Share the Gospel through Romans 6:23
The way Christians present the Gospel varies from culture and tradition. Although the style and interpretation may evolve, God’s word never changes (Hebrews 13:8). Indeed, salvation is only through Jesus because no one comes to the Father except through Him (Hebrews 13:8; John 14:6).
One-Verse Evangelism (OVE) is a practical way to illustrate man’s salvation using Romans 6:23 as a reference. It was first introduced in the late 1990s by Randy D. Raysbrook, NavPress.
How to draw & illustrate One-Verse Evangelism
1. We are separated from God
Our sin separates us from a Holy God. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree of Knowledge, they were driven out of paradise and onto this earth where they had to work for food, suffer, sickness, and experience death.
2. Wages
A wage is a payment from someone in return for a service rendered. Write and circle this word and ask, “How would you feel if your boss refused to pay you the wages that were due to you?”
Deep down, we all know that it is only right that we get what we deserve. Similarly, we earn wages from God for how we have lived our lives.
THE GOOD NEWS OF THE ROMAN ROAD.
3. Sin
Draw a circle around “sin,” asking the person what he/she thinks about this word. Sin is more of an “attitude” than “action” because sin begins with temptation that firsts manifest itself in one’s mind (James 1:15).
A person may have resentment toward God because of a past experience or because of a
Ask, “Does it feel like God is far away?” If the person says “Yes,” say, “sin separates us from God.” Then draw two opposing cliffs with a gap in between.
MAN’S SINFUL NATURE AND HOW SIN DISABLES A CHRISTIAN.
4. Death
Circle this word and ask what thoughts come to mind. Explain that death in the Bible always means some kind of separation.
What comes to mind when you think of death? Death is the separation of life from the body. More than that, death is an eternal separation from God. What does that mean?
We are separated from all that is good because God is the only source of all good. The absence of God’s presence is hell. Is there anything worse than being separated from God?
BIBLE VERSES SAY CHRISTIANS GO TO HEAVEN AFTER DEATH.
5. But
This is the most important word of all because it offers hope. While circling this word, mention that it is important because it means that a sharp contrast in thought is coming. What we have just looked at is bad news; what follows is good news
6. Gift of God
Draw a circle around this word. Ask, “If wages are what a person earns, then what is a gift?” Remind your friend that someone must purchase every gift. Ask the following:
- How do you feel when someone gives you a special gift?
- What’s the difference between a gift and a wage?
- What do you like about a gift?
Gifts are free; they don’t have to be earned; they represent love and/or appreciation. Some people try to earn God’s favor by doing good deeds for God. But it’s impossible to earn what’s already been bought.
How would you feel if a close friend insisted on paying for your gift to them or doing things to earn it before they would accept it from you?
7. Eternal Life
Circle these two words next, and then ask, “How would you define these words?” Contrast one side of the cliff, death, with the other side, eternal life. Ask the following:
- What is the opposite of separation from God?
- God promised everlasting joy if we believe and follow His son Jesus, would like this?
8. Christ Jesus
Draw these words so they create a bridge between the two cliffs. Help your friend to consider that every gift has a giver, and only Jesus Christ can give the gift of eternal life.
Jesus is the way to eternal life. He is the only means by which we can go to heaven. We are far from perfect, but Jesus paid for our imperfections by dying on the cross. We could never have borne God’s anger and made satisfaction for our sins.
Jesus had to do that for us. He not only died, but He rose from the dead, conquering both sin and death. His obedience paid for our disobedience, taking away our sins and freeing us from guilt as well.
SEVEN EXAMPLES OF JESUS WE SHOULD IMITATE.
9. Trust Jesus
Write this word over the bridge you just drew. Explain that friends trust each other, and tell your friend that Jesus wants a trusting friendship with him.
However, we must repent, which not only means we acknowledge our sinfulness, but more importantly, we’re willing to ask God to give us a repentant heart and turn away from sin.
At this point, you can ask him if he wants to start a relationship with God through Jesus. If he says “Yes,” you can invite him to pray along with you. There is no magic in this prayer. Only God knows our motives and He will hear the prayers of His children.
What you should pray for?
Lead the prayer asking God to receive the person you are sharing the Gospel with, and that the Holy Spirit takes over and grants the person repentance and salvation.
REPENTANCE IS NECESSARY TO BE SAVED.
10. Invite the person to grow
We are just bearers of God’s news, but it will always be the work of God through the power of the Holy Spirit, leading every person toward Him. When a seed of faith is planted, the “heavens rejoice.”
However, the enemy will try to steal, kill, and destroy the seed that was planted. Invite the person to read God’s word daily and join a fellowship or Bible Study group and share the seven promises of Jesus with believers.
HOW FEBC SPREAD THE GOSPEL IN ASIA.
You may order this booklet from NavPress, or call (800) 366-7788 or download One-Verse Evangelism PDF or go to Cru. You can also use the “Gift of God” Gospel card, which was derived from this method.
→ Share the Gospel through “Bear Fruit” card.
