What are the saddening consequences of this rampant failure that so plagues western believers? And what does the Bible itself say about sharing the gospel? Was there a time when we didnt have that luxury? Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. I believe sharing the gospel faithfully happens in at least as many different ways as Jesus demonstrated it, Gregory adds. And their messages can still reveal new things about the gospel to the people listening. If we are trying to tell people about our Savior that we barely know, they most likely are not going to listen. That means it must be good to whoever is receiving the message, says Kim. Rather, we must rely upon the power of God the Holy Spirit the main Person who lives inside of us. Here are 3 encouraging benefits of sharing your faith. 6. This means that we are Gods chosen people. We are called to share our feelings and our love for Jesus, as well. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.. Conversations about faith in the workplace can feel like a minefield. It is our job to plant seeds into the hearts of others and allow the Holy Spirit to work on the hearts of those we witness to. There are many different ways you can help fulfill this mission. Then why wouldnt you talk about all these things to people who havent yet understood them?! And just as we pray through the Spirit, so we preach through the Spirit. Related: How to Resolve Differences of Biblical Interpretation, At the same time, consider what aspects of the gospel speak particularly to your context. What information did you give to them? Take a quick skim through this, most are straight-forward. Although the gospel is a message that most of the world thinks of as shameful, Paul is not ashamed of the gospel. Therefore, we cant rely on our intelligence, our eloquence, our cleverness, our tone, or any other physical power to share the gospel with people. This does not mean that you have to ignore your differences from others or accept different faith traditions as the truth. He and his wife had been looking for God for some time, he said, and now he was eager to take the Four Spiritual . Obviously, since Paul asked that the Ephesians would ask the Lord to give him both the ability to speak, and the words to speak, the power to rightly preach the gospel cant come from us. Through faith, we recognize our spiritual bankruptcy and our inability to earn Gods favor. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Its where the actual work we do every day can not only contribute to human flourishing, but also give living proof that the gospel really is good news. In a way this is true. bible study, christian living, Evangelism, The Gospel. His understanding of the gospel changed because he shared it. Notice that Paul specifically points out that spoken acknowledgement of the rulership of Jesus is an evidence of salvation. This biblical study of evangelism gracefully reminds us all that the New Testament model of witnessing is not one-size-fits-all. The gospel isnt something that people are doing just fine without. As you respond to His call, He will reward your obedience! Lets look at some Scripture and what it means. Here are a few suggestions: If youre serious about igniting a fire in your heart, prayer is the place to start. Pauls missionary journeys through Asia Minor seemed to impact his understanding of the gospel, too. The drive for glory makes these players better players, and so it can make their teams better. Sport at all levels is a game of teamwork, competition, a drive toward winning, and the joy of accomplishment made especially intense for the winners. The successful athlete often competes for the dual prize of pride (in being better) and glory (adulation for accomplishment). Here, Paul gives the main reason why hes eager to preach the gospel to [those] who are in Rome (v. 15). And this is work for the whole church, not just parents, grandparents, and youth pastors; at the baptisms of children and infants, the whole congregation pledges to help raise them in the faith. 5 Ways to Share the Gospel like Paul - Leaders Go Last delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raisedon the third dayin accordance with the Scriptures . What Are We Celebrating On The Fourth Of July? A study conducted by LifeWay Research found 80 percent of those who attend church one or more times a month, believe they have a personal responsibility to share their faith, but most never do. Sharing The Gospel - In 3 Minutes Or Less If it is easy to you then congratulations, you are one of few. Ultimately sharing the gospel in its fullness includes all of these components. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished-he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus (Romans 3:25-26). Please try again or contact website administrator. Personal evangelism is simply the privilege of entering into the spiritual journey of another . His understanding of the gospel changed because he shared it. Sometimes were afraid to share our faith because weve picked up wrong impressions about what that looks like. Personal Evangelism 101: The Complete Guide | Cru Matthew 5:13-16 I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. - BILL BRIGHT. There are four books of the Bible that are referred to as gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Following the biblical gospel today requires every Christian to adapt it for a very different cultural context than it came from. If Paul had restricted his evangelism to the Jewish community, whether Christians should adhere to Jewish customs and laws probably wouldnt have seemed important. To hoard the light and leave everyone else in darkness seems unkind. Today, Gurung is leading a movement of new churches both in Nepal and among Nepali immigrants in the U.S. Pauls missionary journeys through Asia Minor seemed to impact his understanding of the gospel, too. That means it must be good to whoever is receiving the message, says Kim. . Christians today mingle with people of other faiths and cultures as their coworkers, friends, and even spouses on a daily basis, says Kim. If you have never shared the gospel with another person, there are a lot of reasons to do that. As such, the entire game is turned on its head toward its benefits. When Jesus met the rich young ruler, he knew that the man most needed to be freed from the suffocating idol of financial security. As early as Acts 8 we find that it is not the apostles but the amateur missionaries, the men evicted from Jerusalem as a result of the persecution which followed Stephens martyrdom, who took the gospel with them wherever they went. What matters is Chicago and LA and Manchester., You may now see what Im doing there: those who turn the gospel into its benefits and then construct the gospel for the sake of personal benefits (salvation, redemption, justification, transformation, meaning in life, going to heaven) are glory-makers like the selfish athlete. In first-century Greek culture, gospel in both its noun and verb forms was used most often when announcing an important news event like a victory in battle. It diminishes our ability to truly experience community with others. So as you share the gospel, you may find your view of it evolves, too. But that doesnt mean that Jesus is the only messenger for the gospel. But Pauls understanding of Greek culture in Asia Minor helped him to share the good news in a way people understood. 2 Corinthians 9:12-14 In each of those cases, these individuals felt needs were where Jesus started the conversation about the good news he offered.. Office: (407) 826-2300Fax: (407) 826-2375. Weve just addressed why the gospel is the message that we must preach, but why must we be preachers of it? In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit descends during Pentecost, and over 3,000 people end up following Jesus. He begins by commanding the Colossians to always use gracious speech. Whether youre engaging with someone across the street or the ocean, Kim says its important to respect other cultures and faiths in their own right, not just as grounds awaiting Christian conversion. We're encouraging people to see the world differently, and we're challenging the cultural idea that every opinion and perspective is equally valid. 20 Methods of Evangelism Quick Methods of Evangelism In-Depth Methods Sharing The Gospel Through Questions Visual Demonstration Methods Child Evangelism Methods The Common Misconception Sometimes people think that sharing the Gospel is telling others that Jesus loves them, saying God bless you or something along those lines. Here are some ideas to consider when thinking about sharing your faith. We will listen to and respond to what is in the investigator's mind and heart. Believers are called to share the good news of Gods salvation through Christ with everyone on earth. These are gospel truths you should be sure to share. Just as salt is a purifying influence on bloody wounds and decaying food, so also our speech should be pure, and have the power to purify those who hear it. How can I care more about sharing the gospel? Becoming part of Gods family is more than a change in title. We get to see the kingdom of God expanding exactly how Jesus prophesied: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8, emphasis added). Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. It wasnt a mission intended only for the disciples. They make sharing the gospel so easy; anyone can do it. As we continually preach the cross, it will deepen our understanding of what God did for us in Christ. And this is work for the whole church, not just parents, grandparents, and youth pastors; at the baptisms of children and infants, the whole congregation pledges to help raise them in the faith. Because of these many and serious problems, many of us need to remember our great calling, privilege, and duty to preach the gospel. The Mission of Sharing the Gospel | Theology of Work The most natural reason we have to share the gospel with our unbelieving neighbors is that the subject of our Lord Jesus is the topic we love to talk about most. However, when we're honest, the majority of us would admit that we find this last calling the most difficult. His missionary journeys covered more than 10,000 miles and established churches throughout the known world. . Nothing teaches a fisherman like fishing. As one of these representatives of Christ, Paul implores, or begs, sinners for Christ to receive Gods reconciliation through repentance