Category: The Gospel in a Minute

Be Glad for a Hot or Cold Response to the Gospel

Gospel in a Minute

After Paul addressed a crowd in Athens, his listeners responded as follows.

When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” 33  That ended Paul’s discussion with them, 34  but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. Acts 17:32-34 (NLT)

Principle: Be Glad for a Hot or Cold Response to the Gospel

Lack of interest is not what we hope to obtain when we present the gospel. Far better that a person become hostile than simply ignore the greatest gift ever offered. This agrees with Jesus’ warning in Revelation.

I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16  But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT)

Even though Jesus spoke these words to the church, the principle still applies to all. If people actively resist the gospel, it is because they are seriously listening and do not like what they hear. There is hope for such a person. Perhaps the Holy Spirit will bring them around as they continue to ponder the implications of the gospel. The “lukewarm” disinterested person, however, does not have much hope at all. His or her mind and heart are not engaged.

We should be glad for a “hot” response by those who readily receive the gospel. We should also be glad when we encounter hostility, knowing that at least the message is being heard.

Be assured that God’s word will accomplish his desired end.

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. Isaiah 55:11 (NLT)
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Be Able to Quickly Summarize the Gospel

Gospel in a Minute

While addressing a crowd in Athens, Paul covered from creation to the resurrection in one paragraph.

“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, 25  and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. 26  From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. 27  “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. 28  For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 29  And since this is true, we shouldn’t think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone. 30  “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. 31  For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17:24-31 (NLT)

Principle: Be Able to Quickly Summarize the Gospel

Sometimes we find ourselves in situation where we have a very small window of time in which to communicate big ideas.

To be an effective gospel communicator we need to learn how to share the good news with great thoroughness when given the opportunity and with brevity when that is required.

I am not sure what kind of time pressure Paul found himself, but it seems that he knew his audience’s attention span was short. He covered thousands of years in a few sentences. Let’s see what he established in that one paragraph.

  1. God is the Creator.
  2. Man-made religion and idols are useless.
  3. God is sovereign over the affairs of the world.
  4. God’s purpose for mankind was for us to seek and find him. He is near at hand.
  5. God is calling everyone to repent and turn to him.
  6. He will one day judge the world through one he raised from the dead.

Paul did not share the entire gospel in this paragraph, but he did manage to get their attention and provoke a response. He found out who was open and who just wanted to debate. That was a decent outcome.

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Find Common Ground

Gospel in a Minute

When given the opportunity to address a crowd in Athens, Paul found a way to segue into the gospel message.

So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, 23  for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about. Acts 17:22-23 (NLT)

Principle: Find Common Ground

When we have the opportunity to share the gospel, wisdom teaches us not to begin by attacking people and their beliefs. All that does is make them defensive and closes their mind against what we have to say. Paul found common ground with the Athenians in a most surprising way. Instead of negatively focusing on their pagan idolatry, he pointed out the one thing they shared.

By finding common ground he gave himself the best opportunity to be heard.

When we talk with people, we should ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us where we can find a launching point to share Jesus. I am not of the persuasion that every conversation needs to end up with our sharing the gospel. That is a good way to alienate people. If we hope to have a long-term connection with people, we must be socially aware and smart, not a gospel bulldozer that flattens everything in its path.

Sometimes God will open a way to share the gospel in a first meeting. Other times we may need to cultivate a relationship. If we love people, we will rejoice either way. Love opens hearts to the gospel.

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:6 (NLT)
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Beware of Those Who Merely Want to Debate

Gospel in a Minute

While in Athens, Paul…

...had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. When he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, “What’s this babbler trying to say with these strange ideas he’s picked up?” Others said, “He seems to be preaching about some foreign gods.” 19  Then they took him to the high council of the city. “Come and tell us about this new teaching,” they said. 20  “You are saying some rather strange things, and we want to know what it’s all about.” 21  (It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas.) Acts 17:18-21 (NLT)

Principle: Beware of Those Who Merely Want to Debate

Some people have a love of knowledge but not a love of the truth.

This might be like contrasting a womanizer with a faithful married man. Both like women in general, but the latter is willing to forsake all others for the sake of one special woman. When I found my wife, I stopped looking elsewhere. Likewise, when I found Jesus, my quest for truth was resolved in him. This is not to say that I have no more to learn, but now I know the Source of all truth, the one who said:

...“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NLT)

Beware debating with people who merely love to debate, but who are not committed to forsaking everything to follow the truth.

They are a waste of time and energy.

I close with Paul’s words to the church in Thessalonica.

He [the man of lawlessness, the antichrist] will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. 2 Thessalonians 2:10 (NLT)
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Go Where People Gather

Gospel in a Minute

Paul next traveled to Athens, Greece, where…

...he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17  So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. Acts 17:16-17 (NIV)

Principle: Go Where People Gather

Besides preaching to crowds, Paul conversed one-on-one with those in the marketplace. Today this will happen in places like coffee shops, but really wherever we might be. We should always be alert for opportunities.

Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.’ Matthew 22:9 (NLT)

I believe more followers of Christ should make it a practice to visit places where people gather with the express purpose of seeing what God might do.

This will require us to hone our conversational skills so that we can easily talk to people without making them feel uncomfortable. The idea is that during the conversation we will discover more about them, their situations and needs, and thus find a way to offer to pray for them or to share how Christ is the answer. The more we do this, the easier it gets, the more relaxed we become, and the better will be our results. Give it a try. The Holy Spirit will help you. Listen to him. He is already at work in the marketplace. God is way ahead of us.

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Look for Open Minded People

Gospel in a Minute

Paul and Silas made it to the city of Berea where they encountered a different sort of people.

