Curriculum

SHARING THE GOSPEL

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Text lesson

Chapter 17 – Sharing The Gospel Using Gospel Tracts

Step 3: Sharing The Gospel – Chapter 17

SHARING THE GOSPEL USING GOSPEL TRACTS

HOW TO PRESENT THE GOSPEL EFFECTIVELY!
YOUR GOAL:
To passionately share a believable Gospel message clearly with non-believers with confidence, conviction, love, gentleness, and respect using simple, practical presentation tools.

In Philippians 2:19, Paul, while imprisoned in Rome, was concerned for the Philippian church’s spiritual condition and sent Timothy to encourage them. Philippians 2:20 says, “I have no one like him (Timothy), who will show genuine concern for your welfare.” What a sad statement to say! At that time, the church multiplied with many Godly leaders, but Paul explains that he had no one like Timothy who wanted to share Christ genuinely. In Philippians 2:21, Paul states, “For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” Paul is saying everybody looks out for only themselves except Timothy.

We ask, where is our “TIMOTHY’” IN OUR CHURCHES TODAY? Are you a Timothy or want to be a Timothy? By studying how to be a soul-winner, that answer should be yes. You do not have to be perfect, and you will get frustrated sometimes. Our prayer should be, “Lord, I want a servant’s heart like Timothy. Lord, I do not want to focus only on myself, the future, or the world spinning out of control. Let me be a Timothy and be a servant and have the mind of Christ.” I encourage you to be a Timothy in your church and community. God has no limits for you as long as you SURRENDER TO HIM!

Recognize This Central Truth:

Those lost behave like they are lost because they are lost. It is not our place to condemn or argue with the lost. Our primary role is to share the Gospel lovingly and to illustrate how God has worked in our lives. It is the other person’s responsibility to accept or reject Jesus. Our responsibility rests in simply sharing the Gospel.

We get emails from new Christians explaining that they understand the need to talk about Jesus with their family, friends, and co-workers, but they are afraid to do so. They ask us for help and advice in sharing the Gospel.

We all start excited about our newfound faith in Jesus Christ and desire to share our testimony with others. But we get worried about what people may think when bringing up the subject of Jesus. We wonder how we should begin sharing the Gospel and how to answer questions that non-believers may have. But without guidance, we can make mistakes and get discouraged. However, a positive part is that we can all learn from our mistakes and get better at sharing the Gospel with others every time we do it.

How Emotions Impact Evangelism

Sharing the Gospel can be challenging, and many people lose the desire to evangelize over time. They may have had negative experiences where people looked down on them for believing in Jesus or didn’t want to hear their story. Losing friends can also be discouraging. These factors can prevent us from sharing our faith.

As believers, we must focus on Jesus and His sacrifice for us. We must not allow the fear of what others think to control us. The Bible reminds us in Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” If we are consumed with worry about what others might say or do, we may hesitate to share the Gospel with them. This can lead us to become more concerned with pleasing the world than following God’s will. The book of Proverbs 29:25 says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”

Let our daily prayers be, “Holy Spirit, keep us each day and help us always to have Jesus as our first love and help us love others by sharing the Truth of Your Word.”

Jokingly, I tell folks I am just along for the ride as long as I commit and trust myself to the Holy Spirit each day. When I make mistakes or sin, I want to repent and ask the Lord to forgive me. Each of us has our own set of things that separate us from Jesus, preventing Him from using us to our fullest ability. It does not help either that our enemy knows our weaknesses!

As I observe some Christian individuals, I can’t help but notice their apparent lack of concern for the countless people around the world who are suffering. Sometimes, I wonder if they care about others at all. However, during these moments of contemplation, I am reminded by the LORD to shift my focus from their actions to my own. I should concentrate on what I am doing, or not doing, for Him.

D. L. Moody, who founded the Moody Bible Institute, was the most remarkable evangelist of the 19th century. A few years before he died, Moody wrote a letter without any punctuation; he misspelled words and without any capital letters. Mr. Moody would have been laughed at in today’s society with our emphasis on mistakes and imperfections. However, he bore much fruit. People heard D. L. Moody and turned to the Lord with an audience of 15,000 and 30,000 in his meetings. Yes, YOU, too, can be used by the Holy Spirit to change the world. Over 50 years ago, I was a naïve, shy, messed-up man who went out for coffee one day with a stranger who gave me a Bible and shared the Gospel. My life has drastically changed ever since that meeting.

