I was talking this week to a member of our church who told me about their struggle in sharing the gospel with their family members. They said that as soon as they start sharing the gospel with their loved ones, their family members end up debating and bringing up objections to which they cannot think fast enough to figure out what to say in response. 

I think we can all relate to that. We’ve all had opportunities to share our faith in Christ, where we’ve blown it. If you’re like me, then we all could use some instruction on how to proclaim the gospel when God opens the opportunity.

Peter’s second sermon in Acts gives us some help. God had just used Peter and John to heal a man who had been lame from birth.

Peter’s sermon has 3 main points that I should be closely examined:

• 1. Exalt the Lord Jesus.
• 2. Confront Sinners. (v.13-15)
• 3. Offer God's Grace. (v.19-26)

Whenever you get an opportunity to talk to someone about spiritual matters, seek to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ. The sinner needs to know who Jesus is and what He did. Don’t hesitate, out of fear of giving offense, to confront the sinner and warn them of impending judgment. Unbelievers need to feel thier guilt so that they realize thier need for a Savior. And, don’t fail to offer God’s grace and forgiveness to everyone who will repent. And whether God uses your witness to save 2,000, as He did with Peter’s sermon, or maybe just one, you will be filled with joy to know that by turning a sinner from the error of his way, you have been used to save his soul from death (James 5:20).

Discussion Questions

1. How much does a person need to know about God and Christ in order to be saved?
2. Is conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8) lacking in much of today’s evangelism? How can we correct this?
3. Is it right to appeal to felt needs (other than forgiveness) in presenting the gospel? Cite biblical examples.
4. How can we be prepared to take advantage of opportunities to share the gospel?