INTRO.: A. To find the best “method” of soul-winning, where should we go? To our Savior, of course. I call His method (used with Nicodemus & the Samaritan woman at the well) “THE BRIDGE METHOD OF SOUL-WINNING” and are clearly examples we would do well to follow.
B. A bridge has an approach, a span and a destination. Every soul-winning encounter has these three elements as well. A bridge without an approach can become a disaster. A bridge without a span (the bridge itself) is no bridge at all. And a bridge without a destination is “a bridge too short on the other end.” Let’s apply this to soul-winning…
I. THE APPROACH:
A. The Approach Is Critical:
1. “You only get one chance at making a first impression.” 2. If you alienate a person upon meeting them, you will not be able to witness. 3. Practice your approach. 4. Vary your approach to accommodate the situation; door-to-door, follow-up, appointment, etc. 5. Learn to use that which is available in the natural realm to start your conversation.
ILLUS.: Jesus started the conversation with the woman at the well with a request: “Give me to drink.” Jn.4:7 He used the situation to his advantage. He was at a well. This is His approach.
II. THE SPAN:
A. The Span Is Necessary:
1. On a bridge the span IS the bridge. 2. The bridge is NOT the destination, but without the span, you will never reach your destination. 3. You don’t want to stay on the span too long, keep your destination in mind. 4. Your goal is to go from the natural to the spiritual, but the span will be necessary.
ILLUS.: The approach is the “natural” the span is “religious” the destination is “spiritual.” 💙Jesus recognized the wall of prejudice between Jews & Samaritans & broke down the wall. V.9 💙Jesus uses the circumstances to advantage by speaking about thirst & quenching it. v.10-14 💙Jesus created a desire for a different kind of water. v.15 💙Jesus then points out her sin. v.16-18 💙Jesus next deals with religious objections. v.19-23 💙Jesus reveals Himself to be the Messiah. v.24-26
III. THE DESTINATION:
ILLUS.: The end result is the salvation of this woman & many others. V.27-30
A. The Destination Is Exciting:
1. This is what the “trip” is all about. 2. This is where you have wanted to be all along. 3. This is what everything to this point has been about. 4. This is where you want to focus your energy, prayers, etc.
a. When you arrive here, you need to clearly present the Gospel. b. Use Scripture. c. Beware detours. d. Stay on the main route. e. Don’t deviate from your destination. f. Don’t be satisfied until your have completed your presentation. g. Don’t leave your contact behind.
1) Go slowly; don’t rush your presentation. 2) Make sure they stay with you. 3) Explain things carefully. 4) Use good, simple, homely illustrations. 5) Draw the net!
ILLUS.: Dramatize a soul-winning presentation using this method. (Role-play a soul winning encounter, with you playing the "soul-winner" & another being the "lost person"!)
CONCL.: One of the most exciting adventures you will ever experience is when you win your first soul to Christ. Never lose the excitement! Never quit! YOUR destination is the Judgment Seat of Christ & the words: “Well done, thou good & faithful servant!” Remember, “he that winneth souls is wise!”