Throughout your life, you will face various challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences where you may feel let down by your fellow Christians or the Church as a whole. However, take heart and know that GOD CAN USE YOU TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT, just like He did with D. L. Moody. It’s important to always rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and support instead of turning to the world, our friends, or material possessions. Remember that with God’s help, you have the power to change the world.

CONGRATULATIONS ON WANTING TO BE A SOUL-WINNER!
LET US BEGIN!
Everyone is different, and something may work for one but not others. As we go through these study guides, please find the best methods that work for you.

Today’s study guide will show you the easiest ways for a brand new Christian or someone who has not shared before how to present the Gospel using Gospel Tracts.

What Are Gospel Tracts?

Any Christian can conquer the fear and worry of sharing their faith using Gospel Tracts. Gospel tracts include the Word of God and are like a seed. When sown in an individual’s heart, God can use that seed to create, produce, and develop a new life—eternal life because these valuable resources concisely and efficiently tell of our sins and God’s salvation plan. We understand that tracts aren’t the only method to share your faith. However, these quiet witnesses are an exceptional tool for beginning to tell others about Jesus.

GOSPEL TRACTS
Using Gospel tracts (pocket-sized booklets) is as straightforward as the ABCs to give out freely. I recommend this method to new Christians or anyone feeling unconfident in sharing. Christian Book. Com and Moments With The Book offer hundreds of life-changing tracts and resources. Or you could ask to see if your church has some.
1. Tracts can be sent anywhere and can work 24 hours daily.

2. They are cheap, 20 tracts for $2.50, or the Four Spiritual Laws that can be read repeatedly.

3. Tracts can be used without fear and help us build up our faith and confidence. It is a great way to get your “feet wet” sharing.

4. Tracts simplify and keep you on track when sharing for those new to the faith or unsure of themselves.

5. Tracts are great conversation starters. When handing out the tract, the person will ask, “What is this?” Please have a prepared response for any situation.

6. Something tangible for non-believers to take with them to read the clear Gospel message, especially if you are short on time.

7. Sometimes, knowing what to say when sharing your faith is hard. A good tract makes the Gospel message concise and easy to memorize in one-on-one conversations.

8. We are all nervous about sharing at first. Using Gospel tracts is a great starting point. You can even read it word for word to someone or, ideally, let them read it for themself with you guiding the conversation.

I Recommend the most well-known Gospel tract written by Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU): “Four Spiritual Laws.”

Or best-selling Gospel tracts here for $2.50 per 20 tracts (in English, Spanish, or Bilingual.)

Or popular 200 tracts assortment here for $16.99. They are excellent and straightforward tools for summarizing the Gospel that help you share your faith.

Here are the best-selling tracts to buy at Christian Book. Com here. A great conversation starter: “Have you ever seen the 4 Spiritual Laws?”
(25 booklets for $12.99. ) (Prices may vary.)

100 REASONS WHY TO USE Gospel Tracts here.

DO NOT:

1. Be awkward, scary, creepy, or have a serious face.

2. Do not do a last-minute handout as someone is passing you. This will freak that person out!

3. Always remember non-believers do not know you.
Instead, say, “Can I give you one?” or “Would you like one of these?”
A great open line is, “Have you ever seen the 4 Spiritual Laws?”

A funny video of the don’ts of sharing here.

DO:
1. Be yourself – be normal. This demonstrates confidence and makes people more likely to receive something from you.

2. Present yourself being confident and joyful. Make eye contact, and always remember to smile.

3. Use friendly, assertive one-liners like, “This is for you.” or “Did you get one of these?” The recipient feels like they are missing out on something.

4. A good rule of thumb is always to keep at least a few tracts in your jacket, purse, pocket, or wallet. If you have a tract handy, it is a constant reminder of the many opportunities that come your way throughout the day to share with someone.

5. There are thousands of ways and places to hand out tracts. Please keep it simple and always use common sense regarding the situation.

IMPORTANT:
Do not leave people hanging. You could tell people that the tracts have resources and contact information that the person can use if they have questions or need prayer.

There is usually a spot on the back of a tract to write contact information. I would not recommend giving out your personal contact information. Instead, ask the pastor at your church or another Christian ministry if you could give out their contact number or website address.

You are also welcome to use our website, https://questionsgod.com/, as a contact on your tracts. Our site is designed for those who have questions, are searching, are hurting, or are new to Christianity.

