Sharing the Gospel through Social Media - The Church of Jesus Christ of Michael Greene, Evangelism in the Early Church, (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2003), p. 23. It is showing and telling with both word and deed who Jesus is and how it's possible to have a relationship with Him. Without thisyou might not even be saved, as Ray Comfort explains in this article. 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.. However, when we're honest, the majority of us would admit that we find this last calling the most difficult. For . 1 Corinthians 1:10-31 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, Hallelujah! Therefore go 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 I have commanded you. 1) You experience authentic joy. Its OK to be honest with God. 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. But we have Gods Word (and reason) to tell us what awaits guilty sinners. The summary truth of these compelling reasons why we must preach the gospel of Christ is that its simply the most important message we can communicate to anyone. You may not be traveling across the world to spread the gospel, but you dont have to go far to encounter someone with a different worldview, faith tradition, or cultural background than you. In the first century, the Greek word from which we get gospel euangellion was used of the authoritative proclamation of a kings victory over his enemies, calling his people to celebrate and recognize his powerful and glorious reign over them, and to trust that he would provide them with material well-being. Peter says its by proclaiming the Lords excellencies, or praises. Read any book or listen to any talk on personal evangelism, and you'll inevitably . .--Better, And all things I do for the gospel's sake: such being the reading of the best MSS. How to Reach Generation Z with the Gospel. The Bible says that Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to those who obey Him (see Hebrews 5:9). Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). But sharing the gospel beyond the Jewish community became Pauls life mission. Benefits themselves can be distorted and benefits can distort the gospel. In other words, God has made us His priests so that we would proclaim the character and work of the Lord Jesus to people yet in darkness. His missionary journeys covered more than 10,000 miles and established churches throughout the known world. And for the love of God, read the Declaration of Independence. Yes, for sure, the gospel brings benefits but it is first about Jesus the gospel story is the story of Israel that finds its climax in the story of Jesus and then about us. Confess to Him that you lack enthusiasm for those who dont know Jesus, and you want that to change. Once we accept the fact that sharing the gospel isnt easy, the awkwardness stops being an obstacle. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. This does not mean that you have to ignore your differences from others or accept different faith traditions as the truth. Theres no religious act, good deed, or sacrifice we can conceive of that will repair what has been broken. Therefore, we cant rely on our intelligence, our eloquence, our cleverness, our tone, or any other physical power to share the gospel with people. And pastors are not the only ones who can help others learn more about the gospel. He had just prayed with me and received Christ as his Savior and Lord. Paul pictures this kind of speech as seasoned with salt, which reminds us of Jesuss declaration that His followers are the salt of the earth. Jesus said to go and make disciples in the Great Commission. The drive for glory makes these players better players, and so it can make their teams better. These are gospel truths you should be sure to share. This means that we are Gods chosen people. Who makes the shot, who gets the RBI, who scores the goal doesnt matter as long as the team wins. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus tells his followers, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. The Bible is not a book that tells us what we have to do to earn salvation, it is a book that tells us what God did to earn our salvation. We Christians so often continue to assume that mission is essentially about givinggiving the gospel as we know it to someone else, says Kim. You are the light of the world. All rights reserved. If all were a single member, where would the body be? Subscribe and get one year free.The views of the blogger do not necessarily reflect those of Christianity Today. It doesnt do you any good to feel guilty about not telling others about Jesus. The Old Testament often employs , which means to proclaim good news to convey bringing news of victory (. ET on EWTN: Holy Mass and Rosary on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 - Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr Tell us where you're. 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.". 11 Reasons to Share the Gospel - Crosswalk We have been commanded to preach the gospel to all creation. By believing that God is listening to them because of what Jesus has done, and is doing for them as their Mediator and Intercessor. 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28b:18-20). To that end,keep alert with all perseverance, makingsupplication for all the saints,19andalso for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouthboldly to proclaimthe mystery of the gospel,20for which Iam an ambassadorin chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil (John 3:16-19). On some level, we are compelling and encouraging people to make a decision about their eternal destiny. It is our job as Christians to do the Lords work. summarizes the biblical gospel as 1) the message of Jesus, 2) the message of the apostles, and 3) the teachings of Christianity. Yes, most famously in a passage of Matthew known as the Great Commission. It's pretty important to understand that. But Jesus seems to be suggesting that you can hack the process. It's never been easier for every member to be a missionary. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. The Bible describes both the message of the apostles and Christian teachings as the gospel, too. Discipleship takes a village! This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator. Religion cant fix us, and that was the problem with the Jewish law. There are no acts or good deeds that can save us from Hell. 19Go therefore andmake disciples ofall nations,baptizing theminthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20teaching themto observe all thatI have commanded you. 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. Office: (407) 826-2300Fax: (407) 826-2375. , associate professor of Missiology and Global Christianity at New Brunswick Theological Seminary. We need to understand, or remind ourselves of, the compelling reasons why, and the right ways in which we are to preach the gospel. Hartford Institute for Religion Research estimates there are roughly 314,000 protestant congregations and other Christian churches, and 24,000 Catholic and Orthodox churches in the United States. 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. Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. The Gospel is the greatest story ever told. When you divert your treasure toward areas where you wish to be more passionate, your focus shifts. Or we might credit Paul's strategy of targeting key cultural centers and planting churches that . The Lord is in control of the results. 5 Ways to Share the Gospel like Paul - Leaders Go Last In fact, the gospel will be such an essential, precious part of your life that it would feel unnatural not to talk about it with others. Thats the way the apostle Paul describes it in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, where he tells the Corinthians that he. Lets look at some Scripture and what it means. It wasnt a mission intended only for the disciples. The aim is to be seen as the best. (LogOut/ Nothing teaches a fisherman like fishing. The Bible points to a severed relationship between God and humanity. What Are We Celebrating On The Fourth Of July? These most successful of athletes compete with their eyes on selection to the All Star team, for the Hall of Fame, and for outlandish salaries. 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 You can take your faith to work in appropriate, engaging ways. Tell them about God's planpeace and life. We have to draw on our own discernment and experiences to apply the gospel to our lives. Becoming part of Gods family is more than a change in title. How faith sharing can benefit your spiritual life 4. We recognize that Jesus love for an individual trumps our uneasiness. Related: How to Resolve Differences of Biblical Interpretation, At the same time, consider what aspects of the gospel speak particularly to your context. God is at work reconciling the world to Himself through Christ, and He has committed us to the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19). It impacts our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. As the saying goes: God doesnt call the equipped; He equips the called. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). However, He also commissioned all who have been reconciled in heart to preach this message to the world. This ought to motivate us, just as it moved Paul, to pray that the Lord would enable us to open our mouths and to clearly explain the gospel to the unbelievers that were able to witness to. Matthew 28:16-20 Sometimes were afraid to share our faith because weve picked up wrong impressions about what that looks like. Were encouraging people to see the world differently, and were challenging the cultural idea that every opinion and perspective is equally valid. Culture shapes how people receive the gospel. And how is this to be done? As you think about these ideas, pray to Heavenly Father for guidance and opportunities and He will help you. Does the Bible call all Christians to share the gospel? And what does the Bible itself say about sharing the gospel? Want to care about the lost? onechapel Pastors aren't the only ones who tell people about Jesus. Share the Gospel | Cru That means it must be good to whoever is receiving the message, says Kim. . as it is religion; that for the over 800 million Hindu Indians, Hinduism is, ; that Daoism is about melding oneself to, , and that Confucianism radiates from principles of moral. Watch simple ways to love, share and invite. What do I need to know to share the gospel? Pray for opportunities to share about Jesus to them. Jesus Creed is a part of CT's 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. Oct 11 5 Reasons to Share the Gospel Before You Invite - Cam Hyde The fact that he was a Pharisee, an important leader in Jewish culture, meant nothing to them. This is something anyone can do. We have to draw on our own discernment and experiences to apply the gospel to our lives. It is doubtful he would have had reason to insist on a Christ who transcends circumcision and kosher diet if he had not been sent to live and work among people to whom his being an upright Pharisee had no meaning.. Exhort and Encourage For many people, sharing the gospel means sharing a long list of things people should not do. