Weekly Tip #3, Spring 2013
When we study the book of Acts, Peter, Stephen and Philip were individuals who were called by God and were filled with the Holy Spirit. There is one interesting observation that I want to highlight as we look at how they shared the gospel message. Whether it was to a group or to one person, there was a common thread. Let’s take a look.
In Acts 3:1-10, we find the story of Peter healing a lame man which caught everyone’s attention. In chapter 3, after referencing Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Samuel and the prophets, Peter stood up and addressed the people in 4:10-12 “10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
In Acts 7, Stephen stood before the high priest, and starting with Abraham and going on to Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon, explained the story of the Old Testament. He ended his message by stating in 7:52 “…And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered…”.
Finally, Philip under the influence of the Holy Spirit went and spoke to an Ethiopian eunuch, who was passing by in his chariot, and who also happened to be reading Isaiah 53:7-8. In Acts 8:35 we read, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.” The Ethiopian eunuch’s life was transformed by the gospel and he asked to be baptized right on the spot.
As you look at these three very brief events in the life of Peter, Stephen, and Philip, they all started their explanation of the gospel message by looking first at the Old Testament and then pointing the story to Jesus. Jesus is the central character that the scriptures shine its light upon. He is the messiah who was foretold by the prophets. Salvation is found only in Him. Jesus fulfills and completes the Old Testament.
Keep Christ Central In Your Ministry
In your ministry to your high school, college or community, keep the gospel message a key component to all you do. It is easy to get caught up with Bible studies, weekly meetings, and special events. While all of these things are important an emphasis on evangelism will keep your ministry in balance.
By doing this you will be sharing the message that will truly change and transform lives like many in the book of Acts, who placed their trust in Him. You will have a constant pool of people who you will need to do follow-up with and who will want to check out your meetings and Bible studies. If you want to keep your ministry from hitting a plateau, keep sharing the gospel and keep meeting new people.
Easy Training On Sharing The Gospel Message – The Big Six
Be sure everyone is trained in using the Big Six and encourage everyone to pair up on a weekly basis to go out and talk to people. Ask your staff coach where to get copies of the “Knowing God Personally” booklet. You can also find them here: http://www.campuscrusade.com/catalog/Would-You-Like-To-Know-God-Personally-FULL-color.html or go to the apps store in your iphone or android and get the “God Tools” app. You can share the gospel right from your phone, tablet or laptop.
Here’s the simple training: http://crupressgreen.com/the-big-six-questions-clarifying-the-kgp/ and check out this video: http://crupressgreen.com/videos/crupress-presents-the-big-six/
Talk to you next week,
Ben
Cru Ministry, Orlando