I highly recommend using the “Four Spiritual Laws.” It’s a great conversation starter: “Have you ever seen the 4 Spiritual Laws?“

SHARE CHRIST IN WAYS THAT ARE NOT FACE-TO-FACE:

Leave cards or Gospel tracts on tables when you eat in restaurants.
Leave Gospel tracts in bus stops, laundry mats, restrooms, etc.
Insert Gospel tracts in letters to friends or neighbors.
You can leave Gospel tracts in almost any place.
Do use wisdom and common sense when placing and handing out tracts.

SHARE CHRIST IN WAYS THAT ARE FACE-TO-FACE:

Give a tract to a friend or acquaintance and say,
“This is a brief explanation of the Gospel of Christ. We’ve known each other for a time now, and I would like you to read this and tell me what you think.”
In talking to someone interested or who has seen a change in your life, you can follow along by reading or giving them a Salvation Gospel tract.

ROMANS ROAD SALVATION TRACTS OR BOOKMARKS
Below are Do-It-Yourself Tracts.

Romans Road Salvation – 4 Tracts or 4 Bookmarks (NIV) – Illustrated below.
(NIV – New International Version.) Printable free tracts here.
Romans Road Salvation – 4 Tracts or 4 Bookmarks (KJV) – To handout.
(KJV – King James Version.) Printable free tracts here.

Yes, you can make your own Gospel tracts. Print at home or a print shop like Staples.

ROMANS ROAD TRACT / BOOKMARK Side 1 (As Illustrated Below.)
Download and print the two sides of your own tract or bookmark here.

Romans Road Side 2 – Back side as illustrated below.

ROMANS ROAD TRACT / BOOKMARK Side 2
Download and print the two sides of your own tract or bookmark here.

Romans Road Salvation Tracts / Bookmarks (As above.)

Romans Road – 4 Tracts or 4 Bookmarks (NIV) – Printable free tracts here.
Romans Road – 4 Tracts or 4 Bookmarks (KJV) – Printable free tracts here.
Makes 4 Tacts – 2-sided tract. I recommend printing in color, preferably.

Printing Instructions for single-sided and double-sided printers are here.
(Important for printing under scale settings, use Fit to Printable Area and flip on the short edge in printer settings.)

The Romans Road To Salvation 8-Page Booklet (Above)
Download Here. (Click on the image to enlarge.)

Instructions on how to fold the Romans Road To Salvation tract into a booklet to give away are here. The tract handout will be 4.25 x 3.75 inches with eight small booklet pages using one 8.5 x 11-inch printing paper.

Print or download The Salvation Booklet Tract here. Folding instructions here.

First, you fold the paper in half lengthways. Second, starting at the marked FRONT picture, fold on the crease to halfway between B and C. Third, take C and fold back to the right with the front page facing you. Fourth, take D and fold towards C. YEAH, Nice job! You have FINISHED your Christian booklet tract to give away.

Printing Instructions for single-sided and double-sided printers are here. (Important for printing under scale settings, use Fit to Printable Area and flip on the short edge in printer settings.)

How To Pick An Excellent Gospel Tract

If you pick your own or make a Gospel tract, you need one that delivers a clear Gospel message. Here are some suggestions:

Please ensure it has an eye-catching front and back cover to catch people’s attention.
People do judge a book or a tract by its cover. Please make sure it has an attention-grabbing title or question. Having an exciting and inquisitive question or title is helpful to make people curious about what is inside.
Short tracts are best using only a few words.
This should be a no-brainer: the tract should preach the Gospel. The tract’s key points should be God’s justice, man’s sinfulness, Jesus dying on the cross, and Salvation through faith and repentance (turning).
The tract should always use Scripture – the Word of God to do the job. Do not tell the Gospel in someone else’s own words.

PRINT OUT YOUR OWN FREE GOSPEL TRACTS
(For those on a budget or with no access to tracts.)

Souls For Christ Ministries here.
I highly recommend them as they are powerful, excellent, straightforward, and uncomplicated tracts.

Bible Truth Publishers tracts here.

Printing Instructions for single-sided and double-sided printers are here.

MAKE YOUR OWN GOSPEL TRACTS
Those on a budget can make 6 – 3 X 5 Cards by putting your notes and verses on them.

If you prefer not to use a tract, you can look up the scripture verses, mark them in your Bible, and read them together. Try to have the non-Christians read the words for themselves, silently or out loud.

ARE GOSPEL TRACTS EFFECTIVE?
This 3-minute video explains how effective Gospel tracts are here.

