CTS Evangelistic Preaching · Unit 5

Learning Goal

After studying this unit you will be able to use the Question Method from Unit 8 of WiseSpeak to plan a complete evangelistic sermon. You will select a plural noun keyword from the text, form a clear subject, build three short parallel points (each five words or less), and write a one-sentence evangelistic objective that leads listeners to Christ.

The Question Method in WiseSpeak

In Unit 8 of WiseSpeak we learned four practical planning methods for evangelistic sermons. The Question Method is one of the most powerful because it begins with the very question the text itself is answering. We read the passage, identify the central question it raises or answers, and let that question guide the entire sermon.

The Inductive Approach

The Question Method follows the inductive approach taught in the first seven units of WiseSpeak. We start with the specific facts in the text and work backward to discover the keyword and subject. The Question Method keeps the sermon focused and personal. It forces the preacher to speak directly to the listener's real need. When combined with the keyword approach, the result is a clear, unified evangelistic message that calls for a definite response.

How the Question Method Works

1. Read the chosen text carefully.
2. Ask the probing question the text answers.
3. Turn the main idea into a plural noun keyword.
4. Form the subject around the keyword.
5. List the specific answers or truths in the text. Turn each truth into a short point (five words or less) that is a singular of the keyword.
6. Write a one-sentence evangelistic objective.
7. Add a clear invitation at the end.

The keyword is always a plural noun. Every point is a clean singular of that plural keyword. The points stay short and parallel so the listener can remember them easily. When a single verse does not contain every point needed, we add supporting texts from other passages while the keyword still holds the whole sermon together.

Example from Acts 16 — The Philippian Jailer

The text asks the question, "What must I do to be saved?" The keyword is "steps" (a plural noun). The subject is "Three Steps to Salvation."

Each point is a singular of the keyword "steps." Each point is five words or less. The points are parallel. The sermon begins with the specific facts in the text and works backward to form the keyword and subject. This is pure inductive preaching as taught in WiseSpeak.

Example from John 3:16

The text answers the question, "Why did God send His Son?" The keyword is "reasons" (a plural noun). The subject is "Three Reasons God Sent His Son."

Each point is a singular of the keyword "reasons." Each point is short and parallel. The sermon stays anchored in the text.

Example from Romans 10:9–10

The text answers the question, "How can I be saved?" The keyword is "conditions" (a plural noun). The subject is "God's Conditions for Salvation."

Again the points are clean singulars of the keyword "conditions." The sermon is inductive, biblical, and easy to follow.

Why the Question Method Is Powerful for Evangelistic Preaching

The Question Method makes the sermon personal. It speaks directly to the listener's need. It keeps the message focused on one clear question and one clear answer. When the keyword is a plural noun and the points are short parallel singulars, the listener can remember the sermon and take it home. The one-sentence objective keeps the entire message aimed at conversion. This method works especially well when the text raises a direct question that people today are still asking.

The Question Method also works when a single verse does not contain every point. We simply add supporting texts while the keyword controls the outline. The sermon remains unified and the points stay short.

Practical Steps to Use the Question Method in Your Preaching

Choose a text that answers a real human question. Write the probing question in one clear sentence. Select the plural noun keyword that best captures the answers in the text. Form the subject by placing the keyword at the end. Build exactly three short parallel points, each five words or less. Write the evangelistic objective in one sentence. Prepare a clear invitation that calls for immediate response. This method, taken directly from Unit 8 of WiseSpeak and combined with the keyword rules from the first seven units, gives every sermon a strong evangelistic purpose.