If you’re wanting to have faith conversations with people, we’re so excited for you to begin! There’s nothing more important than sharing with others that they are loved, accepted, and can experience a life of freedom.
If you haven’t already, take some time to write out your faith story. This is a great way to prepare before having faith conversations.
Related post: 5 Simple Steps to Write Your Faith Story
Now that you've defined your faith story, you may be wondering: How do I explain the Gospel?
What is the Gospel?
Before you can explain the Gospel, spend time learning what the Gospel is and is not.
The Gospel is good news! Humanity was broken in sin and separated from God. But, God came to earth, rescued us through Jesus’s death and resurrection, and He is restoring and rebuilding all things.
The Gospel is not something we earn. It is not something we accomplish on our own. The Gospel is purely and wholly the work of God through Jesus.
When you are practicing how to share the Gospel, remember to point everything toward Jesus.
The Most Effective Way to Explain the Gospel
There are several simple, effective ways to explain the message of what Jesus did for us. One way is to use a Bible verse to share the Gospel. Some verses in scripture summarize the Gospel clearly and can be used as a guide when sharing your faith. We’ll share a few of these verses below.
We have more options and resources on our site (including some apps you can use), but feel free to continue researching until you find an explanation that YOU feel comfortable sharing. The most effective approach is any way you can share God's love confidently and authentically. Whichever way helps you feel comfortable to have a loving, open conversation -- that includes both talking and listening -- is the way to go.
Whether it’s your faith story, a Bible verse, app, or video, share the Gospel with love, gentleness, and respect. This is a conversation, not a confrontation.
Related Post: 4 Crucial Tips for Sharing the Gospel
Explaining the Gospel Using John 3:16
Some people appreciate having one clear Bible verse to explain the Gospel. The Bible has a few to choose from!
John 3:16 is a simple place to start, since it is so well known. You may already have it memorized:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
You can share this verse and explain that God has done two very important things: He has loved and He gave. He loves us so much that He gave Jesus to die in our place for our sin. He rescued us from our brokenness!
We just need to do one thing: believe, and we receive the gift of eternal life. This is the life God desires for us!
God wants us to have a life filled with love, acceptance, forgiveness, and purpose! He is ready to be our hope and our help.
Related Post: 5 Apps to Help Share the Gospel
Explaining the Gospel Using Romans 6:23
Romans 6:23 is another succinct explanation of the Gospel from the Bible:
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Without God, our sin leads us toward death. Have you ever felt far away from God? This is just one example of what sin does: It separates us from God. Sin causes a separation between us and God. Sin leads to brokenness - the brokenness we see in our own lives and all around us.
BUT! God doesn't want it that way. He loves us and desires to be in relationship with us. He wants the very best for us!
He has given us a gift, through Jesus, and that gift is the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus died on the cross so our sins don't have to separate us anymore. When we accept that gift, we get eternal life with God.
For more information on using Romans 6:23 to explain the Gospel, as well as how to draw a picture for visual learners, click here to read the blog.
Conclusion: The Most Important Thing to Remember When Explaining the Gospel
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect -1 Peter 3:15
This is a crucial Bible verse about sharing the Gospel. No matter what, remember it is not your responsibility to save whoever you’re talking to -- only God can save. But, it is your responsibility to love them and speak to them with gentleness and respect. Share with them authentically about why you have hope. So many people are looking for what you have - hope!
Any person you share the Gospel with should walk away from the conversation feeling loved by you and loved by God. Christians and the church are often perceived as being judgmental and hypocritical, so this is a great first step for them to experience God as a loving father who accepts them and values them. Trust God to do the rest!
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