Share Christ this Summer for $5

If you saw someone and knew they were dehydrated, you wouldn't worry about the awkwardness of approaching them with water. This is exactly how we should think about sharing the gospel. People are dying. We need to be bold. 

Thankfully, God has brought these two needs together for those of us living in the Puget Sound region. It's hot outside. Many people are living on the street with little access to clean water. We see them pushing shopping carts, sitting alone, using drugs, asking for help, or in groups with others in need. 

Many of these people don't know Jesus Christ as their Savior. Let me share 4 easy steps for you to bring the gospel to someone you see on the street.

1. Go buy a case of bottled water. Lately, the cost of a case of Costco bottled water has risen to about $4.50. Keep it in the trunk of your car.

2. Find 2 or 3 small, spare Bibles you have around your house. Perhaps you have some Gideon Bibles available. But if not, grab a couple of the free Bibles we have placed at the West entry of our church. Keep them in your car.

3. Learn two key passages: 1 Corinthians 15:3-5, which tells the gospel: Jesus dying for sins according to the Scriptures, being buried, and rising on the third day according to the Scriptures. And Romans 10:9, which tells how to be saved: believing that God raised Jesus from the dead and confessing that He is your Lord, which is a commitment to follow Him. 

4. At the next opportunity, if you see someone in need on the street, park your car, ask God to empower you to share the gospel, grab a bottle of water, and offer it to the person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Isn't that dangerous?

Sharing the gospel, historically, is dangerous; but all Christians are called to do it. Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1). So if you need more safety, ask a Christian friend to come with you. Find a solution so that fear doesn't keep you from obeying Christ's call to evangelize.

How do you break the ice with someone new? 

If you offer water, the other person will often start the conversation for you. They'll want to know you and why you're helping them. But if the person seems more quiet, start by asking their name and how they are doing. When you want to get past small talk, ask "Can I ask you a serious question?" They will probably say, "Yes."

How do you move the conversation to focus on spiritual issues?

Ray Comfort likes to ask, "Do you believe in an afterlife?" This allows him to follow up by taking people through the law, sin, the gospel, and the need to repent and believe.

John MacArthur likes to ask, "Do you want to be forgiven of all your sins?" This is a very direct question that sets you up to give the gospel.

I often ask "Do you have any spiritual beliefs?" This is an open ended question that allows me to learn about them and to share the gospel in response.

If they talk to me with genuine interest, I offer a Bible at the end of the conversation. 

What book of the Bible should a person read first? 

The gospel of John may be helpful for someone who doesn't know much about Jesus. The gospel of Mark may be good for someone who doesn't understand the story of what Jesus did and taught. I'd also recommend 1 John and Proverbs to someone who knows about Jesus but needs help living as a Christian.

Pastor David