The message we are called to bring to people is the gospel message. (ROMANS 1:16; 3:23; 6:23; REVELATION 20:11-15; 21:1-5)
INTRODUCTION
DISCUSS
What has been helpful or encouraging to you in this quiz so far as you have thought through conversations about the gospel?
Did anyone have an opportunity to share their testimony or have conversations about Jesus this past week? If so, what happened?
We’ve looked at why, when, where, and how to share the gospel. Today we’ll be sure that we know exactly what the gospel is. Without knowing the message of the gospel, it is impossible to faithfully share it with others. The gospel is the good news that God saves sinners through the finished work of Jesus.
Have you ever been “ashamed of the gospel”? If so, why?
Only one-third of Christians know what “gospel” means. Do you feel comfortable explaining what it means? Why or why not?
Are you most likely to focus on the bad news or good news when talking to nonbelievers?
Why are you prone to focus on the bad or the good?
Why is it essential to communicate both the bad and good news?
The Greek word Paul used that translates to “power” was dunamis. It’s the root word for dynamite. Paul was saying that there is explosive power in the essential gospel message. Paul assessed the situation and adapted accordingly. We must do the same today, beginning with speaking in a language that people understand.
Answer the following questions in the quiz.
Read Romans 3:23 and 6:23.
What key points of the gospel are clear in these two verses?
Two definitions of sin were presented in the video: trespass (crossing a line) and missing the mark. Describe these terms in your own words. How are these helpful definitions? How would you explain sin?
What did Greg mean when he agreed that all roads lead to God, but only one road leads to heaven?
Without the bad news, people don’t even realize they need a Savior. What does “being saved” even mean to someone unfamiliar with Christian jargon?
If people don’t believe in hell or sin that deserves an eternal existence separated from God instead of with Him, from what do they need saving?
Only Jesus can save people, but He has chosen to work through believers to awaken people to this reality and to the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus.
Answer the following questions in the quiz.
Read Revelation 20:11-15 and 21:1-5.
What do these verses reveal about heaven and hell? (Please reference the verses when answering the question)
If we believe heaven and hell are real, how does that effect the gospel’s urgency?
As we become more convinced of the reality of heaven and hell, we will experience a greater sense of urgency to share the gospel message with others. People need to hear that there is a way for them to be saved from the horrors of hell and experience the everlasting joy of heaven with Christ.
DISCUSS
How would you explain to someone that the only way to heaven is through a relationship with Jesus?
How would you explain that this is a loving invitation rather than a hateful exclusion of people who do not believe in Jesus?
How can your story help show that “all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23), even you?
For the next lesson, prepare a one-minute version of the gospel in your own words? You can record this a little further down in this quiz. You will present this at the beginning of the next lesson.
You might find it helpful to look at this Youtube clip by Mark Dever: What is the Gospel?