Explaining the Gospel: Methods to Share the Good News
The Gospel message is timeless, but the ways of explaining the gospel can be adapted to the situation and the person we’re speaking to. The key is to be clear, relatable, and faithful to the truth. Whether it’s a conversation with a friend, a moment with a stranger, or a teaching opportunity, having a toolbox of methods to share the Gospel is invaluable.
Here are some practical and impactful ways for explaining the Gospel, along with guidance on how to use each method.
1. Explaining the Gospel using The Romans Road
What It Is:
The Romans Road is a series of verses from the book of Romans that outlines the problem of sin, God’s solution through Christ, and the invitation to salvation.
How to Share It:
- Memorize the key verses:
- Romans 3:23: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”
- Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- Romans 5:8: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
- Romans 10:9: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
- Walk someone through these verses step by step, explaining how they build a clear path to salvation.
- Use a physical or digital Bible to let them read the verses themselves. This emphasizes the power of Scripture.
Why It Works:
This method is straightforward and rooted in Scripture, making it ideal for someone who values clear, biblical explanations.
2. Explaining the Gospel using The Gospel Bridge
What It Is:
The Gospel Bridge uses a visual metaphor to show humanity’s separation from God and how the cross bridges the gap and helps you with explaining the Gospel.
How to Share It:
- Draw a simple diagram on paper, a whiteboard, or even a napkin:
- On one side, write “Humanity” and explain our sinfulness and separation from God.
- On the other side, write “God” and describe His holiness and love.
- In the middle, draw a chasm labeled “Sin” and explain that we cannot cross it on our own.
- Draw a cross spanning the chasm and explain that Jesus’ death and resurrection create the bridge to God.
- Share verses like Romans 6:23 or John 14:6 (“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”).
Why It Works:
This method is highly visual and easy to understand, making it great for people who connect with imagery or need a clear mental picture.
3. The Four Spiritual Laws
What It Is:
This method presents the Gospel as a simple, step-by-step process.
How to Share It:
- God loves you and has a plan for your life:
- Share John 3:16: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
- Sin separates us from God:
- Share Romans 3:23 and explain the reality of sin.
- Jesus is the only way to salvation:
- Share John 14:6 and explain that Jesus’ death and resurrection make salvation possible.
- You must respond by receiving Christ:
- Share Romans 10:9 and invite them to respond.
Why It Works:
This approach is concise and conversational, making it ideal for quick, clear presentations of the Gospel.
4. The ABCs of Salvation
What It Is:
This method simplifies the Gospel into three easy-to-remember steps: Admit, Believe, and Confess.
How to Share It:
- A – Admit you are a sinner:
- Share Romans 3:23 and explain that recognizing our sin is the first step.
- B – Believe that Jesus died and rose again:
- Share John 3:16 and explain that faith in Jesus is the foundation of salvation.
- C – Confess Jesus as Lord:
- Share Romans 10:9-10 and encourage them to declare their faith.
Why It Works:
Its simplicity makes it perfect for children, youth, or anyone new to the Gospel.
5. Creation to Christ
What It Is:
This method tells the story of the Bible from Genesis to the life of Christ, showing how everything points to Jesus.
How to Share It:
- Begin with Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Explain how God’s creation was perfect.
- Discuss the fall in Genesis 3, emphasizing humanity’s sin and separation from God.
- Highlight promises of a Savior in the Old Testament, like Isaiah 53:5-6.
- Conclude with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, using verses like John 3:16 or Luke 24:46-47.
Why It Works:
This method provides a comprehensive view of the Gospel, making it ideal for those unfamiliar with Christianity or those from cultures valuing storytelling.
6. The Three Circles
What It Is:
The Three Circles visually explain the Gospel by showing God’s design, our brokenness, and the Gospel’s power to restore.
How to Share It:
- Draw the first circle labeled God’s Design and explain how God created everything perfect.
- Draw the second circle labeled Brokenness and describe how sin distorts God’s design.
- Draw the third circle labeled The Gospel and explain that Jesus’ death and resurrection restore us to God’s design.
- Use verses like 2 Corinthians 5:17 (“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”).
Why It Works:
This method is interactive and allows for personalized conversation as you draw and explain the circles.
Encouragement to Find Your Own Method to Explaining the Gospel
These methods are just starting points. You don’t have to use them exactly as described—adapt them to fit your personality, audience, and context. Maybe you’re a musician and can use a song to share the Gospel, or perhaps you’re an artist and can paint a visual representation of the Gospel message.
What matters most is your willingness to share. Be creative, but stay true to the core message of God’s love, our sin, Jesus’ sacrifice, and the invitation to salvation.
Links to other blogs in this series:
- Introduction: Sharing Christ: A Journey of Evangelism and Discipleship
- Part 1: Embracing the Great Commission: Answering Jesus’ Call
- Part 2: Sharing Your Personal Testimony: Why It Matters
- Part 3: Proclaim the Gospel Message: Sharing the Good News
- Different Types of Evangelists – The Call to Evangelism: How We All Share Christ in Unique Ways
- How to Write Your Testimony
Call to Action
If this guide inspired you, let us know in the comments below! 💬 What’s your favorite way to explain the Gospel? Or, have you created your own unique method? We’d love to hear about it.
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