and faith. Treat other cultures and faith traditions with respect. Sometimes it is by meeting peoples tangible needs for food as a witness to the God who created and cares about peoples bodies. Why Is the Gospel Called "Good News"? - Ligonier Ministries So sharing the gospel often starts with asking. . Yes, most famously in a passage of Matthew known as the Great Commission. We cant bridge this chasm between ourselves and God. Acts 20:35 In a similar way, the apostle Paul says in Romans 1:1 that the gospel for which he was set apart was the gospel of God. When you divert your treasure toward areas where you wish to be more passionate, your focus shifts. Missiology, Kims field of study, examines how Christians prepare and deliver the gospel message for different groups and contexts. (LogOut/ Read any book or listen to any talk on personal evangelism, and you'll inevitably . Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org. In my context, where lots of Hindus and Buddhists and non-Christians are watching us, that becomes pre-evangelism.. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. In this passage, he calls all sinners the world, and says that God has already reconciled the world of His chosen ones in Christ. You will learn the gospel more deeply: As you study and begin to share with others, you will grow in your ability to understand the important aspects of the gospel and your ability to articulate it more clearly. However, He also commissioned all who have been reconciled in heart to preach this message to the world. Lewis sums up how Jesus changed that reality, The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.. There is a key characteristic you need if we are to effectively reach the lost with the gospel. Praying is something God uses to turn our apathy into passion. Thats why in Pauls request that the Ephesians pray for his boldness, he commands them first to pray at all times in the Spirit. Gen Z may be the most post-Christian generation to ever exist, but there is biblical hope that even they can be effectively reached for Christ. In fact, the four biblical gospels were originally used as a script for oral proclamation (What Is A Gospel?. Here, Paul first asks that the Ephesians would pray for the Lord to give him words. He pays attention to them, and embodies the parts of the gospel they most need. Invest in organizations that share the gospel. Jesus said to go and make disciples in the Great Commission. Support the work of CT. Glory-makers tend to speak of players who accept lesser roles as great team players, which means that person feeds my glory., The team player plays to win and the team matters more than personal glory. Sharing the Gospel: What Do I Need to Know? - Jesus Film Project And drawing new believers isnt the only reason for sharing the gospel. But when we continuously pour into people with the love of Jesus they will begin to notice something different. Workplace Grace offers a simple, non-threatening approach to evangelism. Acts 2:14-41; 6:7-10; 11:4-18; 13:13-49; 17:11-12. This message is of first, or primary, importance, both for us, and for everyone with whom we come into contact. He cohosts the award-winning television program Way of the Master, which airs in 190 countries. Win and Charles Arn, The Masters Plan for Making Disciples (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998), p. 4546. Michael Greene, Evangelism in the Early Church, (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2003), p. 243. We will find ourselves practicing what we preach, so we will be frequently thinking about the cross. The first reason that we must preach the gospel is that its the Kings gospel. When Jesus met the woman at the well, he knew that she was longing for freedom from the stigmas that had been placed on her. This applies to individual co-workers, friends, and family, but also strangers in public settings. The Mission of Sharing the Gospel. Saul, a Pharisee at the center of this oppression, had a profound conversion experience (Acts 9:1-9) and became integral to the spread of the gospel. People spend a lot of time looking for a way to evangelize that doesnt ruffle any feathers. What did they hear from you? It is certainly harder to get people to visit a church, to listen to a gospel presentation from a stranger, or to attend a crusade. Even short conversations after church can play a part in sharing the gospel with the next generation. It is showing and telling with both word and deed who Jesus is and how it's possible to have a relationship with Him. Kim calls this trans-contextualization. And he sees it not as compromising the gospel message, but rather as opportunity for expansion and further clarification of our understanding of the gospel.. The Internet and social media are tools the Lord has given us to live His commandment that the gospel be taken to the "uttermost parts of the earth.". Post your testimony. This must not have been formal preaching, but the informal chattering to friends and chance acquaintances, in homes and wine shops, on walks, and around market stalls. 