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. [8] This is what makes the workplace so strategic. But when we continuously pour into people with the love of Jesus they will begin to notice something different. Called to reach out to the lost. Paul demonstrates this compassionate love for sinners in his description of the Christians ministry of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20: 18All this is from God,who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave usthe ministry of reconciliation;19that is, in Christ God was reconcilingthe world to himself,not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to usthe message of reconciliation. They love the buzz of the crowd when their name is announced. 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. On July 4, millions of Americans spend the day grilling, drinking endless amounts of watered down beer (looking at you, Bud Light drinkers), and watch explosions -- for what? Sound familiar? Biblical decision-making principles for tough situations at work. But Pauls understanding of Greek culture in Asia Minor helped him to share the good news in a way people understood. If we keep this message to ourselves then we are not fulfilling what the Lord has asked us to do. What do we have to celebrate anymore? And through Jesus, we are reconciled to God. Contributors: Bill Peel, Leah Archibald and Randy Kilgore (research) Adopted by the Theology of Work Project Board September 24, 2020. Workplace Grace offers a simple, non-threatening approach to evangelism. . Verbal evangelism was highly prioritized. We accept these transgressions of our government blindly, either because of ignorance or apathy, and in doing so have allowed the government of King George to make a comeback in America. How You Can Introduce Others to Christ | Cru I love what Jesus has done for me, but I struggle with the desire to share the gospel. He pays attention to them, and embodies the parts of the gospel they most need. 1 Peter 2:21. And nobody alive today is from the culture it was written for. We cant bridge this chasm between ourselves and God. Yes. Look at the IRS as an example; people are terrified of the IRS and even just the threat of being audited and sent to jail is enough to keep the tax revenue flowing into the government. It is every Christian's duty to live a life that points to Christ and witnesses to others through actions and words. What is impossible to leave out of the story because you cant understand the significance of the good news without it? Peter tells us, But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. They were determined to act as Christs embassy to a rebel world, whatever the consequences.[2]. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21). And the more we step out in faith, the easier it becomes. So naturally, its also an important part of sharing it. In other words, they wanted to have a share in sending financial relief to the poor in Jerusalem. But a team full of glory-makers tends to turn players against one another. Change). We gladly support the evangelistic ministries of others, but most of us feel discouraged by our own attempts at witnessing because our memorized approaches don't seem to work. 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. And their messages can still reveal new things about the gospel to the people listening. 1. Because of these many and serious problems, many of us need to remember our great calling, privilege, and duty to preach the gospel. Sharing the story of Jesus to people does not require a four step process. Sara Gregory, a pastor at Meredith Drive Reformed Church in Des Moines, Iowa. The word gospel wasnt strongly associated with religion or used to refer to written literature until later (, The Old Testament does not actually use the term gospel with religious meaning, though there is a Hebrew word in the Old Testament that could be seen as its equivalent. The apostle John describes the same thing in 1 John 4:15, where he says. Why We Share the Gospel - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Even when we are praying about the people we witness to and are asking that they will notice the love our Lord has for them, it can be discouraging if we are not seeing results. 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. . Contextualizationboth examining what the gospel meant in its original context and applying its messages in your own contextis an important part of following the gospel. As I alluded to earlier, the Lords over-arching basis for giving this charge, and for the promise that Hell be with His followers to the end of the age, is that Hes received all authority in heaven and on earth. Then, Paul immediately applies this principle to our speech. There are many different ways you can help fulfill this mission. After Stephen was stoned to death and became the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:54-60), persecution against the church erupted. 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. This is a backwards way of saying that hes proud of the gospel. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. He calls these acts of a tyrant. The gospel of Jesus Christ offers new life to lost people, justifying them by His righteousness so they may experience eternal, abundant life in right relationship with God. 15:1-3), and powers our growth in Christ (Phil 1:6). These accounts werent just ancient biographies; they were meant to present Jesus as the prophesied Savior and King. He is not merely the rope that pulls us from the threatening waves; he is the solid beach under our feet, and the air in our lungs, and the beat of our heart, and the warm sun on our skin, and the song in our ears, and the arms of our beloved. As you respond to His call, He will reward your obedience! And sharing the gospel is no exception. the Center for Global Christianity at NBTS, Get suggestions for how to respond to the most common questions about Christianity. God had granted everlasting life to dying humanity! Romans 15:1-21 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. Bible verses about sharing the gospel To answer that question well, we must listen: both to the person in front of us and to the Holy Spirit, says Rev. Ultimately, converting someone to Christianity is the work of the Holy Spirit. But when it comes to applying the Bible to our lives today, theres not always a straightforward translation. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. Some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers. The prophets wise insight and the teachers spiritual nurture are just as important as the evangelists warm invitation. 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 . A close second reason that we must preach the gospel to sinners is that its the only message that saves sinners from their sins and eternal damnation. Dont make the mistake of thinking that you have to be perfectly ready to tell others about Jesus. Sara Gregory, a pastor at Meredith Drive Reformed Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Does every Christian have to be an evangelist? It might evoke the image of a messenger coming into town to proclaim the good news. It kickstarts your interest and commitment. When Jesus met the rich young ruler, he knew that the man most needed to be freed from the suffocating idol of financial security. Even short conversations after church can play a part in sharing the gospel with the next generation. In fact, probably most of what you said to them did little good for them at all. We might be tempted to believe that the exponential growth of the early church was the result of effective preaching by Peter, Paul, and a few other gifted communicators whose occupation was spreading the gospel. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. But the reason Paul gives for why we should use gracious speech is so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Most of us are assaulted with the fear of rejection, disapproval, anger, hostility, or any number of unpleasant responses to our evangelism. 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 56). 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. What Does the Bible Say about Sharing the Gospel? Teaching the gospel is an essential part of bringing up children in faith, for example. Reaching every person has become easier thanks to technology. So sharing the gospel often starts with asking, what does good news mean for the person in front of you right now? You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work. Today, the church of Jesus Christ is experiencing similar exponential growth in the Global Southwhich raises a question: With over 340,000 churches [4] and more than 600,000 clergy[5], and 75 percent of Americans looking for ways to live a more meaningful life,[6] why is the Christian population in the West shrinking while the non-religious population is growing?[7]. 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benefits of sharing the gospel

benefits of sharing the gospel

Leave us a comment below and let us know how it went! You will demonstrate your love in a powerful way, and as you serve others, your love for them will grow as well. Paul tells the Ephesians to remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 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. Here, John explains that those who openly acknowledge that or live like Jesus is Gods exalted and glorified Son are proving that they are indwelt by God the Holy Spirit. Talking with others about your faith will become normal and natural. We are heirs who will inherit eternal life, bodies that will not deteriorate, and a new heaven and earth. Sign up to receive monthly updates from Jesus Creed delivered to your inbox: The Lords Supper Is a Multiethnic Love Feast, Nondenominational Churches Are Growing and Multiplying in DC, Who is the Antichrist? But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him and by his wounds we are healed. Evangelism helps keep the gospel central in our lives and churches. with the mouth one confesses and is saved (Ro. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:19-23). In this authoritative declaration, known as the Great Commission, Jesus gives His first missionaries the main reason and ways in which they are to make disciples, or followers, of Him. But how do we ensure the core gospel truth doesnt get edited out in our effort to contextualize it? Historians and theologians can help us understand these sorts of cultural differences. Although the gospel is a message that most of the world thinks of as shameful, Paul is not ashamed of the gospel. Pray for the other side of the screen. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. . In the same way, enjoying the benefits of mercy, forgiveness, and redemption without feeling the responsibility to share this gift is cruel. You dont have to be the first person to share the gospel with someone to play a part in their journey as a disciple. But it does mean being open to listening to people from other cultures and faiths and learning from them. 