It Helps To Memorize Scripture Verses

It is well-claimed that “practice makes perfect.“
Use our Blank 8- Salvation share cards.
Or 8- Prayer of Salvation share cards.
Or 2-sided –front 8 blank Salvation and Back-side – 8 Prayer of Salvation cards.

Try quoting the verses as often as possible, which will implant them more firmly in your mind.

Here is a pre-made 3 x 5 written-out index cards with Bible verses. You can hand them out or read them. If available, use colored paper to create and print your index cards using these instructions here.

We recommend using our made Salvation index card with 8 Sharing Cards here.
Or our 8 – 3 X 5 blank index cards, or are 8 – 3 X 5 – Prayer of Salvation cards.
Or our Double-sided 8- front-side Salvation & 8- back-side Salvation Prayer cards.

IDEAS:

Mark the Bible pages you want to look up with Post-It Notes. Number them 1, 2, 3, and so on.
In your Bible, highlight the verse using a colored marker so it’s easy to find.
(I recommend picking one color like red for Salvation verses.
Underline a keyword or two to guide and emphasize your discussion.
Write down close to that verse in the Bible margin the verse reference (Example John 3:16.) I recommend finding a few verses from each area below and marking them in your Bible or, better yet, memorizing them for a lifetime of use.
Another method is to write out on 3 X 5 cards with the verse’s location on one side and the scripture reference on the other.
Here, you can use our salvation verses below in a brief outline form with seven Bible verses on a 3 X 5 Salvation sharing card. As in the below image, we suggest printing out the sharing cards and cutting on the lines to make eight Salvation sharing cards.

Recommend Using 7 Bible Verses To Share The Gospel.

Print and cut out eight pre-made sharing cards here, as in the above image.

This will be extremely valuable when you share, not that you will quote it word for word. Still, your thoughts will then be free to start with the Gospel even when you are nervous or a bit shy, or you may be caught tongue-tied for lack of quickly knowing what to say.

Memorizing the main points of what you want to say has been a successful procedure in a business where person-to-person contact is required in any sales or persuasion. The soul-winner should use any Scriptural methods and techniques to aid in sharing.

How to Share the Gospel by asking, “How are You?”
The simplest way to share the Gospel is by asking, “How are you?” They will most likely answer, “Good, how about you?” Next, say, “Better than I deserve.” Or, like me, you could respond with an enthusiastic “EXCELLENT!” Usually, their response is, “WHY?” They want to know why you feel great. This will undoubtedly open a door for you to share your testimony and the “Good News” using a Four Spiritual Law tract.

Go and pray in the power of the Holy Spirit and trust the outcome to God, “For we are co-workers in God’s service. . .“ (1 Corinthians 3:9).

SHARING GOD’S MESSAGE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE TOUGH
Today’s world is a world of “everything goes,” however, God’s voice can still be heard. That voice speaks to rebellious and defiant hearts, revealing that they are a sinner in need of a Savior. That is where Gospel tracts can play an effective, active, and influential role. The Lord can utilize a single tract as a voice of testimony and testament to His Word.

Christians of all ages have started regularly sharing their faith using Gospel tracts. With tract evangelism, Christians no longer struggle with beginning spiritual conversations. They no longer feel the pressure and stress of needing to say all the right words.

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

QUOTES FROM WELL-KNOWN EVANGELISTS USING GOSPEL TRACTS.
“Nothing outperforms a tract for sowing the seed of the Good News.” – Billy Graham.

“You should have a good tract ready when one-on-one conversations are not feasible when you go out. Get excellent striking tracts or none at all. A valuable Gospel tract may be the seed of eternal life. If we have done nothing for Christ, let each of us begin to do something now. The sharing of tracts is the first thing.” – Charles Spurgeon.

“The basic tract may be the stone in David’s sling. In the hand of Christ, it may bring down a giant’s soul.” – Robert Murray M’Cheyne.

George Whitefield, a famous preacher of the Great Awakening, was saved by reading a Gospel tract. After reading it, Mr. Whitefield wrote, “God showed me I must be born again or be damned.”

Hudson Taylor, a great missionary in China, was also saved by reading a tract.

God used a Gospel tract that led the founder of Stand to Reason, Greg Koukl, to Christ. He stated, “Some courageous soul put it in the bottom of his grocery bag while checking out.”

There are lots of great Gospel tracts available for every occasion possible. You’ll want to find one or two you feel comfortable giving out and talking about. I like the shorter tracts because they are more likely to be read. You can buy Gospel Tracts at Moments With The Book or Christian Book. Com.

