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.

          Sometimes we use a lot of big words in a religious context. Benevolence, edification, sanctification, justification, propitiation. We often hear the word “evangelism,” but what does it mean?
          An evangelist is simply “a bringer of good news.” The gospel is the good news of Christ, thus the evangelist is one who brings the gospel. In fact, “evangelist” and “gospel” come from the same root Greek word: εὐαγγελίζω.
          The command to evangelize following Christ’s resurrection was first given to His closest followers. He told His disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Matthew’s goes into a little more detail. “Go therefore and make disciples of all 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” (Matthew 28:19-20).
          The form of the verb “go” in these verses would be better translated, “as you are going.” The early disciples were expected to spread the good news of Jesus Christ as they went about their business. At work, at school, at home…preach it, and make disciples. As you make disciples, baptize them. Then continue teaching. The job is not done when someone gets in the water; it has only just begun! Teach them to observe ALL things commanded by the Master. You know what that includes? The command to go and make disciples!
          We generally think of the preacher as THE evangelist, but the Scriptures reveal a much different picture. Paul wrote to the young preacher Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:5, “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” So certainly, the preacher does bear some responsibility in the work of evangelism. But is evangelism the job of the preacher alone?
          The book of Acts is a history of the early church, specifically the work of Peter and Paul in conversion. In Acts 8, we are told that the church was being heavily persecuted following the stoning of Stephen. Luke writes, “At that time, a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1). Skip down just a few verses and we read, “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).
          The apostles were the first ones given the commission to go everywhere preaching. But in Acts 8, the apostles stayed in Jerusalem while “those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” Evangelism was not considered an apostolic duty exclusively in the first century, and it should not be considered the preacher’s duty exclusively in the twenty-first century!
          The apostles were the original recipients of the Great Commission; Christians today are under the “Perpetual Commission.” Paul wrote, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

Discussion and Action

1. How would you define evangelism?

2. Who is generally seen as “THE evangelist” in the church today? Is this good or bad?

3. Who should be an evangelist?

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 one of the verses for the gospel plan of salvation.

6. Remember the index card with the names of three non-Christian friends? Did you have a chance to talk to them about Jesus? Keep praying for them looking for opportunities to discuss spiritual matters with them.

          “What must I do to be saved?” How would you answer that question? If you are engaged in a spiritual discussion with a close friend, and they ask this question, do you know what to say? This is the most important question any person could ever ask, but it is not a question that someone is going to ask out of the blue.
          When the question is asked in the New Testament, it is because people are motivated to ask. On the Day of Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2, the apostles are speaking in languages they have never studied. Peter tells the crowd that they are witnessing the fulfillment of prophecy! Joel had foretold the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, and the wonders and signs and the coming salvation. Peter says, “But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel!” He then talked about Jesus, and how David pointed to Jesus, and how they had crucified Jesus. Peter declared, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” The Jews listening to Peter “were cut to the heart,” and they asked him the most important question ever: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
          Acts 9 tells of Saul of Tarsus, who was traveling to Damascus on a religious mission: he was going to identify followers of “the Way” and bring them bound back to Jerusalem. Along the way, something happened. A bright light from heaven caused him to fall to the ground, and he heard the voice of the Lord ask, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Saul realized that he had been on the wrong path and asked, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
          Saul of Tarsus became Paul the apostle, and is known for his evangelistic efforts among the Gentile world. Luke writes in Acts 16 about Paul and his teaching companion Silas getting arrested in Philippi. They were in the jail, singing and praying, when an earthquake hit. All the chains fell from all the prisoners, and they were free to go! When the jailer realized this, he drew his sword to take his own life. But Paul called out and prevented him, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” The jailer, trembling, asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
          Three very different situations, all leading someone to ask the most important question. What’s the answer?
          The answer is one that all Christians should memorize. We are commanded by the inspired apostle Peter, “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” (1 Peter 3:15). Do you know the answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?”

1) Hear (Romans 10:17)
2) Believe (Mark 16:16)
3) Confess (Acts 8:37)
4) Repent (Acts 3:19)
5) Be Baptized (Acts 2:38)
6) Be Faithful (Revelation 2:10)

          Many Scriptures can be used in place of the ones listed. You might see different wording, or some may put repentance before confession, but the answer is generally the same. Even if you do not memorize the text of each verse, at least memorize the reference so you can find it quickly. It is not our aim to share our opinions on the matter of salvation, but to point honest hearts to what the Scriptures reveal.

Discussion and Action

1. Will everyone respond in a positive way? What are some of the objections your religious friends may have to this answer?

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

3. Take an index card and write the names of three non-Christian friends. Include them in your daily prayers, and look for opportunities to turn your discussions with them to spiritual matters.