Introduction: Sharing the Gospel According to the Bible

Sharing the Gospel, also called evangelism, is an essential part of Christianity. We often hear it preached that, as believers, we are to spread the Good News and share the message of salvation with everyone we encounter. And while last month we established that evangelism is indeed a biblical concept, we still have much to unpack about how we can actually share the gospel practically. In reality, not everyone knows how to share the Gospel effectively, and some may even feel hesitant to do so. That’s ok! In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about sharing the Gospel, provide tips on how to do it effectively and biblically, and ultimately discuss why it is crucial to share the message of Christ with others.

What is the Gospel?

Effectively sharing the Gospel depends on having a solid understanding of what the Gospel is in the first place. Simply put: the Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and rose again on the third day. Through faith in Him, we can have eternal life and be reconciled to God. The Gospel is the cornerstone of Christianity, and when we talk about sharing it, we simply mean telling others the Gospel story and the good news that it contains, namely, that humans are no longer separated from God because of their sins but can now be reconciled and forgiven by Him because of the finished work of Jesus. 

Why Share the Gospel?

The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:18-20, commands us to "go and make disciples of all nations." This is not a suggestion, but a commandment from Jesus Himself. As Christians, we are called to follow His example and share the message of salvation with everyone we encounter. Not only is it our duty, but it is also an act of love toward others. We have been given the greatest gift in the world, and we should be eager to share it with those around us. To know and believe the Gospel, and not share it, is like having the cure to a terrible disease and not offering the cure to your neighbor who suffers from that disease.

Tips for Sharing the Gospel

Sharing the Gospel can be daunting, especially if you're not sure where to start. Here are some tips to help you effectively share the message of Christ:

Pray for Guidance

Before sharing the Gospel with others, it's important to pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Ask God to give you the words to say and to prepare the hearts of those who will be hearing the message. Christians need to be in tune with the Holy Spirit before they ever begin to share the Gospel with another person. The good news is that Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would help us and empower us for this very thing. In John 14:26 Jesus promises, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.” Claim that promise, trust the Spirit to help you, and then enter into the conversation.

Be Authentic

People are likelier to listen to you if you are genuine and sincere. This could mean sharing your own personal testimony of how the Gospel has changed your life. But it also means being honest about your own weaknesses, and journey in following Jesus, as well as admitting to the questions you don’t know the answers to and committing to finding out more. Be reminded that even Paul was honest about where he was weak, admitting to the Corinthian church that “I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling.” (1 Corinthians 2:3)

Use Scripture

The Bible is the ultimate authority on the Gospel message, and at the end of the day it is the Holy Spirit opening people’s eyes to see and experience the truth laid out in Scripture that actually produces salvation — not our efforts. Therefore, it’s important to use scripture to back up your claims and show others what the Bible says about salvation. This might mean inviting someone to study the Bible with you or having a few verses memorized that best explain God’s plan for salvation. Historically people have found the Romans Road or the Four Spiritual Laws helpful. Either way, having scripture ready on your lips is a powerful tool in evangelism.

Keep it Simple

The Gospel message is simple, and it's important to keep it that way. If you’ve grown up in church and are used to hearing theological jargon or complicated language to explain it, try to shed all of that. Think about the basic truths of the Gospel (ie Jesus died for sinners) and intentionally try to explain them as simply as possible. 

Listen

Sharing the Gospel is not just about talking, but also about listening. There’s a beautiful verse in 1 Thessalonians where Paul tells the church, “we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” (2:8) It’s ok to allow evangelism to be a heartfelt, life on life, activity. Take the time to listen to the person you're speaking with. Ask them questions about their story and life while being ready to offer details about your own. Questions and concerns are ok, you can navigate them together. In other words, evangelism doesn’t always have to be an “us vs them” experience.

Conclusion: The Importance of Sharing the Gospel

Sharing the Gospel is not just a suggestion, but a commandment from Jesus Himself. In Matthew 28, the command to tell others the Good News was the last one Jesus gave his disciples before returning to heaven, so it’s something believers should take incredibly seriously. It is our privilege as Christians to spread the message of salvation to everyone we encounter. By following these tips, we can effectively share the Gospel and make a difference in the lives of those around us. Remember to pray for guidance, be authentic, use scripture, keep it simple, and listen. May God bless you as you share the message of Christ with others.

Looking for more tips and encouragement to share the gospel with others? Get my free E-Book, Why Not You?, for download over on my media page! It has tons of stories and insights from my own journey to help you continue to learn how to share the gospel biblically and with confidence.