ICS Daily Devotions
How to Share the Gospel
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (NKJV) Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to US the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
The ministry and the word of reconciling the people to God is given to every Christian. We are to share the good news that God has sent Jesus Christ to reconcile the world to Himself. Instead of imputing our trespasses to us, God has placed all our sins and transgression onto Jesus Christ and judged all the sins placed on Him. Jesus took all our sins upon Himself and received the wrath of God when He hung on the cross. He was made sin for us so that we can have His righteousness that enables all of us to stand right before Him.
The Response Pyramid is a tool that can help us when we share the Gospel with different kinds of unbelievers. Broadly speaking, unbelievers will fall into two main categories, namely Type A and B, which can be further broken down into five levels.
Type B (Level 5) represents the largest group of people whose typical mindset is “We’re all going to the same place via different roads”. They have no interest in the Christian faith and may object strongly to the sharing of the Gospel. We need to develop relationships with them and expose them to the reality of Christ in our own lives. Our personal testimony is a powerful tool in making them aware of what Christ means to us. While many deny, ignore or even reject the Gospel, this gives them cause to stop and think.
Type B (Level 4) represents the second largest group. They have an awareness of the Gospel but are not receptive; they have heard about Jesus but choose not to believe.
Type B+ (Level 3) don’t object to being friends with Christians and may attend church or Christian gatherings occasionally. We should engage in friendship evangelism. Sharing your life experience after conversion allows them to see how God has met your needs in the same situations they are facing and may lead to an opening to pray for their situations.
Level 2 (Type A) is open to the Gospel. They may already have some understanding of Christianity and are willing to attend church. It is appropriate to do Bible Study, explain the message of salvation to them or even lead them through the Sinner’s Prayer if they are ready.
Level 1 (Type A) is very close to making a decision for Christ—they may just be waiting to be asked. The best way is to pray for them.
Sermon Series: It’s Urgent and a Top Priority
