Converge Bible Studies: Sharing the Gospel

By Curtis Zackery

Evangelism has become a virtual four-letter word in some circles. Sharing one’s faith can be intimidating; and Christians through the ages have disagreed on what evangelism means. But at its most basic level, it’s simply sharing the good news that the Son of God became human and died for the sins of humanity. Join popular speaker Curtis Zackery as he uses Scripture to explore the questions of evangelism. Sharing the Gospel will help you discover how to share your faith in a way that works for you.

Converge Bible Studies is a series of topical Bible studies based on the Common English Bible. Each title in the series consists of four studies on a common topic or theme. Converge can be used by small groups, classes, or individuals. Primary Scripture passages are included for ease of study, as are questions designed to encourage both personal reflection and group conversation. The topics and Scriptures in Converge come together to transform readers’ relationships with others, themselves, and God.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Release date: Jun 17, 2013
• ISBN: 9781426771675

Curtis Zackery

Curtis Zackery combines a passion for communication with a desire to see lives changed for Jesus Christ. His energetic stage presence, charismatic persona, and ability to connect with people of all ages, races, and backgrounds make him a sought-after event and conference speaker. He and his wife, Monique, are serving a church plant in Richmond, California.

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INTRODUCTION

The other day, I was on a flight headed to Miami; and as I chatted with the gentleman seated next to me, he shared that it was his first time flying. Having flown quite a few times, I immediately asked him whether he’d like to take my window seat. He had to experience his first flight with the ability to see out the window, right? Looking down at the clouds and seeing your first takeoff and landing are amazing experiences.

The flight attendant proceeded to give the preflight safety briefing, and this guy was locked in to every word. It was interesting to observe someone actually taking in all of the instructions for what to do in case of an in-flight emergency. The same information that was so intriguing and important to this new traveler had become mundane and unimportant background noise to me because I had traveled so often.

I began to listen to the flight attendant with fresh ears, reminding myself what I would need to do in the event of an actual emergency. I watched my flying companion’s face and saw the concern as he realized the possibilities of what could happen during the flight. This information was important to him. It really mattered. This man had a heightened sensitivity to the fact that what happened on this airplane was literally a matter of life and death.

Once we took off, he couldn’t believe it. He just wouldn’t stop staring out the window, and he was smiling throughout the entire flight. It was extremely powerful to witness. His marveling at what he was seeing caused me to see things through his eyes. I considered how remarkable it is that we are able to fly.

When we started to experience turbulence for the first time, I could see how disturbing it was to him. I was able to explain that this was simply something that was a part of flying from time to time. There would be bumps that seemed as if danger was ahead, but I assured him that we would make it through OK.

The experience I had on that flight reminded me of how some followers of Jesus view the message of the gospel. The good news of salvation is information that was important to us at the beginning of our Christian journey but has since become background noise that we don’t pay much attention to. We needed to know the gospel as an entry point, but now it doesn’t seem to matter as much for our everyday lives. Because we’ve stopped paying attention to the gospel, we forget how vitally important it is, not only for first-time hearers but for us as well.

We need to be reawakened to the glory of the gospel message, because it introduces nonbelievers to the hope of salvation and assures followers of Jesus through the turbulence we experience in life.

As we try to understand how to share the gospel, we must remember that it’s not about a method; it’s about a message. J.I. Packer, a great theologian, once wrote that sharing the gospel is an endeavor to elicit a response to the truth taught. . . . It is a matter, not merely of informing, but also of inviting. We are engaging in a conversation that stems from our own life-changing experience.