How do you share the gospel message at work, in the neighborhood, among family??
Books, booklets, eBooks, audio books, tracts, curriculum, and dvds exist to teach us how to “share the gospel.”
So, which one is the right way to share the gospel message? How do I best tell the story of Jesus Christ?
To find the answer, let’s start at the very beginning…to the one who delivered the message in the first place!
Looking to Jesus
Let’s read how Jesus spoke of the Kingdom plans.
- To the crowds, Jesus declared God’s grace, hope, love, and even judgment. He declared himself to be the Gate, the Way, the Truth, the good Shepherd, and more. Beautiful parables and stories illustrated each dimension of Jesus the Messiah.
- To the Pharisees, Jesus debated rules and quoted Scripture. He confounded the religious leaders on a regular basis. They clearly understood his accusations of their departure from true faith and obedience to God.
The Scriptures also record personal encounters between Jesus and others. Jesus tailored these discussions to the individual needs of each soul.
- To the woman bleeding…he brought healing when she touched him
- To the tax collector Zacchaeus…he invited himself to dinner and brought credibility
- To the Samaritan woman…he approached her and asked for water
- To the rich young ruler…he challenged him to an extraordinary step of faith
- To scholarly Nicodemus…he explained being born of water and Spirit
- To the thief on the cross…he recognized fear and faith
Jesus had no tract to give, YouTube video to call up, or church-service-altar-call to take someone to. But…He knew the hurts and needs of each person.
Looking into My Life
My life is my first tool for sharing about faith in Jesus.
I do have tracts, videos, and a church service. But… I have come to realize that these are not the best way to share the gospel message. The most effective way to share the gospel message of Jesus Christ is through my own life.
We need to listen to the needs around us. We need to know the people who walk in and among our lives. Although we do not have Jesus’ divine knowledge of peoples’ needs, we do have the Holy Spirit and his promptings and guidance. Then, conversations of faith and life flow naturally! We then need to be prepared to give a response about our faith.
After looking at Jesus’ life, here is the question I ask myself: Is my life so different that it attracts people to ask about faith? Do they want to ponder with me what makes life meaningful? Am I approachable enough for them to wonder with me about what’s on the other side of death?
Your Turn
Ponder how you are living today.
Two questions….
1) Is your life different enough for people to ask why you have hope?
2) How does your response lead people to discussions of faith in Jesus Christ?
We have the most amazing message to share to the world! Let’s not be shy! :-)
Good post and good comments. Sharon, FEBC (Far East Broadcasting Company), a radio ministry missionary organization reaching into East Asia, has just started a blog on their website and they’re looking for bloggers to contribute posts on topics such as Evangelism. You might want to approach them if you’d like to submit a guest post. They’re at: http://blog.febc.org/wp-admin/
Hi Ginny! Thanks for your encouraging words! The ministry of FEBC is an amazing outreach. So glad to know they are entering the blogging world to further their reach. I’ll definitely be in touch. Have a great day!
A mirror is the best way. Though washing your face, straighten your hair, and putting on your best comfortable clothes couldn’t hurt, but that’s not the mirror I am talking about.
The mirror I am speaking does reflect and what it reflects is the key. If your mirror reflects your best you may have success but not ever enough. Your mirror must reflect Him and He will never fail. So make clean your mirror with your best and let His gifts and light show the way. So when you sit down and truly listen, you will be His mirror.
We do try it on our own at times but this does indeed wear down as we grow tired and discouraged. I love your comment “your mirror must reflect Him and He will never fail.” So true! As we reflect Christ to the world around us…especially through listening and discerning His voice, we can bring light into the darkness. Thanks for stopping by, Ron!
One way I connect with people is to be a good listener. When someone is going through a hard time, I try to hold back on the advice and instead share with them if I’ve been through a similar situation and what scriptures helped me. Or share how God met my need. I offer to pray for them. I ask them how I can help them. Reaching out in love to those who are hurting is exactly what Jesus would do. A hug also goes a long way. Just let them know you care and soon their hearts will open to the gospel.
Listening is huge in this crazy, fast-paced life! Thank you for adding to the conversation, Jan. So glad you stopped by! Blessings!
Sharon – great post! I also think that the best way to share the gospel is to simply tell your personal story to someone. Tell them and show them how Jesus has changed your life. I was a compulsive gambler and had a ton of bad habits and hangups in my life, and I’m not afraid to share them a stranger. People will usually say “wow” and ask me about a GFAF shirt or hoodie I’m wearing or in the summer about one of my Chrisitian tattoos. It doesn’t matter what gets their attention – the key is that we now have a conversation going and a place to start talking about Jesus and salvation.
When people see what a mess I was, and how far I have to still go – they’re amazed when I tell them that regardless of my sinful nature ALL of my sins have been forgiven by Christ and I will live eternally with God in heaven.
Thank you for the great post…
Jim Noyes
The Go Forth and Fish guy
So true, Jim! Our testimonies give us much to share with people. It’s powerful when we share about our own struggles …and how the Lord works in and through it all. Thanks for the encouragement and reminder to be authentic in our conversations. May the Lord bless you abundantly as you continue to share His grace and mercy!
~Sharon
*Dear Sister Sharon, Pleased and strengthened for your blessed words.* *Babu
* *On Mon, Jan 21, 2013 at 6:49 PM, a Journal of Missional Living wrote: * > > ** > *Sharon R Hoover posted: “[caption id="attachment_3236" > align="alignright" width="300"] How do you share the gospel message at > work, in the neighborhood, among family??[/caption] Books, booklets, > eBooks, audio books, tracts, curriculum, and dvds exist to teach us how to > “share ” * *
So delighted these words encouraged, Babu! Thanks for visiting and sharing on the journey.
Blessings to you! ~Sharon