Sharing the Gospel

Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ can sometimes seem like a daunting task.  Particularly, in today’s culture where everybody can have their own “truth,” talking about the truth of the Bible is often seen as hateful, mean-spirited, or intolerant.  Christians are now put on blast for believing in what some might equate to a fairy tale.

We are, however, called to leave fear at the door and go be witnesses. 

1 Peter 3:14-15—But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed, and do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentles and reverence;

Romans 1:16—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.

Matthew 9:37-38—Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

2 Timothy 2:7-8—For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.  Therefore do not be ashamed of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,

Jesus specifically said in Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world and share the gospel with every creature.”

We weren’t meant to be shy about our faith!

One of the greatest examples of someone being bold about this very thing is Stephen.  We see him take on the Sanhedrin in Acts 7 after he is accused of blaspheming against God.  He willingly threw down the gauntlet after witnesses lied about what he was saying to speak on who Jesus is.  He spoke frankly.  He spoke clearly.  He spoke honestly.  His sermon didn’t dance around the issue.

Knowing he could die for his words, he laid aside fear of the people, fear of ridicule, and fear of death to proclaim Jesus Christ is King. 

When we are full of the Holy Spirit as Stephen was (Acts 6:8,10), we can be assured that strength and boldness is within us.  The Holy Spirit will direct us. 

How can we be ready for this?  We can pray before we speak to someone, asking the Holy Spirit to direct our words and give us courage to talk.  We can be in our Bible daily, strengthening our knowledge of Jesus and the words in scripture.  We can study to see the truths in the Word, preparing for any questions we might get.  We make Jesus the priority, not the leftovers.

I pray that as we go through our lives, we have the courage of Stephen to proudly proclaim that Christ is King!

~Erin