The Bible teaches us not to deny the presence of the supernatural in other world religions, but simply to demonstrate the superiority of Christ's power over other religions. In evangelism, we should not insult a foreign hearer by denying the validity of their spiritual experiences, but rather, affirm that only Christ can set them free from the effects of their sin and from death.

Modern Christian evangelism is predicated mostly on apologetics and the use of reason. However, the Bible teaches that we should be using love and power as the forefront of our witness, undergirded by our ability to explain what we believe. Reason is often the path to faith, but it cannot ultimately produce it. Seek boldness, freedom from the limitation of the natural mind...endeavor to confront the unbelief of this world with risky faith in disregard for being thought a fool. Relying on logic to preach the gospel is precisely what makes the cross of Christ of no effect.

We are the likeness -- the resemblance and revelation -- of His resurrection to the world. We should expect that our lives, in spirit, soul, and body, provide the world with a dose of Jesus' resurrection power, as to be the living proof that He is risen. We ought not to be advocates of a doctrine we believe is right, but rather, we should be witnesses of a living we Christ we know and resurrection power that cannot be denied...not because we think we believe it, but because we've seen and heard it. In addition, we have been reconciled to God, and by definition of that word, should endeavor that our personalities mimic that of Christ...to be reconciled is to compound a difference between two to make them the same, not just restore a relationship.

It's important that we know how to share the gospel with skeptics, namely, atheists and agnostics. First of all, by living a life that's pure and blameless, we remove from the opponent the option of using our hypocrisy as reason for their disbelief. Let your life vindicate the name of Jesus, and then you can think about using intelligence to explain your faith to the skeptic. Evangelism is not about proving that God exists, but rather, revealing His true character -- His true personality. In addition, there is value in knowing science and biblical history; but above those things, believe and expect that God will use you for the revelation of Christ through miraculous signs and wonders.

Christians need the gospel just as much as anyone else. It's not enough to merely confess that you believe in Jesus. Why? Because even the demons believe, and they tremble! Christians needs to understand that confession and belief is only step one in the progressive experience of eternal life. Jesus came to give us eternal life that's defined by knowing the Father, not just professing that Jesus is Lord. Paul said, referring to the Old Covenant, that circumcision is useless when there is no obedience to the Word of God. The confession of "I go to church" has become the modern day circumcision...a confession that's empty -- like a marriage vow that's made at a wedding without any honor for those vows in everyday life.

The law magnifies sin and suppresses identity in Christ. If we are to walk in the power of God's grace, we need to understand that we've been justified. Justified -- made innocent and restored to original value...made just as if we never sinned. Pure and blameless in spirit, soul, and body. We have been delivered from the consciousness of sin, to be ushered into a consciousness of who we are in Christ, and the righteousness that's been given to us. We are to be so lost in the goodness of God that we don't have time anymore to think about resisting sin. Righteousness is to be our new default, now that we are filled with the fruit of the Spirit.

Genuine faith in Jesus always carries corresponding action. We know someone's faith by the way they live. In addition, it is by works that we demonstrate our desire for eternal life. For this reason, we are justified by the beautiful matrimony of faith and holiness. By patient continuance in doing good we seek for glory, honor, and immortality, as Romans 2 states. Seeking to live like Christ is what reveals that we truly desire heaven. And it is the practice of righteousness that reveals we have been made righteous inside. In evangelism, it should not be our goal to lead someone in a prayer, but to reveal the knowledge of God that leads to salvation; because eternal life in not to confess that Jesus is Lord, but to know God (John 17:3). Acknowledgement of Christ or belief in God is only the beginning. Even the demons believe in God, and they tremble.

In this first part of a new series on sharing the gospel, Pastor David Grams explains how a Christian ought to share with others a balance of repentance and faith. Genuine faith always includes corresponding action, and true surrender to Jesus always includes heartfelt repentance. First, we must repent in our minds -- change our approach to God by an understanding of His grace, so that our confidence is not in works of the law. The resurrection of Christ, for the Christian, is the assurance of our newness in Him; but for the unbeliever, the resurrection is the assurance of coming judgment. Without faith in Jesus and subsequent repentance, eternal separation from God in Hell a person's destiny. Hell, when properly explained, convicts the world and brings the lost to repentance...the doctrine of Hell is not hate speech, when it is communicated in love. Never diminish the truth, no matter the offense that results. Implore the world to believe on the name of Jesus and be reconciled to God, knowing that if they say No to God, God will give them none of Himself for eternity.

We all are expected to seek God for ourselves and be independently filled with the Holy Spirit, free from dependence on other Christians for our sustenance. God desires intimacy with us...to be a personal friend and not merely a deity to be feared. Pursuing God requires also that we not only admire the wonders of God, but let those wonders become motivation to seek Him even more. Let's not be spectators or admirers, but rather, partners with Him. Greater faith in Him comes through action. An active and obedient pursuit leads to greater courage.

The purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is to immerse us in the power of God, so that we may be empowered to represent Christ in the world around us. The Holy Spirit lives in us for our sake, but He comes upon us for the sake of the world. The effects of the Holy Spirit's baptism are undeniable, and includes much more than praying in tongues. The gifts and fruits of the Spirit will all be evident. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not an optional Christian perk; it is a necessary power for our witness in this world. Let's not wait until something catastrophic happens in order for us to prioritize the power of God in our lives.