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Five Keys to Converting Souls. Learning Evangelism from the Apostle Paul in Acts 17:1-15. Find People Who Are Close.
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Five Keysto Converting Souls Learning Evangelism from the Apostle Paul in Acts 17:1-15
Find People Who Are Close • Paul would often look for prospects in places that were filled with God-fearing, scripture-reading people (Acts 17:1-4; see also 9:20-22; 13:14-16,42-43; 14:1; 16:13; 17:11,17; 18:4,19; 19:8) • Paul would start with “common ground” – belief in God and the scriptures • Start with people who are close to being what God wants them to be (Mk. 12:34)
Face Rejection and Press On • Paul looked for people to teach right after he was rejected (Acts 17:5-10; see also 9:23-26; 13:6-12,46-52; 14:5-7,19-21; 18:6-11; 19:8-10; 20:19-20) • Paul did not allow himself to become discouraged and quit • Start looking for prospects right after you are rejected (Acts 4:29; Eph. 6:19; Col. 4:3)
Point People to Scriptures • Paul looked for people who were eager to search the scriptures (Acts 17:11; see also 20:20-27) • Paul did not discuss opinions, philosophies, man-made doctrines, etc. • Start with the scriptures (all you need is a Bible) and people who love the truth will be saved (Rom. 1:16; Jas. 1:21)
Open the Door to All • Paul looked for people of any background to preach to (Acts 17:12; see also 13:46; 14:1; 16:10; 17:18ff; 18:4; 19:10,17; 20:21; 22:21; 26:17-18) • Paul did not limit his teaching opportunities to those of a certain color, race, etc. • Start looking for prospects among anyone who will study with you (Acts 10:34-35; Eph. 2:13-16)
Count on Others for Help • Paul would often move on and rely upon others for help (17:13-15; see also 18:19,24-28) • Paul worked together with his co-workers (Rom. 16:3; 1 Cor. 3:9; Phil. 4:3; Col. 4:11; Philemon 24) • Start working together with other members who have different talents to teach prospects (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:14-16)
Learning from Paul • The Christian will face challenges in teaching the lost, but we can learn from Paul and be successful! • There are still “good and honest hearts” who want to be saved … let’s get out there and teach them!