Introduction
The gospel, also known as the Good News of Jesus Christ, is a profound message that embodies hope, love, and salvation. Its transformative power has impacted and continues to impact numerous lives across different eras. As followers of Christ, we have a divine responsibility to propagate this message to others. It is important to know that preaching the gospel extends far beyond the confines of the pulpit. Instead, it is a calling bestowed upon every believer to proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ to the entire world. Not as some believers think that, this duty is exclusive to a select few. Rather, it is the primary assignment entrusted to all genuine believers. In the following discussion, we will explain five (5) practical ways we can convey gospel message to others.
- Be a Witness
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
The first step in preaching the gospel is being a witness to how God has worked in your own life. Your transformed life and personal story can have a powerful impact on those around you. It’s important to understand that is not only by carry a Bible that you can preach or share the gospel. Your actions, self-control, communication, how you handle issues, and even how you dress can all convey the message of the gospel to those around you.
As a self-proclaimed Christian, it’s important to ask yourself, if others can see you as a witness of Jesus Christ and the gospel. If the answer is “YES,” then continue on that path. However, if the answer is “NO,” it’s crucial to examine your lifestyle. The true essence of the gospel lies in your testimony of how Christ Jesus has transformed your life. If He truly has, it should be evident in the way you live.
The term “Christian” was coined because of the disciples of Jesus Christ and how they lived. People recognized them as Christ-like because of their witness to Christ. Are people able to see you as a Christian and refer to you as Christ-like, or do they see you as worldly? It’s important to be honest with yourself and make a choice between the world and Jesus Christ. Allow His light to shine through your life and be a testimony to the world.
Don’t pay attention to those who claim that Jesus Christ is only concerned with your inner self and not your outward appearance. Jesus Christ cares about your entire being—your body and soul—ensuring that you are protected from the bondage of the world and worldliness.
Let me share a personal experience. One day, while I was going to the market, I encountered a young girl who appeared decent. In my heart, I silently said a prayer, asking God to bless her. I didn’t know why I felt compelled to pray for her at that moment, but it was her lifestyle and how she appeared decent that moved me. If an unbeliever witnesses her lifestyle and is drawn to it, she becomes a witness of Jesus Christ. Therefore, let our light shine so that it becomes a gospel message to others.
- Live a Life of Love
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Demonstrating the love of Christ through our actions is a powerful way to spread the gospel. Our love should be genuine and selfless, reflecting the same love that God has shown us. When we genuinely love others, we don’t always need to preach the gospel with our words. People will naturally be curious and ask, “Which God do you serve?” This is because they may have never experienced such a life of love from another human being. If you are a Christian who loves unconditionally, people may even approach you and say, “I want you to be my mentor,” because they see something in you that they aspire to emulate.
Unfortunately, in today’s world, you may come across believers who are hesitant to share love or anything with others due to greed. And if they do share, it often comes with conditions attached, saying, “I’ll give you this, but you must give me that in return or do something for me.” However, Jesus Christ’s love for mankind was unconditional. So why, as you claim to be Christlike and you love with conditions?
It’s important for us to reflect on our actions and examine whether our love truly reflects the love of Christ. Let us strive to love unconditionally, just as Jesus did, and demonstrate His love through our actions. This will have a profound impact on those around us and further the spread of the gospel.
- Share the Word
‘’For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)
The Bible is not just an ordinary book; it is the living Word of God. Sharing its truths is crucial when preaching the gospel. To effectively communicate the message of salvation, it is essential to study and meditate on Scripture. If you desire to preach the gospel effectively, you must equip yourself with the words of God.
What surprises me the most is that some individuals can spend only five years studying a particular subject and they will become professionals in their field, yet when it comes to their Christian faith, we have believers that are 30 to 55 years old and they have not become proficient in sharing the gospel. Many believers struggle to share the gospel today because they feel ashamed, as they have nothing substantial to offer others.
We must be diligent in our faith, understanding that while the world may pass away, the Word of God will endure forever. Let us set ourselves up for success by investing in our knowledge and understanding of the gospel. By immersing ourselves in the Word, we can become proficient in sharing its transformative message with others.
- Preach with Boldness
‘’And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.” (Acts 4:29)
Fear and hesitation can stop us from sharing the good news of the gospel. But God wants us to be confident and brave when we tell others about His truth. He wants us to trust in His strength. To become bold in sharing the word, we need to study the Bible because knowledge is powerful. When we know the Bible well, we won’t be afraid anymore. When we understand that, the power of God in us is greater than anything in the world, that build boldness in us to share the gospel. Prayer is also important. When we pray, we become strong in our faith. A Christian who prays is a Christian with power. On the other hand, a Christian who doesn’t pray is weak and powerless. Praying helps us become bold and overcome our fears.
So, in order to preach the gospel effectively, we need to remember a few things. First, we shouldn’t let fear hold us back. Instead, we should trust in God’s strength and be brave in sharing His truth. Second, we should study the Bible and gain knowledge because knowledge gives us power and frees us from fear. Finally, we should pray regularly because prayer helps us grow in faith and gives us the courage to overcome our fears. By following these steps, we can become bold and powerful messengers of the gospel.
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- Be Sensitive to the Holy Spirit
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13)
As we engage in preaching the gospel, it is crucial to depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He will provide us with the words to speak and direct us to those who are prepared to receive the message. When we go out to share the gospel, we must be spiritually discerning to identify those who are receptive, as not everyone we encounter on that day may be ready to receive the message. This is why, when we come across individuals who are not yet prepared, it results in resistance or disagreement. It is not because they possess more power than the gospel, but rather because the timing of their readiness to embrace the gospel has not yet arrived.
Let us recall the story of Paul, who, when his day of readiness came, experienced the transformative power of God and accepted the gospel. Similarly, the same process applies to everyone. Each person has their own unique journey and timing in coming to faith.
Therefore, as we preach the gospel, it is essential to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will guide us to those whose hearts are open and ready to receive the message. Our responsibility is to faithfully share the gospel and trust in God’s timing for each individual’s response.
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Conclusion
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'” (Isaiah 52:7)
Preaching the gospel is not a task reserved for a select few; it is a calling for all believers. By being a witness, living a life of love, sharing the Word, preaching with boldness, and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can effectively spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Remember, the power to transform lives lies in the gospel. May we embrace this privilege and responsibility, shining the light of Christ in a world in need of His love and salvation.
