Finally, the Good News
April 5th, 2020#gospel#evangelism
If you are a Christian, then you know how important the Gospel message is and why others need Jesus and the message of salvation. Perhaps you know deep down inside that you could be sharing the Gospel with more people, like friends, family, co-workers, or just anyone for that matter. So what holds you back? Fear of rejection? Losing acceptance with others? Maybe it is more so that you aren't really sure how to take all the truth you know already and condense it into 30-90 seconds of powerful information. There are a lot of Christians with a passion for the lost and do what they can, but maybe it’s time we all come together and share ideas on how we can share the Gospel as a part of our day-to-day lives.
(If you are reading this, and do not know the Gospel or who the one true God is, then please, we ask you to read this brief and succinct article from GotQuestions: https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-the-gospel.html)
Some of the most courageous evangelists of today are open-air preachers and college campus preachers. Now, let’s be honest. Not all of us are equipped for such boldness in the town square. Just like not all have the same spiritual gifts, we aren’t all meant to do the exact same style of evangelism. Aside from open-air preaching, what can you be doing to reach the lost?
Say something! Anything! That's a great place to start. Get the conversation on a path toward faith. Open-ended questions like, “Do you believe in an afterlife?” or “Do you pray?” might be a gentle opener. Another way to open the conversation can be asking if they celebrate a particular holiday, and using that as a springboard.
Recently we were told a story about two co-workers discussing the then-ensuing COVID-19 pandemic. This person’s coworker told him, “Man, I am legitimately freaking out about this virus thing. What about you? It seems like you’re not worried.” He said, “Not really. What did Jesus say? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
When you’re talking with unsaved people in your life, ask yourself, “What would Jesus tell this person?” Don’t be afraid to quote Jesus in casual conversation! Especially in this situation with someone already considering their own mortality, how could you not say something?
The next time someone asks you what your favorite book is, or talks about a good book they just read, why not mention a book from the Bible? Talk about Romans and the road to salvation or Galatians and how we are saved by faith alone apart from works. The books of the Bible communicate a message of hope! The next time someone mentions a movie or a documentary they watched why not bring up a Christ-centered documentary you enjoy? The American Gospel series are documentaries we love to share with other people.
Social media is a great place to encourage others and share the Gospel. If you are not using the platforms God has given us to reach the lost, that is something to pray on and ask yourself, “Why not?” We are not ashamed of the Gospel, it is the power of God unto salvation! You might not see results right away, but people are watching Christians around the world every day to see who they truly are. If we profess to know Him, do we act like it? Trust and know that non-believers are examining you and the Christians around them.
Lastly, another way to gently lead people to the Gospel is through Gospel tracts and invitations to church. These are not a substitute for actual conversations, but there will be times when that is not possible and it is better than doing nothing. If your church does not provide these, get your own or make your own. You will be surprised at the response you get and remember, we plant and water, God makes things grow (1 Corinthians 3:7). We have no idea what has happened in the previous days or weeks in someone’s life. Your invitation or handout might be a “sign” to them (we call it God’s providence). Imagine the non-believer, going about their day, lost and helpless, dealing with a job loss or something like anxiety, and then hears from an old friend who is a believer, drives by a church and notices the signage outside says something about hope, and to top off their day, someone (you) comes along and hands them something about Jesus. That will get anyone’s attention.
In times of trials and hardships, Christians need to be on the front lines helping and serving the community and their neighbors. It is wonderful and loving to provide for people’s well being (food, shelter, clothing, etc) but what about their spiritual needs? Can you think of someone you can reach out to and see how they are doing? Offer to pray for them. Share an interesting article, sermon, or truth about Jesus that might encourage them and lead them to the Gospel. What’s the worst that can happen? At least you are staying true to your convictions and loving them the way you have been taught in Christ. If they reject you, you will survive.
So brothers and sisters, be encouraged, be bold, obey the command to share your faith and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You will be blessed and filled with joy as you do it. Trust God when you are afraid and choose to love instead.
Please share with us your successful and not so successful moments in sharing the truth with others. We’d love to be edified and strengthened by your stories and hopefully, it will do the same for others reading.
Until next time, God Bless and stay safe.
Love Is Not Silent ~LINS