1 Peter 2:21. These words have come to be known as the Great Commission. And the Book of Acts reveals how the disciples brought Jesus assignment to life. Listen well, and meet people where they are. He is the One who gives us the ability, and even the desire, to preach the gospel. In other words, he has a duty to speak like this, for the reasons that weve already considered for all believers. If youre like me, and like most people in the western world who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, most of what you said to such people had no potential to be of any eternal benefit to their souls. Its almost impossible to regularly pray for something and remain indifferent. Paul had to explain the gospel differently when he brought the good news to Asia Minor. , theres a good chance one of the top survey responses would be sharing the gospel. But what did gospel actually mean in biblical times? Everything that comes with being a family member is attributed to us. By definition, the gospel is meant to be good news. And through his mission journey, Paul realized you could be spiritually transformed, without adopting the physical customs of Judaism. It's pretty important to understand that. Wherever we invest our treasure, our hearts will follow. So, if we would be used by God to save sinners from eternal punishment through His power, we must preach the gospel. . Share what is in your heart. Talk about Christ everywhere you go. An issue has occurred. 11 Bible Verses about Sharing The Gospel - Online Bible Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the primary source of both the teachings of Christianity and the message of the apostles. We need to actually listen to others, understand their objections, and lovingly communicate why we have placed our hope in Christ. 11 Reasons to Share the Gospel - Crosswalk "Successful witnessing is taking the initiative to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.". Sound familiar? This can be clearly seen in hundreds of thousands of Bible-believing and Bible-teaching churches that consist of a pitiful-looking tiny band of faithful members, meeting every Sunday all around the West, but havent seen a new convert come into the meeting for decades. It is our job as Christians to do the Lords work. Paul goes on to express the fact that the most dangerous thing that it saves believers from is the wrath of God (v. 17). Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 10:3311:1). . As the Ruler of the universe, He has the right of rule over His followers and over all nations of the entire world. Each app is unique, so no matter the person or situation, one of these apps will help you share the love of Jesus as long as you have your phone! He goes on to explain that he means he wants to be able to boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel. Oct 11 5 Reasons to Share the Gospel Before You Invite - Cam Hyde . All rights reserved. Although the Great Commission might be the most well-known passage of Scripture about spreading the gospel, the Bible has a lot more to say on the subject than just what is captured in Matthew 28:16-20. The LORD is my strength and my might,and he has become my salvation;this is my God, and I will praise him,my fathers God, and I will exalt him. But we have Gods Word (and reason) to tell us what awaits guilty sinners. But he desires that the Lord would give him boldness, or literally outspokenness, or plainness of speech. I love what Jesus has done for me, but I struggle with the desire to share the gospel. As Western culture moves further away from Christ, we might assume that reaching people with the gospel has become more difficult. My hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved (Romans 10:1). How to Reach Generation Z with the Gospel. Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him to be able to do this in Ephesians 6:18-20: . We have a share in what death achieved. Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the primary source of both the teachings of Christianity and the message of the apostles. Because its Gods power for the salvation of all who believe it. Romans 10:15 But it does mean being open to listening to people from other cultures and faiths and learning from them. We reveal our love for the lost by pondering their fate, and as a result we cannot help but cry out to God for them. According to Mark 1:14-15, it was His proclamation of the gospel of God, which included the command to repent and believe in the gospel. 2020 by the Theology of Work Project, Inc. We should do it at the right time, with the right words, and through the right power. 10 Benefits of Handing Out Gospel Tracts - Courageous Christian Father How to get Free Gospel Tracts Sent Via Snail Mail Sites that give you free Gospel Tracts or Gospel of John Books that are sent to you free via the snail mail (postal mail). Were not just laying Jesus truth out before people and hoping theyre interested; we want to influence them to truly consider it-but not through an argument. Dont make the mistake of thinking that you have to be perfectly ready to tell others about Jesus. Benefits themselves can be distorted and benefits can distort the gospel. "hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus" (Philemon . Its OK to be honest with God. Because we delight in Him more than we delight in anyone, or anything, else.

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