After Jesus rose from the dead, He commanded His followers: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:19-20).
We rightly call this “the Great Commission.” Jesus doesn’t give His disciples permission to tell the good news of His gospel to others; He gives them a commission – a charge – to do so! The Bible says, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).
Over the next few articles, we’re going to talk about this great commission. Maybe you call it “personal evangelism” or “personal work” or “putting the Great Commission into action,” but regardless of what you call it, personal evangelism is something in which every Christian should be – and can be! – involved.
Sometimes because of fear and timidity, or simply not knowing where to begin, we fail to tell others the message of Christ. But always remember: God’s word is taught, not caught! Jesus said it is necessary that people be taught about God (John 6:45). And we know that faith comes by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17). Remember, the message we have to share is “good news” people need to hear. Our motivation is not to try to “talk someone into” something that is contrary to their best interest; rather, we are telling people a message they desperately need, a message that has power to save the soul (Romans 1:16).
We’re going to talk about some principles involved in sharing the gospel, and some practical applications. We’re going to discuss how to share the good news of the gospel with others, and how to explain God’s plan of salvation in a very simple, understandable, and compelling way.
But first, consider: What is “sharing the gospel” anyway?
– It is discussing Christianity or studying the Bible with a friend;
– it is telling, and showing, a neighbor the joy of serving God;
– it is asking a friend at work to attend services with you;
– it is gathering neighborhood children to attend Vacation Bible School;
– it is slipping a gospel tract into a letter or bill, or leaving tracts in a public place;
– it is writing a letter to a loved one, expressing interest in that person’s spiritual welfare;
– it is having a non-Christian in your home, sharing hospitality and love;
– it is encouraging a new Christian, or strengthening someone who is burdened;
– it is bringing a friend to Bible class and worship;
– it is setting up a home Bible study with a friend and your preacher, or other mature and godly person;
– it is talking about the gospel with friends, family, associates, and acquaintances;
– it is showing a video presentation of the gospel;
– it is sharing the gospel over a cup of coffee or soft drink;
Christian friend, why not resolve that this year you are going to share God’s word with at least one unbeliever. You can begin by praying that God will help to open someone’s heart to His message. Your faith will be strengthened, your Christian walk will be enhanced, your joy will be increased, and Heaven will rejoice in the presence of God’s angels if you’ll do that!
More to come…
By John M. Brown
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