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. Sharing the Gospel: What Do I Need to Know? Jesus said, But why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and not do the things which I say? (Luke 6:46). Image by But he desires that the Lord would give him boldness, or literally outspokenness, or plainness of speech. The word gospel wasnt strongly associated with religion or used to refer to written literature until later (Bible Gateway Encyclopedia of the Bible, What Is A Gospel? Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels). We were created in Gods image, but our disobedience has resulted in a broken relationship between the Creator and His creation. Why is he proud of the gospel? The Bible Gateway Encyclopedia of the Bible summarizes the biblical gospel as 1) the message of Jesus, 2) the message of the apostles, and 3) the teachings of Christianity. Jesus did for us what we could never do for ourselves and he paid for what we had done in his . Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. An oikos was the basic social and economic unit of the Greco-Roman worldnot just a home where a family lived, but the small business of ancient times that included extended family members, workers, and customers who frequented the place. After all, one of the proofs that youve been saved from Gods wrath is that you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord . And it ruined any opportunity for humanity to experience communion with God. The small lantern in your home is a gift to everyone in the house-a protector of shins and toes. (LogOut/ Thats why in Pauls request that the Ephesians pray for his boldness, he commands them first to pray at all times in the Spirit. As soon as the Holy Spirit was given, the apostles began to preach the gospel. Evangelism deepens our walk with God. In either case, God will be able to use any beneficial, purifying, words that we speak to unbelievers to either persuade them of the truth of the gospel, or to harden them against it (2 Cor. We might be tempted to believe that the exponential growth of the early church was the result of effective preaching by Peter, Paul, and a few other gifted communicators whose occupation was spreading the gospel. Treat other cultures and faith traditions with respect. Too often people get the sense that theyve got to have a response for every counterargument, but thats not the case. Sharing the Gospel through Social Media - The Church of Jesus Christ of Michael Greene, Evangelism in the Early Church, (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2003), p. 23. It is showing and telling with both word and deed who Jesus is and how it's possible to have a relationship with Him. Without thisyou might not even be saved, as Ray Comfort explains in this article. 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.. However, when we're honest, the majority of us would admit that we find this last calling the most difficult. For . 1 Corinthians 1:10-31 After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, Hallelujah! Therefore go 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 I have commanded you. 1) You experience authentic joy. Its OK to be honest with God. 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. But we have Gods Word (and reason) to tell us what awaits guilty sinners. The summary truth of these compelling reasons why we must preach the gospel of Christ is that its simply the most important message we can communicate to anyone. You may not be traveling across the world to spread the gospel, but you dont have to go far to encounter someone with a different worldview, faith tradition, or cultural background than you. In the first century, the Greek word from which we get gospel euangellion was used of the authoritative proclamation of a kings victory over his enemies, calling his people to celebrate and recognize his powerful and glorious reign over them, and to trust that he would provide them with material well-being. Peter says its by proclaiming the Lords excellencies, or praises. Read any book or listen to any talk on personal evangelism, and you'll inevitably . .--Better, And all things I do for the gospel's sake: such being the reading of the best MSS. How to Reach Generation Z with the Gospel. The Bible says that Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to those who obey Him (see Hebrews 5:9). Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). But sharing the gospel beyond the Jewish community became Pauls life mission. Benefits themselves can be distorted and benefits can distort the gospel. In other words, God has made us His priests so that we would proclaim the character and work of the Lord Jesus to people yet in darkness. His missionary journeys covered more than 10,000 miles and established churches throughout the known world. And for the love of God, read the Declaration of Independence. Yes, for sure, the gospel brings benefits but it is first about Jesus the gospel story is the story of Israel that finds its climax in the story of Jesus and then about us. Confess to Him that you lack enthusiasm for those who dont know Jesus, and you want that to change. Once we accept the fact that sharing the gospel isnt easy, the awkwardness stops being an obstacle. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. This does not mean that you have to ignore your differences from others or accept different faith traditions as the truth. Theres no religious act, good deed, or sacrifice we can conceive of that will repair what has been broken. Therefore, we cant rely on our intelligence, our eloquence, our cleverness, our tone, or any other physical power to share the gospel with people. And pastors are not the only ones who can help others learn more about the gospel. He had just prayed with me and received Christ as his Savior and Lord. Paul pictures this kind of speech as seasoned with salt, which reminds us of Jesuss declaration that His followers are the salt of the earth. Jesus said to go and make disciples in the Great Commission. The drive for glory makes these players better players, and so it can make their teams better. These are gospel truths you should be sure to share. This means that we are Gods chosen people. Who makes the shot, who gets the RBI, who scores the goal doesnt matter as long as the team wins. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus tells his followers, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. The Bible is not a book that tells us what we have to do to earn salvation, it is a book that tells us what God did to earn our salvation. We Christians so often continue to assume that mission is essentially about givinggiving the gospel as we know it to someone else, says Kim. You are the light of the world. All rights reserved. If all were a single member, where would the body be? Subscribe and get one year free.The views of the blogger do not necessarily reflect those of Christianity Today. It doesnt do you any good to feel guilty about not telling others about Jesus. The Old Testament often employs , which means to proclaim good news to convey bringing news of victory (. ET on EWTN: Holy Mass and Rosary on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 - Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr Tell us where you're. 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.". 11 Reasons to Share the Gospel - Crosswalk We have been commanded to preach the gospel to all creation. By believing that God is listening to them because of what Jesus has done, and is doing for them as their Mediator and Intercessor. 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28b:18-20). To that end,keep alert with all perseverance, makingsupplication for all the saints,19andalso for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouthboldly to proclaimthe mystery of the gospel,20for which Iam an ambassadorin chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil (John 3:16-19). On some level, we are compelling and encouraging people to make a decision about their eternal destiny. It is our job as Christians to do the Lords work. summarizes the biblical gospel as 1) the message of Jesus, 2) the message of the apostles, and 3) the teachings of Christianity. Yes, most famously in a passage of Matthew known as the Great Commission. It's pretty important to understand that. But Jesus seems to be suggesting that you can hack the process. It's never been easier for every member to be a missionary. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. The Bible describes both the message of the apostles and Christian teachings as the gospel, too. Discipleship takes a village! This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator. Religion cant fix us, and that was the problem with the Jewish law. There are no acts or good deeds that can save us from Hell. 19Go therefore andmake disciples ofall nations,baptizing theminthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20teaching themto observe all thatI have commanded you. 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. Office: (407) 826-2300Fax: (407) 826-2375. , associate professor of Missiology and Global Christianity at New Brunswick Theological Seminary. We need to understand, or remind ourselves of, the compelling reasons why, and the right ways in which we are to preach the gospel. Hartford Institute for Religion Research estimates there are roughly 314,000 protestant congregations and other Christian churches, and 24,000 Catholic and Orthodox churches in the United States. 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. Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. The Gospel is the greatest story ever told. When you divert your treasure toward areas where you wish to be more passionate, your focus shifts. Or we might credit Paul's strategy of targeting key cultural centers and planting churches that . The Lord is in control of the results. 5 Ways to Share the Gospel like Paul - Leaders Go Last In fact, the gospel will be such an essential, precious part of your life that it would feel unnatural not to talk about it with others. Thats the way the apostle Paul describes it in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, where he tells the Corinthians that he. Lets look at some Scripture and what it means. It wasnt a mission intended only for the disciples. The aim is to be seen as the best. (LogOut/ Nothing teaches a fisherman like fishing. The Bible points to a severed relationship between God and humanity. What Are We Celebrating On The Fourth Of July? These most successful of athletes compete with their eyes on selection to the All Star team, for the Hall of Fame, and for outlandish salaries. 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 You can take your faith to work in appropriate, engaging ways. Tell them about God's planpeace and life. We have to draw on our own discernment and experiences to apply the gospel to our lives. Becoming part of Gods family is more than a change in title. How faith sharing can benefit your spiritual life 4. We recognize that Jesus love for an individual trumps our uneasiness. Related: How to Resolve Differences of Biblical Interpretation, At the same time, consider what aspects of the gospel speak particularly to your context. God is at work reconciling the world to Himself through Christ, and He has committed us to the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19). It impacts our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. As the saying goes: God doesnt call the equipped; He equips the called. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). However, He also commissioned all who have been reconciled in heart to preach this message to the world. This ought to motivate us, just as it moved Paul, to pray that the Lord would enable us to open our mouths and to clearly explain the gospel to the unbelievers that were able to witness to. Matthew 28:16-20 Sometimes were afraid to share our faith because weve picked up wrong impressions about what that looks like. Were encouraging people to see the world differently, and were challenging the cultural idea that every opinion and perspective is equally valid. Culture shapes how people receive the gospel. And how is this to be done? As you think about these ideas, pray to Heavenly Father for guidance and opportunities and He will help you. Does the Bible call all Christians to share the gospel? And what does the Bible itself say about sharing the gospel? Want to care about the lost? onechapel Pastors aren't the only ones who tell people about Jesus. Share the Gospel | Cru That means it must be good to whoever is receiving the message, says Kim. . as it is religion; that for the over 800 million Hindu Indians, Hinduism is, ; that Daoism is about melding oneself to, , and that Confucianism radiates from principles of moral. Watch simple ways to love, share and invite. What do I need to know to share the gospel? Pray for opportunities to share about Jesus to them. Jesus Creed is a part of CT's 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. Oct 11 5 Reasons to Share the Gospel Before You Invite - Cam Hyde The fact that he was a Pharisee, an important leader in Jewish culture, meant nothing to them. This is something anyone can do. We have to draw on our own discernment and experiences to apply the gospel to our lives. It is doubtful he would have had reason to insist on a Christ who transcends circumcision and kosher diet if he had not been sent to live and work among people to whom his being an upright Pharisee had no meaning.. Exhort and Encourage For many people, sharing the gospel means sharing a long list of things people should not do. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. [8] This is what makes the workplace so strategic. But when we continuously pour into people with the love of Jesus they will begin to notice something different. Called to reach out to the lost. Paul demonstrates this compassionate love for sinners in his description of the Christians ministry of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20: 18All this is from God,who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave usthe ministry of reconciliation;19that is, in Christ God was reconcilingthe world to himself,not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to usthe message of reconciliation. They love the buzz of the crowd when their name is announced. 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. On July 4, millions of Americans spend the day grilling, drinking endless amounts of watered down beer (looking at you, Bud Light drinkers), and watch explosions -- for what? Sound familiar? Biblical decision-making principles for tough situations at work. But Pauls understanding of Greek culture in Asia Minor helped him to share the good news in a way people understood. If we keep this message to ourselves then we are not fulfilling what the Lord has asked us to do. What do we have to celebrate anymore? And through Jesus, we are reconciled to God. Contributors: Bill Peel, Leah Archibald and Randy Kilgore (research) Adopted by the Theology of Work Project Board September 24, 2020. Workplace Grace offers a simple, non-threatening approach to evangelism. . Verbal evangelism was highly prioritized. We accept these transgressions of our government blindly, either because of ignorance or apathy, and in doing so have allowed the government of King George to make a comeback in America. How You Can Introduce Others to Christ | Cru I love what Jesus has done for me, but I struggle with the desire to share the gospel. He pays attention to them, and embodies the parts of the gospel they most need. 1 Peter 2:21. And nobody alive today is from the culture it was written for. We cant bridge this chasm between ourselves and God. Yes. Look at the IRS as an example; people are terrified of the IRS and even just the threat of being audited and sent to jail is enough to keep the tax revenue flowing into the government. It is every Christian's duty to live a life that points to Christ and witnesses to others through actions and words. What is impossible to leave out of the story because you cant understand the significance of the good news without it? Peter tells us, But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. They were determined to act as Christs embassy to a rebel world, whatever the consequences.[2]. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21). And the more we step out in faith, the easier it becomes. So naturally, its also an important part of sharing it. In other words, they wanted to have a share in sending financial relief to the poor in Jerusalem. But a team full of glory-makers tends to turn players against one another. Change). We gladly support the evangelistic ministries of others, but most of us feel discouraged by our own attempts at witnessing because our memorized approaches don't seem to work. 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. And their messages can still reveal new things about the gospel to the people listening. 