And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 12  As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men. Acts 17:11-12 (NLT)

Principle: Look for Open Minded People

When we are critical and suspicious, our minds are closed. Most of the Jewish leaders had already made up their minds to reject Jesus and his teachings. Such closed mindedness blinded them to the beauty and truth of his words and the testimony of his many miracles. They were self-satisfied and smug, thinking themselves better than others. Humble open minded people are willing to consider an idea and check out its validity for themselves. Instead of being manipulated by those who hated Paul and the gospel as had been the Thessalonians, the Bereans examined the Scriptures to see if the gospel’s claims were true.

Jesus described this sort of people in his famous parable of the sower.

And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. Luke 8:15 (NLT)

Rather than wasting time with proud, dishonest, and close-minded people who resist the gospel, look for those who are open. They make the best audience.

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Be Reasonable

Gospel in a Minute

As Paul and Silas continued on their second missionary journey, he arrived in Thessalonica in Greece.

Paul and Silas then traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2  As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. 3  He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” Acts 17:1-3 (NLT)

Principle: Be Reasonable

Paul used the Scriptures to try to convince people of the reasonableness of the gospel message concerning Jesus’ identity as the Jewish Messiah, whose death and resurrection provides salvation for the entire world.

There is a divine logic to the gospel, but only those whose eyes and hearts have been opened by the Holy Spirit can perceive it.

If a person or group already accepts the authority of the Bible, using its logic is possible.

Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. 7  No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8  But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 (NLT)

If there is no common ground regarding the validity of the Bible, one can still declare the truth about Jesus in the hope that the Holy Spirit will open hearts and enable our hearers to understand and believe. Such a breakthrough is always a miracle.

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Be Prepared to “Close the Deal”

Gospel in a Minute

On Paul’s second missionary journey, he was thrown in jail in Philippi. After being beaten and put in stocks, Paul and Silas sang praises to God, who caused an earthquake that set the prisoners free. The jailer was going to commit suicide, thinking he had lost his prisoners – a capital offense. Paul stopped him, saying that everyone was accounted for.

The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30  Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31  They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32  And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33  Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34  He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. Acts 16:29-34 (NLT)

Principle: Be Prepared to “Close the Deal”

Even though many, if not most, of our hearers seem to be closed to the gospel, we may one day have the privilege of sharing with someone who is immediately ready to repent and confess Christ as Savior and Lord. We must be ready to “close the deal.”

We do not want to rush things and make it “too easy” for someone to be saved by indicating that all one has to do is repeat a prayer, even when there is no heartfelt repentance. However, if a person gives a clear indication of true faith, we should move immediately, just as Paul did. I suggest encouraging (or, if necessary, leading) the person to pray out loud something like the following. The exact words are not as important as the heartfelt communication to God.

Typical Prayer for Salvation

Jesus, I realize now that you are indeed the risen Lord of Lords. Thank you for dying for my sins and giving me eternal life. I now give you my life. Help me to serve you and be a faithful witness to you and the gospel. Holy Spirit, fill me to overflowing. Transform me from the inside out so that I think and act like Jesus. Father God, thank you for making me your child and part of your forever family. Help me to know, experience, and communicate to others your amazing love. I give you my worship and thanks. Amen.

It is a great idea to immediately baptize new believers in water, too, just as Paul did. Water baptism is our public proclamation of allegiance to Jesus the Messiah.

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Carefully Present the Gospel Truth about God as Revealed through Christ

Gospel in a Minute

When God healed the crippled man in Lystra, the onlookers misinterpreted what it meant.

And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12  Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13  And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. Acts 14:11-13 (ESV)

Principle: Carefully Present the Gospel Truth about God as Revealed through Christ

The attesting healing miracle in Lystra was intended to convince people of the truth of the gospel, but the people of Lystra tried to fit it into their existing pagan paradigm.  Before knowing the truth about God, we tend to create for ourselves “gods” that fit into our presuppositions about life and reality and that allow us to do whatever we want. God’s name, as revealed to Moses, is “I am Who I am.” God is not who we might want him to be. He is who he is. He revealed himself fully through his Son, Jesus the Messiah King of Israel. If we want to know what God is really like, we can find out by believing in and knowing Christ. The gospel is a presentation of the truth about God as revealed through Christ.

Gospel preachers must carefully present the Good News so that people will not easily misinterpret it. Only faith in the true God as revealed in the actual gospel saves. Our job is to make sure that is what people hear.

As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NLT)
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Take the Risk of Following the Holy Spirit

Gospel in a Minute

Paul and Barnabas arrived in Lystra, where they preached the gospel to the citizens.

Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9  He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10  said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. Acts 14:8-10 (ESV)

Principle: Take the Risk of Following the Holy Spirit

Building upon the principle that God’s Spirit is partnering with us when we share the gospel, we should be alert to signs of what he is doing while we are sharing the good news. At Lystra, Paul discerned that one of his listeners had faith to be healed. How did he know? Only those who have trained themselves (Hebrews 5:14) through practice to see, hear, or intuit what the Spirit is doing and saying (John 5:19) and who are willing to take the risk of being wrong and looking bad will be able to do this.

Being Christ’s representative is not about our looking good and never making a mistake. Christ expects his messengers to be faithful to him, regardless of the personal cost.

Being led by the Spirit involves an internal “knowing” that cannot be logically explained.

The Spirit is an able communicator, but he speaks most often in what the Bible calls a “still, small voice,” (1Kings 19:12) that only those who believe and are open and alert will detect. Once we “hear” that voice, then we face the choice of what to do.

Paul risked the entire gospel opportunity by publicly commanding the man to stand up, something impossible for him without a miracle. The risk was rewarded when the man obeyed and God healed him. This public attesting miracle validated the message and the messengers to the people of the area and opened their hearts to the gospel message.

If we want apostolic results, we must take apostolic risks.

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