Lesson #14. USING GOSPEL TRACTS + ALPHA INVITATION.

KEY TRUTH: Explain the benefits of using gospel tracts. Encourage disciples to invite unsaved contacts to Christian gospel events and an ALPHA gospel presentation.

I. The Benefits of Gospel Tracts and Leaflets

1. THE NEW TESTAMENT CALL TO SHARE THE GOSPEL: All the Gospel writers agree that Jesus left His followers with the task of sharing the gospel of repentance with every person in every nation (see Mt.28:19-20; Mk.16:16:15; Lk.24:47-48; Jn.20:21; Acts 1:8). Paul prayed and urged believers to pray – that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ (Col.4:3). Peter implored his readers to – always be prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet to do it with gentleness and respect (1 Pet.3:15).
2. GOSPEL TRACTS USUALLY PRESENT THE GOSPEL CLEARLY: Gospel tracts are printed pieces of literature that present the gospel of Jesus Christ to show the way of salvation. Good gospel tracts are usually a clear, succinct, and logical way to present the gospel.
3. TRACTS CAN OPEN THE DOOR TO THE GOSPEL: Gospel tracts can go places and into homes that you can’t go. Gospel tracts can penetrate the hard hearts of people unwilling to talk yet too curious to let the literature pass them by.
4. TRACTS CAN SOW THE GOSPEL AT THE RIGHT TIME: Gospel tracts don’t take much effort to pass out to plant a seed. Gospel tracts can be used by God at the right time to sow gospel seeds in someone’s soul to convert the lost.
5. TRACTS CAN BE CONVERSATION STARTERS: Gospel tracts can help break the ice and be a gateway to presenting the gospel. They are usually politely received or rejected.
6. TRACTS ARE AN UNEMOTIVE WAY OF SHARING THE GOSPEL: Gospel tracts stick to the point and never gets side-tracked with silly arguments. Gospel tracts don’t argue; they merely states the truth and calls the reader to repent and believe.

II. Using Selected Bible Tracts

1. A TRACT DOES NOT DEPEND ON YOUR FAULTY MEMORY: Learning how to present the gospel complete with memory verses can be daunting for many. Some believers avoid sharing at all lest they be asked questions they cannot answer. For that reason, tracts are a useful tool.
2. KNOW THE CONTENT OF THE TRACTS YOU USE: Nevertheless, you should read and get to know the tracts you give out so you can use the most appropriate one for each situation.
3. TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT ETERNITY: CityReach Baptist Church has produced its own gospel tract called – ‘Take Another Look at Eternity’. It takes a person through a series of questions and propositions …
   1. What do you think happens after you die?
   2. How can we know what happens to us after death?
   3. An extraordinary claim: You can be certain where you are going after you die!
   4. Two alternatives:
   5. Why do we have to die at all?
   6. Jesus dies in our place!
   7. You must make a choice.
   8. Your next step …
4. RBC Ministries has a 10 REASONS TO BELIEVE series (Discovery Series.org). These provide an excellent resource for those that have questions about the Christian faith …
   1. 10 Reasons to Believe in the Christian Faith
   2. 10 Reasons to Believe Christ Rose from the Dead
   3. 10 Reasons to Believe in the Existence of God
   4. 10 Reasons to Believe in Life after Death
   5. 10 Reasons to Believe in the Bible
   6. 10 Reasons to Believe in Christ rather than Religion
   7. 10 Reasons to Believe God became a Man
   8. 10 Reasons to Believe in a God who Allows Suffering is developed under the headings below …

      1. SUFFERING COMES WITH THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE
      2. PAIN CAN WARN US OF DANGER.
      3. SUFFERING REVEALS WHAT IS IN OUR HEARTS.
      4. SUFFERING TAKES US TO THE EDGE OF ETERNITY.
      5. PAIN LOOSENS OUR GRIP ON THIS LIFE.
      6. SUFFERING GIVES OPPORTUNITY TO TRUST GOD.
      7. GOD SUFFERS WITH US IN OUR SUFFERING.
      8. GOD’S COMFORT IS GREATER THAN OUR SUFFERING.
      9. IN TIMES OF CRISIS, WE FIND ONE ANOTHER.
      10. GOD CAN TURN SUFFERING AROUND FOR OUR GOOD.

III. The ALPHA Course hosted by CityReach Baptist Church

1. The Alpha course is a gospel presentation suited to the modern generation. Is it something you could invite a non-Christian to attend with you?
   
2. CityReach Baptist Church – Oakden has adapted the series which is professionally produced and non-confrontational in its presentation.
3. Every Alpha meeting runs like this:
   i. A relaxed shared meal together to maximise bonding.
   ii. Watch a professionally produced video with a presentation of some Christian truth.
   iii. Have a non-confrontational discussion facilitated by group hosts
   iv. A course can go from 5-11 weeks and has some initial topics for follow-up.

GROUP DISCUSSION:

1. What are some good reasons to use tracts? How does it compare with personal sharing?
2. What challenge have you taken out of today’s lesson?