Mark Broadbent
#2 Don't assume that they understand the gospel
George Barna found that almost half of all people attending church are not trusting in Christ alone to get them to heaven. Our experience with young adults confirms this.
TYPICALLY WE MEET PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE...
1. God loves me (but only if I perform)
2. God sent Jesus into the world to die on a cross. Somehow the death of Jesus makes it possible for me to be forgiven.
3. If I commit my life to Jesus and promise to obey him, then I will be saved.
4. Should I slip and fall and struggle to obey, then I can't really be sure that I will be saved.
OUR APPROACH...
I am not saying that our approach is perfect, and we have made many mistakes. However, in the last 6 months, we are celebrating that we have seen 20 people respond to the gospel and many more become more confident of how to explain it to their friends.
1. Make sure you and your leaders understand the gospel.
Can you answer these questions: Are you sure you are going to heaven? Do you know why Jesus had to die? Why do I ask for forgiveness if I am already forgiven for past, present and future sin? What is the connection between the death of Jesus and my forgiveness? What happens at conversion? Are you trusting in Christ alone to save you, or are you trying to add your good works to the work of Christ.
2. Emphasize these key doctines:
> There is a coming wrath for those who don't trust in Jesus
> We must trust in Christ alone (and not Christ + our good works)
> Jesus pays for past, present and future sins (not just past sins)
> Jesus pays for accidental and deliberate sins (not just accidental sins)
> Eternal life starts the moment you place your faith in Christ (you don't have to wait until you die to find out if you are going to heaven)
> Repentance means to 'change your mind' about sin (it doesn't mean to change your life. That comes later once we receive the Spirit)
> By placing our faith in Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit, who will bring about fruit
> By placing our faith in Jesus, we receive forgiveness of sins, which will bring about a grateful heart which wants to serve God
3. Take every opportunity to bring out the gospel.
We share the gospel at least in part every single week.
4. Do 6-8 messages/year specifically on the gospel.
"Why did Jesus have to die?". "Faith and works", "How can I be sure I am going to heaven?", "The conversion experience", "Is Jesus the only way?", etc.
5. Do at least 2 entire series on the gospel at depth every year.
We have done Romans, Galatians, What's so amazing about grace?, Ephesians, etc.
6. Stop asking people to make a commitment.
I know some will disagree with me on this, but we need to stop talking about commitment and start talking about faith. Is it just me, but I thought we were saved by faith and not works? Here is some of the ways we ask people to respond...
> Place your entire life and eternity into Jesus' hands
> Trust in Jesus to pay for your sin and receive the Holy Spirit
> Stop trying to earn your way to heaven and bet the farm on Jesus' finished work on the cross
> You need to let Jesus save you and transform you
7. Don't ask people to become Christians, they already are :)
Nicky Gumble (guy who wrote Alpha) says that most people who come to church think that they are already Christians. So don't ask them to become a Christian. Rather ask them 'What are you trusting in?', 'Are you sure you're going to heaven?', 'Have you ever come to a point where you've trusted Jesus to save you and transform you?'
8. Run a Basic Christianity course
This is good idea for the unchurched, newcomers, churched non-Christians, new Christians, and Christians who want to share their faith. In other words.. EVERYBODY!!! If you are looking for a good course for young adults, I recommend H20. Check out the videos here. Or the preview below...
