Presenting the Gospel

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah." (Acts 2:36 NIV)

He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:4 NIV)

"Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone - an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead." (Acts 17:29-31 NIV)

Then I saw another angel flying in mid air, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth - to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water." (Revelation 14:6-7 NIV)

The first step in presenting the Gospel is always to tell the non-believer of a Holy God, of sin and judgement. We can see from the four examples given in the Bible. Sins (crucifixion of Jesus (Acts 2:36), persecution of Jesus (Acts 9:4), idolatry (17:29-31)) were identified in the first three and in the last example, the coming judgement (Revelation 14:6-7). God is always identified.

You must let the non-believer know who he or she has offended, what is the offence and what is the judgement or punishment will be.

Only when the non-believer is convicted of Holy God, sin and judgement, then he or she can see God's salvation as good news. When the non-believer understand the the enormity of sin against as a Holy God, that is when he or she understand the love of God in sending Jesus to die for their sins. Those who are forgiven much will love much.

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little." (Luke 7:47 NIV)