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Renat Ilyasov

Sharing the Gospel

Renat Ilyasov 1 min read
#Soteriology #Faith #Faith Alone
19 Articles
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Renat Ilyasov
Renat Ilyasov 1 min read
19 articles
What does the Bible say about sharing the gospel?

The Bible emphasizes the importance of declaring the gospel for those who are spiritually hungry.

The act of sharing the gospel revolves around the declaration of God's Word to those who are ready to receive it. As the article points out, the gospel is meant for spiritually hungry individuals who seek salvation. This is rooted in Scripture where believers are urged to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. In Acts 16:31, we see that the response to the gospel is crucial: ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.’ This underscores the necessity of a heartfelt acceptance of the message being shared, rather than a mere intellectual acknowledgment.

Furthermore, the notion of 'sharing' can often misrepresent the offense of the gospel if taken too lightly, as it implies a casual exchange rather than a definitive proclamation of truth. The joy of the gospel is found when it leads someone to a cry of desperation, asking, ‘What shall I do to be saved?’ This highlights the relational aspect of sharing, where true receptiveness is key to the transaction between the gospel and the listener.

Acts 16:31

How do we know the gospel is true?

The truth of the gospel is affirmed through its transformative power and historical foundation in Scripture.

The assurance of the gospel's truth is deeply rooted in its ability to transform lives and align with Scriptural prophecy. The article discusses that when individuals express spiritual hunger and respond positively to the gospel, it affirms the truth that lies within this divine message. This aligns with Romans 1:16, which states that the gospel is the power of God for salvation. Transformation in the hearts of believers serves as a testament to its validity and divine origin.

Additionally, the historical basis of the gospel cannot be ignored. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are central events that validate the message we proclaim. The record of His miraculous works and fulfillment of prophecies provides a solid foundation. As believers, we are called not just to share the gospel, but to declare its historical reality, encouraging others to explore its claims, thus validating its truth in a world filled with skepticism.

Romans 1:16

Why is declaring the gospel important for Christians?

Declaring the gospel is essential for fulfilling the Great Commission and nurturing spiritual hunger in others.

Declaring the gospel holds immense significance for Christians as it is an embodiment of our obedience to the Great Commission. Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations, which necessitates the proclamation of the gospel. This act is not merely an option but a divine mandate that resonates throughout the New Testament. The declaration engages the spiritually hungry who are seeking truth and salvation, aligning with God's purpose for humanity.

Moreover, when Christians choose to declare the gospel rather than simply share it, they uphold the authority and the majesty of the message. This differentiates between casual sharing and the serious act of declaring truth that can lead to eternal change in individuals' lives. Engaging with the gospel declaration instills hope and encourages accountability within the believer’s journey, prompting both the speaker and the hearer to acknowledge their need for salvation through Christ. In this way, Christians are participants in the divine story of redemption, actively taking part in God’s work in the world.

Matthew 28:19-20

     A popular motto says 'the most loving thing you can do to anyone is to share the gospel with them'. 

     If to "share" means to "tell", i.e. "declare" - I agree. But "sharing" can also mean, "here, take this" or "I will share with you my lunch, room, clothing, etc". In this latter sense the gospel cannot be "shared". 

     The Bread of Life is given to the spiritually hungry and by the same it is received with joy. It can only be "shared" with someone if they manifest that spiritual hunger. That hunger is made manifest in the response to the declaration of the gospel. IF the person who has heard it, says at the end of it, 'What shall I do to be saved?' then the speaker must say, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house'. 

     But if the listener says, 'alright that's an interesting (or boring) fairy tale' , then the joy of the gospel cannot be "shared". 

     The gospel is to be declared, set forth, presented, explained. Sometimes, it can be "shared".

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