Sharing the Gospel: The Basics
truths to remember for sharing the gospel
BSF Staff
From the Editorial Team
Sharing the gospel can be intimidating. What should we say? How should we say it?
Throughout Christian history, evangelists have unlocked time-tested techniques for sharing the gospel. Whether you decide to share your personal story, draw a diagram, or read directly from the Bible – remember these three truths.
The Truth About God
At the center of every human heart is a longing to be known and accepted. Nothing apart from the truth about God can answer our questions or meet our needs. We are designed and created by God. In His wisdom, mercy, and grace the perfect Creator chose to love imperfect people. We depend on God for all that we have and all that we are. When we ask life’s big questions we arrive at a powerful truth – we discover the truth about God.
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth… he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” (Acts 17:24-25)
See also Genesis 1:1, Psalm 139:7-12, Matthew 4:10, John 3:35-36
The Truth About Sin
The evidence of sin is all around us. Despair, devastation, suffering, and pain are daily reminders that the world is broken. All people have fallen short of living the way God intended us to live. We do wrong things or let good things go undone. Since our sin separates us from God, we need to be reconciled to Him. Even non-Christians will admit that the world is far from perfect – this leads to the clear and compelling truth about sin.
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” (John 1:9-11)
See also Isaiah 59:1-2, Psalm 32:1-5, John 3:19-21, Romans 3:23.
The Truth About Jesus Christ
God created a perfect world, and sin broke God’s creation. We rest our hope in the Creator’s perfect plan to restore what sin destroyed.
Jesus Christ provides the only way to be reconciled to God. God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to take our punishment for sin and die on the cross. Three days later, Jesus rose again, conquering sin and death. Jesus returned to the Father’s side and continues to rule at His right hand today. Before ascending to His heavenly throne, Jesus promised to come again and restore all of God’s creation.
“[Christ] has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:26-28)
See also John 11:25, Acts 2:24, Ephesians 1:20-21, Colossians 1:19, Hebrews 1:3.
The truth about God as Creator leads us to mourn the truth about sin’s destruction. Left alone, we remain eternally hopeless. But the truth about Jesus’s victory over sin and death answer life’s big questions and our deepest longing to be known and loved.
Not sure how to end your gospel conversation? Consider extending an invitation to learn more about God by joining BSF. To learn more about evangelism, ask your BSF Group Leader about BSF’s annual Sharing the Gospel seminar.
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Many years ago I attended the Sharing the Gospel seminar. There was 1 or 2 page summary that was handed out. Please make this available on this site, so people can have it as a reference.
What you show here is not the best outline. You show the 3 mains truths to discuss, but don’t explain what should be said. You also don’t show the ‘response’ section. That original handout was so much better.
John – this is great feedback! We are planning additional “basics” blog posts around this topic and we have shared your feedback with our ministry development team!
This didn’t talk about sharing the Gospel. That is what the link was supposed to be about.
Hi Barbara – sorry for the confusion! These are three truths you can remember when you share the gospel. Share the truth about God, the truth about sin, and the truth about Jesus! We know there are many wonderful gospel sharing techniques – this is just one way to share the amazing gift of the gospel. Praying for you as you seek to share!!
I have met the most amazing women who love the Lord . At times I wanted to leave the group because they all seemed so wise and I felt so lost. I realized that was the enemy, that that was why I belong in BSF to teach me to learn and feel about God as they do what a marvelous experience to learn to be a child of God and how to love HIM more.
BSF has come in handy for me enabling me to read n share and apply. Praise be to God.
The staff I have met are great. I am in a group in the Kingwood, Houston area. We use Zoom for eye to eye contact and conversation
GodMorning,
Am I the only guy that comments?
Anyway, Spiritual food is ultimate. I have people that start talking about how bad the world, State and City is where they live. One friend’s temple starts throbbing as he goes on. I calm him down by suggesting to him that he focus on two things…..Our Lord created us and our Lord has an exit strategy. Everything in between is immaterial.
I like your words of encouragement in a challenging situation. That is a wonderful way to share.
Don’t worry, Gary. You’re definitely not the only guy on here. I am a GL after having been a group member the year prior (the John study 2023-24). I share your desire to find men who are truly concerned about spiritual things. That’s why I see so much value of being in a BSF men’s group. Be encouraged! BTW, I really like your method of starting a Gospel discussion, and that “God has an exit strategy” is an awesome lead-in. Thanks, bro!
I have joined a BSF group in Tupelo MS … it is so good I can’t wait to get back to it each week. I feel like this is a secret that has been kept from me and now I want to shout it out to everyone. I am so happy that Mrs. Joyce invited me …she did it in a way that was so kind and loving. we do not have enough space here for me to tell you how good it is.
