The gospel and a quiet invitation
Everything explored in this experience rests on Jesus Christ. Christian community cannot save us, and healthy relationships cannot make us good enough for God. Present the gospel clearly near the end, after participants have had time to listen and understand. Leave room for an honest response without using emotion, music, raised hands, public disclosure, or pressure as proof of faith.
Suggested gospel explanation
God created us to know Him, but every person has sinned, and sin separates us from God. We cannot repair that separation by becoming better, more useful, more relationally healthy, or more religious. Because God loves us, He sent Jesus Christ, His only Son. Jesus lived a blameless life without sin, died on the cross for all our sins, and rose again. He stood in our place and bridged the gap we could never cross. Jesus is the only way to the Father.
John 14:6 (KJV): Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Romans 10:9–10 (KJV): That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Prayer is a conversation with God. It is the response of faith in which a person acknowledges sin and the need for God, confesses Jesus as Lord, believes God raised Him from the dead, accepts His gift of salvation, and receives Christ as Savior and Lord. Prayer does not earn salvation; Jesus saves. A participant may speak honestly to God in their own words or use the prayer below.
PRAYER Lord Jesus, I believe You are God's only Son. You lived without sin, died on the cross for all my sins, and rose again. I know I have sinned and cannot make my own way to God. I turn from my sin and trust You alone. Forgive me. I accept Your gift of salvation and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Come into my life and help me follow, serve, and love You. Thank You for giving Yourself for me, standing in my place, and making the way for me to know the Father. In Jesus' name, amen. |
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Assurance and celebration
Confidence rests in Jesus, what He has done, and His promise rather than in a feeling or perfect words. Invite anyone who trusted Christ to speak privately with a leader so the church can celebrate, answer questions, pray, discuss baptism, begin reading Scripture, and connect the person with a healthy Bible-believing church. Voluntary sharing may be celebrated warmly, but no one should be put on display.
FOLLOW THROUGH