1. Because of these many and serious problems, many of us need to remember our great calling, privilege, and duty to preach the gospel. Sharing the story of Jesus to people does not require a four step process. Sara Gregory, a pastor at Meredith Drive Reformed Church in Des Moines, Iowa. The word gospel wasnt strongly associated with religion or used to refer to written literature until later (, The Old Testament does not actually use the term gospel with religious meaning, though there is a Hebrew word in the Old Testament that could be seen as its equivalent. The apostle John describes the same thing in 1 John 4:15, where he says. Why We Share the Gospel - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Even when we are praying about the people we witness to and are asking that they will notice the love our Lord has for them, it can be discouraging if we are not seeing results. 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. . Contextualizationboth examining what the gospel meant in its original context and applying its messages in your own contextis an important part of following the gospel. As I alluded to earlier, the Lords over-arching basis for giving this charge, and for the promise that Hell be with His followers to the end of the age, is that Hes received all authority in heaven and on earth. Then, Paul immediately applies this principle to our speech. There are many different ways you can help fulfill this mission. After Stephen was stoned to death and became the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:54-60), persecution against the church erupted. 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. This is a backwards way of saying that hes proud of the gospel. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. He calls these acts of a tyrant. The gospel of Jesus Christ offers new life to lost people, justifying them by His righteousness so they may experience eternal, abundant life in right relationship with God. 15:1-3), and powers our growth in Christ (Phil 1:6). These accounts werent just ancient biographies; they were meant to present Jesus as the prophesied Savior and King. He is not merely the rope that pulls us from the threatening waves; he is the solid beach under our feet, and the air in our lungs, and the beat of our heart, and the warm sun on our skin, and the song in our ears, and the arms of our beloved. As you respond to His call, He will reward your obedience! And sharing the gospel is no exception. the Center for Global Christianity at NBTS, Get suggestions for how to respond to the most common questions about Christianity. God had granted everlasting life to dying humanity! Romans 15:1-21 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. Bible verses about sharing the gospel To answer that question well, we must listen: both to the person in front of us and to the Holy Spirit, says Rev. Ultimately, converting someone to Christianity is the work of the Holy Spirit. But when it comes to applying the Bible to our lives today, theres not always a straightforward translation. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. Some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers. The prophets wise insight and the teachers spiritual nurture are just as important as the evangelists warm invitation. 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 . A close second reason that we must preach the gospel to sinners is that its the only message that saves sinners from their sins and eternal damnation. Dont make the mistake of thinking that you have to be perfectly ready to tell others about Jesus. Sara Gregory, a pastor at Meredith Drive Reformed Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Does every Christian have to be an evangelist? It might evoke the image of a messenger coming into town to proclaim the good news. It kickstarts your interest and commitment. When Jesus met the rich young ruler, he knew that the man most needed to be freed from the suffocating idol of financial security. Even short conversations after church can play a part in sharing the gospel with the next generation. In fact, probably most of what you said to them did little good for them at all. We might be tempted to believe that the exponential growth of the early church was the result of effective preaching by Peter, Paul, and a few other gifted communicators whose occupation was spreading the gospel. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. But the reason Paul gives for why we should use gracious speech is so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Most of us are assaulted with the fear of rejection, disapproval, anger, hostility, or any number of unpleasant responses to our evangelism. 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 56). 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. What Does the Bible Say about Sharing the Gospel? Teaching the gospel is an essential part of bringing up children in faith, for example. Reaching every person has become easier thanks to technology. So sharing the gospel often starts with asking, what does good news mean for the person in front of you right now? You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work. Today, the church of Jesus Christ is experiencing similar exponential growth in the Global Southwhich raises a question: With over 340,000 churches [4] and more than 600,000 clergy[5], and 75 percent of Americans looking for ways to live a more meaningful life,[6] why is the Christian population in the West shrinking while the non-religious population is growing?[7].

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