Chapter 35

Spreading the Gospel

Sections

The theme of spreading the gospel – or message about Jesus Christ – is very prominent in the New Testament. Likewise it should be also one of the main focuses of our lives. This chapter largely looks at what we need to say and do, in advancing the spread of the gospel.

Tell People the Gospel

Tell people the gospel message about Jesus Christ

Then Philip spoke. Starting with that passage, Philip told the official the Good News about Jesus.   Acts 8:35 GW

Note that the Greek word which is often translated as “gospel” basically means “good news”.

Tell all people, everywhere

Then he [Jesus] told them: Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world. … 20Then the disciples left and preached everywhere. The Lord was with them, and the miracles they worked proved that their message was true.   Mark 16:15, 20 CEV

What Things to Explain

Explain who Jesus Christ is

Soon he [Saul] went to the Jewish meeting places and started telling people that Jesus is the Son of God.   Acts 9:20 CEV

Tell people the results of Jesus Christ’s death

What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace.   2 Corinthians 5:19 CEV

We are to tell others that because of Jesus Christ’s death, their sins can be forgiven and they can be at peace with God.

Tell people how they should respond

[Paul:] I warned both Jews and Greeks to change their lives and turn to God and believe in our Lord Jesus.   Acts 20:21 NCV™

How to Spread the Gospel

Present the gospel accurately and plainly

[Paul:] We use no trickery, and we do not change the teaching of God. We teach the truth plainly, showing everyone who we are.   2 Corinthians 4:2b NCV™

Spread the gospel bravely with God’s help

[Paul, to the Thessalonian believers:] But our God helped us to be brave and to tell you his Good News.   1 Thessalonians 2:2b NCV™

Act in a way that is consistent with the gospel

[Paul, to believers:] The only thing that matters is that you continue to live as good citizens in a manner worthy of the gospel of the Messiah.   Philippians 1:27a ISV

Insights on the Gospel

The gospel is not dependent on our presentation of it – but on the Holy Spirit and God’s power

[Paul, to the Corinthians:] When I talked with you or preached, I didn’t try to prove anything by sounding wise. I simply let God’s Spirit show his power. 5That way you would have faith because of God’s power and not because of human wisdom.   1 Corinthians 2:4-5 CEV

There are many ready to respond to the gospel

Jesus said to his followers, “There are many people to harvest but only a few workers to help harvest them. 38Pray to the Lord, who owns the harvest, that he will send more workers to gather his harvest.”   Matthew 9:37-38 NCV™

Pray for persecuted Christians