“The gospel is the good news that God became man in Jesus Christ. He lived the life we should have lived and died the death we should have died - in our place. Three days later, He rose from the dead, proving that He is the son of God and offering the gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins to anyone who repents and believes in Him”. - Dr Rice Broocks
In Matt 28:19, just before Jesus goes back to His Father He leaves His disciples with the great commissions to go make disciples of all nations. As believers we are also disciples of Jesus Christ who also have the same commission as the disciples.
As believers of Christ we are given the responsibility to spread the gospel. It does not matter whether you gave your heart to God 50 years ago or 50 seconds ago. If you proclaim Jesus as your Lord and Saviour (Rom. 10:19) then you are qualified to share it. The responsibility to share the gospel is not given to full time ministers but to everyone who has accepted Jesus as lord and savior (Eph. 2:10). As a follower of Jesus you already have that responsibility.
Sharing the gospel may look scary. Maybe you imagine sharing the gospel as this big debate and you need to ready yourself to put up a fight to convince this person. You need to study the arguments and know the Bible cover to cover. Do not misunderstand me, 1 Peter 3:15 does say we need to be ready to give a reason for our belief in Jesus Christ and yes, you need to be prepared. But all the preparation you need to share the gospel is the knowledge of what Jesus did, why He did it and what that means for us (1 Cor. 15:1-8).
In 1 Cor. 3:5-8 Paul tells the people in Corinth that he planted, he engaged the people with the gospel, and Apollos watered, he developed the church in Ephesus, but God brought the increase. God is the one responsible for their growth. However, Paul planted and Apollos watered. Two different works. Not every single person you share the gospel with will immediately radically respond, maybe you are supposed to only plant or water. In that moment you are sowing a seed into their heart. The next person to share the gospel with them will be adding to your seed. But only God can make people respond.
Sharing the gospel is not exclusive or for a specific group of people, it is for everyone in every nation (Matt. 28:19). It is for every person in your family, your residence and campus (Act, 11:18). David praises the Lord, because God made him fearfully and wonderfully (Ps. 139:14). God also made you fearfully and wonderfully. You have a unique personality and God has a specific plan for your life. Therefore, your ministry will also look unique. God brings the people into your life that you can minister to.
You can share the gospel through social media, you can share the gospel while your hairdresser is busy with your hair or share it with your gaming buddies while you are online. Therefore there is not a single excuse that will exempt you from the Great Commission.
Dr. Rice Broocks gives a good summary of what the gospel is in a nutshell. He also gave us this easy way to share it. Start a conversation, ask a question, listen and lastly, tell the story. Some of you may know it as the S.AL.T. method and it is really as easy as it sounds. Go and give it a try with some in your household.
The gospel is for everybody and the Holy Spirit will even give you the words to say (Luk. 12:12) It is meant to be shared with everybody. There is nothing anyone can ever do that will exclude them from hearing the gospel. It is up to us to bring the gospel to the people God placed in our lives. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and guide you, be sensitive towards the people God placed in your life.
