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Property of Word of Life Evangelism Ministries. For reproduction by permission only.

TELLING THE TRUTH – WHAT DO WE SHARE NEXT? 

Dealing with their decision

If they reject salvation…

• Ask them what’s keeping them from trusting Jesus, and urge them to reconsider, explaining the gravity of their decision.

• Respect their decision and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.

• Stay on a positive note through the end of the conversation.

• Tell them you’re praying for them and give them a gospel of john and other literature.

If they profess faith in Christ…

• Inquire about their understanding of the gospel and their positive response to it.

• If they are indeed trusting in Jesus, proceed to prayer.

Prayer

While saying a prayer is not necessary to come to Christ and is not found in the Bible as such, and while the Holy Spirit does the saving, used wisely, prayer can be a valuable tool to:

1. Bring the conversation to a clear and verbalized point of decision. (This allows the counselor and the hearer to know the understanding and decision of the hearer.)

2. Encapsulate the moment so that the hearer can remember and celebrate the “line in the sand” when they took that step of faith.

Remember it’s very important to quiz the hearers before and after praying as to their understanding and decision. The speaker’s goal is not the prayer, but rather, for the hearer to understand and respond to the Gospel. It’s best to have the hearers pray in their own words to better facilitate and illustrate comprehension and sincerity.

Here is one example of how to approach the prayer:

“You told me that you want Jesus in your life. Let’s talk to Him about it. I’m going to pray out loud just so you know where we’re going with this. Make these words your words and say them sincerely to God. He created your brain, so He knows what you’re thinking. you can say this quietly in your heart or pray out loud. This prayer simply expresses your faith in Jesus to save you…

Thank Him for dying on the cross and shedding His blood in your place for your sin. Tell Him you believe He’s alive today. Tell Him thanks for forgiving you. Tell Him that you love Him and are glad that He is with you forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Immediately after the prayer, ask them to explain what they told God and what that means to them.

Utilize the remaining time to:

• Discuss the importance of Christian disciplines for spiritual growth such as: baptism, bible study, prayer, church attendance, Christian walk, and sharing Christ with others, etc.

• Stress that eternal life is about knowing God the Father and His Son- presently and eternally. Jesus died and rose again so that believers would live for Him instead of themselves. (2 Corinthians 5:15; John 17:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 1:9)

• Secure contact information (mailing and email address, phone number), assuring them that you want to stay in touch and be there for them in days ahead. www.makingmessengers.com/oae is a helpful resource.

Guarantee of Eternal Security

Nothing will separate believers from God’s love in Christ. believers need never fear God’s judgement. No one will snatch believers out of the hand of God the Father and God the Son.
           

            John 5:24; John 10:27-30; Romans 8:35-39

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