Introduction: Understanding the Gospel
Did you know that the word “gospel” translates to "good news"? When you share the gospel of Jesus Christ, you are bringing the ultimate good news to those around you. While many know that Jesus died and rose again to forgive our sins, it’s natural to still ask: What exactly is the good news? What happened when Jesus died?
John 10:10 provides a powerful explanation: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Jesus didn’t just come to give us life—He came to offer us life in its most abundant, eternal form. Through His death, Jesus restored our broken relationship with God and granted us access to an array of spiritual blessings: righteousness, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and all of God's promises.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
In the beginning, when God created Adam and Eve, He gave them dominion over the earth and charged them to care for the Garden of Eden. Psalm 8:6 reflects this: “You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet.” Unfortunately, Adam and Eve disobeyed God and surrendered their authority to the enemy. This act of disobedience introduced sin, death, sickness, and separation from God into the world. As Adam was humanity's representative, his rebellion brought brokenness to every generation after him—including ours.
But God, in His infinite love and mercy, didn’t leave us in that state. Jesus came as the second and last Adam, representing humanity again but this time as our Redeemer. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus reversed the curse of sin and provided full redemption to all who believe in Him. Just as we were born into sin through Adam, we are born into new life through Christ. When you accept Jesus as your Savior, you are symbolically placed in His death, buried, and raised to life with Him.
Jesus's death made us right with God, and His resurrection brought His Kingdom to earth. Christianity is not just a religion or philosophy—it is the establishment of God’s Kingdom. As believers, we are called to help build this Kingdom on earth. Think of it like this: You are an ambassador of God's Kingdom, representing the King of Kings in every situation.
The Purpose of Christianity
Many people recognize that Jesus is the only way to heaven, but fewer realize that the true purpose of Christianity extends far beyond simply securing a place in eternity. The ultimate goal of Christ’s work is to bring Heaven into you. God's Kingdom is established wherever His will is done and His glory is revealed. It is His will that His children are free, healed, and in intimate relationship with Him. As you grow in your relationship with God and work to bring His will to pass in your life, you are participating in the great mission of bringing heaven to earth.
Why We Share the Gospel
One of the most universal questions people ask is, "What is my purpose in life?" To find the answer, we must shift our focus from ourselves to our Creator. The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:9 that God, “...has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” Not only has God saved you, but He has called you for a divine purpose here on earth. You were not just saved from something, but saved to something.
When the Pharisees asked Jesus about the greatest commandment, they were essentially asking, “What is our ultimate purpose in life?” In Luke 10:27, Jesus responded, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” In this simple yet profound statement, Jesus revealed the essence of our purpose: to love God and to love others.
Too often, people think that living a fulfilling life means chasing happiness, wealth, or success. But true fulfillment comes from loving God with all your heart and loving others to the best of your ability. Only then can you experience the peace, contentment, and joy that your soul craves. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 9:38 to, “Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” While praying is important, remember that you are also the answer to that prayer!
As a laborer in God's vineyard, every encounter you have with others becomes an opportunity to plant seeds of faith by sharing the gospel. God is always at work in people’s hearts, even when we can’t see it. You may encounter someone facing a difficult situation, asking deep questions, or struggling with personal issues. By sharing the love of Christ and the message of the gospel, you can point them toward Jesus—the ultimate source of hope and salvation.
Mark 16:17-18 outlines the incredible authority and power believers have through Christ: “These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” As you walk by faith, the supernatural power of the gospel will mark your life, and you’ll see miracles, blessings, and favor follow you wherever you go. When the gospel fills your heart, sharing it becomes a natural part of who you are.
Reaching the World
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus left His disciples with one final, crucial instruction, known as the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This command from Jesus was not just for the early disciples—it is for all of us. Have you ever felt called to be a missionary? When you hear that word, you might picture yourself in a distant country, speaking a foreign language, or living in a remote village. You may even think, "That’s not for me." But the truth is, every believer is called to be a missionary, and you don’t need to travel far to find your mission field. In fact, your mission field may be as close as your home, your neighborhood, or your workplace.
Jesus made it clear that we are called to love God, love people, and shine as lights in a dark world. The beauty of the gospel is that we can be a light wherever we are, right now. Whether it’s sharing the gospel with a friend, helping a neighbor in need, or demonstrating Christ’s love to your family, you are actively participating in God's mission.
Living on Mission
Reaching the world with the good news of Christ doesn't always require selling everything you own and moving across the globe. Instead, it’s about adopting a posture of the heart and aligning your life with God's purposes. Perhaps you have family members who have turned away from Jesus—that’s your mission field. Maybe your classmates or colleagues don’t know about Christ—that’s your mission field. Even something as simple as helping a neighbor in need can be a powerful opportunity to share the gospel.
When we are filled with the love and passion of Christ, we can’t help but share His love with others. You don’t have to be anxious or fearful about spreading the gospel. God is the one who changes hearts, and He will work through your willingness to share. Even when you don’t see immediate results, know that your efforts are part of a larger plan. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” Your role may be to plant or water seeds of faith, but it is God who brings the increase.
The Harvest is Ready
In Matthew 9:37, Jesus tells His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” There is so much work to be done in God’s Kingdom, and as the Church, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. If you have been viewing the mission field as some distant, far-off place, it’s time to shift your perspective. Ask God to reveal the mission field that is right in front of you. Step out in faith, share the gospel, and trust God to do the rest.
Each of us plays a vital role in reflecting the love of Christ to the world. By loving God and loving people, you are fulfilling your purpose and bringing heaven to earth.
