Why should I spread the gospel?
Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others is referred to as evangelising. Every true Christian's lifestyle should include personal evangelism. We've been given a wonderful gift, and our Master has given us specific instructions: "Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). We must evangelise before we can "make disciples."
1. Evangelism is a loving act. Every follower of Jesus Christ must have love as their defining characteristic (John 13:35; 1 Corinthians 13:1–7). Because love is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, anyone who walks in the Spirit will show love to others (Galatians 5:16, 22–23). We have the best news in the world, and love drives us to tell it to those who haven't yet heard. Love desires that everyone have the opportunity to respond to God's offer of salvation. Withholding life-saving information is the height of cruelty; as a result, those who truly love God will love those whom Jesus came to save (John 3:16–18; 1 John 4:20).
2. Evangelism strengthens our faith. Nothing aids our learning more than teaching it to others. We strengthen our own beliefs when we make it a habit to share our faith with those around us. Regular evangelism forces us to wrestle with difficult questions, find answers for ourselves, and prepare responses to other people's questions. "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to explain why you have hope," we should say. But do so with delicacy and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). We prepare by studying God's Word for ourselves, listening to good Bible teachers, and keeping close to Jesus. Those habits keep our own lives pure, preventing us from being hypocrites who preach one thing but practise another (Galatians 6:1).
3. Evangelism has eternal implications. "Store up treasure in heaven," Jesus advised His followers (Matthew 6:19). The rewards for what we did on earth in His name and for His glory make up that treasure. Making choices that will ensure eternal treasure for ourselves is not self-centered. It's what Jesus said! Offering a cup of cold water to one of His own can be a simple act of service to Him (Matthew 10:42). The parable of the unjust steward emphasises the importance of doing everything possible to lead people to faith in Jesus (Luke 16:1–13).
4. Evangelism is an outpouring of "inner hope" (Hebrews 6:19; 1 Peter 3:15). When two people fall in love, they can't help but tell their friends and family. Their smiles are contagious, and stars twinkle in their eyes. They can't wait to tell everyone about the wonderful person they adore. When we fall in love with Jesus, it's the same way. We can't help but tell others about Him whenever we have the opportunity. We are constantly thinking about Him. We're drawn to His Word, worship services, and other Christians who share our faith. We seek out opportunities to share His truth with those who are far removed from Him. If we don't have Jesus at the forefront of our minds, we have a spiritual issue to address before we can share the "hope that is within us."
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