The 7 "C's" of Sharing the Jesus Story - A Message from Acts 22:1-21

Evangelism...the very word brings terror to the average Christian's heart. Yet does Sharing the Jesus story  need to be so imposing?

Paul has arrived back in Jerusalem, and his visit did not go unnoticed. Many radical Jews, especially from the Sanhedrin, are angry he is there and want to kill him. However, the Roman commander puts Paul under his custody. On the way to the jail Paul asks to speak to his fellow Jews.

This message reviews Paul's tactic in sharing the Gospel and how his words are a model for the average Disciple to share the Jesus Story.

As the Lord speaks, you will be blessed as you respond.  Let me know what you think.

And if this message is helpful to you, share it with others. God bless you! - Kirk McCormick

The 7 “C’s” of Sharing your “Jesus” Story

1. “C”ourage -

Paul stood his ground for Jesus

Acts 22:1 - “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.”

Recap: Sharing the Jesus Story starts with just a little bit of Courage…

then God takes over.

C2 of Sharing the Jesus Story -  “C”ommunication -

Paul spoke their language

Acts 22:2 - “When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic they became very quiet.”

Point: To Share the Jesus Story, church…we need to speak the language of the unbeliever…

…need to tell them about Jesus in a language they will understand…

…we need to AVOID CODE TALK and speak plainly.

C3 of Sharing the Jesus Story -  “C”onnection -

Paul was a Jew speaking to Jews

Acts 22:3a - “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city.”

Point: People like free stuff/gifts…

…and there is no greater gift than salvation.

  

C4 of Sharing the Jesus Story - “C”redibility -

Paul had done his homework

Acts 22:3b - “Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers…”

App Q:  How do we gain credibility with others?

·      2 ways:

1.  Consistency between our profession and lifestyle

2.  Being ready to give an answer to the simple questions about faith.

1 Peter 3:15 - “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

C5 of Sharing the Jesus Story - “C”onfession -

Paul wasn’t perfect…had a past

Acts 22:4 - “I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison.”

C6 of Sharing the Jesus Story - “C”onversion

Paul met the Living/Real Jesus

Acts 22:5, 6 - “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me.  I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’”

C7 of Sharing the Jesus Story - “C”ommission

Paul accepted God’s purpose

Acts 22:15, 16 - Ananias said to Paul, “You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for?”

Matthew 28:18-20

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”