Leading Others To Christ

While the great commission may have been originally spoken to the apostles (Matthew 28:19-20), the spirit of the commission—sharing the gospel with others — is incumbent upon every Christian. How can people be saved without the gospel, and how can they hear the gospel if no one shares it with them (Romans 10:14)? May I suggest some tips that may serve you well in leading others to Christ?

1. Know your doctrine and live it. Paul told Timothy, Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you (1Timothy 4:16). We cannot teach what we do not know, and people are not favorably impressed with hypocrites. Your hypocrisy will not excuse others from their obligation to obey the gospel, but they may use it as an excuse.

2. Do not be intimidated by people s present conditions. Everyone who is of the age of accountability and not a Christian needs the gospel — sinners, vile sinners, Mormons, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews still serving the law of Moses, Jehovah Witnesses, those ensnared in denominationalism, etc. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16); it is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). It is able to convict the world of sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8). Know the Bible, do not be ashamed of it (2Timothy 1:7-8), share the gospel, and trust its power!

3. Encourage those with whom you study to search the scriptures objectively. I have, through the years, asked several who have been converted from denominationalism to Christ what helped them most to come to an understanding of the truth. The answer most often given has been that they began to study the Bible for themselves — no longer accepting without question what they had been told. Once they began to study the Bible objectively, truth and error became apparent. Remember, it was said of the Bereans, These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed (Acts 17:11-12).

4. Pray for those with whom you share the gospel. Do not pray that these people be saved in their sins (1John 4:16), but ask the Lord for opportunities and wisdom to help them see the truth.

5. Invite people to worship services. While many will make excuses and will not accept your invitation, and some will reject your invitation with a resounding no , do not give up. Do not take the rejection personal (1Samuel 8:7). Keep inviting people to worship services in hopes that someday someone will respond positively to your invitation and be introduced to truth. Research shows that many of the unchurched will come when they are invited.

6. Always manifest the love of God. What does the love of God look like? It manifests itself in goodness, compassion, and patience. It speaks the truth in love. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Do not be derelict in your duties to share the gospel. Be diligent in your efforts to lead others to Christ.