you in His mission” (Matthew W. Morine, Natural Evangelism, p. 18).

Discussion and Action

1. How has your behavior affected another person’s perception of the church?

2. Identify your strengths and weaknesses of your example as it relates to 1 Timothy 4:12, and make a plan to improve your weaknesses.

3. Recite the six steps of the gospel plan of salvation and where you can find Scriptures for each step.

4. Memorize the text of another verse in the gospel plan of salvation.

5. Take out your index card of three friends. Add two more names to the list. Keep praying for them looking for opportunities to discuss spiritual matters with them.