How To Share The Gospel
Have you ever wanted to share the story of Jesus with someone, but you weren’t sure how to do it well? Have you doubted your ability to tell the Gospel in a clear and understandable way?
Followers of Jesus carry the responsibility to tell others about Him, making disciples throughout the whole world (Matthew 28:19-20), and they should take every opportunity to tell Jesus’ story. However, sharing the Gospel can feel complicated.
If you have ever felt unqualified or unable to share the Gospel with someone in a way that they would understand, you’re not alone. And yet — Scripture teaches how.
Think back to the days when you first began discovering Jesus. God met you right where you were.
You may have encountered Him through the people you do life with or in the spaces you regularly go. Maybe He met you in a mundane, quiet moment, over and over again, as His Spirit led you toward Jesus.
Before God ever invited transformation in you, He simply met you where you were. He spoke to you in the ways that made sense to you.
Following His example, you can share the story of Jesus with others.
The Apostle Paul demonstrates this in 1 Corinthians 9:20, 22-23:
When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law…
When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
Paul changed his pace in order to find common ground with others. By meeting them in their ordinary spaces, he could tell them the story of Jesus.
You can change your pace too, meeting people right where they are. You don’t need to require anything of them first. Simply put yourself in their spaces, learn to speak in the ways they will hear, and then share with confidence.
For example, in Acts 2:22-41, Peter shares the Gospel with a crowd of Jewish people. Knowing what is important to them, Peter uses evidence from their Jewish history, appeals to the stories of eye witnesses, and reminds them of the promise God made to them years ago. He ends with an invitation to turn from sin and be baptized in Jesus’ name.
Peter, speaking in a way that they would understand, answered two simple questions:
Who is Jesus?
Acts 2:36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”
How will you respond?
Acts 2:38 “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Peter’s example teaches followers of Jesus how to share the Gospel.
Meet people right where they are.
Get to know them in the quiet, ordinary, mundane moments — learning more and more what matters to them.
Then, in your common ground, spread the Good News with love.
PRAY
Lord God,
Thank you for your Word, which lights our path, guiding our steps for your Kingdom. Thank you for the examples of faithful obedience we find throughout Scripture and in your church. Give us the opportunities, the discernment, and the boldness to share your story with others. We rely on your Spirit!
We love you, Lord. Amen.
Dive Deeper
Take one step in the direction of Jesus this week.
Read Acts 2:22-41, Acts 10:34-48, and Acts 17:16-34. What do you notice about these three sermons? What do they have in common, and what is done differently, based on the three different audiences?
Ask God for help as you discern how to share the Gospel with the people around you.
Watch this weekend’s message for more.