Monday - Gospel Kickoff

Palm Sunday was the kickoff to a great week in the lives of most believers. This is the time of year when we celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. With that in mind, I'm issuing a challenge to all my PBC Voice readers.

Make this your week of EVANGELISM!

The hearts of many people are open to the events of history. This week provides an exceptional opportunity to share Jesus with those around you. A great majority of Americans believe in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Although some of them haven't personally accepted Him, they are willing to talk about it.

Here's some tips:
#1 - Ask them if they are going to church this Sunday.
Many people (lost and saved) will be attending service somewhere on Sunday. It's a great ice-breaker.

#2 - Ask them if they have seen the "Passion of the Christ" movie by Mel Gibson.
This movie was a blockbuster in the eyes of Hollywood. Chances are that your friends have watched the movie. If so, you may ask them what they thought. If not, ask them if they would be willing to watch it in honor of this week.

#3 - Ask them how they celebrate Easter in their home.
Most people celebrate Easter. It may be nothing more than marshmallow peeps and chocolate bunnies but you can begin a spiritual discussion with anyone based on how they choose or do not choose to celebrate.

I feel a sense of urgency this week which is why I am blogging on Monday. Let's kick it off the right way. Talk to someone that you know is not a believer. Use the opportunity to give them the Gospel. You may not be able to issue a personal invitation but you can at least plant the seed. Who knows...you might even see a harvest!

Great Verses to Use: Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9-10, 13

Another great tool is the "Way of the Master." Use the 10 Commandments as a springboard into a Gospel presentation.
- Ever told a lie?
- Ever stolen anything?
- Ever use God's name in vain?
- Ever looked at someone with lust?
These are all common sins among us. Show the individual through the commandments that each of us have "fallen short of the glory of God." Ask them if God judged them by the 10 commandments if they would be innocent or guilty. Then ask them if they are guilty (which we all are) whether they would go to Heaven or Hell. Then proceed to tell them that what we celebrate this week {Death, Burial & Resurrection of Jesus} is the means by which each of us are saved.

God gave His one and only Son to die on a cross for the sins of humanity. It's only through His shed blood that adequate payment for our sins have been made. And only when we seek His forgiveness, turn from our sin ruled life, and make Him Lord and Savior can we be set free from the penalty of sin.

I pray that God will use you to lead someone to Jesus Christ this week. May God give us a compassion to reach the lost around us. The kickoff has begun - now get in the game!