In the past few days, I have discussed the six stages of a Gospel presentation that I use to guide someone in giving their life to Christ. Yesterday, we spoke about praying with someone to receive Christ—one of the most joyful experiences in a Christian's life. Now, we will focus on the sixth and final stage.
After a prayer for salvation, I usually tell them that heaven is rejoicing at that moment (Luke 15:10) and that I want to welcome them into the family of God. I shake their hand, give them a hug, or offer whatever gesture communicates congratulations in your culture. Then I take them back to the Word of God, to the words of Jesus:
Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life (John 5:24).
I now tell them: "You have heard His Word, and if you have sincerely placed your trust and belief in Him—by God's Word—you now have, in the present tense, not will have, but have eternal life. You will not be judged on that day for your sin, but you have crossed over from death to life." I then go over a couple more Scriptures:
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13).
28and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. 29“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30“I and the Father are one” (John 10:28-30).
New Christians must understand that their righteousness stems from what Christ has accomplished for them. They also need to recognize that the Holy Spirit will assist them. Encourage them to read John's Gospel and approach God in prayer and gratitude for all He has done. If I have their email address, I send them a link to the 42 Bible studies in the Gospel of John (https://www.groupbiblestudy.com/eng-john). Depending on their situation, if they are of the same sex, I ask if I can pick them up and take them to church, a house church, or a small group, whatever suits their situation in the country where they live. Their greatest need now is fellowship with other Christians who will become their friends. You might consider giving them a book that will encourage them or links to Bible studies on the groupbiblestudy.com website—anything that will nourish their spirit. Be aware that the enemy will try to snatch the seed from their hearts before it takes root in God's love and grace:
When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path (Matthew 13:19).
If you have the privilege of sharing the Gospel with someone, it is one of the greatest joys you can experience. You can play a vital role in conveying words of eternal life to another person. Even if you can only share a small portion, pray that whatever you leave with them will take root in their hearts and bear fruit. God can work through other people, circumstances, or even the words they have heard to continue communicating with their hearts. "One plants, another waters, but it is God who gives the increase" (1 Corinthians 3:6). We are given the privilege and opportunity to collaborate with the Holy Spirit in the harvest. Some people lead empty lives, feeling depressed and searching for meaning, and the Lord is seeking our help to touch others with His love, mercy, and grace. May the Lord instill in you a heart for the harvest! Keith Thomas
Prayer: I pray, Father, for everyone who reads these words. May each one feel the presence of Your Spirit as they share the Gospel with a world in despair. Instill in them Your heart of compassion for those who are distant from You. Let them experience joy overflowing in their lives as they reach out to their friends for Christ. Amen!
This short meditation is taken from the Discipleship series. It’s called Sharing the Gospel
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