Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Importance Sharing good news, often referred to as evangelism, is the act of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. The term "gospel" itself means "good news," and it is central to the Christian faith. The good news encompasses the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe. This task is not merely a suggestion but a commandment given by Jesus to His followers, emphasizing its critical role in the Christian mission. Biblical Foundation The mandate to share the good news is rooted in the Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 : "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 underscores the global and perpetual nature of the evangelistic mission. In Mark 16:15 , Jesus further instructs, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." This directive highlights the universal scope of the gospel message, intended for every person regardless of background or status. Examples in Scripture The early church provides numerous examples of sharing the good news. In Acts 2, Peter delivers a powerful sermon at Pentecost, resulting in the conversion of about three thousand people. Acts 2:38-39 records Peter's call to repentance and baptism: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." The Apostle Paul is another prominent figure in evangelism. His missionary journeys, as detailed in the Book of Acts, demonstrate a relentless commitment to spreading the gospel. 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." Methods and Approaches Sharing the good news can take various forms, from personal conversations to public preaching. The New Testament illustrates diverse methods, including one-on-one discussions, as seen in Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman in John 4, and public addresses, such as Paul's speech at the Areopagus in Acts 17. The approach to sharing the gospel should be characterized by love, humility, and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 advises believers to "always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but respond with gentleness and respect." This guidance ensures that the message is conveyed in a manner that reflects the character of Christ. Challenges and Encouragement While sharing the good news is a joyful task, it is not without challenges. Believers may face opposition, ridicule, or persecution. Jesus Himself warned of such difficulties in John 15:18-20 : "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first... If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well." Despite these challenges, Christians are encouraged to persevere. Galatians 6:9 exhorts, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." The promise of a spiritual harvest serves as motivation to continue sharing the good news with faithfulness and zeal. Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of evangelism. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' promise to 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 empowers believers, providing boldness and guidance as they share the gospel. In summary, sharing the good news is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in biblical commands and exemplified by the early church. It requires a heart of compassion, a readiness to face challenges, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to effectively communicate the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. |