Line of Demarcation

Point: when sharing the gospel, is the question we are being asked or the point being brought up by the other person a salvational issue, or not?

above the line... salvational issues to be dealt with first

below the line... peripheral issues (may be interesting, but can side-track giving the gospel)

Point: pursue the things above the line first when sharing the gospel

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(expanded)

Line of Demarcation Illustrated


(above the line - important kinds of questions to answer related to salvation)

Who is Jesus?
How are sins atoned for?
What must I do to be saved?


__________________Line of Demarcation__________________


(below the line - kinds of peripheral issues that can side-track giving the gospel)

Is baptism to be by immersion or sprinkling?
Does God heal everyone, every time?
How often would I have to attend church?


note: the line of demarcation can be used in contexts other than evangelism, and can be very useful to help us stay on target with whatever subject is being discussed


(condensed from and based on the curriculum 'Trained for Service' ã 2003 by the John J Namestnik Family)