The gospel is the good news about what God has done to save sinners from their sins and to give them life through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16
This study is designed to help you share the gospel with a friend. Each week we will discuss key truths about the gospel from the Bible.
Week 1 – God
Objective: During this conversation we want to discover what the Bible says about God. Who is God? Does He exist? What is God like?
God is eternal and the creator of all things
Read Genesis 1:1; 26-27, Psalm 121:1-2, Acts 17:24-27
Discuss: Do you believe there is a God who made all things?
If God created all things (including you), do you believe you are accountable to him?
Read Romans 11:36
ALL things are for God, including our lives. Our purpose is to live for God.
God is loving and holy
Read 1 John 4:7-12, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Exodus 34:6-7
Discuss: What does “holiness” mean?
If God is holy, what must He do with unrighteousness and disobedience to his commands?
If God is holy, what does that mean for you and me?
The Bible teaches there is a God who made you. Your purpose is to live for Him. He loves you, but He is holy. His nature will not allow him to overlook unrighteousness. For this reason, we need to come to know God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Week 2 – Man
Objective: During this conversation we want to discover what the Bible says about mankind. Are we “good people?” what is our standing before God? Do we have a problem?
Man is sinful
Some people may struggle with what the Word is saying and become defensive or discouraged. If someone begins looking for hope, it is perfectly fine to comfort them with the news of Jesus.
Read Gen. 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:10-12; 3:23, Galatians 5:19-21
Discuss: Do you believe people are inherently “good”?
Do you believe you are in right standing with God?
How would you justify your answer?
Read Matthew 22:36-40
Discuss: Do you think you have met what Jesus says is the great commandment?
Man is condemned in sin and unable to fix themselves
Read Ephesians 2:1-3, Romans 2:5-8, Romans 6:23, John 5:25-29
Discuss: If we are truly sinners, is there any confidence we can have standing before God apart from Jesus?
What does the Bible say sinners should expect from God?
How does all of this hit you?
Mankind’s nature is fallen, and you are rebellious against the God who made you. This is a major problem because sin brings death, brokenness, and judgement from God. For this reason, we need to be reconciled back into right relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Week 3 - Jesus Christ
For two weeks, we have shared some things that have put us in a hopeless predicament. We understand that we have sinned against a Holy God, deserve his wrath, and are unable to fix our situation on our own. But now we will see God’s great plan of redemption, the loving solution He has provided for us.
Objective: During this discussion we want to discover what the Bible says about Jesus Christ. Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus come to earth? What did Jesus do to save us from sin?
Jesus is the promised Son of God, Fully God and Fully Man.
Read Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23; Romans 1:1-4; Philippians 2:5-8
Discuss: Who do you say that Jesus is?
Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and Messiah?
Jesus lived a sinless life and died a sacrificial death on the cross.
Read Matthew 4:1-11, Hebrews 4:15, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, 1 Pet. 2:22-24
Discuss: Do you believe that Jesus was a sinless man?
Why is it important that a savior be perfect?
Since the punishment for sins is death, do you see why Jesus had to die on the cross for sins?
How does it impact you to know Jesus did this out of love for you?
Jesus rose from the dead and is alive today.
Read Matthew 28:1-7, John 20:19-29, Ephesians 1:19-23
Discuss: If Jesus rose from death, what does that mean for our hopes of facing death?
If Jesus rose from death, should He be worshipped?
Jesus is the Son of God. He died on a cross to pay for your sins and reconcile you to God. It is only through Jesus Christ that you can be forgiven of sins and made alive to God. For this reason, we should come to God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Week 4 - Response
Now that you have heard the good news of Jesus, how can you be confident it applies to your life?
Objective: During this discussion we want to discover how to become a Christian and enter a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
We must put our faith for forgiveness and right standing on Jesus.
Read Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:15-16, Philippians 3:8-9
Discuss: What is the difference between (1) faith that Jesus is real and (2) trust in his death for forgiveness and right standing with God?
Do you trust the blood of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins?
What evidence would you give that you are trusting in the blood of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins?
Is there any personal deed you can do to earn forgiveness of your sins?
We must repent from our sins and submit to Jesus’ way of living.
Read Luke 2:7-14, Mark 1:15, Acts 3:19
Discuss: What is repentance?
Is repentance different than asking for forgiveness?
What sin(s) would you need to turn from to follow Jesus?
Is there any reason why you won’t repent from your sins and trust Jesus for forgiveness and new life?
Repentance is acknowledging that you don’t live for Jesus and choosing to turn away from rebellion to surrender to Him, being empowered by the Holy Spirit. Repentance is not perfection or sinlessness. It is a desire to strive for living under Christ’s rule.
If we choose to repent and believe in Jesus, we will have eternal life; if we choose not to repent and believe in Jesus, we should only expect judgment from God.
Read 1 John 5:10-12, John 3:16-19
Only through repentance from sin and trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord can we be saved.
Discuss: Are you ready at this time to repent from your sins and trust in Jesus as Savior?
If yes - through prayer, ask the Lord to save you through Jesus, commit your life to Him as your Lord. Begin a new relationship with him allowing him to guide your life through his word and prayer. Seek out a church and let someone know of your decision.
If no - in love, be warned that God’s wrath against sin still remains until you are ready. Be encouraged that when you are ready, God will welcome you. Be urgent because we are never promised another opportunity to hear and respond.