It seems that one of the reasons many Christians feel inadequate to do open-air evangelistic preaching is because they don't know what to say. That is understandable, because as Christians we have a lot we can say to the lost world, many wonderful things. However, knowing that typically a preacher will only have their audience for a bit, and so as to not overwhelm the listener, or get sidetracked, it is best to stick to some essentials of the Gospel presentation. Below is a brief outline I try to stick to when preaching:
1. There is a day of Judgement that awaits.
2. We are sinners and will be found guilty of breaking God's law on the Day of Judgement.
3. The penalty for sin is Hell, a place of eternal torments.
4. God has provided a way of pardon/forgiveness of sins at his own expense.
5. God sent his Son, Jesus, born of a virgin, fully man and fully God. He was sinless and always pleasing to God.
6. Jesus laid his life down on a cross and while on the cross took upon himself the wrath of God for the sinners who are his.
7. Three days later he took his life back up an arose from the grave, conquering death and sin.
8. The command is given to all men: repent (turn from your sin) and believe/trust in Jesus to save you from the penalty that you deserve.
9. Recount the Promises: everlasting life, forgiveness/pardon, adoption, justification, friendship with God, Heaven, etc.
10. Encourage the audience to call out in repentance and faith to God to save them today.
Now, you can choose to flesh out these points by expounding on them or you may even open up a passage of Scripture and as you preaching though it bring out these points as they are encountered. Keep in mind the audience and how long you will have to talk with them. Consider that if the crowd is moving along that you might want to alternate between a very basic points message followed by a longer one that expands those points more for those who might be hanging around to hear more.
0 comments:
Post a Comment