Explaining the Gospel

Introduction:

Bridges are fascinating, especially those across wide expanses. Bridges bring people & things together. Over history – bridges have become a place a place to meet, mingle, and talk. Imagine what would happen if all bridges everywhere collapsed. What do bridges & bridge builders have to do with evangelism? Sin creates a gap between man & God. It is Jesus who, through his death, bridges the gap between God & man. We who have found reconciliation, can point the way to others & help them cross the bridge to salvation. It should be our priority to share the blessings we have in Christ with others.

I.  This can be fearful for many.

A.    1 Pet 3:13-17 – Peter is not dismissing fear!

1.     But, we can squelch it as much as possible by remembering that God is on our side (3:13).

B.    3:15a – how can we overcome this fear?

1.     Sanctify means “set apart.” Set Jesus up on the throne of your heart. 

2.     Until we put Jesus will at the forefront our evangelistic endeavors will be less than effective. Heb. 13:5-6 – great words of hope here.

III. 1 Pet. 3:15b - We should always be willing to share our hope with others.

A.    Observe carefully what Peter is NOT saying here.

1.     He is not saying that we need to be ready to give an answer for EVERY question on religious matters that someone may ask.

B.    We must always be ready to give a reason why we have the HOPE we do.

C.    We are to share that hope in the proper spirit. With meekness and reverence.

IV. What is the gospel?

A.    1 Cor. 15:1-8. Focus on 15:3-4.

1.     Why did Jesus have to die?  Why did He have to suffer?

B.    John 10:10b - God desires for us to have abundant/meaningful life.

C.    We chose to disobey God & go our own way. Isa 59:1-2; Rom. 3:23

D.    God’s remedy is the cross. John 14:6 – He is the only answer.

1.     Jesus paid the penalty for our sin. 1 Pet 3:18; 1 Tim. 2:5; Rom. 5:8-10

2.     God’s remedy is grace.Titus 2:11-12; Eph. 2:8; John 1:29

V.  What will be your response?

A.    What must I do to be saved?

1.     Believe that Jesus is the Christ. Jhn 3:16-18, 36; 5:24; 6:40; 11:25-26

2.     Repent. Lk. 13:1-5; Acts 3:19; 17:30-31

3.     Confess that Jesus is the Son of God. Rom. 10:9-10.

4.     Be baptized. Acts 22:16; Col. 2:9-12; 1 Pet. 3:21-22

B.    These are men’s responsibility to take advantage of God’s grace.

VI. We are trying to help people give themselves fully to God.  To be converted.

A.    We help others get started in the conversion process.

B.    In scripture, salvation is presented whole, as a unit, not as parts.

C.    As a matter of faith in the atonement of Jesus’ death & God’s power in His resurrection.

D.    Conversion is a whole person response that declares a person’s faith in God.

1.     A whole person response to God through Christ that redirects life & enters a covenant relationship with God.

2.     Conversion helps us to have a glimpse of the big picture when we explain the gospel.

Conclusion:

A.    Do you need to walk across the bridge to get salvation?