These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. Acts 17:11-12

The Bereans were open to hear the Word, and they checked what they heard next to the Bible. (Read yesterday’s post for why that is so important!) The results: many believed!

Two characteristics found in those who receive the Lord: (1) They’ll listen. (2) The power is in the Word.

While we cannot be too surprised when people do not want to hear about Christ and the gospel, let us rejoice when someone is willing to listen! Here are a couple of suggestions when this is the case:

Thank the person for being willing to listen. Let the person know how important what you are telling him/her is to you.

Since the person is willing to listen, be sure to give the gospel. Remember:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it [the gospel] is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16

Do you know the gospel well enough to give it simply and briefly? Be sure to relay these three points:

We are all ruined by sin (Because God is holy and demands holiness of those He created in His image, AND because we are not holy, we have a serious problem!)
Jesus is the only Remedy (Jesus, who is God who became a man, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins—and then rose from the dead to prove that there is no one like Him! He is the only way to be forgiven.)
Each person must receive Christ to be forgiven (Receiving Christ means trusting in Him as the only way to be forgiven, and turning from sin to follow Him because He has forgiven you— if you receive Him) Invite the person to receive Christ!

The exact words are not essential, but the message of the Gospel is most essential!