R.A. Torrey once said, “My one ambition is life is to win as many souls as I possibly can. It is the most worthwhile thing in life.” The greatest message in all the world is the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no greater message known to mankind. God has placed the responsibility of sharing this marvelous message upon every believer. Commitment to sharing the gospel is a daily calling! The term proclaim in the New Testament literally means to herald forth the message of Christ. I’d like to briefly share with you three thoughts from Philippians 1:12-18 about proclaiming the gospel.
Proclaim the gospel confidently (1:12-14). Paul was incarcerated while writing Philippians because he was sharing the good news of Christ. I guess you could say the jailhouse was Paul’s second home since he was imprisoned so often. This passage reveals other Christians were able to more confidently, courageously and boldly share their faith due to Paul’s imprisonment for sharing Christ with others. Did you know fear is one of the most common reasons why believers don’t share their faith? Psalm 27:1 says, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” Do not be fearful when sharing the gospel because Christ is with you.
Proclaim the gospel consistently (1:15-17). In his book entitled Introduction to Evangelism, Alvin Reid states, “Statistics indicate that only three to five percent of believers consistently share their faith.” As I read the Apostle Paul’s words, I am reminded of the urgent responsibility we have to consistently share Christ with others. Yes, there will be some proclaiming Christ with impure and pure motives just like in Paul’s day, but we’ve been commissioned to proclaim the gospel to all the world (Mark 16:15; Matt. 28:19-20). Do not allow other peoples’ motives to stop you from doing what God has called you to do. Consistency in sharing the gospel is missing in modern Christianity. It’s time that believers from all ages and stages arise to proclaim the salvation found in Christ.
Proclaim the gospel compassionately (1:18). As I read Phil. 1:18 I see Paul’s compassionate heart bleeding from the inspired passage of Scripture. Every Christian is called to proclaim the gospel with compassion! Romans 5:8 says, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Just as it was Christ’s love for us that drove Him to Calvary’s cross, the same love should ignite our hearts to share the gospel with the lost. Let us compassionately declare the good news of Christ to all the world.
May God help us to confidently, consistently and compassionately share the gospel daily! Let’s get out there and proclaim His name!
Pastor, you were called by God to be a disciple and God has blessed you with so many gifts. And by that , you have blessed and touched so many with all of your talents. I can see how the Holy Spirit just pours out of you in everything you do. At such a young age , I can only imagine how far you are going to go with this path of being a servant for the Lord. One thing I do know, many souls will be saved . And one day in heaven you will be rewarded . And you will here those words. Well done , thou good and faithful servant . Thank you for all that you do. You are a true blessing to me .
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement, Yvonne! May God’s richest blessings be upon you, your husband and your family!
Thank you for sharing Pastor Bryan. As Christians, we shouldn’t have to be reminded to ‘go and tell’. Sadly enough, many of us fall short in this area when it should be our life’s goal. Good message.
A man was walked no the beach putting starfish back in the water( can’t breathe w/0 water) another man came up & ask what he was doing. The man explained he was saving the life of the starfish for without water it would die! Other guy laughs & makes fun telling him he’s crazy that there are millions and he couldn’t possibly save them all & make a difference— well after listening the old man bent down pick up another starfish & put him back in the waster! He then told the other man ,”well I made a difference in this ones life!”
Great analogy, Nancy! I’ll have to use that soon in a sermon 🙂
Thank you for commenting on the blog, Sister Lester! You are right. May God help us to faithfully share the good news of salvation!