“The time has come,” he [Jesus] said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”  Mark 1:15  (NIV)

I am sure most of us would agree that there is not much good news around these days.  In fact, most would probably agree that there is more fake news than good news.

As believers in Jesus – the body of Christ, the church – we are called to bring the good news (the gospel) to all of the world.  Jesus said:

And the gospel must be preached to all nations Mark 13:10

In fact, in Mark 16:15 Jesus gave ALL OF US this command:

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Are we as believers obeying this command?  

I say this with a humble heart and not to be harsh, but when was the last time you shared the good news with someone?   I think we have to ask ourselves – how many people who call themselves Christians even know what the gospel really is?

The Apostle Paul shared this in his letter to the Romans:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes  Romans 1:16

It is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes – not us.  We must just be faithful to show God’s love to others and strive to be more like Jesus, so others will want what we have.

Are we ashamed of the gospel?

Or. . . could it be that we are just uncomfortable, or really just don’t know how to share the good news?  If you’re like me, I really want others to know the Lord as their Savior, but what do I say?  I think we have all become so comfortable at being spectators in the church, we don’t really know how to “go” as Jesus intended – and are not being taught or shown how to do so.

The gospel message is really very simple.

• We are all sinners by nature and destined for hell without a savior
• God came in the flesh, as the son of God, whose name is Jesus
• Jesus hung on the cross, shedding his precious blood, for the forgiveness of sins to all who repent and believe in his name
  
• Jesus died and was buried and on the 3rd day he rose from the dead
• Jesus sent his Holy Spirit to indwell believers
• His Spirit empowers us to be like Jesus – and “go” and bring the good news to this lost and dying world

This is the good news. . . Jesus saves!

Share the good news with someone today – and let God’s power work through you.  Feel free to share a link to our branchesoflife.com website, where seekers can receive our free Know Jesus Personally packet, and watch our Growing in God’s Love video series. 

Discuss with your fellowship group ways you can share the good news with others.  In the days ahead we will share a simple way to share as well. 

Be blessed!