Richard - Preparing evangelistic sermons: a seven-step method for preaching salvation

2005, 2015 by Ramesh Richard

Published by Baker Books

a division of Baker Publishing Group

P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.bakerbooks.com

Ebook edition created 2015

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

ISBN 978-1-4412-2714-0

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations labeled ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2007

Scripture quotations labeled Message are from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations labeled NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations labeled NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Ramesh Richard rightly observes that evangelistic preaching is driven by an internal conviction, a sacred oughtness born of Gods unique work in an individuals life. Yet how quickly we may forget our calling in the face of struggles, opposition, and yes, even success. Thankfully, readers will find genuine help and biblical insight from a seasoned preacher who has walked these steps before. This is a theme very dear to my heart addressed by one who has demonstrated this gift and calling all over the world.

Ravi Zacharias, author and speaker

The gospel hasnt changed in nearly two thousand years. Its still the transforming power of Jesus Christ! In this book, Dr. Ramesh Richard shows how to preach the gospel humbly, prayerfully, biblically, expectantly. May God change lives as you proclaim that Good News!

Luis Palau, evangelist and author of High Definition Life

My good friend Ramesh has provided every communicator who has a heart for the lost with tools to proclaim the gospel message with power.

Tony Evans, senior pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship

The clarity, simplicity, and power of Ramesh Richards seven-step approach to constructing sermons has well served students and pastors in many settings and nations. Now to have this most approachable method of sermon construction applied to evangelistic preaching is truly good news not only for pastors wanting ready assistance but also for lost souls needing eternal security.

Bryan Chapell, president, Covenant Theological Seminary

I believe this resource will strengthen your effectiveness as an evangelistic preacher and give you more boldness as you approach your task in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Daniel Southern, president, American Tract Society

Long awaited, here is the foundational text for evangelistic preaching written by a master teacher of the art. Applying the lessons of this book will enhance the ministry of anyone called to preach the Word of God.

Robert E. Coleman, distinguished professor of evangelism and discipleship, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Ramesh is one of Gods choice gifts to the body of Christ. I applaud his work on equipping others to effectively deliver the gospel message.

Dennis Rainey, president, FamilyLife

A masterpiece from a master evangelist! Ramesh Richard has written an indispensable work for all those who passionately seek to save the lost. This book provides a clear and compelling case for presenting the gospel with content, conviction, and class. It is a must-have for both beginners and seasoned veterans alike. Its a great book that deserves the widest reading.

James Ryle, president, TruthWorks Ministries

This book is not just a theoretical discussion of evangelistic preaching, but a practical book, filled with ideas all of us can use. I found it refreshing because the author so clearly communicates his own passion and firsthand experience in sharing the Good News.

Erwin W. Lutzer, senior pastor, The Moody Church

Ramesh Richards book comes at a very opportune moment. During forty years of evangelistic preaching, Ive never seen the harvest potential I see today. During these days of worldwide uncertainty, people are searching for answers to lifes most basic problems. Theres a great need for men and women who can communicate clearly, biblically, and in the authority of the Holy Spirit the life-changing message of the gospel of Christ. Ramesh Richard teaches us how to do that. I pray that this timely book will be read widely and be used to bring multitudes into the kingdom of God. I encourage anyone who has a desire to communicate the gospel to the world around them to read Preparing Evangelistic Sermons . This book is for pastors, evangelists, and laypersons with a heart to communicate the good news of Gods love for a lost and dying world.

Sammy Tippit, international evangelist

I have sat in the audience as Ramesh has powerfully and clearly proclaimed Jesus and his love. His ministry is a model of what he writes about in this book. Thank you, Ramesh, for the inviting way in which you show us that we dont have to sacrifice the truth of Gods Word to connect with the hearts of non-Christians. This is a wonderful, valuable, practical resource for anyone who wants to proclaim the hope of Jesus Christ to empty, needy hearts. My only regret is that you didnt write this thirty years ago!

Crawford W. Loritts Jr., associate director, Campus Crusade for Christ, USA

Ramesh Richard has earned the right to write on evangelism in sermons. He has demonstrated for an entire generation the common union of evangelistic fervor and biblical and scholastic excellence. His book should be foundational and encouraging to all who mount the sacred desk.

Tommy Nelson, senior pastor, Denton Bible Church

Ramesh, I am now able to define ministry success, verify my effectiveness, and live a more stress-free life. Wow, great work, Doc!

Mike Silva, president, MSE, Inc.

An evangelistic speaker must interact with both the biblical text and his audience. Preparing Evangelistic Sermons challenges you to speak in a relevant way and preach Gods Word, not your words. I am grateful for Rameshs heart for lost people and his desire to impart what he has learned through experience.

R. Larry Moyer, president and CEO, EvanTell, Inc.

In todays culture, effective communication is crucial for the delivery of the message. Ramesh Richard takes the greatest message ever given and takes the reader on an insightful journey of how to connect with the listeners head and heart. In a multicultural world, adrift from the moorings to absolutes, youll want to read this book if your passion is to passionately and powerfully share the message of Jesus Christ with a world that so desperately needs to hear, comprehend, and embrace it.

Bob Reccord, president and CEO, North American Mission Board, SBC

Ramesh Richard is a brilliant teacher and can put that same skill to words on paper. He is a true lover of people, which makes him the perfect evangelist. He pursues Gods heart like few men Ive ever met. Take these three qualities and you have the recipe for a book that will set your heart afire with the desire to go and do likewise.