If you are running out of time or they have had enough, please try to schedule another time to talk about the next steps. If that is not possible, get their email address and send them a link to www.questionsgod.com or similar sites. Or, if they are still searching, send a Knowing God Personally.pdf or, if they accepted Christ, a Next Step For New Christians.pdf by email or mail to them.

HERE IS ANOTHER GREAT, STRAIGHTFORWARD TOOL TO USE
When the new Christian or non-believer has to leave, please encourage them to visit Questions God.Com and give them one of our Questions God.com business cards, as illustrated below.

Questions God. Com Front-side Card And Questions God. Com Back-side Card

OR USE OUR 8 front- and back-sided handout cards, printing both sides using a printer using a glossy heavy-weight paper, ideally a 67 lb. weight. Or take the 8 -handout cards on a flash drive to any local print shop like Staples.

This is especially valuable in third-world countries where many folks cannot afford a Bible or are far from a local church. A lot use cell phones to search the internet looking for answers.

This is excellent to use when you have a short time frame or are finished sharing. Many churches give them out to their congregation as a source for people to use to grow spiritually.

Vistaprint.com is an online print shop that you can upload on the internet. Download using only these high-quality front-card and back-card images. Next, save the two images on your device and then upload the pictures on Vistaprint for approximately $25.00 for 100 premium business cards.

Interestingly, most folks search the internet first before even feeling comfortable starting a spiritual conversation or going to a church for the first time. Remember, millions of people each day will feel safe searching for truth at home online first.

Another excellent site I recommend is Every Student. Com, they also have a handout card here. This site is translated into 45 languages and has over 200,000 visits daily, with nearly 400 people receiving Christ each day. It is an excellent way of sharing the Gospel online for those searching for truth in the safety of their home. These are fantastic resources when you have little time to share with a stranger.

Respond with these examples:

“I know an excellent website, Questions God. Com that helps find answers to life questions.”
“I know a website that seeks to help people with their questions about life and God.”

Talk briefly, and then hand them a card with the website address. Please give them the front or back or double-sided handout cards to those struggling with life’s difficult circumstances to find answers at Questions God. Com.

If you have yet to access a printer or a print shop, have https://questionsgod.com typed or written on a piece of paper or index card. If nothing else fits the situation, I recommend giving them a link to our 24-hour worldwide Christian chat line at www.questionsgod.com/chat.htm.

Using Church Bulletins:
Generally, church bulletins keep everyone informed of what’s going on in the church and consist of lists of current and upcoming events, contact information, and some notes about the sermon. Bulletins might also provide information for visitors, the church’s name and website, service times, and special classes. These are great for handing out to individuals looking for a church. Also, some churches have apps to download the above information.

HELPFUL HINT:
God’s Word is powerful. God’s Word consistently changes peoples’ hearts and minds! We often make the mistake of trying to deliver the Gospel without actually going to scripture. We believe the lie that people won’t appreciate scripture until they know Christ.

Give Them A Free Bible
Give them a Bible for under $10.00 in a translation they can understand. Or a cheaper paperback Bible for under $3.00 or an NLT New Testament Outreach paperback for $1.99, plus shipping. Buy by the case from Christian Book. Com for even less money.

Please remember we can debate all day about Bible versions, but for non-believers, get a Bible that is easy to read. That is the number one complaint we get from folks who do not understand what the Bible is saying. For first-time readers, we recommend the New Living Translation Bible (NLT.) Or an NLT Gospel of John pack of 10 for $9.99 to hand out.

Here’s An Evangelism Challenge

Look for opportunities to share one verse with people you cross paths with within the next few weeks.

You could share a verse God has been using in your life and tell a non-Christian friend or co-worker what you’ve been learning.
You could share an encouraging verse with a non-Christian friend or co-worker going through a hard time.
You could also transition to a Bible verse in conversation with a stranger and see where that leads.

Always carry a Gospel tract with contact information on the back to leave for them to follow up with reading at home in a safe environment. Or, at the very least, have written down an excellent Christian website for those searching or are new Christians like Questions God. Com or have handy their single or double-sided business card here.

Tomorrow’s Study Guide

Chapter 18

Fear In Sharing The Gospel

If you’re struggling with life’s questions or seeking answers about God, visit QuestionsGod.com.
“This is a safe space to contemplate about one’s life, spirituality, and relationship with God.“

SHARING THE GOSPEL OUTLINE – 28-DAY STUDY GUIDE

Lesson materials

sharing-using-gospel-tracts.pdf

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