Bringing the Good News to others
(This article was birthed in a conversation with Amanda, an effective soul-winner in Shanghai.
The article took form during a training time with Susan, a personal evangelist in Calgary.
Amanda and Susan are both Chinese; both share a passion to see others come to Christ.)
Ways a Jesus-Follower can bring the Good News to Others
pray for our family and friends, that they find God and follow Jesus
be salt and light, like Jesus said, with good works pointing to God
tell the story of how God brought new life to you through Jesus
be ready to answer others who ask you questions about God
pray for courage to witness about Jesus to an open heart
pray for courage to witness about Jesus to an open heart
become a missionary to people who haven’t heard
be an ambassador, begging others to respond to God
Every Jesus-follower must personalize the Great Commission, to make disciples of all nations. Here’s how.
Level One: pray for others
Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. Romans 10.1
God listens to his children’s prayers. Every believer, young and old, can pray for others. In many of the Jesus-stories, people begged him to help their friend or family. He loved to help. We can pray to Jesus, to bring the good news to those we love.
Level Two: live like Jesus
You’re the salt of the earth… You’re the light of the world… let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matt. 5.13-14, 16
Your new goal to be like Jesus will show others God has transformed you. Like Jesus, who went about doing good, your acts of kindness to others will point others to God.
Level Three: tell your story
The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” So the people came streaming from the village to see him. John 4.28-30
You use your life story to help others understand how God is working. Your story becomes the open door for friends and family to encounter Jesus.
Level Four: answer others’ questions
I
nstead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they’ll be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 1 Peter 3.15-16
Others will notice that you follow Jesus. They’ll ask questions. You learn to overcome fear, answering them with quiet confidence and a life of integrity. You explain that Jesus is Lord because he died and rose again. You explain how Jesus makes us friends with God by forgiving our sins and giving us a new life.
Level Five: talk about Jesus
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That’s why I am here in chains. Pray that I’ll proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who aren’t believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you’ll have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4.2-6
You ask God for opportunities to talk to others about Jesus. You become bold in speaking about Jesus, using any chance you have to give the good news to others.
Level Six: beg others to repent and believe
God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 2 Corinthians 5.19-20
Like an ambassador, you represent Jesus to others. With emotion and compassion, you plead with others to turn to God and believe in Jesus.
Level Seven: take the good news to people groups who haven’t heard
My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else. I’ve been following the plan spoken of in the Scriptures, where it says, “Those who’ve never been told about him will see, and those who’ve never heard of him will understand.” Romans 15.20-21
You are ambitious for God, and committed to giving the good news to others. You devote your energies to see unreached people groups find God and follow Jesus. This is your passion in life.
Final thoughts
Each level requires a love relationship with Jesus, and a desire to help others find God and follow Jesus. Each level takes more courage and confidence. Each level requires training and skill.
Find the level you’re comfortable with. Ask God to help you step up to the next level.
Paul Johnson
September/07