No Need To Embellish, Just Share The Truth!
Word-Of-The-Day: ‘(3) And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. (4) Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.’ (Colossians 4:3-4)
As Christians, we need to be careful we don’t make outlandish claims when sharing the Gospel with others. The Gospel message is not a guarantee of incoming wealth, or physical healing, or righting a wrong. There are pastors who preach a false doctrine of ‘name it & claim it’, that Jesus is a ‘genie’ that will grant you anything you wish for, or if you come on stage and his (or her) hand slaps you on the forehead your ailments will suddenly be cured. These pastors may be earnest in wanting to bring people to Christ (though I have my doubts), but how they are doing it is wrong as they misrepresent Jesus.
Can Jesus provide someone with great monetary wealth, or completely remove their terminal cancer? Of course, but His Salvation is more important. The thief on the cross died after being forgiven, Jesus did not rescue Him from physical death but eternal Death. The paralyzed man on the mat who was lowered down to Jesus through the roof was first given Salvation, then given healing to walk away – not necessarily for the man’s benefit but to demonstrate Jesus’ Godly powers to others in the building. The Gospel message of Christ is not for earthly gains but for eternal gains. There are no promises of physical or monetary gain, but instead we are promised Joy and the Hope of Eternal Blessings through Jesus. There are also promises that Jesus will help us with our burdens, give us the Holy Spirit to guide us, and give us strength to persevere.
Instead of exaggeration, use the Truth of what Salvation provides. The easiest method is using a four-step process to share the Gospel with others (and if you have a Bible handy on your phone, use the Scriptural references):
Provide God’s Agape Love (John 3:16) – We should let others know that God loves every person, and that everyone can come to Him for Salvation.
Share The Problem We All Have (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23) – We have all sinned, which separates us from God, and if we remain separated from Him now, we will be separated from Him for Eternity.
Jesus Resolved This Problem (1 Peter 2:24) – Jesus became the Ultimate Sacrifice for us, by His death, burial, and resurrection; He took upon the punishment for our sins, and gives us the ability to reconcile with God and gain Eternal Salvation, if we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior (and follow His ways).
We Need To Accept His Resolution (John 1:12-13) – If we accept Jesus’ sacrifice, accept Him as our Lord and follow His ways, and repent or repudiate our sins and ask Him for forgiveness; Jesus will forgive us and accept us as His own and you will be provided His Salvation.
When you provide the Gospel message to others, it is not a ‘quick fix’ to today’s problems, but a permanent bond with Him to provide an Eternal solution on our Spiritual needs. Always be Truthful in how you present it!