Teresa
I am a 1st time BSF student. I am learning a lot. Our Leader, Mollie is so kind, patience and welcomes all responses to our questions. I am so glad I finally agreed to attend.
Lord, grant me the opportunity and the boldness to tell others about what you have done in my life and want to do in theirs.
Amen
Bsf has given me the deep study in Bible. The insight given by group discussions has given me strength. Thankyou so much.
I love the way BSF now have the scriptures reference within the question. This is a great addition to the website.
Bsf has given me the deep study in Bible. The insight given by group discussions has given me strength. Thankyou so much.
Thank you for scripture reference and we are much beneficiaries. Therefore,we are in need of free literature eg Bibles in our local languages for free distribution to unsaved souls. Thank you and it’s more encouraging to hear from you soon.
I love everyone remarks how you fine BSF to be. My sister lives in Delaware and told me about it. IT SEEMS very interesting although I have my zoom bible study on Wednesday night I will see can I get on with you all.
The best tool I ever had to witness was the Am I Sure booklet. I could share with a person, then send them off with that wonderful booklet. The 8×11 sheets printed from my BSF.org just aren’t accepted the way the little booklet was. I would love to see BSF sell them in the store. I definitely would buy many.
I would too!!
I agree, it’s a wonderful tool! I’d love to see “Am I Sure?” available in the smaller tract format again!
Piper – yes!! You can get that resource by asking your group leader.
Since beginning the classes at BSF, my world has opened in many ways. I read scripture differently, and the comments from my leader and fellow Christian students helps me see the word of God in a different more detailed way. Thank you…
Shalom BSF! I just wanted to say “I am extremely grateful for this ministry.” I have attended BSF in North Little Rock, Arkansas since I retired from school nursing in 2020. Each year gets better’n ever!
This year is my first stint as a leader. So, I have “two (2) days per week to get scrumptious food,” except from my own church ⛪️ on Sunday. I am grateful for the ladies who introduced me to BSF, and, I pray I will continue learning and growing with “Jesus at the helm!”
Bnkurged (Be Encouraged) always,
Uvita Scott
I wish to commence BSF and join in the study of Revelation
Am I too late to join
Rachel – not too late! You can find a group here: https://join.bsfinternational.org
Love this! What I would love even more is if the BSF Seminars, particularly the Sharing the Gospel Seminar, would be made available to those studying through BSF Online!
I would love this too. I lead an in-person Satellite Group that is more than an hour away from a base class. Prior to this group, I led zoom groups for two years. I and my most recent groups haven’t been able to participate in any of the traditional BSF seminars. I would love for my current group to have that opportunity.
really good reminder on how to use the gospel
Recently I was asked by a young man to tell him about Christianity. I don’t think I did a very good job. So I looked up the area around where he is attending college to suggest he join BSF. Sadly, there was nothing in his area, which spurs my question, “Why isn’t BSF doing more to reach out to our college age students?” Having an adult preaching at them isn’t what they are looking for. They need to hear the word from their peers. Not trying to shirk my responsibilities to him just praying the right people are put in his path.
Hi Peggi! Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and heart for young people. We so appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Please pray with BSF as we continue to develop new initiatives to reach the next generation. If I could make a couple of suggestions (as someone recently out of college myself!) – BSF does offer Young Adult classes in select areas. If he does not have a YA class near him, BSF Online offers men’s groups that he could join from anywhere! Additionally, the WordGo app offers the BSF content you love, in an app! He can study on his own, one-on-one, or in a group through WordGo. I would personally recommend Get Started I and II courses in the WordGo app as great places to start learning the Bible for the first time. Please let me know if I can help in any other way. We are praying for you especially as you reach out to this student and praying for him to come to know Christ personally as well.
I so need this right now as a friend is asking how to have a relationship with the Lord and although I’ve been a believer for years this has helped me thank you.
Thanks for expounding on God’s Word. There’s always a new understanding for me.
Seems difficult yet it’s simple with Jesus’ guidance.
Great resource!!!
Thanks
This is so simply put. Seems like the Sharing the Gospel seminar in a condensed form. Can’t wait to share it (in some form) with the students. The resources and blogs are so helpful. Thank you!!!
Dear Diana – it is from the Sharing the Gospel seminar! Nothing can replace the interactive and comprehensive training of a BSF seminar, but we hope these condensed materials will be helpful reminders of those timeless truths. We will be sharing more “BSF Basics” through the study year on the blog!
Thank you. Thank you!!