How to Present the Gospel

Lecture is Pt. 3 of 3 in a series sponsored by Heidelberg Theological Seminary in Sioux Falls, SD.

While many Christians, and even non-Christians, talk about "presenting the Gospel," and seek or proclaim surefire ways to this, the reality is that one seldom gets an opportunity to use a compact, ready-made formula; even if there were, a one size fits all method of doing this. Most ready-made formula's for presenting the Gospel arise out of a false assumption, this is, that anyone can become a believer any time he wants to, and that all we have to do is say the right things, get him or her to pray the sinners prayer, and presto, we have a Christian. This of course denies the sovereignty of God, the necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, and the sinfulness of sin. On the other hand, every Christian is called to be a faithful witness to grace of God in Christ (Heidelberg #86 - "by our godly walk win also others to Christ," and there are a number of biblical principles that we ought know and follow in our whole Christian life, not just when confronted with a new person. The KEY element is that we are to communicate biblical truth from the Word of God because it is Biblical truth that the Holy Spirit uses to change hearts. Let us note:

1. Basic biblical principles
2. Christ's example with the Samaritan woman (Jn. 4)
3. Paul's preaching to Greeks in Athens (Ac. 17)