Warriors are usually shouting insults at their enemies. Or they are hidden in silence, waiting for just the right time to attack. But the way of Christ is not like that. Those who follow Jesus Christ have great news to share with all people, even those who might seem to be their enemies and even those who are spiritually lost, far away from God.
Let’s get a good definition. The term “gospel” means “good news.” The good news is this: although we are sinners separated from God, God has made a way for us to be forgiven of our sin, a way for our lives to be transformed, a way for us to receive eternal life. Jesus is the way. Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, and died as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He was buried, then on the third day he rose from the dead! Jesus offers salvation to all who believe in what he did for us on the cross, and by faith receive his offer of forgiveness, salvation, eternal life.
The apostle Paul wrote to some early Christians about their privilege and responsibility as God’s warriors to take this good news every their feet carried them, ready to share this gospel message. He writes:
Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. (Ephesians 6:14-15)
1. You have a role: share the gospel of peace
Your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. (Ephesians 6:15)
2. You must be ready at all times, everywhere you go
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace, who brings news of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7)
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)
3. You share the story of redemption
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. Now the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on Him will not be put to shame, for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, since the same Lord of all is rich to all who call on Him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Israel’s Rejection of the Message But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher [literally, a proclaimer]? And how can they preach [proclaim] unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things! (Rom 10:9-15)
4. Don’t be afraid to call people to a response
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah!” When they heard this, they came under deep conviction and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: “Brothers, what must we do?” “Repent,” Peter said to them, “and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” And with many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt generation!” So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3, 000 people were added to them. (Acts 2:36-41)
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