This article first appeared in Decision, the magazine of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
They caught my attention during the Sunday morning service. Though I’d never seen them before, their attentiveness indicated their interest in spiritual things. When we met in the foyer after the service, they had many questions and seemed eager to talk, so I offered to meet them for lunch that week. They quickly accepted my invitation.
Russ was the talkative one. Although we were strangers, Russ quickly opened up and told me his story. He’d had some exposure to church in his early years, but had made no real spiritual commitment.
Cathy had had only a nominal association with a church while she was growing up. She had lived a rough life, having come through a drug and rehabilitation center. She had been “clean” since their wedding six years earlier but was still searching for a reference point for her life.
ASK APPROPRIATE QUESTIONS
After becoming better acquainted, I popped the question. I often ask when I’m not sure about someone’s spiritual condition. “How would you describe a real Christian?” With this non-threatening question, I can discover a person’s awareness of spiritual faith and his understanding of what it means to have a vital relationship with Christ.
Cathy and Russ gave the usual answers about doing good things and not doing certain other things. They talked about going to church. As they searched for the right answer, it was clear to me – and to them – that they were confused. They were biblically illiterate and they had no personal relationship with God.
TELL YOUR PERSONAL STORY
I didn’t launch into a theological explanation of what it means to be a Christian. Rather, I told them my own story. My story is not earth shaking compared to some dramatic testimonies, but in 60 seconds I told them the difference that a living relationship with Jesus had made in my life.
Then I asked Russ and Cathy, “Would you like to know how Jesus Christ can make a difference in your life?” I always end my testimony with this question because it is not threatening and people find it hard to say “no.” Russ looked around the restaurant to check our privacy and then they both said, “yes.”
START WITH GOD’S LOVE
I went on to tell the Good News of life in Jesus. In explaining the plan of salvation, many Christians start with the fact that we are all sinners. That can be a good place to start. Each person has a problem and needs God’s help. But that fact of sin is not where I usually begin. Beginning with sin makes some folk uneasy and defensive. I get to that later.
As I began to unfold the gospel to Russ and Cathy, I explained the greatness of God’s love for us. I briefly described the coming of Jesus: his sinless life, his great teachings and ultimately how he died on the cross. I explained how Christ’s death was voluntary, something he chose to do out of love for us. I went on to explain how this same Jesus rose again and is alive today.
Then I asked, “Do you know why Jesus died?’ I told Russ and Cathy that Christ’s coming to earth and his death on the cross were in response to our needs. We’ve messed up on the most important issues of life. Our sin has offended God and has broken our relationship with him. Our wrong behavior, our selfish motives and our impure thoughts have put up a barrier so that it’s impossible to have any contact with God.
Russ and Cathy didn’t take their eyes off me. The Holy Spirit was working in them, bringing conviction and creating faith as I explained the Scriptures. As I talked, I silently asked God for the right words to say and for the Spirit to continue to do his work.
I continued, “God sent his Son to meet our needs when we couldn’t help ourselves.” Then I made sure they understood why Jesus came. “Jesus didn’t just come to be our Friend, though that is part of the story. He didn’t come just to provide us with a good example of how to live. He came primarily to pay the price for our sinful behavior. When Jesus died on the cross, he paid the penalty for our sin so that we could go free,”
Russ’ raised eyebrow indicated that I had not made myself clear, so I used an illustration. “Suppose I got a speeding ticket, didn’t pay the fine and as a result had to appear in court. Then suppose the judge found me guilty and said that I had to pay a fine of $250 or spend three nights in jail. Now, suppose Russ, that you were in that courtroom watching and saw that I didn’t have $250 and that I was about to be hauled off to jail. If you paid the fine for me, would I have to go to jail?”
Russ immediately answered “no.”
I then explained that this is what happened when Jesus died on the cross. He paid the penalty for our sin so that we can go free. And because Jesus paid the penalty for our sin, God the righteous Judge declares us to be not guilty. We can be forgiven.
By this time, Russ and Cathy were leaning over the table. It was clear to me that the Holy Spirit had done his work and that faith was already beginning to grow. I then asked, “Would you like Jesus to make a difference in your life? Would you like him to forgive you and declare you not guilty of sin?”
REPENTANCE
There was an unmistakable “yes” from both of them, so I outlined what they needed to do. I started with repentance. Becoming a Christian means choosing to follow Jesus. It means turning our lives around and going in a new direction. Without being specific, I said they would have to make some changes. They indicated that repentance was something they were prepared to do.
ACCEPTANCE
Next came acceptance. I explained that they could invite Jesus into their lives and have a relationship with him. I read John 1:12. To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
FAITH
Next I told them that this takes place by faith. Though there were things they still did not understand, they would have to receive Jesus by faith, trusting his words to be true. Further, there was nothing they could do to earn God’s favor. Salvation is a free gift that God has provided. I read Ephesians 2:8-9. It is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
CONFESSION
Then I talked about the importance of confession. I quoted Romans 10:9-10. If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with the heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Faith is in the heart, but it needs to be confessed with the mouth. Verbalizing faith crystallizes our commitment.
Russ’ response to my next question was classic. When I asked, “are you ready to receive Jesus right now?” he responded, “You mean right here?” And I said, “Why not?”
We joined hands over coffee cups that had been drained several times and together repeated the sinner’s prayer. ”Father, we need your help. We realize that you love us and that you came to die for us. Lord, there is so much we don’t understand, but we know that you love us and we trust you. Come into our lives. Forgive our sins. Help us to turn away from all that is wrong. And help us live for you each day. Amen.”
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