Go Tell The Good News: Yes, You
The Power of Sharing Good News: Our Divine Mission
In a world often filled with negativity and despair, there's a powerful message that needs to be shared - the good news of Jesus Christ. This isn't just a suggestion or a nice idea; it's a divine mission entrusted to every believer. But why is this mission so crucial, and how can we effectively carry it out?
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, provides a clear and systematic presentation of the Christian doctrine. He begins by addressing the most observable reality in our world - the sinfulness of humanity. We've all fallen short, rebelled against God, and face condemnation as a result. But here's where the good news comes in: God, in His infinite grace, offers us justification through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.
When we are justified by God, we receive redemption - our salvation - because Christ's blood covers our sin. But this isn't where our journey ends. Paul makes it clear that the believer's pursuit of God continues as we are sanctified, gradually becoming more like Jesus as we persist in following Him.
This message of salvation and transformation is the essence of the good news we're called to share. It's not about adhering to a set of rules or rituals, but about a lasting sacrifice that leads to forgiveness and reconciliation with God. As Romans 10:4 states, "Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes."
But how do we share this good news? Romans 10:9-13 provides a blueprint: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."
Importantly, this good news is for everyone. There's no distinction between Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. As Paul emphasizes, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Our mission isn't to judge someone's worth based on arbitrary human measures. We're not called to decide who's worthy of hearing the good news - everyone is.
This truth should resonate deeply with us. After all, aren't we grateful for those who saw past our flaws and recognized us as children of God worthy of love, forgiveness, and freedom? A poignant story illustrates this beautifully: a youth director, instead of reprimanding a moody teenager, chose to empathize, share his own experiences, and offer prayer. This act of compassion and understanding left a lasting impact, demonstrating how we can effectively share the good news through our actions and words.
Our call to share the good news extends to every aspect of our lives. We're to share it with moody teenagers, with those whose lives differ greatly from our own, with those on the opposite side of the political spectrum, with those we know and those we don't. We're to share it inside and outside the church walls, everywhere we go.
However, statistics paint a sobering picture. Conservative estimates suggest that only about 50% of Christians have engaged in verbal evangelism in the past six months, and fewer than 25% have shared how to become a Christian. Even more concerning, some studies indicate that 62% haven't mentioned their faith at all in the last six months, and 95% have never led anyone to Christ.
These numbers should challenge us. When was the last time you openly shared your faith? Remember, believing is only part of the salvation equation. We must also confess our faith, as Romans 10:10 states, "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."
We need to move past our fears, perceived judgments, feelings of unpreparedness, and the endless wait for the "perfect moment." Every moment with every person is an opportunity to share the good news. Take inspiration from Cade Smith, a pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, who seized a moment with autograph seekers to share the gospel in just 45 seconds.
Sharing the good news isn't optional - it's our mission as believers. It's not "Mission Impossible," but "Mission Possible," especially when we remember Jesus' promise in Matthew 28 to be with us always, to the very end of the age. As Dr. Logsdon aptly put it, the Great Commission is not the "Great Suggestion."
So, how can we actively share our faith? Start by praying for God to put someone on your heart who needs to hear the good news. Pray for God to guide your words as you share your story. Look for opportunities to invite people to church, especially during events like "Back to Church Sunday," which aims to help people rediscover the heart of church - community, faith, and hope.
Remember, we all need a little Jesus in our lives. As you go about your week, consider how you can share this truth with others. Whether it's through a kind word, an invitation, or a simple gesture of love, you have the power to bring the transformative message of Christ to those around you.
In conclusion, you - yes, you - are being sent to tell the good news so that this world might hear, believe, call on the name of the Lord, and be saved. It's not just for pastors or missionaries; it's for every believer. So go forth with confidence, knowing that you carry within you the most powerful message in the universe - the good news of Jesus Christ.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it (and you should!), is to share this life-changing truth with a world in desperate need of hope and salvation.
In a world often filled with negativity and despair, there's a powerful message that needs to be shared - the good news of Jesus Christ. This isn't just a suggestion or a nice idea; it's a divine mission entrusted to every believer. But why is this mission so crucial, and how can we effectively carry it out?
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, provides a clear and systematic presentation of the Christian doctrine. He begins by addressing the most observable reality in our world - the sinfulness of humanity. We've all fallen short, rebelled against God, and face condemnation as a result. But here's where the good news comes in: God, in His infinite grace, offers us justification through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.
When we are justified by God, we receive redemption - our salvation - because Christ's blood covers our sin. But this isn't where our journey ends. Paul makes it clear that the believer's pursuit of God continues as we are sanctified, gradually becoming more like Jesus as we persist in following Him.
This message of salvation and transformation is the essence of the good news we're called to share. It's not about adhering to a set of rules or rituals, but about a lasting sacrifice that leads to forgiveness and reconciliation with God. As Romans 10:4 states, "Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes."
But how do we share this good news? Romans 10:9-13 provides a blueprint: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."
Importantly, this good news is for everyone. There's no distinction between Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. As Paul emphasizes, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Our mission isn't to judge someone's worth based on arbitrary human measures. We're not called to decide who's worthy of hearing the good news - everyone is.
This truth should resonate deeply with us. After all, aren't we grateful for those who saw past our flaws and recognized us as children of God worthy of love, forgiveness, and freedom? A poignant story illustrates this beautifully: a youth director, instead of reprimanding a moody teenager, chose to empathize, share his own experiences, and offer prayer. This act of compassion and understanding left a lasting impact, demonstrating how we can effectively share the good news through our actions and words.
Our call to share the good news extends to every aspect of our lives. We're to share it with moody teenagers, with those whose lives differ greatly from our own, with those on the opposite side of the political spectrum, with those we know and those we don't. We're to share it inside and outside the church walls, everywhere we go.
However, statistics paint a sobering picture. Conservative estimates suggest that only about 50% of Christians have engaged in verbal evangelism in the past six months, and fewer than 25% have shared how to become a Christian. Even more concerning, some studies indicate that 62% haven't mentioned their faith at all in the last six months, and 95% have never led anyone to Christ.
These numbers should challenge us. When was the last time you openly shared your faith? Remember, believing is only part of the salvation equation. We must also confess our faith, as Romans 10:10 states, "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."
We need to move past our fears, perceived judgments, feelings of unpreparedness, and the endless wait for the "perfect moment." Every moment with every person is an opportunity to share the good news. Take inspiration from Cade Smith, a pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, who seized a moment with autograph seekers to share the gospel in just 45 seconds.
Sharing the good news isn't optional - it's our mission as believers. It's not "Mission Impossible," but "Mission Possible," especially when we remember Jesus' promise in Matthew 28 to be with us always, to the very end of the age. As Dr. Logsdon aptly put it, the Great Commission is not the "Great Suggestion."
So, how can we actively share our faith? Start by praying for God to put someone on your heart who needs to hear the good news. Pray for God to guide your words as you share your story. Look for opportunities to invite people to church, especially during events like "Back to Church Sunday," which aims to help people rediscover the heart of church - community, faith, and hope.
Remember, we all need a little Jesus in our lives. As you go about your week, consider how you can share this truth with others. Whether it's through a kind word, an invitation, or a simple gesture of love, you have the power to bring the transformative message of Christ to those around you.
In conclusion, you - yes, you - are being sent to tell the good news so that this world might hear, believe, call on the name of the Lord, and be saved. It's not just for pastors or missionaries; it's for every believer. So go forth with confidence, knowing that you carry within you the most powerful message in the universe - the good news of Jesus Christ.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it (and you should!), is to share this life-changing truth with a world in desperate need of hope and salvation.
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