Essentials of Sharing the Gospel Part 1 "A Clear Message"

Today, we will begin a three week series on the Essentials of Sharing the Gospel. Romans 10 is a powerful chapter giving us instruction and exhortation to share the gospel. Today’s message from Romans 10:1-13 reminds us that it is important that the message be clear.

What constitutes a Clear Presentation of the Gospel? contains three sections describing our responsibility in sharing the gospel:

Romans 10

1. A Clear message
2. A Committed Messenger
3. Confidence in the Power of the Cross

Can you accurately tell someone how to get to heaven? 
There is a story of Billy Graham when he was visiting a city for one of his crusades. He had finished writing a letter and began to look for a place to mail it. Walking around the city for a while, he came across a young boy. He asked the boy if he knew how to get to the post office.
The boy gave Billy Graham the directions and before leaving, Billy said to the boy, "Come on over to the arena tonight and I’ll tell you how to get to heaven." The boy looked at him and replied, "How can you know how to get to heaven? You don’t even know the way to the post office!" (Source unknown)

Loved ones who may have died without Christ:
Those we witness to who reject the gospel, do so within the bounds of God’s sovereignty. The Lord has granted them the ability to reject him, and they will be accountable for that choice.

Unsaved millions.
It might seem as if God’s plan is failing because so many do not know the savior. This is a challenge to our faith. But God is still sovereign, and ultimately all things will work together for His glory.

We must rest in God’s sovereignty that He has accomplished his will, even when we have no confidence that they were saved. God’s grace, love, and justice remain even as we reflect on the condition of those who are eternally lost.

This is why we emphasize a DOXOLOGICAL View for the purpose of mankind;

1. The purpose of our witnessing is God’s Glory!
2. The purpose of obedience is God’s glory!

This doxological purpose is summed up in the conclusion to this section of Romans (Romans 9-11 God’s Sovereignty). Note that the doxology of Romans 11:33-36 also concludes the entire doctrinal section of Romans 1-11!

Romans 11:33-36 "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."

The context of this exhortation on sharing the gospel is the Sovereignty of God. We must remember that He will accomplish his will regarding the salvation of the lost. Remember that God is sovereign.