Topical Encyclopedia The concept of sharing the message of the Gospel is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, emphasizing the duty of believers to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. This responsibility is not merely a suggestion but a commandment that is woven throughout the New Testament, underscoring the importance of evangelism and discipleship.The Great Commission The most explicit directive for sharing the Gospel is found in the Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20 : "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" This passage highlights the authority of Christ and the mandate for believers to actively engage in making disciples, teaching, and baptizing. The Role of the Holy Spirit The empowerment to share the Gospel is closely linked to the work of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus tells His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The Holy Spirit equips believers with the necessary boldness and wisdom to effectively communicate the message of salvation. The Example of the Early Church The early church serves as a model for evangelism and the sharing of the Gospel. In Acts 2:42-47 , the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Their communal life and dedication to the teachings of Christ resulted in the Lord adding to their number daily those who were being saved. This passage illustrates the power of a committed community in spreading the message. The Apostle Paul’s Missionary Zeal The Apostle Paul exemplifies the responsibility to share the Gospel through his missionary journeys and epistles. In Romans 1:16 , Paul declares, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." His unwavering commitment to preaching the Gospel, despite facing persecution and hardship, serves as an inspiration for believers to prioritize evangelism. The Call to Be Ambassadors Believers are called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing Him and His message to the world. In 2 Corinthians 5:20 , Paul writes, "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God." This role of ambassador underscores the responsibility to communicate the message of reconciliation and hope found in Jesus. The Urgency of the Message The urgency of sharing the Gospel is emphasized in passages such as 2 Timothy 4:2 , where Paul instructs Timothy, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction." The call to be ready at all times to share the message highlights the importance of being vigilant and proactive in evangelism. The Reward for Faithfulness Scripture also speaks of the reward for those who faithfully share the Gospel. In Daniel 12:3 , it is written, "Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." This promise of eternal reward serves as an encouragement for believers to diligently fulfill their responsibility to share the message of Christ. Subtopics Responsibility: According to Privilege Responsibility: Assumed by the Jewish Leaders for the Death of Jesus Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Aaron Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Adam Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Esau Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Eve Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Pontius Pilate Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Sarah Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Saul Related Terms |